“Go-Go” Gomez gone
Minnesota Twins General Manager Bill Smith began what hopefully will be a series of move to strengthen the Twins last week by trading outfielder Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee for shortstop J.J. Hardy.
Gomez did provide fans with a bundle of great catches, often climbing the outfield fences to snatch away potential home run bass. And, at times, he showed blazing speed on the bases.
But, he had a terrible feel for the strike zone and his base-running mistakes often came in key situations. Gomez could develop into a star for the Brewers but he became expendable in a crowded Minnesota outfield.
It appears that the Twins have pretty much penciled Hardy in as their shortstop for 2010 and beyond. He’s had an up-and-down career so far with the Brewers. Smith made a good move here but he still needs to address his team’s need for one or two veteran starting pitchers.
So, what happens to shortstop Orlando Cabrera, who Smith picked up in early August? Cabrera was one of the players who led Minnesota’s charge to the Central Division title. Cabrera played well in the field and at the plate and he added some attitude to the dugout. Cabrera became a free agent this week but the Twins should re-sign him and give him a shot at second base. That would put Nick Punto in a utility role, a spot he’s best suited for.
This and that
-Don’t be surprised if the voting for American League Most Valuable Players is closer than we in Minnesota think it will be. Catcher Joe Mauer should receive the honor but he’ll be challenged by New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira.
-New York designated-hitter Hideki Matsui won the World Series MVP award. Matsui hit very well but my vote would’ve went to ace reliever Mariano Rivera, who closed out all four Yankee victories and didn’t all a run.
-Right now, a Yankees-Phillies re-match in 2010 is a good bet. How well Boston does bringing in players over the winter could put some pressure on the Yankees.
-Empty seats at TCF Bank Stadium for the Illinois game is a surprise. I thought it would take a couple of years for the “thrill of college football back on campus” to wane. University Athletic Director Joel Maturi is aware of the problem but his proposed solutions appear to be bribes.
This week’s winners and losers
Last week’s football predictions marks were 5-5 on college games and 9-4 for NFL games. I did nail both “upset specials” (Stanford over Oregon and Tampa Bay over Green Bay).
Here are this week’s picks:
College
Wisconsin 30, Michigan 20
Southern Cal 34, Stanford 20
Pittsburgh 24, Notre Dame 20
Ohio State 27, Iowa 23
Florida 30, South Carolina 20
Georgia 31, Auburn 22
Mississippi 23, Tennessee 22
Oklahoma State 30, Texas Tech 20
St. John’s 40, Carleton 10
Minnesota 31, South Dakota State 20
NFL
Pittsburgh 24, Cincinnati 20
Indianapolis 30, New England 27
New York Jets 27, Jacksonville 17
Tennessee 27, Buffalo 19
New Orleans 34, St. Louis 17
Atlanta 24, Carolina 17
Oakland 30, Kansas City 20
Miami 22, Tampa Bay 17
Arizona 34, Seattle 30
Philadelphia 24, San Diego 22
Denver 27, Washington 20
Baltimore 24, Cleveland 17
Vikings 34, Detroit 13
Upset special: Green Bay 27, Dallas 23
