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The Twins (4gb) have 6 games left with the Indians, 3 home and 3 away, so they control their own destiny with regards to them. They have 3 left at Oakland, probably a must win series. No chance to make up head to head against the Yankees and Blue Jays hurts. A ton of games left against the Royals helps.<br><br>The Yankees (1.5gb) have 10 left against the Blue Jays, 6 against the Red Sox and 3 at the A's. They far and away have the toughest schedule. I don't think the Yankees pitching is good enough to hold up over hat schedule. <br><br>The A's(leaders) have 6 games against the Angels, 3 against the Twins and Yankees at home, 3 against Boston and Cleveland on the road. <br><br>Toronto (4gb) has 7 games against the Red Sox, 10 against the Yankees and 3 against Cleveland. Not playing the Twins and A's down the stretch hurts their chances. <br><br>Cleveland (3gb) has 3 left at Toronto, 6 with the Twins, and 3 home agianst the A's. Not much head to head wise with the rest of the wild card teams, but could knock the Twins out.<br><br>FYI...Vegas odds for the AL wild card as of this morning.<br>Yankees 9-5<br>Oakland 13-5<br>Cleveland 11-2<br>Minnesota 15-1<br>Toronto 20-1 <p></p><i></i>

Well, I counted them out at the end of July and now it's looking like they have some life left in them. Let's hope I'm proven wrong.<br><br>I'm still a bit concerned about Morneau, his average has dropped ten points since the beginning of the month. On the other hand Lew Ford has picked up ten points and LeCroy just hit 3 homers in 2 games, apparently he's recovered from his gout. LeCroy is 4th on the team in HRs with a little over half the at bats as the other leaders, I know I'm beating this into the ground but for a team desperate for some punch he has to get at bats. It does look like he's getting more playing time lately, but they should've done that sooner.<br><br>And packerboy, how could Radke bug you any more than he has already, you've been on his case since early in the season! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

Well boys, hopefully this is the beginning of a good stretch run for our guys. <br><br>goldy, good info as always, but you didnt mention the fact the we have 10 games left vs the pale hose. Its funny, when the Twins stumbled early the battle cry was "we have a lot of games left vs the White Sox". I worry about that now being a significant road block to the Wild Card. <br><br>Chris, I cant help it. I just about went thru the roof when he did that the other night. I mean 9 million bucks and he cant protect a 2 run lead for a couple of innings before turning it over to the bullpen. <br><br>And listen Chris, dont worry about Morneau's average. So long as he keeps knocking in runs I dont care if he hits .240. He will give a little protection to Maurer if he keeps hitting shots like that. That 2 run homer he hit should have been huge but that Radke guy................... <p></p><i></i>

I didn't count the White Sox mainly because the division is theirs already. Jumping to conclusions, I figure they'll rest many players down the stretch and use the 40 man roster up. It's a dangerous philosophy in my opinion, but everybody seems to do it nowadays. <p></p><i></i>

The old saying "its not who you play but when you play them" really hits home. We will see what happens. <br><br>On paper , I dont like the idea of 10 games left with a team that has had the best record in baseball almost all year. But they havent been that great lately. Things level out over a 162 game schedule. <br><br>If the Twins keep playing like they did on the road trip and last night, theyll be in it till the end no matter who they play......assuming Radke doesnt keep blowing leads. Have I told you guys that he really bugs me? <br><br> <p></p><i></i>

Well just got done reading the Yahoo Sports page this morning and it looks like sometime in the future the Twins will get ahold of Soriano, a move they could use this year. The article follows:<br><br>"The Twins have claimed Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano off waivers, a move that could either lead to a trade or to Soriano staying with the Rangers for the rest of the season, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports."<br><br>Views<br>"The Twins likely made the move to block other contenders from getting Soriano, as it is quite unlikely they would agree to a deal with the Rangers at this point. The Rangers have been insistent that top pitching prospect Francisco Liriano be a part of any deal and he is a player that the Twins simply won't part with. To note, a player must clear waivers in order to be traded after July 31st so the Twins move gives the Rangers two choices…keep Soriano or deal him to the Twins."<br> <p></p><i></i>

Hillfan nice post! Precise with good points added (I just think a good post should be recognized from time to time.) <p></p><i></i>

How come you don't recognize all my posts NewGuy? <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p>Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls</p><i></i>

