FanNation - The Republic of Sport

In week one, I stated that I was doing this blog for two simple reasons. First, I have five hours to kill every Monday at my job, and this would give me something to do. Second, I wanted a way to follow the Twins this season, without having to rely on finding the 15 seconds of coverage that ESPN might give the Twins between the wall to wall Yanks/Sawx/Mets/Cubs coverage. So thousands of hits and posts weren't really my objective. If I wanted that, I would write on incendairy topics and be all snarky and obnoxious. But 24 stinking views last week? This is what I'm pouring out my blood, toil, tears and sweat for?  This team is doing great and is one of the best stories of the year. You people suck! You people wouldn't know great writing if it bit you in the **** ! (OK, got that out of my system, and really, not all that concerned...but 24 stinking views?!?)

Now that I've pissed off and insulted my loyal readership ;-)...the week that was. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Joe Nathan are off to the All Star Game. Yawn. I suppose it's kinda nice, but I just haven't cared about the ASG in years. The fans stuff the ballot box for stupid choices (David Ortiz and Alfonso Soriano) and the game always starts in the middle of the night after waaayyy too much meaningless hype for a meaningless exhibition game. So, congratulations guys, and for God's sake, don't get hurt. And another hell 'uva week. Five more wins in the books. A 42/21 RS/RA line, with 1 error and 0 unearned runs allowed for the week. Yes, yes, yes, three of those wins were against the Indians, but they also took two of three against a (then at least) above .500 and still in contention Tiger team.

Starting Pitching. The starters all turned in serviceable outings, with Nick Blackburn having the best of the week against the Tigers on Wednesday. The weeks game scores for the starters were: Glen Perkins 57, Scott Baker 51, Nick Blackburn 74, Livan Hernandez 47, Kevin Slowey 46, and Perkins again with a 53. The bullpen. Again, what a week for bullie. 15.2 IP, a 1.08 WHIP, and an ERA of 2.88 with 0 HR's allowed and 15 K's.

The offense. Remember at the start of the season when the offense was, well, offensive. Those days seem to be over. The pitchers faced this week and their ERA's include Armando Galarraga (3.40), Nate Robertson (5.56), Eddie Bonine (4.30), Paul Byrd (5.53), Aaron Laffey (3.49) and Cliff Lee (2.43) This weeks hitting line was .348/.409/.495, with a mean score of 6.5 runs per game. Is it also possible that the Twin's hitters have learned to draw a walk? With 23 BB for the week, it may seem so. And get this, no hitter earned inclusion into the oh 'fer club (except Justion Morneau, with 0-4 games on Wednesday and Sunday, but he get's a pass due to being named to the All-Star team. Illogical, sure. But hey, I'm making the rules here). I guess Denard Span (12 TB and slg .706) must like life in the bigs, because he came in second in the weeks Silver Slugger Award, behind Delmond Young (14 TB and slg .583) The tie breaker went to Young with 7 more AB's and 2 more RBI's.

The week ahead. A seven game road trip, with three against Boston and four against Detroit. The White Sox also have a long road trip with three against the Royals (oh crap) and three against the Rangers. If the Twins can win three this week and not lose any ground, then all will be good.