Howard Sinker (@afansview) say…
Posted by John on April 30, 2009 under John | 
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Howard Sinker (@afansview) says the Twins must move now to sign Joe Mauer to a long-term deal. http://bit.ly/32qEIK
The Movie Bracket is Here!!!
Posted by twinsmvb on April 29, 2009 under John | 5 Comments to Read
Sorry it took so long, but the wait is over. The MVB’s official Movie Bracket has arrived, and the madness has officially begun. Look for upcoming podcasts as the MVB and I attempt to unravel this impressive list.
Print your bracket and make your predictions!
Dont forget that we need your help in picking the winner. Feel free to send your first round picks to the mailbag, or any suggestions you may have as we pick apart the first round!
Twins Notes: Around the Bases
Posted by John on under John | Read the First Comment
Although it took one more inning of at bats than desired, the Twins captured the win last night in walk-off fashion. After Joe Nathan blew the save in the top of th 9th the Twins bats rallied by loading the bases with just one out. Tampa Bay Manager, Joe Maddon, then made a surprise move by bringing rightfielder Ben Zobrist in as a 5th infielder with Justin Morneau up to bat.
Maddon’s decision actually looked quite smart as Morneau smacked a screaming ground ball directly at second baseman Akinori Iwamura. Thankfully for the Twins, Morneau’s ground ball was hit so hardly Iwamura was unable to turn the double play and the Jose Morales crossed home plate for the game winning run.
Francisco Liriano looked like he made a step in the right direction going 6 and 2/3 innings allowing just 2 runs and striking out 3 batters. Although Liriano did give up 7 hits, he always got himself out of a jam making good pitches. Too bad the Twins weren’t able to get Liriano his first win of the season, but let’s hope Liriano can walk away from this game with a positive.
Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune takes a deeper look at the “new” Francisco Liriano.
The Trib’s Twins notes take a look at former Twin, Jason Barlett, as well as Joe Mauer and Jesse Crain recovering from injuries.
As always, Seth Stohs has you covered for the Twins Minor League Report.
See who Josh Johnson gave his game ball to last night.
Aaron Gleeman has a list of his own Twins notes from last night.
Finally, I was at last night’s game and had a few thoughts of my own. I like that this team has some fight in it. I wouldn’t say we’ve looked too great at all this entire season. It wasn’t until last weekend in Cleveland where we had a game that we didn’t trail in at one point. That being said, I think this team seems to be in survival mode waiting for their leader Joe Mauer to return and their ace starters Scott Baker and Francisco Liriano to sharpen up. The Twins stand at 10-11 and just 1.5 games back of first place. If the Twins win tonight they can finish .500 for the month of April and given the slow start of some players and the early injuries of the team, I’ll call that a successful opening month.
Also find this article at Baseball Digest.com…
643 MVB Radio: Selection Sunday
Posted by John on April 27, 2009 under John | 3 Comments to Read
Or listen here at Blip.tv!
Off the TePoel: Sunday, Sunday
Posted by Dain on April 26, 2009 under Dain | Be the First to Comment
Things haven’t exactly turned out as planned according to my crystal ball. You see, I had predicted that on April 25th, the Twins would pull out an exciting come from behind win on the strength of a Matt Tolbert triple, to pull within 4.5 games of first place Cleveland. Also, Mauer was to be hitting .214 (not 0 for 0) with Baker leading the rotation. And Cleveland was supposed to be off to the kind of start like Toronto or Florida had.
At least I got the two losses in Boston right…er, my crystal ball did, that is.
With roughly 10% of the season behind us what is clear as day at this point is the AL Central isn’t nearly as good as I thought it was going to be. Cleveland’s struggles and Detroit’s competitiveness surprise me, while the Twins, White Sox, and Royals are playing just about as expected. But while the Minnesota Twins and the AL Central aren’t off to a white hot start, it doesn’t mean this division won’t heat up in the coming months. Below are three areas the Twins will need to shore up in order to make a case in 2009: Starting pitching, middle and setup relief, and right handed hitting.
