A Tale of Two Tacticians

…and a Tribute to Torii


For you, Rob.

Thanks to a great boss, The Colonel, The Blond, the Director, and the Jilb managed to score some nice seats at the final Twins home game of ’07.

From a standings point of view, it was a meaningless game. There was, however as any Twins fan knows, a special significance in its potential for being the last time we might see Torii Hunter in a Twins uniform.

We got to see a good pitching performance by young Kevin Slowey, and the Hometown favorites had scrapped their way to a 5-1 lead by the 7th inning.

As Torri stepped to the plate, we knew that with a 4 run lead, there would be no bottom of the ninth. We were possibly watching #48’s final home at bat in Minnesota.

So, down by 4, in an otherwise pointless game, what does Ozzie “I’m off my meds again” Guillen do?

Intentional walk. Bush League. The Director said it was just Ozzie’s way of giving the Minnesota fans the old Double Duece.

Fast Forward to the top of the 9th. Gardy sends the team out in the field, as usual. Then, once they have taken their place, he sends Jason Tyner out to replace Torii, giving the crowd of 29,000 their chance to send our center fielder out in style.

Classy move, Gardy. Yes, that is the theme from “The Natural” you hear in the background. The Colonel, stoic that he is, had to choke back a couple droplets.

Thanks for the Memories, Torii