Shame, Shame, Shame

I recognize that it’s likely ridiculous to hope for anything resembling consistency from the Twins at this point, but that doesn’t, of course, stop me from hoping all the same.

And that –the continued, irrational investment of hope– is what makes a game like yesterday’s so damn frustrating. The two steps forward, five steps back routine has grown maddening in the extreme. So I must say that I, for one, was more than happy to hear about Carlos Silva popping off (and only in a place accustomed to relatively benign and even tranquil clubhouse chemistry could such a mild outburst of frustration be regarded as newsworthy, let alone as rocking the boat).

I’m sort of wishing at this point that there’d be a real air-clearing donnybrook to lively up this team (and give us all something truly interesting to write about for a change).

I will admit, though, that Brad Radke –being Brad Radke– openly pondering thoughts of suicide was pretty damn interesting as far as recent news about this team goes. It was also pretty seriously disturbing, even if you do happen to be familiar with Radke’s private headbanger reputation and taste for Metallica.

Which Twins would you most like to see square off and kick the snot out of each other right now? From among the characters in that clubhouse what would be your dream card, and how would you handicap it?

I’ll have to think some about that question myself. A couple years ago I would have automatically said Rick Reed and whomever was most likely to severely imperil his career, but right now it’s a tough question. I’m not really thinking about a pure mismatch at the moment; I’d much rather see a tough, closely-fought contest in which both combatants walk away with minor contusions and a grudging respect for each other.

Also, can you point to one sustained stretch all season where the Twins played consistently satisfying baseball? I know there were a couple of modest winning streaks, but if I recall correctly even those were marred by inefficient offense and the occasional uninspired effort.

Finally, consider this question, if you would: Is there one player, coach, or member of the organization that you could point to as most directly accountable for the frustrations of this team? Or maybe this one: Is there one game or series you could single out as the moment when you sensed the train starting to come off the tracks?

Certainly in recent years we have had more pleasant, more beneficent moments (i.e. Torii Hunter’s collision at home plate against Chicago a couple seasons ago, or Corey Koskie’s back-breaking homer versus Cleveland that salvaged the series, and the season, last year), but I’d be hard pressed to pin the malaise of 2005 on any one person or moment.

I’ll think about it, though, and I’ll make an effort to look. Because I’m sure somewhere back in the summer sprawled now behind us there is a place on the road where the Twins took a disastrous wrong turn.