So here we are once again with the Twins having a chance to win a three game series. We’ve been here before and been left disappointed, but I’ve got a good feeling about today.
I’ve got to pack up and get checked out of my hotel so I won’t be around for the chat today, but I expect those of you who are here to help the Twins bring in a W!
In transaction news, we’ve finally got Chuck James aboard the Twins’ train. James has arguably been the best relief pitcher in Rochester this season, but his arrival in Minnesota was delayed because he was not on the Twins’ 40-man roster. To make room for him, Tsuyoshi Nishioka was put on the 60-day DL. That’s no big deal because it’s retroactive to April 7, making him eligible to come off on June 7. He wasn’t likely to be ready before that anyway, since he’s just now starting to play in rehab games in Florida.
Jim Thome’s shoulder is sore, even after his cortisone shot, so he’s likely not available today.
| ANGELS | @ | TWINS |
| Bourjos, CF | Span, CF | |
| Aybar, SS | Casilla, A, 2B | |
| Abreu, DH | Kubel, DH | |
| Hunter, To, RF | Morneau, 1B | |
| Callaspo, 3B | Cuddyer, RF | |
| Branyan, 1B | Young, D, LF | |
| Trumbo, 1B | Valencia, 3B | |
| Amarista, 2B | Butera, C | |
| Mathis, C | Plouffe, SS | |
| Haren, P | Pavano, P |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
| LA Angels | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 0 |
| Minnesota | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 13 | 2 |
I listened to most of the game on the radio as I drove south of the Twin Cities and then stopped in Albert Lea to eat and watch the final 2-3 innings. It was good to see the guys not go down without a fight in the 9th, but this game should have been won.
Dan Gladden and Jack Morris were pretty tough on Trevor Plouffe for his defensive mistakes, and rightfully so. Plouffe is struggling at the position. But I couldn’t help but note that the broadcasters said virtually nothing about Justin Morneau’s defensive failings. Morneau is starting to find his stroke a bit at the plate and for that I’m thankful, but he is flat out not playing good defense at 1B. His play at 1B was just as responsible for runs being scored that shouldn’t have as Plouffe’s play at SS was… and he should be held accountable by someone. So I guess that will be me.