Wow.  That is the only word I can think of to describe the latest loss of my Minnesota Twins.  Twins pitcher Nick Blackburn pitched another great game for the Twins only to see his outing stolen and ripped to pieces by a ratty bullpen. 

The bullpen, given a 3 run lead, was unable to get THREE outs in one inning, the eighth, without giving up 4 runs.  I think if the Twins had brought in Bert Blyleven in from the booth to pitch the 8th inning the Twins would have still won the game.  All the bullpen needed was THREE outs to get to Joe Nathan and the promised land, but no that would be doing your job and helping your team take the season series against the Boston Red Sox was not enough motivation for them to get three outs in one inning without giving up 3 runs. 

Instead the bullpen decided to give another game away to the Red Sox.  It seems that if the Twins starting rotation wants to get a win nowadays, it better pitch 9 innings or else the big bad blowpen will be sent out in full force.  Twins general manager Bill Smith said the Twins didn't have any major holes to fill by the trade deadline.  I beg to differ.

It happened to Scott Baker again. Almost a month since Scott Baker lost a game 1-0 against CC Sabathia, the Minnesota Twins' offense fell asleep at the wheel again. In the first inning, the Twins were able to load the bases with two outs against Dice K.

Up comes Delmon Young for the Twins. Dice K throws a first pitch high and tight fastball which Young promptly grounds out on. Inning over. Dice K had the Twins eating out of his hand after he got out of his bases loaded jam.

In the eight inning, the Red Sox pitcher was replaced by Hideki Okajima after he allowed two base runners with one out. Hideki Okajima then walked Justin Morneau to load the bases with still only one out. Minnesota's manager decided to PH Craig Monroe, who had a good previous series against the Cleveland Indians. Craig Monroe flied out in foul territory to set up the Delmon Young at bat.

Young, not known for his plate discipline, grounded it out weakly on the first pitch again to the Red Sox and bailing the Red Sox out of another bases loaded jam. The Sox, who were held down by a superb performance by Scott Baker, pounced on incoming Twins relief pitcher Brian Bass to record the only run of the contest.

A look back at Minnesota Twins statistics from the last couple of years with 28 games played.

Record
2006 - 11-17
2007 - 15-13
2008 - 14-14

Batting Average
2006 - .248
2007 - .281
2008 - .266

Runs Scored
2006 - 110
2007 - 131
2008 - 113

Runs Against
2006 - 159
2007 - 115
2008 - 123

Home Runs
2006 - 22
2007 - 16
2008 - 15

Team ERA
2006 - 5.75
2007 - 3.38
2008 - 4.20

Record vs Central
2006 - 3-11
2007 - 5-7
2008 - 10-6

The 2008 Twins are better in every category except HRs than the 2006 Twins who sucked in the first half won the division.

Carlos Gomez can run with the best of them. After 5 games with the Twins, Go-Gomez has stolen 4 bases, scored 4 runs, and has 9 hits in 20 at bats. In Friday's game against the Royals, the Twins and starter Scott Baker were set back 2 runs in the top of the first inning. Gomez, the Twins lead-off hitter, got on base with a bunt hit, stole second, and scored on a Joe Mauer single to cut the lead in half in the bottom half of the first. After the game, Manager Ron Gardenhire said Gomez provided a much needed spark in the Twins clubhouse. As a Twins fan, I always pay attention when Carlos is at-bat or at first base just to see if he will do anything spectacular. I don't think he could have a better five games in his Twins debut.

Francisco Liriano looked good yesterday when he pitched four no-hit innings against the O's while giving up two walks. Pitching four no-hit innings could be a sign that the promising pitcher is heading in the right direction. But then again he did it against the O's, a team that lost some key components of last years team which gave up a no-hitter and 30 runs in a game. Liriano has one more start this spring, and depending on how he does, he could start the season in the Twins rotation.

I think that unless he is unbelievable in his next spring start, he should start the year in AAA. The Twins have no reason to rush him into the rotation as they have plenty of young arms willing to take his place at the moment. Liriano missed nine days of spring training due to his visa situation so I'm not sure if he is ready to begin the year up in the bigs. Again, if he shows he is ready in his next start he should be in the rotation to start the year. If he does start the season with the Twins, he will get more time with Rick Anderson, which is always a plus.