Twins get positive news on Baker and Gomez
Posted on March 26th, 2008 – 3:04 PMBy Joe Christensen
FORT MYERS — Scott Baker took the step he needed to stay off the disabled list today, and Carlos Gomez will play Thursday against the Reds, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said following his team’s 4-2 victory over Tampa Bay.
Baker threw 49 pitches in a three-inning start for Class AAA Rochester. Gardenhire said Baker could add 15 to that pitch count on Sunday, in another minor-league start, and still start the fifth game of the season against Kansas City.
“The ball was coming out of his hand good, and he felt good, that’s the most important thing,” Gardenhire said.
Gomez had cramping in his left hamstring, nothing more, and practically begged Gardenhire to make Thursday’s trip to Sarasota, Fla. Gardenhire agreed but told Gomez he’d be furious is something more serious happens to his leg.
37 Responses to "Twins get positive news on Baker and Gomez"
Quit playing games with my heart
How can you not love Gomez? This guy loves to play and is always pushing for more time in Spring Training. You can’t tell me this guy doesn’t want to be great. With his talent and drive, it is only a matter of time imo. It is hard to find that combination.
You’ll hate Gomez if he blows out a hammy tomorrow! Why not take a day off?
Uhh, probably because it is a cramp and not a pulled muscle. LOL
I’m more concerned about Baker’s arm than Liriano’s.
Liriano threw winter ball and hasn’t had setbacks vis a vis his arm health. He’s re-learning how to use the arm, but it looks good and healed, right?
But Baker has so few innings thrown this ST. He’ll be more on a leash than Lirianofor the first few starts, I’d think.
It’s gonna be tax season for the bullpen too.
I don’t care if he plays tomorrow, I’m just happy to see the good news on Baker and Gomez.
Thanks for the updates Joe…
These guys need at bats, especially Gomez and Harris, who spent all spring playing every other day and couldn’t get into any kind of rhythm as a result. I don’t blame him for wanting to play. I’ve had cramps before, and everyone has cleared up within a half hour. As long as he gets hydrated, there should be no lasting effects from a cramp.
I was so worried that Baker was heading to the DL and our rotation was going to take another possible hit (if Liriano had not been ready too).
I think the Twins would be wise to skip Baker in his first start and give the ball to Bass or Blackburn. Baker has pitched less than 10 innings this spring.
TwinsTerritory,
I am with you 100%. The rotation is looking shaky to start the season. I had high hopes we could get off to a solid start the first month and make this a season. Let’s hope these arms can pull through.
There’s definitely a part of me that would like to see Baker just stay in extended spring training for another week or two. Throw him on the 15 day DL and let Blackburn start 2 or 3. That’ll give him a taste and let us see what the guy can really do in the big show. I just don’t want the Twins hurting the bullpen by putting a guy out there with a 80 pitch count his first two or three games.
if gogo would just stay away from punto he wouldnt have to worry about hurting his backside. everyone knows punto likes backside!
Good news on both guys and I’m selfishly glad to hear Gomez is wanting to play tomorrow in Sarasota. And I agree… it’s pretty easy to know when you’ve got a cramp vs a pulled muscle. Make sure he’s drinking plenty of water but let the kid get his cuts in. He needs every AB he can get before they start to count for real.
aardvark!
Thoughts?
So tomorrow seems like a good day to let Gomez DH for the day if he wants to play and have Young play a game in CF
aardvark!
Thoughts?
I’m concerned about its mechanics. Twins can’t afford to let it burn itself this early in its career.
Just trying to test a theory that any random word in the dictionary can incite a Punto rant.
Who wants to hear about aardvarks or Punto?
Neither can hit.
Point proven.
Thanks for the update!
i like men! i love the way they smell, i love the way they walk, and ohhh my goodness i love their tight gluteous maximus’! oh i am such a bad boy! spank me gardy. pleeeeeeeeeeease?
have baker hop on the end of the rotation just after liriano and they will both be good to go.
[…] today and threw 49 pitches in 3 innings. Word was that he was not real sharp and labored a bit but Joe Christensen had an update relaying the news that he made a big enough step to stay off the DL and hopefully get in a minor […]
I wonder if Santana is pitching the Mets game at noon tomorrow on ESPN.
Hopefully the Twins brass will put Baker on the 15 day DL. Since he has not pitched in a major league ST game in weeks, it is retroactive to then. He can stay in Florida and get some work in and rebuild strength for a couple of weeks.
Albeit that Blackburn had a good spring, Humber had a great one. With the starts whoever (Blackburn or Humber) would receive being both against a young, free swinging KC squad, I would like to see the more power type pitcher of Humber in there.
Santana who?
Ummm…Liriano didn’t play winter ball. In fact, his last start is the only one where he looked anywhere near back to form.
What do you mean Santana who? I love his music.
Thanks for the update Joe!
does anyone know who is starting tomorrow?
You’re right, Tweety. But he threw some in the Dominican League. My only particular point being it was another test of whether or not his arm physically works.
He’s not back to form, but his arm has passed every step along the way.
Baker could be back to form pretty much by next week. Doubtful, but who knows. But his arm must behind the physical readiness schedule.
Yes, cmathewson!!! Yes, rotoguy!!!
Ding-dong the bitch is gone
(Which ol’ bitch?)
The RICH ol’ bitch!
Ding-dong the rich ol’ bitch is gone!
Onward, Twins!! We’ll take the rich ol’ bitch downtown come October.
I read on one of the news sites that, after the incident in the game, Gomez mentioned getting a lot of cramps at night after practice. I realize it’s not my place to say this, but if it helps and possibly keeps Go-go off the DL, what the hey. I used to have the same problem - except the cramps were in arches of my feet and also my calves and abs. I used to get them just about every night while I was sleeping. It got pretty bad after a while. My doctor said the most common cause of the kind of regular cramping I was getting was a calcium deficiency. He suggested trying a calcium supplement. I did and it got better right away with no cramping at all in about a week. My doctor also suggested cutting way down on my Pepsi intake - which I also did and I haven’t any problems since even though I stopped taking the suplement. Just a thought.
Too many people on here are worrying about taxing the bullpen, they kept 12 pitchers for a reason, with two (Bass and Guerrier)capable of pitching several innings in long relief, they’ll be fine.
does anyone know who is starting tomorrow?
Since there’s 4 days between today and the end of the season, my guess would be whoever the “#2″ starter is at the moment.
So Boof?
i like men.
Sy impersonator,
Of course I like men.
I am a girl.
Idiot!
