Kubel saves Gardys job

[blue_healer_guy]

That was not smart baseball what we watched in the 7th. Cassilla doubles (gift) and he doesnt bunt Span to move him to 3rd. Remember, Span likes to bunt, in not so great times as we watched a couple of weeks ago. That is a drop dead bunting situation up 2 at that point on the road! It worked out, but UFB!

[Corey Bohn]

I don't think Gardenhire bunts enough either, especially in situations like that. I recall a game last week as well, runners at first and second and no outs, and no bunt to move the runners to second and third, and as the inning turned out -- no runs scored (that has happened on numerous occasions). Gardenhire does not do enough to manufacture runs when the situation presents itself. Granted, you can't do it in every situation or all the time, but he does it very little. It has cost us some games this year.

Then again, it seems that bunting is something very few major leaguers are good at any more, with the exception of a few. In that situation, Ozzie would have bunted, so would have Leyland and teams like St. Louis, Cincinnati, Tampa Bay etc., etc. The Twins have some fire power in their line up this year, but they have also been one of the least aggressive teams in baseball when the opportunity presents itself. Can't complain too much because they are in first place, but with the team they have, they should be.

Remember a few weeks back when Gardenhire missed a game for whatever reason, and I think it was Ullger who stepped in........double steal in that game to move the runners to second and third and a couple bunts as well to move runners who eventually scored. I think the final score was 7-2 Twins. If Gardy would get aggressive when the opportunity presents itself, it makes the Twins a much more dangerous team, and not so predictable.

[LOTWSvirgin]

I think a few to many live in a fantasy world were everything should goa as planned. One question I got is How come Gardy is the manager and not you???

[Bobby Bass]

Twins coming home in first place after an outstanding road trip, I don't think Gardy's job was or is in question.

[CALVINIST]

I thought he should have bunted too, but then allowing Floyd to pitch on 125 pitches to a dangerous Kubel with 2 runners on wasn't the brightest move either.

Liriano seemed to have his best stuff after putting himself in a jam. Guerrier didn't falter in a bases loaded situation either.

[CodyDawg]

why dont we bunt on someone like Chris Sale? the guy was pitching for Florida Atlantic this winter???? Put the pressure on him! see if he is nervous and throws one away.

[Harmonica Bear]

That was not smart baseball what we watched in the 7th. Cassilla doubles (gift) and he doesnt bunt Span to move him to 3rd. Remember, Span likes to bunt, in not so great times as we watched a couple of weeks ago. That is a drop dead bunting situation up 2 at that point on the road! It worked out, but UFB!

Definately a bunting situation, no doubt. But that doean't mean you have to do that everytime either (have to keep them honest). A ground ball to the right side accomplishes the same thing, and with the infield playing bunt (due to the situation) a cheap ground ball has a better chance to sneak through. Baseball definitely is a game of decisions and strategies! Gotta love it!

Now Span bunting a couple weeks ago late in the game with runners and 2nd and 3rd and two outs? I couldn't figure that one out....

[PierBridge]

Thank goodness Kubes saved Gardys job!...

Bunt Smumdt!...

Best Record in Baseball since the break!

Go Twins!

[Mudcutter]

remember that Mauer was walked to pitch to Kubel. THis topic should be ,,, "Mauer haunts Ozzie". That's serious respect to walk a dude being behind by 2 runs with 2 outs to pitch to a guy like KubeDogs.

[greebs]

Kubes has had his struggles at times this year but he's had several of the biggest hits for the team this season.

[Mudcutter]

and i forgot to add a R vs. L matchup.(Floyd) Kubel struggles agst L pitching,, Ozzie should be thinking why he didn'y goto Thornton.. Ozzie blew this one big time because of the fact Kubedogs hit the HR off of RH pitching.