Twins pitching has been dominant this spring and today was no exception. Behind a solid outing by Kyle Kendrick, who settled in after the first inning, the Phillies couldn't mount an attack against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Bright House Field smelled like a big bottle of suntan lotion. Plenty of Twins fans along with the Phillies crowd, and the first pitch was thrown out by a New Jersey State Trooper, who got quite a friendly reception. Who do the fans not love? Miguel Cairo, that’s who. Every time he came up to bat, the silence was deafening. Then again, he didn’t do anything to earn an ovation, either. Also looking lackluster was Chris Coste - if he was in my softball league, I would run on him for sure. And who do the fans love? Matt Stairs, that’s who. It’s amazing how much goodwill can be generated by one legendary hit. One of the highlights of this trio of games has to be Stairs making a leaping catch all the way to the left wall in the 10th inning today. It was a beautiful and unexpected sight. John Mayberry, Jr. looked like a ballplayer today too, in actions and in physique, and what a treat to see those two jogging in together. - Phargo
Couldn't believe Stairs made that catch. Mayberry is a speciman, but his career numbers (and, increasingly, his ST no.) tell the truth. It's unlikely he'll be anything more than a .250/.310/.410 player. Replacement level power player. But maybe he's the best of what's available. Would love to see him succeed just don't find it likely.
Bruntlett looks like a wild man.
Posted by: Sophist | Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 08:46 PM
And Mayberry's projections are right around .230/.290/.410. After seeing him in person I definitely see why people love the guy (two of my traveling companions who had no knowledge of him before today do).
Love that picture.
Posted by: Sophist | Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 08:57 PM
Gotta agree with curt's comment from last thread. The Phillies 25th player this season is not yet on the roster.
Posted by: clout | Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 11:15 PM
I'd love to see KK succeed but that lineup the Twins threw out there today was hardly their regular one. No Morneau, no Mauer, no
Young, no Kubel.
Posted by: old grandad | Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Dear Dr. Ruth:
My wife,a former Playboy model,made love to me 183 times 2 years ago. Last year we made love 262 times and are on pace for over 300 times this year. I am worried about the "Verducci Effect". Should I save myself for later in life,or should I enjoy it while I'm still young? Please reply by April 5th.
Thanks
Cole from Philly
Posted by: Goody | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 12:24 AM
wow
Posted by: Cory | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 12:33 AM
I read that headline, then through the fog of it being after 1am I had to read it a second time. The I laughed out loud and said, "Bruntlett?"
Oh cheese and whiskers...
Posted by: The Theory | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 01:24 AM
So far, in one season, I've seen Bruntlett homer in person and in the World F'in Series. Why shouldn't he hit one in spring training too?
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 06:28 AM
I worry about Bruntlett using up a dinger in ST; is there a Verducci effect for Gnomers?
Posted by: Andy | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 07:33 AM
Baseball Reference similar batters to Brunlett:
Lou Collier (983)
Bill Pecota (978)
Tim Bogar (974)
Jose Molina (970)
Charley Lau (970)
Ray Mueller (966)
Ollie Bejma (966)
Steve Dillard (965)
Art Howe (965)
Joe Koppe (964)
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 07:40 AM
I love and hate spring training at the same time. Every little boo-boo gets reported which causes us to go into a tizzy. April 5th can't come soon enough.
Posted by: GM-Carson | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 09:17 AM
There is a newer thread...
Posted by: EastFallowfield | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 02:09 PM