If the Twins hope to get hot it’s going to start as always with pitching. Back to back outstanding performances from Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey have helped ease many a panic attack. Till those outings, only Glen Perkins (who pitches today) has shown signs of brilliance this young season, while more likely candidates in Frankie “Franchise” Liriano and the apparently still injured Scott Baker have produced futile efforts. Perhaps R.A. Dickey deserved a few more turns in the rotation.
The bullpen certainly hasn’t kept many games within reach when the Twins have fallen behind, but this too, has shown signs of improvement. Mijares, since being called up after Crain’s injury, has somehow regained his September form, with 2 IP, 1 H, 2K and 0 ER, after a pitiful spring. With Dennys Reyes’ departure, Mijares needs to continue to perform well and solidify himself as the lefty set up man. When Crain returns he should be the right handed option to set the table for Nathan. Then, the Twins will have to begin weeding out some weak links in middle relief as Guerrier, Ayala, Humber, (now in the minors after being passed on by every other active MLB roster) Breslow, and Morillo have largely been ineffective. Dickey, who is supposed to be saved for long relief, is about the only one I’d trust with a close ball game in the 6th or 7th.
Three names that will scare Hawk Harrelson other White Sox chumps hitting in succession: Mauer, Morneau, and Kubel. Yikes. Right now, Morneau is playing like an MVP, but it’s Kubel who is the Twins Triple Crown leader, with a .350 average (min. 50 AB), 15 RBI, and 4 HR (tied w/ Morneau). But it’s the right handed hitting that will be the demise of the offense and team, if they are unable to score runs when it counts. Delmon Young, (.256, 8 RBI, 11 K) Michael Cuddyer, (.224, 6 RBI, 15 K) Joe Crede, (.200, 5 RBI, 13K) and Carlos Gomez (.205, 1 RBI, 11K/39 AB) range from below average to pitiful. Currently Morneau and Kubel lead the team in runs. Casilla, Gomez, and Span are supposed to be the guys running around the bases and scoring, but the men listed above have not been balancing out the talented lefty swingers. If they don’t start producing, the Twins won’t win more than 80-85 ball games.
The catchers have filled in well in Mauer’s absence, and Punto has played respectively as a starting shortstop. Harris has done extremely well when given the chance (.355, 2 doubles and HR in 31 AB) and his colleague Casilla is batting .186. Look for Harris in today’s lineup. Buscher has seen limited action off the bench and with a stacked lefty lineup, may not see much playing time.
The Twins will continue to shake things up if necessary. Different lineups everyday are just a part of the growing process for this team. The success from last year may have given the perception of a solidified unit, but if you recall, 2009 is just phase two of the metamorphasis into the team that hopes to truly contend in 2010 at Target Field. Until then, more retooling and shaking of the dice is in order.
Let’s just hope they keep pace while Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Kansas City clean up their backyards as well.
Twins collect a solid game 1 w…
Posted by John on April 24, 2009 under John | Be the First to Comment
Twins collect a solid game 1 win against Cleveland 5-1. Great performance from Nick Blackburn.
643 MVB Radio: Ugly Sox Series and Movie Madness
Posted by John on April 23, 2009 under John | Read the First Comment
Check out the latest podcast episode of 643 MVB Radio! Simply click to play below or to use the controls follow the link here.
Who’s on the Bubble?
Posted by twinsmvb on under John | Read the First Comment
As promised, here are the movies that I think are on the bubble of dancing. Also, thanks to everyone who weighed in on this! To be honest, I haven’t even seen some of the movies that you all mentioned so it looks like I have some homework.
Please, continue to comment/send emails telling me why I am either a baseball movie master, or that I have no taste (either is fine)!
On the Bubble:
Little Big League (1994)- Besides the Twins and a fun story, this doesn’t have a whole lot.
Fever Pitch (2005)- Looks at the game from more of a fans perspective. The love story could be this movie’s demise, but I think there’s still a chance you could see Fever Pitch dancing.
