Tom Powers blasts the team that lost 12 straight playoff games, calling them marshmallows. He comes close to calling for Gardenhire’s head:

Ron Gardenhire likely will be named American League Manager of the Year. I’m sure that will feel pretty hollow after another three-and-out by his club in the playoffs. What could he have done differently? Well, he probably could have been quicker to yank his starting pitchers in the first two games. Other than that, I don’t know.

Maybe he should have screamed more or screamed less or stood on his head. But whatever he’s doing in the playoffs, it’s not working. Perhaps general manager Bill Smith should hire a former Yankee — Willie Randolph, Chris Chambliss, even Joe Torre — as a special consultant. Maybe they could bring some insights on how to beat their former team.

Or the team could hire a manager who better prepares his players for the playoffs.