also available at www.SethSpeaks.net -
My StarTribune.com TwinsCentric blog for this week is called Observations from Opening Day. I wasn’t sure how many observations I had as the game was going on, but I know there are about 25 bullet points. Some are serious. Some are fun (and maybe even funny?). So, be sure to go there and leave your comments and observations from the first regular season game at Target Field whether you were there in person or watched on TV.
PROGRAMMING NOTE – I will be on KFAN and KFAN.com with Paul Allen again today (Tuesday) at about 9:20 a.m. Check it out if you’re able to.
SethSpeaks Monday Minor League Hitter of the Day – Trevor Plouffe – Rochester Red Wings
SethSpeaks Monday Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Tom Stuifbergen – Beloit Snappers
The Players of the Day are Plouffe and Stuif. Keep reading below, if you want more proof!
Red Wings Report
Monday – Rochester 5, Scranton/Wilkes Barre 6 (11 innings) – Anthony Slama entered the ninth inning, trying to protect a two run lead. However, after a walk, he gave up a home run to Juan Miranda that tied the game. Rob Delaney came in for the 11th inning and after getting one out, he gave up the game-winning run to the Barons. Mike Maroth made his first start. The veteran lefty gave up only an unearned run on two hits in 3.1 innings. He walked three and struck out three. Jose Lugo gave up four hits, but no runs, in 1.2 innings. Matt Fox pitched an inning and gave up two runs. Kyle Waldrop pitched two scoreless innings before giving way to Slama. The offense produced plenty of hits, but not enough runs in this game. Trevor Plouffe went 3-5 with a walk and two doubles. Brian Dinkelman was 3-6 with a double. Erik Lis, Danny Valencia and Jason Repko (who was making his first Rochester appearance) were each 2-5. Wilson Ramos was also 2-5, but he added a double. David Winfree went 1-4 with a walk and his fourth double of the short season for S/WB.
New Britain Notes
Monday – New Britain 2, Portland 8 – Deolis Guerra got the start in this game. He gave up four runs in the first inning, but he then settled down. In five innings, he gave up five runs (4 earned) on six hits. He walked none and struck out two. Chris Province came in and gave up three runs on two hits and three walks in 1.2 innings. He struck out three. Spencer Steedley came in and threw 1.1 innings. He struck out two. Steve Hirschfeld pitched a perfect ninth innings. Joe Benson busted out with a good game. He went 2-3 with a walk and a double. Steve Singleton also had two hits. Chris Parmelee hit his second home run.
Miracle Matters
Monday – Ft. Myers 2, Bradenton 6 – Bruce Pugh made his first start. In three innings, he gave up two runs on five hits. He walked three and struck out three. Blake Martin went the next two innings and gave up one run. Ron Mahay pitched a perfect sixth inning. Henry Arias gave up three unearned runs on two hits and a walk in two innings. Michael Harrington and Yangervis Solarte each went 2-4.
Snappers Snippets
Monday – Beloit 3, Peoria 0 – Tom Stuifbergen came in for an inning last week, but on this day, he made his first start. The Dutch right-hander went six shutout innings. He gave up just four hits. He walked none and struck out five for the Win. Peter Kennelly got the next five outs, three of them on strikeouts. Edgar Ibarra got one out. Steve Blevins recorded the save with a scoreless innings. Anderson Hidalgo had two doubles in three at bats. Steve Liddle was 2-4 with his second home run. Josmil Pinto was 2-4. So was Brian Dozier, who added a stolen base as well.
If you have any questions or comments on this preview of the roster, please feel free to ask… Leave your questions or comments.
On the plus side, we are one-for-one in good weather days.
On the minus side, Dip Bremer was simply un-professional yesterday. His constant editorializing, blubbering, and blathering was overbearing. And to make it worse, he just can’t stop ripping on the Dome. He said it was a “shame” I had to “endure” indoor baseball. Don’t wreck my memories Dip.
article on the kid who caught the first homerun
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100412/SPORTS14/100412036/Young-Twins-fan-from-Iowa-catches-first-Target-Field-home-run-ball
I’m usually one to defend the Puntos and Bremers because I think they get ripped too much. But Bremer is getting worse to listen to. Like Weatherboy said, the editorializing and waxing poetic is over the top. And so often he speaks like he’s talking to a kindergartner or someone in a retirement home. Just speak normal!
Agree about bremer and I’ve written about his syrupy homerism is too much to listen to.
I also have a bug complaint about FSN’s camera work…especially their centerfield angle from behind the pitcher. The angle you see most of the game. It’s way too far away an the angle is way to high.
At first, I thought it was me, but I watched a bunch of baseball hightlights on ESPN and their shots were all normal…as in tighter, closer, and lower than FSN. I hope the hell they fix it.
The radio was worse. Once again, at bats went by with hardly a comment from Gordon. When Opat was on, he kept delaying his talk to let them announce each piece, and Gordo just kept blabbing on and on. I’ll be very happy when he retires. Seems like a really, really nice guy. But, I really, really don’t like to listen to him on the radio. I can’t wait for Hattebery (sp?) to get the gig.
Please no Attebery. Gordon isn’t the best, but can you imagine listening to Atteberry’s voice for 162 games a year. Hell no!.
He’s got this irritating, Barney Fife-like voice that makes my ears bleed.