June 29, 2003
[BOTTOM OF THE THIRD, JACQUE JONES BUNTS FOR A SINGLE]
Aaron: That's a helluva bunt, right into no man's land.
Aaron: Sexson had to go get it and Kinney was slow to the bag.
Al: I hate the bunt as a weapon, but when it works, it's pretty.
Aaron: I wish Guzman would bunt more actually. Back before he thought he was good, he used to bunt a ton for hits.
Al: I remember that, he used to choke to bunt 4-5 times a game.
[GUZMAN SINGLES TO CENTER]
Al: How's attendance up there? I saw the other day they're 11th or 12th in the AL? That's gotta be disappointing.
Aaron: Right now they are averaging 21,978, which is actually 8th in the AL. About 3,000 more per game than you guys...
Al: True, but we're rebuilding. You guys have the team I hope to have in a couple years.
Aaron: Yep, but you have that great new stadium with the leaky roof!
Al: (Shaking finger) Actually, the roof hasn't leaked or squeaked this year. They finally got it fixed, it appears.
[KOSKIE LINES ONE TO SEXSON AT 1B FOR A DOUBLE-PLAY TO END THE INNING]
Aaron: 6'6" sure comes in handy.
Al: Sexson takes up a lot of room. That's the 10th double he's stolen this year, that I've seen.
[TOP OF THE FOURTH, SEXSON LEADS OFF WITH A SINGLE TO CENTER]
Aaron: Guzman has that Derek Jeter "wave at the ball as it rolls past you" move down.
[VANDER WAL HITS A LINE DRIVE OFF JACQUE JONES' GLOVE IN LEFT]
Aaron: I can't believe he didn't catch that.
Al: Dropped it, hit his heel.
Aaron: That's a tough play, but he was there, and Jones is the best LF in baseball, in my opinion.
Al: I've seen him lose too many balls in the roof to say that, but he could easily play CF. You know how I feel about signing Hunter to that deal when they had a replacement.
Aaron: Jacque went like 2 years without losing a ball in the roof and then lost 2-3 in 2 weeks recently.
Al: He used to lose them all the time when Hunter was sent down to AAA years ago, and he played CF. I remember Kelly saying they had to recall Torii to "shore up CF defense."
[KIESCHNICK SINGLES TO RF AND IT GOES UNDER MOHR'S GLOVE]
Aaron: Oh my...
Al: Is Kielty OK to play OF?
Aaron: Yep, he has been playing the field, but Mohr has taken most of his playing time
Al: How, in the name of common sense can that be?
Aaron: Well, Kielty has been very bad offensively lately, but I would obviously be playing him everyday.
Al: C'mon, just in June. His '03 numbers are still very good. Small sample.
Aaron: Yeah, I agree. You're not only preaching to the choir, you're preaching to the minister!
[ROYCE CLAYTON IS HIT BY A PITCH]
Aaron: Clayton is looking out at the mound...he should just shut up.
Al: Does this irritate you as much as it does me? The looking toward the mound crap?
Aaron: Yes, especially in this case. No way he tries to hit Clayton here. Just be glad you didn't make an out Royce.
Al: I'd be giddy to get on base.
Aaron: Lohse should have Farnsworthed him.
Al: Heck, Fernando Vina leans into every inside pitch just to get on.
Aaron: Yep, Eckstein too.
Al: I wish baseball would get tough on charging the mound. Unacceptable.
Al: Why haven't they at least made it illegal to leave the bench and bullpens?
Aaron: I wish the teammates wouldnt get involved. I'd like to see the hitter and pitcher settle it.
Aaron: I'll guarantee Paul Wilson never charges anyone again.
Al: That's why the NHL is such a joke until the playoffs. They have
designated "goons" that suck, but are big and tough. Only job is to "protect" star players.
Al: Speaking of the NHL, do you think the Twins would have a new park if Norm Coleman had beat Jesse to be governor in '98? I do.
Aaron: Possibly. Norm is a big sports guy
[BOTTOM OF THE FOURTH, JUSTIN MORNEAU TAKES A CALLED THIRD STRIKE]
Aaron: Ugh. He thought he had a walk on 3-1 and then took 3-2 right down the middle.
Al: Kinney has a good curve (he calls it a slider) tonight. He's had every RH batter's knees buckling.
Al: Justin takes pitches, sure sign of a star.
Aaron: Torii has been much more patient this year too.
[HUNTER WALKS]
Aaron: Right on cue!
Al: Maybe the walks will come. Still just a .320ish OBP for him.
Aaron: Yeah, but that's because his batting average is way down. He's on pace for almost twice as many walks as 2002 and 2001
Aaron: On pace for 61 walks to be exact. Still not a ton, but OK.
Aaron: 35 last year, 29 in 2001. If Hunter walks 60 times a year, he'll be one of the best CFs in baseball.
Aaron: Now, Mohr hacks like crazy -14 BBs in 215 PAs.
Al: I think as silly as it is, Mohr plays because he hits .290, and that is a good BA. However, Kielty's OBP is much better.
Aaron: I have always said Mohr is a perfect 4th OF, but I agree he plays because of his batting average.
Al: I am a big BB fan, so he's not my type. He's a nice reserve, but how does he start on a team that has Kielty?
Aaron: I agree completely (of course). As bad as Kielty is playing of late and as good as Mohr played, Mohr is hitting .291/.340/.477 and Kielty is hitting .247/.367/.423. It's close though, so I cant blame Gardy too much
Al: I just don't think he respects OBP and walks.
[MOHR GROUNDS INTO A DOUBLE PLAY TO END THE INNING]
Aaron: Johan is warming in the bullpen.
Aaron: Another one his "high-leverage" bullpen appearances, no doubt. He'll come into a 4-0 or 5-0 game or something.
Al: The fact he isn't in the rotation is mind-boggling.
Al: 6-7 solid innings every 5th day, or the 3rd LH in the 'pen?
Aaron: And its not like Gardy uses him in long-relief, he pitches like 1 or 1 2/3 innings usually.
Al: I said when they signed Rogers it was an awful move, because of Johan.
[VANDER WAL HOMERS TO RIGHT]
Aaron: Wow, 6-0 Milwaukee. That ball was crushed.
Aaron: I think I am bad luck on these chats. The Twins got killed the last time I did this too.
Al: Plenty of time left, our pitching isn't the Dodgers.
Aaron: I guess I'll have to stop making fun of Milwaukee all the time if they win the season series against us, huh?
Al: If you wish.
[BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH, 6-0 MILWAUKEE]
Aaron: Lohse is done, Rick Anderson (pitching coach) just delivered the news.
[PIERZYNSKI POPS OUT TO FIRST]
Aaron: Pierzynski now throws his bat every time he doesnt get a hit...it's funny
Al: AJ, another non believer in the BB.
Aaron: Yeah, but he's a great hitter for a catcher.
Al: No argument there. But, he has to hit .300 to have a .330 OBP.
Aaron: Yeah, and he's a .295 career hitter.
Al: Granted.