***OFFICAL MINNESOTA TWINS 2010 THREAD*** (2 Viewers)

[Bill Brasky]

Finally heading to the new ballpark today for the first time.

Enjoy - can't wait to get there.

Ballpark was awesome, had lots of fun. Too bad the game sucked.

 

[Gopher State]

A report over the weekend had the Twins talking to the Red Sox about third baseman Mike Lowell. Lowell has been available, the Twins have been interested in the past but there are no indications that Lowell might be headed here.

After doing a little digging, the Twins have yet to decide what their most pressing need is. And they have roughly six weeks until the trade deadline to determine that. Third base? Front-line starter? Reliever?

Lowell, who has expressed his frustration with his diminished role, is not helping his stock much buy batting .215 with 2 homers and 12 RBI in 30 games.

Lowell vs Punto hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[Gopher State]

Twins-Colorado series preview

David Zalubowski, Associated Press - Ap

THREE-GAME SERIES AT TARGET FIELD

Today, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Carl Pavano (6-6, 3.92 ERA) vs. RHP Aaron Cook (2-3, 4.76)

Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

RHP Scott Baker (5-5, 4.81) vs. RHP Jhoulys Chacin (3-5, 4.04)

Thursday, 12:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM

LHP Francisco Liriano (6-3, 2.90) vs. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (12-1, 1.16)

TWINS UPDATE

Delmon Young is batting .361 during his 10-game hitting streak. He also has 25 RBI over his past 22 games. ... The Twins had gone 15 games without a three-run homer before Young's blast Sunday. ... Denard Span is batting .208 over his past 12 games, one reason why he was given the day off Sunday. ... The Twins' doubles streak is up to a club-record 26 games. ... The Twins and Rockies have faced each other six times, going 3-3. ... Twins hitting coach Joe Vavra has noticed more opposing pitchers are getting ahead in the count against the patient Twins hitters. The adjustment, Vavra said, is to swing at a first-pitch strike sometimes. ... Advance ticket sales for the seasonhave topped three million. The ballclub hasn't reached that mark since 1988, the year after the Twins' World Championship season.

ROCKIES UPDATE

This is Colorado's first trip to Minnesota since 2003, when they dropped two of three games. ... Jhoulys Chacin (pronounced yo-LEES cha-SEEN) throws a sinker in the low 90 miles-per-hour range and has a pretty good changeup that leads to strikeouts. He gave up a home run Thursday -- his first since May 13. ... Lefthander Joe Beimel was a late-season acquisition by the Twins in 20004. Beimel, Franklin Morales and Randy Flores are the Rockies' lefthanded relievers. ... Both second baseman Clint Barmes and outfielder Ryan Spilborghs played in the Northwoods League. Spilborghs hit two homers and a triple Sunday as the Rockies swept the Blue Jays.

 

[Buffaloes]

After doing a little digging, the Twins have yet to decide what their most pressing need is. And they have roughly six weeks until the trade deadline to determine that. Third base? Front-line starter? Reliever?

If they want to make waves in the playoffs, I think they need to pick up a legitimate ace. Cliff Lee would look very good in a Twins uni. The obvious question is whether or not the org would be willing to part with a decent prospect(s) to rent a guy for the stretch run.

 

[Frostillicus]

After doing a little digging, the Twins have yet to decide what their most pressing need is. And they have roughly six weeks until the trade deadline to determine that. Third base? Front-line starter? Reliever?

If they want to make waves in the playoffs, I think they need to pick up a legitimate ace. Cliff Lee would look very good in a Twins uni. The obvious question is whether or not the org would be willing to part with a decent prospect(s) to rent a guy for the stretch run.

I hope so.

 

[Gopher State]

Carl Pavano, who pitched seven innings -- the 10th time he's gone at least seven innings already this season -- as he improved to 7-6. He's had decisions in all 13 starts this season.

Twins need Pavano to pick it up. Those Tigers are not going away.

 

[Bill Brasky]

That was a hell of a 4th inning last night. Talk about finding the seams.

Delmon continues to be on fire.