The Rookie (2002)- Not that this one is bad, the others just may be better. On the other hand, everyone likes a good feel good film.
The Babe (1992) - This I still have no idea on this one. Your guess is as good as mine.
Hardball (2001)- I love the story in this movie. Unfortunately, Keanu Reeves is in it.
The Final Season (2007)- Rudy, Rudy, Rudy….oopps! Wrong movie.
Summer Catch (2001) - Jessica Biel.
Last Movie In:
Hardball (2001)
First Movie Out:
Fever Pitch (2005)
I still have to watch ”Bang the Drum Slowly,” “Fear Strikes Out,” and “Black Irish,” but from what I have seen thus far these movie could mean trouble for some hopefuls come selection Selection Sunday! Thanks again for the suggestions!
MVB’s Opinion
My Bubble looks a little different and that’s why this is Movie Madness! In my opinion Fever Pitch and Little Big League should already be in the bracket. Also, some films are not mentioned on the bubble because I’m assuming they (Mr. 3000) should already be packing for the NIT!
On the Bubble
Final Season – Film has ties to my alma mater, but doesn’t deserve to get in. Never even made the silver screen.
Major League 3- Only in conversation because has to deal with Twins, plus it has Dennis Quaid and that annoying prospect Anderson.
Hardball – If I have my way, no film with Keanu Reeves is getting into this bracket.
The Rookie- See above but replace with Dennis Quaid and see two above referring to Quaid.
Summer Catch -Indifferent, not a lot to say about Freddie Prinze or the Cod League. Andrew will have to convince me on Jessica Biel.
Last Movie In
Summer Catch
First Movie Out
The Rookie
Based on suggestions it seems Andrew and I have a movie or two to watch quickly before the final bracket goes up. Also, email twinsmvb@gmail.com or leave a comment if you have any final persuading thoughts or convictions. We’re all hears! Make your voice heard!
Movie Overviews
Posted by twinsmvb on April 22, 2009 under John | 2 Comments to Read
Here are some brief overviews (or what I think you need to know) about our pool of tournament hopefuls:
1. The Sandlot (1993) - This movie is my childhood. A bunch of kids who love to play baseball and cause trouble (the harmless kind, of course). Oh yea, and are terrified of dogs!
2. Major League (1989) - One of only 3 great things to happen in the 80’s (my birth and the Twins ‘87 World Series are the others). This one’s about a terrible Cleveland Indians team that somehow starts winning despite their owner’s attempts to purposely put together a terrible team. This movie is hilarious, instant classic.
3. Major League 2 (1994)- Willie Mays Hayes is THE reason I loved Kenny Lofton growing up. I just can’t forget the scene where Rick Vaughn comes out of the bullpen and the whole crowd it singing “Wild Thing”…..gets me pumped up every time.
4. Major League 3 (1998)- Made the list primarily because the movie is about the “South Carolina Buzz,” the Twins AAA team.
5. Angels in the Outfield (1994)- I think every kid in the school had an Angels hat after watching this one. Surprisingly funny, and a little bit of a heartwarmer. About a boy who prays for the Angels and actually has his prayer answered. Matthew McConaughey makes an appearance and Neal McDonough puts on a silently hilarious performance.
6. Summer Catch (2001) - This movie is only in the conversation because of Jessica Biel, and if you have seen the movie…understandably. Freddie Prinze Jr. on the other hand might be the worst baseball player I have ever seen. I was embarrassed for him.
7. Fever Pitch (2005)- This one was made at the height of the Red Sox Nation hype. Decent story as I am sure many guys can relate.
8. The Rookie (2002)- Dennis Quaid stars in this as an old high school baseball coach who makes it to the Bigs against all the odds. This one is definitely a “feel good” film. I wonder if throwing a ball at a highway patrol’s portable radar on the side of the road actually works?
