Here are three thoughts following the Twins 12-2 romp over the White Sox.
Three Twins postgame thoughts from LEN3: Baserunning excels. Graham exists. Poor Adam Eaton
The Twins began their four-game series against the White Sox with a 12-2 win over ace Chris Sale
GOOD BASERUNNING: Torii Hunter got a good read on Joe Mauer's bloop single to left in the first inning, taking off almost at the crack of the bat and was at third with it landed. The better play was when Danny Santana, running on the pitch, scored from first on Brian Dozier's blooper to center. Chicago's Adam Eaton hesitated throwing the ball in, and third base coach Gene Glynn decided to gamble and send Santana around third. Someone in the clubhouse thought Eaton's throw was good enough to not cut off, but Jose Abreu did. Then he bobbled the ball and was unable to get a throw off. ``You got to give Danny credit," Twins manager Paul Molitor said, ``running on the pitch.Run hard to third and give Geno a chance to see if we can steal a run on the backside. It worked out."
GRAHAM LIVES: Molitor was able to get Rule 5 draft pick J.R. Graham into the game to pitch the ninth. The coaching staff believes they were putting him into situations he wasn't ready for and had not used him in a game since Apr. 19. He pitched a scoreless ninth, striking out Eaton with a fastball at the knees for the second out. Graham has been working out with bullpen coach Eddie Guardado, throwing off the mound, working on his mechanics and trying not to bounce off the walls. ``It kind of keeps me sane," Graham said. ``I have a lot of penned up energy."
THAT'S IT: I found myself writing about Adam Eaton a lot today. Not getting the relay throw in quickly on Santana's score. Missing Mauer's blast to right-center. The Carlos Gomez-ian throw from center on Escobar's two-run hit. Striking out against Graham. After the game, a frustrated Eaton shaved off his beard. ``That guy stunk," Eaton said. ``Gotta get rid of him."
County leaders hope the Legislature will agree to converting the 0.15% sales tax that funded Target Field for ongoing health care costs.