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THROWING YOU A CURVE
BAD PITCHING MEANS BAD ROAD TRIP The Twins just finished a six game road trip to Seattle and Oakland. They were able to win just one from each of the two three-game series. Three of the six games were extra inning games, winning just one of the three. As they head back to Minnesota, they find themselves tied for first place with the Chicago White Sox. The Twins and the White Sox have both played 30 games and are 17-13. In my opinion, this will be happening all summer long. Both of these teams will have a dog fight to see who wins the division. The Detroit Tigers have definitely improved but the Cleveland Indians and the Kansas City Royals will have a tough time playing .500. There is a lot of offense in the American League Central Division but its the club that has the best pitching overall that will be the team to beat. Let’s look at the Twins recent road trip. In the six games played, the Twins bullpen had to pitch 29 and 2/3 innings of the 62 and 2/3 innings needed to complete the games. Way too many innings put on the bullpen! Only two starters, Carlos Silva, who won his 5th straight decision, and Brad Radke, in Seattle, were able to pitch at least 6 innings. Not good. There were a total of 35 walks in six games, with 25 coming in the Oakland series, which helped create the 2-and-4 road trip. The road trip did find some positives though. As mentioned before, Silva is off to a great start. In six starts, Carlos is 5-0 with a 3.11 earned run average. He beat Seattle 5-1 on Wednesday, May 5, with 8 innings of great pitching. Radke pitched well in Thursday’s game against Seattle but received a no decision in the Twins 2-1 loss. As the Twins head home for a 3-game series verse the Seattle they have to put the road trip behind them and hope that the Metrodome magic continues. To win their division they have to play good at home and in front of their own fans. The road trip to Seattle and Oakland was fun for me because I had my oldest step-son with me. He had never been to either city and we had a great time sight-seeing and just spending quality time together. There was some sad news on the trip. Victory Sports closed their doors and we started broadcasting games, in Oakland, on Fox Sports Net North. I’m sad for Victory Sports that was a Twins in-house television network because some good people lost their jobs over the deal with Fox. I am happy that we can now be seen by all Twins fans everywhere. That is the most important thing out of all of this. Twins fans and baseball fans should be able to watch their favorite teams play without big business getting involved. I think the timing was bad for Victory because of the stadium issues. Also, with all of the politician crap that has been going on over the years with the financing matters for a new Twins stadium. Fox does do a great job of covering sports teams and I’m happy to be working for them and the Twins. Life gives us many obstacles and it is those who look at each obstacle as a challenge who come out on top. Be the best you can be in life and it will award you and your loved ones.
Be safe and happy,
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