Duffey Can Make Three Pitches Look Like Six By Changing Speeds
By: Gordy Jones
KNUJ AM 860
I like Tyler Duffey’s pitching style, but like the rest of the Twins, he hasn’t had much luck as of late. I asked him if it’s hard to stay positive and happy in a year like this. “I don’t think so. We’re a pretty loose bunch of guys. Last year we had a lot of fun winning games, and we still remember what that’s like. Every time we win a game now, it’s just as fun.
Obviously you want to win, but if we are all going out and playing to the best of our abilities, that’s all we can really ask from each other. That’s what we’ve been doing, but we’ve had some really bad luck. There have been times when guys hit balls hard, but they don’t get down, and then guys on the other team will hit a little squibber that rolls through the infield for a hit. It’s just little things that that add up to losses. We’ve played well enough to win some of those games. I think the luck is beginning to change in our direction, though, so hopefully we can keep it rolling.”
I like Tyler Duffey’s pitching style, but like the rest of the Twins, he hasn’t had much luck as of late. I asked him if it’s hard to stay positive and happy in a year like this. “I don’t think so. We’re a pretty loose bunch of guys. Last year we had a lot of fun winning games, and we still remember what that’s like. Every time we win a game now, it’s just as fun.
Obviously you want to win, but if we are all going out and playing to the best of our abilities, that’s all we can really ask from each other. That’s what we’ve been doing, but we’ve had some really bad luck. There have been times when guys hit balls hard, but they don’t get down, and then guys on the other team will hit a little squibber that rolls through the infield for a hit. It’s just little things that that add up to losses. We’ve played well enough to win some of those games. I think the luck is beginning to change in our direction, though, so hopefully we can keep it rolling.”
I ran into Twins’ psychotherapist, Dr. Rick Aberman, at Target Field the other night. We were chatting during batting practice when I asked him if this losing season has been tough on him. I assumed it had been, as he is paid to keep the players focused and in a winning mindset. But he explained how his job is the same whether the team is winning or losing. He said, “What we’re try to do is help people get better, and to keep learning and growing. That is really true for all of us — whatever we do — whether we’re a baseball player or a writer. Everyone wants to be better, and those are the results that we’re after.” I thought the Dr. Aberman would be seeking help for himself in this situation. But Rick is calm, cool, and confident. Let’s hope the Twins continue to get better.