PurpleMustReign wrote:I've been saying for a long time how my biggest Gardy complaint is how he handles the pitching staff, especially the starters. Well, this season, perhaps because of the crappy bullpen, he has let his starters do their jobs, and all of a sudden the starters are pitching like All-Stars, and the bull pen (with the exception of Alex Burnett) have been doing much better. Scott Baker is on fire.
And Alexi Cassia and Ben Revere are doing a great job at the top of the order. I think Mauer should be dropped some in the order for now and put Cuddyer or even Young in the third spot. Mauer hasn't really hit too well since he came back.
But, my original point, maybe... just maybe... Gardenhire has learned, or is learning something, that the 100 pitch count may not be a brick wall like he thought it was for so long.
Youre right, he is much better. But I think its out of necessity. The bull pen is absolutely terrible, so he has no choice. Nonetheless, its working. Yesterday I was sure he would yank Baker after 7, but he let him throw in the 8th, and it worked out perfect, didnt need the pen, just Capps. Capps, too, has been good. Last 3 save attemps were all wins, and a combined 33 pitches in all 3 games, thats efficient!
Can you imagine if the Twins had not dug themselves such an enormous hole???