I love seeing Tolbert go yard for the exclamation point.

 

[urbanhack]

Morneau has a .372 batting average, a .483 on-base percentage, a .691 slugging percentage, 13 home runs and 40 RBIs this season.MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP MVP???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

He's coming back down to early unfortunately.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Baker looking good tonight. 10 K's through 5.

 

[Gopher State]

Twins-Phillies: Cuddyer at third. Hudson batting second, playing second.

Anyway, all kind of interesting news today

Orlando Hudson has been activated from the disabled list and is in the lineup. He hit left-handed before the game and then went out to where Ron Gardenhire was standing in the outfield and said, ``You saw that, right?''

The Twins didn't have to send anyone down to make room for Hudson. Unfortunately, Jose Mijares has an emergency in Venezuela and has been placed on the family medical emergency list. He's expected to miss at least the entire series against the Phils..

Michael Cuddyer saw me in the clubhouse and said, ``You angry at me?'' Cuddyer told me not to read anything into him taking grounders at third earlier this week. As it turned out, Gardy asked Cuddy to take a few in case he was needed to play third base.

With Jason Kubel swinging well - and Hudson back to play second - Cuddyer will play third base for the first time since he played 95 games there in 2005. Cuddy is expected to play at third several times during this interleague road trip. I can imagine the explosion among Twins fans if Cuddy plays well there.

Cuddyer said he was nervous when he tried to establish himself at third base years ago. He thrived when he moved to right field and was left there. Now he's back at third for the very short term. Should be interesting.

Twins went 8-8 with O-Dog out of the lineup

Twins (38-28)

1. Denard Span, CF

2. Orlando Hudson,2B

3. Joe Mauer, C

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Michael Cuddyer, THIRD BASE

6. Jason Kubel, RF

7. Delmon Young, LF

8. Nick Punto, SS

9. Nick Blackburn, RHP

Phillies (34-30)

1. Shane Victorino, CF

2. Placido Polanco, 3B

3. Chase Utley, 2B

4. Ryan Howard, 3B

5. Jason Werth, RF

6. Raul Ibanez, LF

7. Wilson Valdez, SS

8. Carlos Ruiz, C

9. Joe Blanton, RHP

 

[Wooderson]

How did Cuddy look at third? I hope it works out so we don't need to bring in anyone at third and can instead get another starting pitcher.

 

[Gopher State]

Twins-Phillies: Manship called up to shore up bullpen

After using six pitchers on Friday, the Twins have called up righthander Jeff Manship from Class AAA Rochester to help out in the bullpen.

Manship was 3-3, 4.43 (65.0 IP, 32 ER), allowing 83 hits with 15 walks and 51 strikeouts. He has made two appearances for the Twins in 2010, going 0-0, 2.45 (7.1 IP, 2 ER) with one walk and six strikeouts in two appearances (one start). He will be available tonight.

The Twins optioned Trevor Pouffe to Rochester to make room.

Twins

1. Deanrd Span, CF

2. Orlando Hudson, 2B

3.Joe Mauer, C

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Michael Cuddyer, RF

6. Delmon Young, LF

7. Danny Valencia, 3B

8. Nick Punto, SS

9. Kevin Slowey, RHP

Phillies

1. Shane Victorino, CF

2. Placido Polanco, 3B

3. Chase Utley, 2B

4. Ryan Howard, 1B

5. Jayson Werth, RF

6. Raul Ibanez, LF

7. Brian Schneider, C

8. Wilson Valdez, SS

9. Cole Hamels, LHP

 

[Gopher State]

Twins come back from 8-3 to beat philly 13-10 whoooooooooooooooooo whooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[Gopher State]

Manship bolsters the bullpen

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

PHILADELPHIA - Righthander Jeff Manship, while with Class AAA Rochester on Friday, was able to watch some of the Twins-Phillies game. He saw Nick Blackburn struggling early and the bullpen being used up.

Manship began to wonder if they would need help.

"I was thinking about all the options," he said.

