Terry Ryan addressed the media prior to Tuesday night’s rain delay before game two of the Twins-A’s series. Subjects ranged from the evolution of Eduardo Nunez, to Ryan’s thoughts on having every team represented to how difficult it was to send Buddy Boshers back to Triple-A Rochester.

• On Nunez heading to the All Star Game: “I thought it was justified. He’s been consistent with us. He’s played a number of different spots. He’s hit in a number of different spots in our lineup and done the job. There really isn’t anything that you can look at that is disappointing to this point for him. He’s been good offensively and defensively, and he can steal bases and he’s athletic.”
• On Nunez’ comments regarding consistent playing time being a big reason he’s improved so much: “I would say that’s correct. He’s been a part-time guy for a long time in his career. He’s been a backup in New York and even early this year. He’s been in the lineup consistently this year for a number of reasons, and when he got in there he never came out. He took over a spot that was vacated for various reasons. That’s one of those things you hope happens. When a guy gets hurt, somebody steps in and takes it and doesn’t want to give it up. He has done that. He didn’t get much of a chance to play in New York because they were so talented. When he came over here, he was brought in with the reputation that was a utility player. He’s proven he can do more than that.”
• Ryan on how he suspects Nunez feels at this point in his evolution: “I’ve got to think he’s proud as he can be. Some of his peers are going to be in this game that he’s close to. I think he’s close to (Robinson) Cano. Here’s an opportunity where he’s going to be rubbing elbows with some big names out there, and he’s right there with ‘em.”
• On how he feels about every team being represented at the All Star Game, and how that view has evolved over time for him: “We’ve been in both situations. Back in the 90s we had some difficulty because we were struggling. Then in the 2000s we had all kinds of representation. Now this year it’s been a struggle, though last year we were fine. I think it’s good for the industry to have a guy per market. I just think it gives you respect. I’m not saying every guy matches up with All Star statistics, but I remember the years where we sent a couple guys, and for me it was the right thing then. Even when we’re good or have been good and we see other teams struggle, I think it’s the right thing for that club to have a representative. I know that might not be the norm when people give you their opinion about how this thing works, but for me I think every club should be represented.”
• Ryan wasn’t surprised that Nunez was the selection, but he did note that Brian Dozier made quite a push in June, and his numbers are pretty solid with regards to his contemporaries at the position.
• On how difficult it was to send Boshers (1.38 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 0.85 WHIP) back to Rochester after activating Trevor May from the DL: “Well he didn’t deserve to go back, but we were stuck. He’s had a little flexibility. It’s not uncommon in this world either. If he goes down and does what he’s supposed to….he’s done a nice job here. He’s been a nice promotion. He’s developed a pretty good changeup. The one thing he does is pitches ahead. That’ll help anybody get people out. His stuff is plenty good. It’s not like he’s a soft-tossing lefty here. He’s got a pretty good angle to everything. He’s been good. We had to send him back for a reason, due to a lack of flexibility with anyone else, basically.”

Brandon Warne

Brandon Warne covers the Minnesota Twins for Zone Coverage and is also the site's senior editor. He hosts the Midwest Swing podcast for the site as well. He and his wife Amanda live in the outer Twin Cities suburbs with their daughter, Harper.

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