-It was time to remove Derek Holland after the Chase Headley walk.He got Adrian Gonzalez out on one pitch, but he hung his curve ball leading a single by Kevin Kouzmanoff.After that single, Holland showed no control against Headley, which was telling me he was at the end of the line.Following that plate appearance, Kyle Blanks hit the ball hard for an RBI Double.
Middle of the 5th inning: Padres 6, Rangers 1
Top of the 6th inning: Padres 6, Rangers 1
-Scott Hairston looked lost against Derek Holland all day and also being up by 5 runs at this point, it gives the opportunity for another hitter to get an at bat to keep fresh and perhaps contribute to more insurance runs.Hairston is not catching the pitch on the outside corner and seems to be pulling off on his swing.In addition, I am completely shocked that Holland is still pitching.
Middle of the 6th inning: Padres 7, Rangers 1
Bottom of the 8th inning: Padres 7, Rangers 3
-Kevin Correia should have remained in the game.Even though he was losing a little command, he was still throwing strikes when he needed to.I would have the bullpen ready and once Correia allows a runner in scoring position, then remove him but he should still be in.
End of the 8th inning: Padres 7, Rangers 3
Top of the 9th inning: Padres 7, Rangers 3
-Adrian Gonzalez looked to be one step behind Derek Holland and with a 4 run lead to give him the last inning off couldn’t hurt.His first at bat, Holland worked the outside part of the plate and got Gonzalez with the sink in his pitch.The second at bat, Holland worked similarly to the first at bat, however Gonzalez adjusted to the sink in the pitch but the pitch did not sink as much and Gonzalez wound up getting under it.The third at bat, Holland got Gonzalez out on an inside pitch, Gonzalez was looking away and got on top of the ball leading to a weak grounder.In the fourth at bat, Gonzalez hammered a hanging curve foul and then proceeded to strike out.
Although the Twins record is around .500, the way the rest of the season pans out they will be in the hunt for the AL Central division crown with the product they're putting on the field. Joe Mauer has been nothing but miraculous for the Twins since coming off his injury and he's the key to the success of the Twins. Unfortunately, when you're key hitter is a catcher, he needs to sit out for a few games here and there to keep him fresh, especially if you anticipate a deep run into the playoffs. However, on a day like today (Minnesota defeating Pittsburgh 5-1) without Mauer in the lineup, there are capable bat in the lineup to pick up the slack.
Michael Cuddyer never had a consistent position when starting his career with the Twins, but has found a home in right field. Recently, he's hit a streak of injuries which have kept him off the field, but he's back and playing the consistent we have been getting use to seeing from him. He's a righty bat with some power who bats in the middle of the lineup and will give 20-25 HR and 90 RBI.
Justin Morneau not only can hit, but he is excellent fielder at first base. However being in a small market, it's easy to forget when he hear the names of Teixeira, Youkilis, and Pujols. He's won an MVP and is a lefty power threat in the lineup. He's as dangerous as any hitter in a big spot to go deep. and provides protection for Mauer in the lineup.
When Jason Kubel was signed to a two year deal, the Twins were criticized because he was seen as a Eric Hinske like hitter without a position. However, Kubel has proven the Twins to be right hitting around .300 and is always in the middle of rallies and putting runs on the board with good power. Ideally, he's a DH but he is a capable left fielder when the Twins decided to use the DH to rest a player from playing defense (Joe Mauer for example).
Now no one expects Mauer to hit .400 for the rest of the season, but he is one of the best hitters in the game, will also have professional at bats, and is the model of consistency.
If the Twins want to go deep into the playoffs, their young starters will have to make a few more steps in maturity like Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey have. The Twins are always in the hunt every year, and some of the credit has to go to Ron Gardenhire for playing the game the right way and getting the most out of all his players.