The next morning, he was on a plane to the City of Brotherly Love to help support a bullpen in need of a fresh arm one day into its nine-game road trip.

His arrival was welcomed, as Manship ended up pitching 4 2/3 innings in relief of Kevin Slowey in the Twins' 13-10, 11-inning victory Saturday. Manship gave up one run on two hits, dropping his season ERA in the majors to 2.31.

Jesse Crain pitched 2 1/3 innings Friday and Alex Burnett and Ron Mahay appeared in each of the previous two games. None of them pitched Saturday.

Manship is 3-3 with a 4.33 ERA for the Red Wings -- but gave up 10 runs on 20 hits over his past two starts.

Ovations and honors

Jim Thome drew two ovations from fans Saturday. The former Phillies slugger was cheered when he pinch hit for Danny Valencia in the ninth inning. After Thome's mammoth 456-foot homer landed -- and the stun wore off -- fans cheered him some more.

That homer seemed to ignite the Twins' comeback, but it also was historic in a few ways.

It was No. 570 of Thome's career, breaking a tie with Rafael Palmeiro for 10th place all-time.

He became the 33rd player to have at least one homer against all 30 major league teams.

The two-run homer gave him 1,584 career RBI, tying him with Rogers Hornsby and someone named Harmon Killebrew for 36th all-time. He also is the all-time leader with 57 interleague homers.

Etc.

• Infielder Alexi Casilla, on the disabled list because of elbow surgery, threw and swung off a tee in the batting cage at Target Field.

• Reliever Clay Condrey (elbow strain) will pitch two innings Sunday in an extended spring training game then make an appearance on Wednesday for the Gulf Coast League rookie team.

Go Twins

 

[Gopher State]

The Twins are dominating the AL Central, putting together a 17-9 (.654) against division opponents. Despite this success, the Twins still have holes to fill. The Twins’ most pressing need seems to be at third base, where the combination of Nick Punto and Brendan Harris is hitting .255 and .157 respectively. The Twins also seek to add another starter.

Luckily for the Twins, Target Field has been full this season, generating enough revenue to provide Minnesota with financial flexibility. It may not be enough flexibility to fill holes at starting pitching and third base, but if the Twins seek out a starter, Cliff Lee could be the choice.

On ESPN today that said the Twins are one of the front runners for LEE .

Great game today beaing Philly 4-1, and taking 2 of 3 on the road against a great hitting Philly team

 

[Gopher State]

Cliff Lee to Minnesota: The Seattle view

by Howard Sinker

"The Twins have the depth to make that kind of move without crippling their future, and could capitalize on the primes of Mauer and Morneau with a legitimate World Series run with Cliff Lee in their rotation. It makes the most sense of any deal possible. Lee was made to pitch for the Twins, and they have exactly the kinds of players that the Mariners are going to want in return."

"The Twins could create a package for Lee built around either Scott Baker or Kevin Slowey that would certainly pique the Mariners interest. Rather than getting a prospect that you hope develops into something, the Mariners would be able to slide either of them right into the middle of their rotation, filling a big hole on the 2011 roster but providing future value as well. In addition, the Twins have a quality young catching prospect named Wilson Ramos who doesn’t have a future in Minneapolis thanks to the presence of Joe Mauer, and while he’s not that much different than Adam Moore, he’d offer the M’s another option at a position that has been a huge problem since [current GM Jack Zduriencik] got to Seattle. A package of Ramos and a second prospect, along with either Slowey or Baker, is the kind of deal that the Mariners simply couldn’t turn down."

And in conclusion:

"So, don’t be surprised if Lee ends up in pinstripes this fall, but not the Bronx version. Lee to Minnesota makes sense on a lot of levels, and you have to think that both teams see the same things we do. There’s a win-win deal here where both teams benefit, and that’s why I’d put Minnesota as the favorites to land Cliff Lee this summer."

