Minnesota Twins – With the Twins up two in the first game of the doubleheader yesterday, Taylor Rogers came on for the eighth inning. He allowed a run but was able to strand runners on second and third to preserve the lead. Rogers then came back out for the ninth inning and struck out a pair in a perfect inning to pick up his second save of the season. Blake Parker was battling illness, which could explain why Rogers got the two-inning save. We expect Blake Parker to see the most save chances, but Rogers and Hildenberger have recorded the last two saves so this looks like it is still very much a committee for now. 

Hierarchy remains: *Parker | Rogers | Hildenberger.
* = closer-by-committee

The Closer Chaos Chronicles start now...

April 21, 2019

Philadelphia Phillies — Hector Neris recorded the last five outs yesterday for his third save of the season.  Neris struck out two and did not allow a base runner.  That is now nine straight scoreless appearances for Neris.  In other Phillies’ bullpen news, Victor Arano was placed on the IL and we expect Pat Neshek to fill his role in the later innings.

Updated hierarchy: *Neris | Dominguez | Neshek
* = closer-by-committee

The Cubs shut him down after experience soreness in a bullpen session. Good news for Pedro Strop owners like myself, and probably more good news for Craig Kimbrel's agent as well.

Samardzija is off to a pretty solid start for me as a low risk $1 investment, thank you very much.

I've lost Clevinger and LeBlanc as well as Shoemaker and Estrada.

He had a rough first week in low-A as a recently turned 18 year old.  There were some thoughts that he could move up quickly like Juan Soto last year.  The conventional wisdom, though, is that the Rays are very deliberate with their prospects.  I would expect him to end the year in AA.

Now that he's shaken off the rust, his ability has started to show.  He's hitting 264/349/396 with 3 steals, 3 doubles, and 2 triples.  More impressively he's got 8 walks against only 7 Ks in 14 games.  

I appreciate all the feedback.  Nice to see Lindor back in front of him and Santana behind him.  Good day today, long way to go.  Looks like a definite hold.  Even Porcello had a good day until the bullpen gave it up.  Thanks everybody.

As Eugene says, latest word is that he will debut April 23rd vs Giants with Gopherball King Jeff Samardzija on the mound ... is there an over/under for number of pitches until first HR?  You set the line, I'll take the "under" :-)

There's stats for this guy under "Jon Berti" ... lots of minor league SBs!

And he got a SB today ... for the Miami Marlins!

2-for-2 today so far ... he heard your doubts! :-)

He also has 20-20-20 Hits, Ks, and RBI. He's driven himself in 83.3% of the times he's scored. 

Was pitching another gem when he hurt his knee in a rundown.  With the losses of Estrada and Shoemaker this week, I'm down to one starter, and he's known as being fragile.  I don't think 9 relievers and Brett Anderson are going to get me to 1,100 IP.

And HR'ing!

Called up!  Hitting leadoff vs Giants today!

I agree to hold onto Jose. Cant get your investment back I wouldn't think. His analytics seem ok, but I watched him strike out twice in a recent game, with a swing and miss at balls slightly out of the zone because finally he got a fastball that wasn't riding high.

He doesn't have Brantley -- or anyone close -- hitting behind him this year, so why pitch to him. He also started slowly last year. I'm hoping that Lindor's return moves Ramirez back to the third spot in the order, ahead of Carlos Santana. At least that's my story, as Jose is the biggest stick on my club, too.

We may get an idea in today's second game with Atlanta. If Lindor plays, does he bat first or third? Either one would give Ramirez a stick sitting behind him.

I think you need to live or die with Ramirez, I know he struggled part of last season too, but I guess it depends on what you can get and the context. Baseball HQ said recently that his power and speed skills are intact.

I think keep Porcello, still early and back in January HQ said he is a solid 2nd tier starter. Plus he's a pitcher!

I would ride Boyd, maybe trying to think this too much. 

He was mildly hurt to start the season.  I'm sure it is still affecting him.  He's the kid of player you have to carry all season, hoping for a return to form. It's a long season.  I wouldn't sell him at a loss unless you are dumping and playing for a future year.

I've never liked Porcello.  I don't know what you paid for him, but you're not going get a big return for him no matter what.  

If someone wants to trade for Boyd as if he's a #1, go for it.  Otherwise, ride him until he bucks you.

I want to solicit input on this guy's slow start.  Also on a recent game broadcast, I heard their announcers talking about his need to make adjustments from his pull heavy approach.  He's the cornerstone of my team.  Trade now at a loss? Hold?

In a similar vein, I have the frightening start of Porcello.  Good year, Bad year Porcello.  Wait until he shows something good, then dump him?

Lastly, Matt Unbelievable Boyd.  Lights out.  Has not added velocity. Has no new pitch.  Trade him before he reverts?

Missing an update here with data from yesterday's game ... notable because ... yesterday Khris Davis went 0-for-4 ... lowering his batting average to ... .247 :-)

A home run by Suarez in the first inning the only blemish on his pitching line over eight. Desclafani also pitched well. The only other run over nine innings came on a Tatis homer in the third. Dietrich homered in the top of the 11th with a man on. Tatis walked in the bottom of the 11th and stole his way around to third, then scored on a ground out by Hosmer.

So two outs, down a run, the bases empty. Time for the mellow crowd of 33,000, what's left of it, to clear out of Petco, right?

Nope. Machado was the next batter. He singled to left on a 1-0 pitch. Will Myers was up.

He took a mighty cut at the first pitch, a 93 mile-an-hour slider from Lorenzen, and fouled it back.

He took the next three pitches -- all borderline 97 mph fastballs -- for balls.

With the count 3-1, he swung right through a 93 mph slider down the heart of the plate.

With the count full, he swung more cautiously at a 92 mph slider, but this one had perfect location, down and away, and he missed it.

Now the few remaining Padre fans could go home.

If I had more time, I'd watch the condensed game to see I have this right.

When I see what looks like a great game, I love to read the play-by-play at ESPN and imagine the action.