I don't see much evidence that (1) Gardenhire is making strategic mistakes in the playoffs (well, other than bunting) or (2) he's extracting less than maximum effort from his players. What do you expect him to do?
Get the team mentally ready. The Yankees are the only team that psychs-out the Twins this way. It's not just a matter of what he does during the game, good managing is mandatory. It's the obvious mental element.
Is there a comparable streak like this anywhere in recent baseball history?
And, extracting maximum effort from the players? Kubel hits .080 in the playoffs under Gardenhire so far.
Again, no they are not eliminated yet. Yes, Gardenhire is a good manager. But, is the future potential of the Twins going to have an asterisk that denotes " *-unless facing the Yankees" ?
I think it's a fair question, and I still submit that Gardy is the common thread.
I'm not sure if I buy into the mental argument (which could have applied to the Yankees vs the Angels until last year, although not on the same level maybe). Perhaps it's just one of these cases where the Yankees' pitching match well with the Twins' offense? I do think that despite Liriano having great stuff the Twins like a bona fide ace like Santana used to be. Not sure. Plus, the series is far from over (hopefully not farther than Saturday, but you get my point).
By the way, it just occurred to me that my first game at Yankee Stadium was vs the Twins with Pettite pitching (against Liriano). Nice coincidence...
Sadly, with all the recent restrictions on banks funding online gambling, I can't find a book with which to do business.
If I'm Dusty Baker I give serious thought to yanking Arroyo now. I could be wrong or crazy but after a tough inning like that, maybe just turn it on over to Chapman/the rest of the pen.
Or not.
Agreed (on Arroyo).
If I'm Dusty Baker I give serious thought to yanking Arroyo now. I could be wrong or crazy but after a tough inning like that, maybe just turn it on over to Chapman/the rest of the pen.
Or not.
Kram had a Cuban sandwich at the game last night.
COINCIDENCE???????
Plus, the series is far from over (hopefully not farther than Saturday, but you get my point).
I'd call one if I lived closer to DC.