sports
Michael Rand started RandBall with hopes that he could keep lies from conquering the minds of the weak. So far, he's only succeeded in using the word "redacted" a lot. He welcomes suggestions, news tips, links of pure genius, and pictures of pets in Halloween costumes here, though he already knows he will regret that last part.
Follow Randball on Twitter
Tuesday (The Twins' lineup) edition: Wha' Happened?
Posted by: Michael Rand under Target Field, Twins fans Updated: July 17, 2012 - 8:45 AM
Both Morneau and Plouffe had hits to the opposite field on Monday, another encouraging sign for players who tend to get pull-happy at times. And when they are both taking quality at-bats the majority of the time, this point is underscored: the Twins have a steady, functional and sometimes dangerous batting lineup.
It might get lost in the midst of the continuing pitching dysfunction, but better health and some savvy offseason moves have allowed Terry Ryan to at least fix half of what ailed the Twins a season ago. And yes, it is dangerous to make generalizations after a 19-run anomaly. But this is more than a one-game burst.
After scuffling through April and May, the Twins hit .278/.332/.423 in June. They are batting .301 in July with an OPS over .800 as a team. For the season, they have scored 383 runs, putting them in the middle of MLB at 15th overall. Since June 1, they are averaging almost 4.8 runs per game (and still close to 4.5 if you throw out last night's outburst).
When they trot out Span-Revere-Mauer-Willingham-Morneau-Plouffe-Doumit as their first seven, they have a chance to win any reasonably pitched game. Whether this makes you optimistic that overall decency isn't as far away as it was in 2011 or frustrated that the starting pitching is weighing it all down is up to you.
ADVERTISEMENT
recent posts
- Weekend Links with Jon Marthaler: In-season cup competition in college baskeball? Brilliant!
- RandBall: Catching up with Squints, Ham and the director of 'The Sandlot'
- Video: Inside-the-park home run with a flip over the catcher? Sure
- Saban disappointed that ex-Gophers coach called him 'the devil himself'
- RandBall: We're learning what Pitino wants from his Gophers
- RandBall: Former Gophers coach calls Nick Saban "the devil himself"
- Stu's Hunt Down: Former Twins player Jeff Cirillo
- RandBall: Will Favre and the Packers settle their differences?
- TFD: Vikings VP Lester Bagley: Vikings 'very interested' in MLS, but it is 'on the backburner'
- Major League Soccer official: "No question" Vikings stadium is suitable for MLS
- RandBall: Retroactively, U officially didn't lose money on beer sales
- Wednesday (The Derrick Rose situation) edition: Wha' Happened?
- TFD: Michigan State recruit gives up football for rap career
- Toronto is very sad today
- Tuesday (Twins not squandering money on DL) edition: Wha' Happened?
- TFD: Video of the must-see soccer finish between Watford F.C. and Leicester City
- This story about tanking in junior hockey is absolutely priceless
- Mid-day talker: So what is the Vikings stadium going to look like?
- Monday (The Twins after 34 games) edition: Wha' Happened?
Post By Category
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
inside the StarTribune
-
425 Portland Av. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55488
(612) 673-4000
- Company
- Subscriber Services
- Website
- Buy Ads
- Store
- Connect with Us
© 2013 StarTribune. All rights reserved.
StarTribune.com is powered by Limelight Networks
Newspaper Subscriptions
eEdition
RSS
Newsletters