Back in the saddle

Sometimes life gets busy! Things have been a little nuts, and I expect them to continue to be for another month. I am walking in the Breast Cancer 3 Day in three weeks, and my training takes 2-6 hours per day just walking, and now I need to do some heavy fundraising, too. I have been watching every game on DVR but that is the extent of most days. I haven't had time for all the reading and chatting that I had grown to love. I miss it! So I am going to do my best to squeeze in a little more time for at least keeping up with my favorite pages.

I went to the game Sunday and I have to admit that it was the first game I was actually out walking the concourse DURING the game! Okay, it was only for maybe 15 minutes, but I have never done that. I chose to go because I wanted to see the Angels, and I knew it was going to be rough. I was hoping it would be closer, though. But I still had a blast. The game started with 41K and I would guess after the stretch there were less than 20K.

But here is a question I would really be curious to ask the players - When the crowd gives up on them and gets quiet or leaves the stadium, how much are they affected by it? There was a real change in atmosphere once it became obvious that the results for that game would be the same as the previous two. Heavy, quiet, bored... you know what I mean. I know they can feel it, but to what extent? Is it enough of an impact where if the crowd stayed in the game and was cheering and loud that they could turn it around and win a game?

I for one did my part and cheered the entire game, sometimes (okay - often) being the only one clapping in my area.

Let's hope for a much better result against the Indians and get some energy back into the fans!

Go Twins!!!

Swarzak rocks!

Did you watch last night? It is always fun to beat the Brewers, but watching the new guy made it even more fun.

Anthony Swarzak pitched his major league debut as a starter. He threw 98 pitches in seven innings with 3 strike outs, 2 walks, and 5 hits. He handled himself with so much poise that it was hard to remember at times that he was a rookie in a stadium that was jam packed with 40,500 fans. And anyone who has been to a past Brewers vs Twins game knows the raucous atmosphere. I would like to point out that he threw almost 100 pitches and went seven innings, something that our starters have struggled with all season. If you saw the expression of the always stalwart Anderson (he was practically beaming), you could tell that the staff was pretty happy with him, too. His excellent performance earned him three pies in the face, courtesy of teammates Cuddy, Gomez and Ayala. I know that one game does not predict success. But he should be very proud of his debut!

Rochester AAA stats for 2009 - 44 innings, 32 strike outs with a WHIP of 1.16. He had a 3-4 record with a 2.25 ERA.

He now has a major league 1-0 record with an ERA of 0.00.

Good job Swarzak! You made it a fun game to watch.

We love you Ardell

My Father-in-law passed away yesterday. This is going to be a very rough few weeks for my family as we try to get my mother-in-law settled and deal with our pain. I may not be around for a while, but check back in a few weeks. I have started researching a couple of interesting questions and can't wait to share what I learn.

As I won't have much time probably for reading my blogs and newspapers, if you come across anything interesting or fun, please email it to me.

Please keep my family in your prayers.

Back soon.

Transaction Tally

4/14/09 - Brian Duensing optioned to AAA Rochester
4/15/09 - Scott Baker activated
4/17/09 - Philip Humber designated for assignment, Juan Morillo claimed from the Rockies
4/20/09 - Jesse Crain placed on the disabled list due to shoulder inflamation, Jose Mijares brought up

More Kubel

And Kubel had another great night last night getting another four hits, yeah! That's my boy!

(Funny side note - the pregame is on and my daughter saw a picture of Kubel and said, "there's your baby, Mom." Baby?? lol! Funny word choice.)

Go Twins!

Kubel hits the cycle!

Ok - you knew I would have to brag this up, right???

Way to go my boy Kubel!! Not only hitting the cycle, but leaving the grandslam for the exciting game winner.

I am having a blast texting all my friends who don't get the Kubel-love.

So what ya saying now all you nay-sayers???

Go Twins!!!

Enjoying the second game from the nose bleed section.

Tax season is finally over and I am looking forward to more Twins time. I have been watching and listening when I can.

Some good things, some great things, and some really not so great things so far.

So far I am having the most fun watching Punto and (yes, you guessed it) Kubel. They are having some pretty good games. And I know there are a lot of people who have a hard time supporting Crede, but I still love to watch him. I liked him when he was the enemy, and now I get to cheer for him, fun!

I know we are up and down. Dave saw the score for last nights game, and said right away, "we must suck this year." Little does he know... we're just getting going.