Spring Training Report: Game Thirteen
A nice offensive performance today in a nice win for the Twins. Here are the notes:
1.) Glen Perkins went 3 solid innings, giving up just 1 unearned run and striking out 2. This outing should put Perkins right back in the middle of the battle to become the fifth starter. Matt Garza was supposed to pitch today as well, but has pushed back to tomorrow. That start will be very, very interesting, since Garza is still the most likely guy not named Ponson to win that job. Speaking of Ponson, he's not going to get into a game again until next Friday for some reason. Considering that he's coming off a poor performance, the delay in getting onto the mound again has to be considered good sign for those who are trying to pass him up.
2.) Randy Choate was already slipping out of the competition for the 12th pitcher's slot, but today he probably fell off the cliff entirely. Choate lasted just 2/3 of an inning, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Mike Venafro, meanwhile, pitched a solid inning. This race is now down to Venafro and Durbin - and, a couple of hitters who are extremely unlikely to make the team.
3.) Luis Rodriguez is starting to make a solid case for making the team, but I still think he's unlikely to get the roster spot unless the Twins commit to using Nick Punto at short once in awhile. Tommy Watkins, who I think is a legitimate contender for the backup infielder roster spot, didn't get an official at bat today, but he helped his cause by drawing a walk, stealing a base, and scoring a run.
4.) Matthew LeCroy got four at-bats today, got one hit, and struck out once. His batting average is sitting at .211, and Dan Gladden suggested that he's just not getting in very many good swings. This is good news for Mike Venafro and J.D. Durbin.
5.) I've been saying this for a couple of days now, but it's time for the first cuts of the spring to be announced. I'll make a bold prediction that by tomorrow, a couple of cuts will be announced. There's just no reason at this point to keep so many pitchers and catchers around.
Today's Big Winner: Glen Perkins (right back in the starter competition)
Runner-Up: Mike Venafro (in great shape to win a roster spot)
Today's Big Loser: Randy Choate (NOT in great shape to win a roster spot)
Runner-Up: Garrett Jones (0-2 today, .074 in spring)
1.) Glen Perkins went 3 solid innings, giving up just 1 unearned run and striking out 2. This outing should put Perkins right back in the middle of the battle to become the fifth starter. Matt Garza was supposed to pitch today as well, but has pushed back to tomorrow. That start will be very, very interesting, since Garza is still the most likely guy not named Ponson to win that job. Speaking of Ponson, he's not going to get into a game again until next Friday for some reason. Considering that he's coming off a poor performance, the delay in getting onto the mound again has to be considered good sign for those who are trying to pass him up.
2.) Randy Choate was already slipping out of the competition for the 12th pitcher's slot, but today he probably fell off the cliff entirely. Choate lasted just 2/3 of an inning, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. Mike Venafro, meanwhile, pitched a solid inning. This race is now down to Venafro and Durbin - and, a couple of hitters who are extremely unlikely to make the team.
3.) Luis Rodriguez is starting to make a solid case for making the team, but I still think he's unlikely to get the roster spot unless the Twins commit to using Nick Punto at short once in awhile. Tommy Watkins, who I think is a legitimate contender for the backup infielder roster spot, didn't get an official at bat today, but he helped his cause by drawing a walk, stealing a base, and scoring a run.
4.) Matthew LeCroy got four at-bats today, got one hit, and struck out once. His batting average is sitting at .211, and Dan Gladden suggested that he's just not getting in very many good swings. This is good news for Mike Venafro and J.D. Durbin.
5.) I've been saying this for a couple of days now, but it's time for the first cuts of the spring to be announced. I'll make a bold prediction that by tomorrow, a couple of cuts will be announced. There's just no reason at this point to keep so many pitchers and catchers around.
Today's Big Winner: Glen Perkins (right back in the starter competition)
Runner-Up: Mike Venafro (in great shape to win a roster spot)
Today's Big Loser: Randy Choate (NOT in great shape to win a roster spot)
Runner-Up: Garrett Jones (0-2 today, .074 in spring)
Labels: Pre-Season Game Recaps, Spring Training
posted by JST @ Sunday, March 11, 2007
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