Well, Hillfan has consistently reported accurate and relevent info to us regarding things as they develop.<br><br> He was way ahead of the rest of us with the scoop on the Boone trade. <br><br>Not that a Soriano trade would be as much of a benefit to the teams chances as the Boone trade..right newguy<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :lol --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/laugh.gif ALT=":lol"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br><br>I think when Hunter went down, they gave up on these guys. But low and behold they are ony 2.5 games out of a playoff spot. Still gotta do something....Mr Ryan.<br> <p></p><i></i>

I'm not the only one who'd like to see more of LeCroy, this from today's Pioneer Press:<br><br>Brad Radke might have played one of the biggest roles in the Twins' offensive resurgence when the pitcher requested Matt LeCroy be inserted into the lineup more often.<br><br>That might have resulted in one of the biggest hits of the season, LeCroy's game-winning single to clinch a series victory in Oakland eight days ago. And LeCroy has been one of the Twins' hottest hitters since, including delivering the go-ahead hit in Sunday's 8-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners at the Metrodome.<br><br>Radke, Sunday's starter, said he recently talked to manager Ron Gardenhire about LeCroy.<br><br>"When we were struggling to score some runs," said Radke, who has been victimized by poor run support much of his career, "I asked (Gardenhire) if (LeCroy) can be in the lineup when I'm out there."<br><br>Said LeCroy: "That makes me feel good. I've been around here four or five years, and that's awesome to get that kind of confidence (from a teammate)."<br><br>LeCroy, who started at first base Sunday, mostly has been the everyday designated hitter since center fielder Torii Hunter suffered a broken ankle July 29. He has taken full advantage of the opportunity, hitting .400 (10 for 25) in the team's past eight games. He has three of the Twins' nine home runs in their past two series, and Sunday hit a game-tying single in the first inning and a go-ahead single in the fifth.<br><br>The right-handed LeCroy fisted a slow roller through the hole along the right side of the infield to break a 3-3 tie. Seattle starter Joel Pineiro thought he threw a good pitch.<br><br>"I don't know how he hit that," Pineiro said. "That was some great hitting."<br><br> <p></p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://p074.ezboard.com/bmnhs.showUserP ... >ChrisK</A> at: 8/22/05 1:16 pm<br></i>

I would hate to have to mange this team. With the exception of Mauer, they are schitzo at the plate. <br><br> I am especially happy that Radke is now taking over the managerial duties as well. I suppose GM and 3rd base coach got boring. He is better at that than holding a lead. If I were 8-10, thats what Id be worried about. <br><br>As far as Lecroy goes, he,like most of the guys on this team, is a good utility player. Usually, the more those kinds of guys play, the more they are exposed. <br><br>But I said that about David Ortiz.<br><br> <p></p><i></i>

I figured you'd have something to say about Radke's lineup suggestion, packerboy <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <br><br>Maybe LeCroy is only a good role player and will wilt with more at bats, but with the numbers he's put up and the way the rest of the team has been hitting he deserves a shot.<br><br>I haven't checked the numbers but it seems like Lew Ford has been coming around at the plate. He might have made the adjustments he needed to make after the pitchers changed their approach to him.<br><br>Tom Kelly had constantly preached his players to go with the pitch and hit to the opposite field, but when Gardy took over he loosened the reins a bit and let the players swing away more. Now it seems like things have gone full circle as Gardenhire praised the hitters this weekend for good at bats, including going to the opposite field. <p></p><i></i>

Big series at home vs White Sox. <br><br>I dont think its big as far as the division goes but they need to keep winning these series,especially at home, against good teams to stay in the WC.<br><br>With Johan going, they need to win tonight.<br><br>Since Radke isnt pitching, maybe he can make a trade, coach a couple innings at third and make some lineup moves to help us win. <br><br>Lets go. <p></p><i></i>

Lew Ford was named AL player of the week!<br><br>And I know Lecroy is starting to come around with the bat, but why do I get the feeling he is always going to strike out or ground into a double play?! I just don't feel comfortable with him at the plate.<br><br>We really need Stewart to start hitting like we all know he can and did the past couple of seasons. He is the key to our lineup.<br><br>Go Twins! This is a really big series coming up, a sweep would be huge, but I'll settle for two of three. <p>AHA 2002 & 2005 State Champions!<br></p><i></i>

