How Scotty Got His Groove Back

Minnesota Twins pitcher Scott Baker started the season in a funk. His record and ERA were disappointing coming into June (just 2-6, with an ERA of 6.32). All of the sudden, he's made some "mechanical adjustments" and is now hurling into badassery again.

Mind you, this is the same Scott Baker who had a perfect game going into the ninth on August 31, 2007 (and then after he gave up a walk, the no hitter was busted up by that bastard Twins killer Mike Sweeney). He also has some complete games under his belt, which these days, I must say, is pretty impressive since pitchers can't seem to get past the 5th inning anymore.

Too Cool for School

How awesome is Scott Baker? Awesome enough to strikeout four batters in a single inning.

Okay, I don't know how cool that is, but it's kinda rare. The 26-year-old righty fanned four Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning of Sunday’s 4-2 loss, becoming the first Minnesota Twins pitcher in history to do so.

Baker, who struck out a total of nine in the game, kicked off the third by getting Ryan Braun swinging before Prince Fielder whiffed, but the ball got away from catcher Mike Redmond to award Fielder first base. He then struck out Russell Branyan and Mike Cameron -- both looking -- on three pitches apiece to end the inning.

The last pitcher to get four Ks in an inning was Los Angeles Dodgers righty Brad Penny in 2006 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Over-achievers.

[Twinkie Town]

Boof Bonser Gets the Boot

With Minnesota Twins right-hander Scott Baker coming off the disabled list from a strained right groin, the decision has been made to move the struggling Boof Bonser to the bullpen.

Baker is 2-0 with a 4.09 ERA over six starts while Boof is just 2-6 with a 5.97 ERA and 20 walks in 12 starts. Baker is scheduled to pitch this Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles, who were 0-7 against the Twins last season and haven't won a series against them since 2002.

Sadly, utility infielder Matt Macri will likely be sent back down to the AAA Rochester Red Wings, as manager Ron Gardenhire expects to keep 13 pitchers on his staff to aid the over-worked relief corps. However, if Nick Punto can't work through his strained left hamstring, the Twins are left with just 3 position players riding the bench.

Check up on the Twins at 10,000 Takes: Derek Jeter, Meet Cuddy's Laser Rocket Arm.

[MLB]

Brian Bass Needs a Nickname

Minnesota Twins righty Brian Bass became a man Saturday night, earning his first big league victory after replacing the injured Scott Baker.

Bass allowed three hits over four scoreless innings, taking over once Baker was removed after three innings with his recurring right groin injury.

Now, the guy needs a nickname. The first game of the season that I attended, the dude next to me kept calling him B.B., Billy Bass and Buddy Bear. Since those nicknames pretty much suck ass, we're challenging our BLB readers to find a decent one.

Have at it.

Psst.. the 15-14 Twins are now seated atop the AL Central after their fourth consecutive victory and second straight over their division rival Detroit Tigers.



[MLB]

Practice Makes Perfect

Francisco Liriano, after polishing off a strong Spring performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates with seven strikeouts, was sent down to the minors, where he will begin his 2008 season.

Manager Ron Gardenhire wants the young lefty to have at least two starts before joining the Minnesota Twins rotation -- one with the Class A Fort Myers Miracle and another with the AAA Rochester Red Wings -- to work on his conditioning and fastball.

"I’ll do whatever they want me to do," Liriano said. "My arm feels great."

So what does all this mean? It means that Nick Blackburn has found himself a temporary spot in the Twins starting rotation to kick off the season. This begs the obvious question among the ladies in Twins Territory of whether he is single or not. He is, after all, a big leaguer now. Way to go, buddy!

In other Minnesota pitching news, righty Scott Baker will have one more minor league start on Sunday before a decision is made on whether he'll be healthy enough for the fifth spot in the order.

[Pioneer Press]

Friday's Babelicious Scoreboard

Just 3 hours after a tough 9-4 loss to the Kansas City Royals, the Minnesota Twins put youngster Scott Baker on the hill for the nightcap of a double-header at the Dome.

Taking a perfect game into the ninth inning, Baker fanned nine and threw 111 pitches in the 5-0 Twins victory, which lasted just over two hours.

The 25-year-old righty walked catcher John Buck on five pitches to lead off the ninth, erasing his chance to pitch just the 18th perfect game in big league history. Of course, he got the very next batter, Esteban German, to ground into a force out.

Mike Sweeney, who was activated from the DL prior to the game, came in as a pinch-hitter and belted one into short left-center to break up Baker's no-hit bid.

The feat marks Baker's first complete game shut-out, which had fans on their feet from roughly the seventh inning on.