"You can't help but root for such a happy, scrappy, hard-working guy like Astudillo, can you? As Peter said, we'll have to see how the league adjusts to him to know if he's sustainable."
Rambling On is a local, independent Minnesota sports blog and podcast. We release weekly articles on each active pro team, in addition to posting a lot of fun content on Twitter. Join our active Twitter community and let your voice be heard.
Current articles are released on Thursday (Minnesota Twins) and the occasional Friday (all Minnesota sports). Coverage of inactive teams is released as news breaks. Our archive covering the 2018 Vikings and 2018-2019 Timberwolves and Wild seasons can be found on our blog page.
In this edition, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland and Wild/Twins analyst Peter Ripka discuss the Twins good start to the season, the sustainability of starting pitching, and the mysterious La Tortuga.
The Twins have had a pretty good start to the season. What has impressed you the most so far?
Peter: The pitching staff, outside of Gibby's starts. But he'll come around.
Erik: I'll always take the Twins success to my predictions being correct. I saw their lineup as being over-hyped, and although it's a small sample size, they seem legit. Starting pitching is a highlight as well, of course, except for the ailing Kyle Gibson. I'm guessing once he recovers fully from his sickness he'll get back on track.
The starting pitching has been phenomenal, and the bullpen has even looked good. Do you think it's sustainable?
Peter: I sure hope it is. I've only heard good things about the new pitching coach. I think he has played a role in their early season success and would then guess that it'll continue.
Erik: Of all the things the Twins have, the starting rotation is the least sustainable. I don't see Odorizzi continuing to be this good - he never has been - and outside of Berrios the talent just isn't there. Especially once Martin Perez - who I hope I'm wrong about - joins the rotation again.
Is fan favorite Willians Astudillo for real?
Peter: La Tortuga for the win! He is a good story, that's for sure. I'm not sure his approach towards batting is very sustainable though. It'll be interesting to see what happens in May when the league has had a chance to scout and plan against him and how he adjusts.
Erik: You can't help but root for such a happy, scrappy, hard-working guy, can you? But that's not the question, I suppose. As Peter said, we'll have to see how the league adjusts. I don't doubt that he'll always be able to put the ball in play, he's proven that beyond a doubt, but hitting it where they ain't is a whole different thing. His defense is underrated as well. I don't think he'll ever be anything less than an above average utility guy at least.
Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. Founder of Rambling On, he has written hundreds of articles and hosted almost a hundred podcasts. He began his career as Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blogs Hometown Hustle and Curious North. He directs all of the content on Rambling On, created and maintains the website, and is social media content director. He is also copy editor and writer for Music in Minnesota. Support Erik's music on his music site or BandCamp, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.
Peter Ripka is the original Rambling On podcast co-host and has been a contributor since its inception. He’s currently the Wild analyst, a position he’s held for several years. A Wild and Twins season ticket holder, his writing combines the passion of a fan and the insight of a beat writer.
Rambling On is a local, independent Minnesota sports blog and podcast. We release weekly articles on each active pro team, in addition to posting a lot of fun content on Twitter. Join our active Twitter community and let your voice be heard.
Current articles are released on Thursday (Minnesota Twins) and the occasional Friday (all Minnesota sports). Coverage of inactive teams is released as news breaks. Our archive covering the 2018 Vikings and 2018-2019 Timberwolves and Wild seasons can be found on our blog page.
In this edition, Rambling On god-king Erik Ritland and Wild/Twins analyst Peter Ripka discuss the Twins good start to the season, the sustainability of starting pitching, and the mysterious La Tortuga.
The Twins have had a pretty good start to the season. What has impressed you the most so far?
Peter: The pitching staff, outside of Gibby's starts. But he'll come around.
Erik: I'll always take the Twins success to my predictions being correct. I saw their lineup as being over-hyped, and although it's a small sample size, they seem legit. Starting pitching is a highlight as well, of course, except for the ailing Kyle Gibson. I'm guessing once he recovers fully from his sickness he'll get back on track.
The starting pitching has been phenomenal, and the bullpen has even looked good. Do you think it's sustainable?
Peter: I sure hope it is. I've only heard good things about the new pitching coach. I think he has played a role in their early season success and would then guess that it'll continue.
Erik: Of all the things the Twins have, the starting rotation is the least sustainable. I don't see Odorizzi continuing to be this good - he never has been - and outside of Berrios the talent just isn't there. Especially once Martin Perez - who I hope I'm wrong about - joins the rotation again.
Is fan favorite Willians Astudillo for real?
Peter: La Tortuga for the win! He is a good story, that's for sure. I'm not sure his approach towards batting is very sustainable though. It'll be interesting to see what happens in May when the league has had a chance to scout and plan against him and how he adjusts.
Erik: You can't help but root for such a happy, scrappy, hard-working guy, can you? But that's not the question, I suppose. As Peter said, we'll have to see how the league adjusts. I don't doubt that he'll always be able to put the ball in play, he's proven that beyond a doubt, but hitting it where they ain't is a whole different thing. His defense is underrated as well. I don't think he'll ever be anything less than an above average utility guy at least.
Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. Founder of Rambling On, he has written hundreds of articles and hosted almost a hundred podcasts. He began his career as Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blogs Hometown Hustle and Curious North. He directs all of the content on Rambling On, created and maintains the website, and is social media content director. He is also copy editor and writer for Music in Minnesota. Support Erik's music on his music site or BandCamp, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.
Peter Ripka is the original Rambling On podcast co-host and has been a contributor since its inception. He’s currently the Wild analyst, a position he’s held for several years. A Wild and Twins season ticket holder, his writing combines the passion of a fan and the insight of a beat writer.
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