LeCroy's one of those boom or bust kind of guys, he strikes out a lot but he's the only player on the team other than Morneau that you could call a slugger. I haven't seen the Twins a lot as I don't have cable, but my impression is that he's a hitter that tries to guess what the pitcher's going to throw.<br><br>This is a key series for the Twins on another level, if they win or even better, sweep the series they'll really have some momentum rolling, the kind that carry them to the end of the season. Winning is contagious, players relax, hitting gets easier and they start expecting to win. It looks like Oakland may have peaked too soon, they're starting to fade a bit. The Yankees have one of their weakest teams in years and they're probably the favorite right now to make the wildcard. I like Cleveland but it's hard to tell how they'll react to the pressures of a playoff race. If the Twins catch fire, they have a very good chance to pass all three teams and make the wildcard. <p></p><i></i>

Well Kodiak, I imagine you get that feeling because he does strike out and hit into double plays all the time.<br><br>But ChrisK is right. He has 13 home runs and I will bet he doesnt have a half of a season worth of at bats. He probably projects out to a 30 HR guy. <br><br>He is slow, doesnt have a position and doesnt look at all like a ball player. But he has done a lot more with his at bats than probably anybody on the team. <br><br>I agree. Stewart has had an off season. If he turns it around, it would help a lot. <br><br>Lets go. <p></p><i></i>

Wow what a game! Santana is once again on fire. Let's sweep these cats again and get into the playoffs whether it's through the division or the wild card. This is why the Twins are my favorite Minnesota team.<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>

It was a great game. Santana was unbelieveable. The Twins are only 2.5 out of the WC and things are looking better.<br><br>Anytime you can win a 1-0 game on one hit its like stealing.<br><br>Theyll need a few more runs tonight. <br><br>Hopefully Stewart wont be out long but if he seperated/ sprianed his shouder it will be a week. <br><br>Lets go.<br><br><br><br> <p></p><i></i>

I was at the game last night and it was amazing. The pitching and defense was awesome. But I'm REALLY concerned about our outfield now!<br><br>It really hurts losing Stewart, even more now that Hunter is out and Jones is gone for the next two days at a funeral. We need Stewart to make a serious run at the playoffs, without him we are screwed. <p></p><i></i>

How about these WC races in both leagues? As exciting as the AL WC has been, the NL one has 5 teams within 2 games or so (Florida, Philly, Houston, New York, and Washington) Just a liitle more than a month left in the season. Who do you think will win the WC in both leagues?<br><br>AL-Cleveland-They are playing the best of the four teams, and have a very underrated pitching staff (Sabathia, Lee).<br><br>NL-Houston-Right now, they have the best staff in the majors (Clemens, Petitte, Oswalt), and the way Morgan Ensberg is swinging the bat, he's the only offense they need. <p>-------------------<br><br>Who is the orca? Who is the octopus? I AM THE WALRUS!</p><i></i>

Cleveland has a lot of pop but they've got three starters with ERAs over 4.70, Sabathia, Elarton and Westbrook. I'd have to go with the Yankees unfortunately as the favorite for the wildcard in the AL. Houston makes sense for the NL, though Florida has a good staff too.<br><br>So the Twins lose the series to the White Sox and it will be interesting to see how they respond. They're certainly not out of it but the injuries to the outfield really hurt. I believe Jones is back tonight but he's still banged up. Let's hope Stewart gets back soon too. Lohse goes tonight on the mound, he's been pitching well of late. <p></p><i></i>

Disappointed about the White Sox series. They ride on Santanas back and come up with one win. They lose 6-4, that happens. <br><br>The pitchers cant shut them down every night. But then they lose the rubber game 2-1. <br><br>How many bleepin times are they going to lose 2-1. <br><br><br>Hit the ball.<br><br>Lets go. <p></p><i></i>

I can't agree more. It hurts to watch sometimes! <p>AHA 2002 & 2005 State Champions!<br></p><i></i>

Yankees! <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START 8) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/glasses.gif ALT="8)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p>Elk River AA State Champions- 2001 Boys & 2004 Girls</p><i></i>

On a different subject, how bad is Terry Muholland? We got to get rid of him. I heard the greatest quote from one of my FB coaches when we were talking about the Twins the other day. Its funny, but so true.<br><br>"The Twins have a good bullpen, except for that Terry Moo-holland. It must be nice getting a Twins paycheck and Social Security checks at the same time."<br><br>And ER, no. Not the Yankees.<!--EZCODE EMOTICON START ;) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p>-------------------<br><br>Who is the orca? Who is the octopus? I AM THE WALRUS!</p><i></i>