I propose a nickname for Glen Perkins.

“The Wolf.”

As in Harvey Keitel’s character in Pulp Fiction: Winston “the Wolf” Wolfe.

You might remember the Wolf showing up for a little Sunday morning crisis management in the film.

“I’m Winston Wolfe. I solve problems.”

Matt Capps left another mess tonight, not dissimilar to the Travolta/Jackson mess from Pulp Fiction.  A two run lead was halved by one pitch to B.J. Upton.  A single, two deep outs and a walk later,  and for the third Capps appearance in a row, the save no longer belonged to Matt.

Thankfully, Gardy has been willing to do what he’d do in any other inning – take the ball away from an ineffective reliever.    The manage-for-the-save mentality would usually mean it’s the closer’s game until the bitter end of the ninth inning.   But with Capps imploding on Saturday, Gardy gave Capps a short leash on both Sunday and Tuesday and Capps ran to the end of it in short order.

Perkins has revived his career as a calm, cool force out of the bullpen, ready to take on any high-leverage situation presented to him.   His ERA is down to 1.78 with particular effectiveness against lefties.  He also possesses the last two Twins’ saves.

Saturday vs. the Brewers: two on, one out, two run lead.  Time for the Wolf.

Tuesday vs. the Rays: two on, two outs, one run lead.  Time for the Wolf.

Here’s the scene on the mound with Perkins relieving Capps, as Tarantino might imagine it:

The Wolf:  Matt, I’ll take the ball. Boys, let’s get to work.

Capps:  A please would be nice.

The Wolf: Come again?

Capps: I said a please would be nice.

The Wolf: Get it straight buster – I’m not here to say please, I’m here to tell you what to do and if self-preservation is an instinct you possess you’d better f***ing do it and do it quick. I’m here to help – if my help’s not appreciated then lotsa luck, gentlemen.

Mauer: No, Mr. Wolf, it ain’t like that, your help is definitely appreciated.

Capps: I don’t mean any disrespect, I just don’t like people barking orders at me.

The Wolf: If I’m curt with you it’s because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast and I need you guys to act fast if you wanna get out of this. So, pretty please… with sugar on top. Let’s get out of this f***ing inning.