Michael Cuddyer

[The Yeti]

Cuddy is a good player. And you cannot deny that he has a cannon for an arm.

[fisherman]

2 out RBI's

Justin Morneau 46

Michael Cuddyer 43

David Ortiz 40

How can you not like that.

[nofishfisherman]

Mr. Clutch.

If you look at the team stats for 2 outs and runners in scoring position the Twins are tops in some impressive areas.

Average hitting .303 which is 25 points higher then #2

RBI's 211 which is 5 ahead of the NYY.

OBP is .397 which is 14 points higher then #2 NYY

SLG is .462 which is 3 points higher then #2 Cle.

Runs 225 which is 4 more then Boston who is in 2nd place.

That just shows that this team is clutch in every sense of the word. When your team leads every major offensive category when the game is potentially on the line you know you are going to win some games.

[Willy]

Good stats. And all this a year after we were aching for ANYONE on the team to come up clutch with a two out hit or a run scoring hit.

This team is a fun one to watch, there is no doubt about that.

Even if they don't make the playoffs, this is one of the most fun seasons to watch in a while.

[nofishfisherman]

I still can not believe how big of a turn around the offense has made in one season. Last year was painful at times, this year they have given us something to cheer for and I am loving it.

[eyepatrol]

Quote:

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2 out RBI's

Justin Morneau 46

Michael Cuddyer 43

David Ortiz 40

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This is the point I was about to make. He is 2nd in the AL in RBI's with 2 outs. That's about as clutch as it gets. I too get discouraged by the number of K's he gets. Sometimes it looks like he's just clueless....like the pitcher really has his number. Other times he makes the big hit or big throw.

Overall I think he is a quality player. It's more than just hitting that makes up a player. Cuddy has been good in the outfield (a little lack in speed), but he's got a very good arm and can play the dome well. His batting can be up and down, but that's baseball. I think just about any team would be happy to have him. I'm just glad he's on ours.

[bigbucks]

Well said BC, I think it just took a long time for them to decide where he fit. In some ways his overall ability to do a lot of thing respectably, but none outstanding, made it harder to know where to put him. Hunter's bounced all over the lineup & been inconsistent as a hitter, but he was so good in center there was no question he'd be there, it was just where to bat him, but as he got regular play his production improved considerably. Hunter's a great defensive player, but not a great overall player. Cuddy didn't have all of those AB's because of his great defense, although other than being inconsistent at third he was never a liability either. I never thought of him as a right fielder before, but now it seems like such an obvious spot for him, with that hose he's got for an arm.

He's got decent 5 hitter numbers, which is really what he is, it's just that it happens to work out better for our true 4 hitter to hit 5th. Mauer being a lefty in the 3 hole has plenty to do with that.

I'd be interested to see how the combined 4-5 production of our team stacks up with other teams. It's going to be behind Konerko & Dye in homers, but not RBI's, Ortiz & Manny for sure Giambi & ARod at least currently, but it's right there about as good as anybody else I'd guess. The Mets have Beltran & Delgado again more homers, but RBI's about the same.

[fishyguy]

I just think all the Cuddyer discussion in this thread and other threads is a testament to how far along the Twinks have come.

Last year we were begging for anyone that could hit a long ball or come up with a big hit. Now we got a guy who is on pace for 27 HRs, 120 RBI and over 100 runs and we have had some people in the baseball forum calling for head because he strikes out too much.

You've got to love how much the Twinks have raised the bar for the fans.

[First Ice-Mike]

I think your pace is a little off. 9 dingers and 40 ribbies in a little over a month is out of reach. If he gets 22 bombs and 100 ribbies everyone should be thrilled to death.

FI

[fisherman]

Projected stats HR 24 RBI 109 RUNS 97

[Mudcutter]

don't forget--- it's not like Cuddyer is a old man. It's his 3rd or 4th full year in the majors and is still improving. The future is very bright for the Twins.

[buzzsaw]

He must be reading this thread, he was 4 for 4 last night.... choker

[Bobby Bass]

Cuddy does it again, picks off advancing runner going to 3rd with a cannon shot from right field. Wipes out the double that he could not get to. (KC game )

[PierBridge]

Quote:

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Cuddy does it again, picks off advancing runner going to 3rd with a cannon shot from right field. Wipes out the double that he could not get to. (KC game )

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I'm convinced he has the best arm in all of Baseball....some of his throws and especially the one tonight are INSANE...

[SledNeck]

Looked like the guy was safe at 3rd on the play.

[8-Ball]

Yep- I saw the replay and he was safe..

[ilbfishn]

Saw the slow motion replay, slowed down even further with Tivo. Close play........... OUT!

[juggs]

Other than his strikeouts, there really isn't much missing from his game. Hits for power, terrific defense. He's only 27. I'd say he's our right fielder for quite a while.

[fisherman]

He was definately out!

[Quackaddict9]

well 2 homeruns to show for tonights loss.

[SledNeck]

Its bizarro world the last 2 days.

[PierBridge]

Quote:

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Its bizarro world the last 2 days.

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Dats baseball for ya......

Two tough losses at home and the comeback by Chi Town and the Tiger's to avoid the double header sweep......

[Down to Earth]

Got robbed by the ump on a 2 run home run. NO WAY that is a double.

[Outdoors_Junkie]

It was a homerun. Nice to see Gardy argue that call until he got tossed! The ump is gonna feel like a dumb a$$ when he sees the replay on espn tonight.