Twins Notes: Kazmir tops Santana

The Twins have only scored 16 runs in the last 8 games (2 run per game average) yet have been able to win 4 of the last 8 games.  They have been outscored 28-16 in those 8 games and according to Bill James Pythagorean W/L the Twins should have gone 2-6 over that stretch.  The Twins can't expect to continue to beat the numbers.

The Twins need to start scoring runs.  Moving Justin Morneau from the 5th spot in the lineup (where he is now and where he was all of last year) to the 3rd spot will help give our best offensive player more chances to hit home runs, something he is excelling at.

Over the course of a season, each position down the lineup gets 30 less plate appearances than the previous position.  Thus, Morneau could expect 60 more plate appearances over thecourse of the year if Gardenhire would just move him up to the 3rd spot in the lineup.  It might give Morneau enough chances to hit 50 home runs this year.  Just don't hold your breath.

Santana had a rare Metrodome loss today but he wasn't sharp.  He might be having the best April of his career but that still means he looks like a mediocre player.  Santana historically is a slow starter and there's no reason to get worked up over his early struggles.

Devil Rays left handed starter Scott Kazmir looked really good in this start.  He should be a bright spot for the Devil Rays all season.  It also appears that the book on the Twins is to throw lefthanders at them. 

Luis Castillo has a .289 OBP as the Twins leadoff man so far this season and Nick Punto has a .237 OBP in the #2 spot.  It is thus not surprising that the Twins are failing to score runs, despite the best efforts of Mauer (.753 OPS), Cuddyer (.868 OPS) and Morneau (.979 OPS).

Twins lose, 2-4.