Momentum killer
Wow.... just.... wow.
For the last week, Twins fans everywhere were ripe with anticipation in seeing Francisco Liriano come back and pitch for this amazing team. Wednesday, the hype became reality as he finally took the mound.
But then the third inning came and like that, the hype, the anticipation, the dreams... shattered.
Francisco Liriano threw a pitch that popped something in his elbow and ended his 2006 season for good. And Twins fans everywhere are all thinking, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
But I am here to bring hope. The Twins won their previous 5 games WITHOUT Liriano. They also got to where they are now (1 1/2 games behind Detroit, 1 1/2 games in front of Chicago) without his help for the last month. Yes, Liriano helped immensely durring June and July, and I want to take nothing from that, but I mean to say that this team is not built around him alone.
The Twins have the best pitcher in the majors in Johan Santana. They have the best average in Joe Mauer. They have a genuine slugger in Justin Morneau. They have the best bullpen in the league, including a very reliable closer. They have Cuddyer who's having a career year. And they have the pirahnas who never quit. As wonderful as it would have been to have Liriano back, I'm okay with him sitting out to get healthy. This team has done amazing things when they've hit the rough patches.
When their veteran offseason pick-ups didn't work, the Twins went with the young talent, and it worked. When Liriano went down, Radke picked it up. When Radke went down, Bonser picked it up. When they won 19 of 20 and only gained a game and a half, that didn't stop them. They have overcome Chicago, they have beaten Detroit, and now Oakland, without needing Liriano.
There is something magical about this season. I feel it. Every one of the players have had something amazing happen. From Bartlett finally getting his chance, to Radke's playing through pain, Punto's amazing year at 3B, Cuddyer's outstanding year in RF, Mauer's run at the batting title, Morneau hitting 30 HR, Tyner playing near everyday, and last but not least, Santana pitching a normal season for him... which beats anyone else's best season.
This ain't over. Far from it.
For the last week, Twins fans everywhere were ripe with anticipation in seeing Francisco Liriano come back and pitch for this amazing team. Wednesday, the hype became reality as he finally took the mound.
But then the third inning came and like that, the hype, the anticipation, the dreams... shattered.
Francisco Liriano threw a pitch that popped something in his elbow and ended his 2006 season for good. And Twins fans everywhere are all thinking, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
But I am here to bring hope. The Twins won their previous 5 games WITHOUT Liriano. They also got to where they are now (1 1/2 games behind Detroit, 1 1/2 games in front of Chicago) without his help for the last month. Yes, Liriano helped immensely durring June and July, and I want to take nothing from that, but I mean to say that this team is not built around him alone.
The Twins have the best pitcher in the majors in Johan Santana. They have the best average in Joe Mauer. They have a genuine slugger in Justin Morneau. They have the best bullpen in the league, including a very reliable closer. They have Cuddyer who's having a career year. And they have the pirahnas who never quit. As wonderful as it would have been to have Liriano back, I'm okay with him sitting out to get healthy. This team has done amazing things when they've hit the rough patches.
When their veteran offseason pick-ups didn't work, the Twins went with the young talent, and it worked. When Liriano went down, Radke picked it up. When Radke went down, Bonser picked it up. When they won 19 of 20 and only gained a game and a half, that didn't stop them. They have overcome Chicago, they have beaten Detroit, and now Oakland, without needing Liriano.
There is something magical about this season. I feel it. Every one of the players have had something amazing happen. From Bartlett finally getting his chance, to Radke's playing through pain, Punto's amazing year at 3B, Cuddyer's outstanding year in RF, Mauer's run at the batting title, Morneau hitting 30 HR, Tyner playing near everyday, and last but not least, Santana pitching a normal season for him... which beats anyone else's best season.
This ain't over. Far from it.
posted by Joe at 9/14/2006 06:37:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home