9. A League of Their Own (1992) - “There’s no crying in baseball!” Besides that, Tom Hanks leads a pretty good cast. About a professional female baseball league that was formed at the start of WWII. Pretty good movie.
10. Field of Dreams (1989) - My entire childhood was spent wishing that I lived on a farm so my dad could build a baseball diamond in my backyard. Forget Shoeless Joe. I would have been happy with the field.
11. Rookie of the Year (1993) - I think this movie is literally every 12 year old’s dream (minus playing for the Cubs). Break your arm and wind up throwing so hard you wind up as a major league player overnight. Besides that Henry Rowengartner might be the best name ever.
12. Little Big League (1994)- Doesn’t get any points for realism, but still good. About a 12 year old kid who inherits ownership of a MLB team. Also on the list mainly because the movie features the Twins.
13. The Final Season (2007)- I think I put this one in here because John and I went to Luther College (where the main character attended school) so I felt obligated. Who knows though, Rudy (Sean Astin) is in it. I think that gives this one a chance at makin the dance!
14. Bull Durham (1988) - How can you not like this one? Crash Davis is in the running for second best name ever (in a tight race with Willie Mays Hayes).
15. For the Love of the Game (1999) - Another Kevin Costner baseball film. Can’t say this was the greatest movie I have ever seen, but it was respectable.
16. Mr. 3000 (2004) -About an old, washed up start trying to get to the elusive 3000 hit mark. This movie is pretty funny. R.I.P. Bernie Mac
17. Hardball (2001)- Keanu Reeves character, Conor O’Neill agrees to coach a little league team from Chicago. Going to have a tough time convincing me its the best ever, but a really good story.
18. Bad News Bears (1976) - Had a tough time deciding to go with the new, or original version. But, I decided on Walter Matthau. Pretty entertaining movie.
19. The Natural (1984) - An oldie, but a goodie….could be a contender!
20. 61(2001) - The story of Mantle and Maris home run race. Entertaining even if it is about two Yankees stars.
21. The Babe (1992) - Gotta love John Goodman in this one. This movie gives us a good look into the life and legend of The Great Bambino.
22. 8 Men Out (1988) - The story of one of the darkest events in baseball history, the 1919 Chicago Black Sox Scandal
Best Baseball Movie of All Time Tournament Hopefuls
Posted by twinsmvb on April 21, 2009 under John | 6 Comments to Read
For those of you that missed yesterday’s podcast, the Twins MVB and I have decided that the only way to come to a conclusion regarding the best baseball movie of all time is to have tournament. After thinking about this for about a week, I have decided this is best done with a collective effort. My curiosity was triggered initially by watching the movie “Summer Catch.” I found myself actually liking it (see below for more info). But after the movie ended I couldn’t figure out if I liked the movie because Jessica Biel is in it, or if it was a legit baseball movie. This of course was followed by my comparing it to other baseball films. You can see where the idea came from…..so, I put together a list. Here is what I came up with.
1. The Sandlot
2. Major League
3. Major League 2
4. Major League 3
5. Angels in the Outfield
6. Summer Catch
7. Fever Pitch
8. The Rookie
9. A League of Their Own
10. Field of Dreams
11. Rookie of the Year
12. Little Big League
13. The Final Season
14. Bull Durham
15. For the Love of the Game
16. Mr. 3000
17. Hardball
18. Bad News Bears
19. The Natural
20. 61
21. The Babe
22. 8 Men Out
Now I know I have to be missing some, so please post a comment or send an email and let me know what I am lacking. Also, stay tuned the rest of the week. Tomorrow, I will provide an overview of each. Thursday, I will talk bubble teams and give my picks for last movie in/first movie out. Saturday, I will give my sleeper picks and potential Cinderella’s. Sunday will be the selection show.
Selection will be done by a committee of myself, the Twins MVB, and other baseball movie experts. We will pick a field of 17. There will be a play-in game, which will be decided by YOU, loyal TwinsMVB.com readers! We will have the bracket posted (w/seedings) Sunday night.
Remember, we need your help!
