As Joe Christensen just noted, the Twins are employing the brilliant strategy of trying to freeze Ubaldo Jimenez. If they can make the top of the first inning last a couple of hours, there's no way Jiminez will stay sharp.
By the way, one of the many baseball traditions that repeatedly reveals itself as stupid is the act of a baserunner, on a throw toward home, advancing halfway to the next base, to force the defense to cut off the throw.
Stupid, stupid, stupid. Here the Rockies have Francisco Liriano on the ropes, maybe with a chance to knock him out of the game in the first inning, and Miguel Olivo, a very slow runner, allows himself to get caught between second and third for an easy out.
As I said: Stupid, stupid, stupid.
So when Liriano strikes out Clint Barmes with the bases loaded, the inning ends, instead of Liriano being forced to face the wonderful young hitter named Carlos Gonzalez.
Stupid.
-A Twins employee pointed out something interesting to me before the game. Not only does former Army brat Ron Gardenhire stand on the field with his hat over his heart during the National Anthem, he asks the players who are on the field to stand thusly until the color guard leaves the field. Kinda cool.
-Update on my 1500ESPN stint on Friday: I'll start at 8:30 a.m. and stay on until noon.