Twins Lose in KC

The Twins lost the 3rd game of the series to someone called Jorge De La Rosa. Here is a pitcher who walks nearly 6 batters per 9 innings in his career. Here is a pitcher who averages over 4 pitches per PA over his career. Here is a pitcher who has a career 5.43 ERA. Here is a pitcher who has a K:BB ratio of 1.2:1.

Here is a team of Twins hitters who continually swung at the first pitch, who did not work the count, who had only 3.1 pitcher per plate appearance and frankly embarassed themselves scoring just 1 run off of Jorge De La Rosa. It was hard to watch.

So far Morneau is having a decent season but I am worried about one aspect of his game. He seems to be swinging often when there are runners in scoring position. Instead of working the count and getting a good pitch to hit or even walking, he seems to swing at balls way out of the strikezone. I don't know if he is pressing or just feels like he has to be the guy to drive in the runs.

That first at bat in the first inning, with the bases loaded, was a prime example of what I was talking about.