Lee to MINNY let's get er done

 

[Bill Brasky]

Cliff Lee to Minnesota: The Seattle viewby Howard Sinker "The Twins have the depth to make that kind of move without crippling their future, and could capitalize on the primes of Mauer and Morneau with a legitimate World Series run with Cliff Lee in their rotation. It makes the most sense of any deal possible. Lee was made to pitch for the Twins, and they have exactly the kinds of players that the Mariners are going to want in return.""The Twins could create a package for Lee built around either Scott Baker or Kevin Slowey that would certainly pique the Mariners interest. Rather than getting a prospect that you hope develops into something, the Mariners would be able to slide either of them right into the middle of their rotation, filling a big hole on the 2011 roster but providing future value as well. In addition, the Twins have a quality young catching prospect named Wilson Ramos who doesn’t have a future in Minneapolis thanks to the presence of Joe Mauer, and while he’s not that much different than Adam Moore, he’d offer the M’s another option at a position that has been a huge problem since [current GM Jack Zduriencik] got to Seattle. A package of Ramos and a second prospect, along with either Slowey or Baker, is the kind of deal that the Mariners simply couldn’t turn down."And in conclusion:"So, don’t be surprised if Lee ends up in pinstripes this fall, but not the Bronx version. Lee to Minnesota makes sense on a lot of levels, and you have to think that both teams see the same things we do. There’s a win-win deal here where both teams benefit, and that’s why I’d put Minnesota as the favorites to land Cliff Lee this summer."Lee to MINNY let's get er done

I'm not too keen on giving up Slowey or Baker as part of a deal for a rental. Seems like a pretty steep price to pay if he doesn't sign.

 

[Wooderson]

Cliff Lee to Minnesota: The Seattle viewby Howard Sinker "The Twins have the depth to make that kind of move without crippling their future, and could capitalize on the primes of Mauer and Morneau with a legitimate World Series run with Cliff Lee in their rotation. It makes the most sense of any deal possible. Lee was made to pitch for the Twins, and they have exactly the kinds of players that the Mariners are going to want in return.""The Twins could create a package for Lee built around either Scott Baker or Kevin Slowey that would certainly pique the Mariners interest. Rather than getting a prospect that you hope develops into something, the Mariners would be able to slide either of them right into the middle of their rotation, filling a big hole on the 2011 roster but providing future value as well. In addition, the Twins have a quality young catching prospect named Wilson Ramos who doesn’t have a future in Minneapolis thanks to the presence of Joe Mauer, and while he’s not that much different than Adam Moore, he’d offer the M’s another option at a position that has been a huge problem since [current GM Jack Zduriencik] got to Seattle. A package of Ramos and a second prospect, along with either Slowey or Baker, is the kind of deal that the Mariners simply couldn’t turn down."And in conclusion:"So, don’t be surprised if Lee ends up in pinstripes this fall, but not the Bronx version. Lee to Minnesota makes sense on a lot of levels, and you have to think that both teams see the same things we do. There’s a win-win deal here where both teams benefit, and that’s why I’d put Minnesota as the favorites to land Cliff Lee this summer."Lee to MINNY let's get er done

I'm not too keen on giving up Slowey or Baker as part of a deal for a rental. Seems like a pretty steep price to pay if he doesn't sign.

I hear what your saying but I think the Twins have to go for it if the chance is there. Although a good team most years they don't have the staying power to be elite team every year. If they think they can make a run at the championship this year I say go for it.So Target Field is sold out every game right? How difficult is it to get tickets day of game outside the stadium. I would love to try to fly in for a game once this summer.

 

[Frostillicus]

I'm not too keen on giving up Slowey or Baker as part of a deal for a rental. Seems like a pretty steep price to pay if he doesn't sign.

Baker and Slowey are the same kind of pitcher the Twins minor league system is littered with. Yeah, they're more developed, but they can easily be replaced. Lee is on a different level, and would give this team a legit chance at a World Series. If they can get him for Slowey, Ramos, and a mid-level type prospect I think they have to do it.

 

[Gopher State]

Cliff Lee to Minnesota: The Seattle viewby Howard Sinker "The Twins have the depth to make that kind of move without crippling their future, and could capitalize on the primes of Mauer and Morneau with a legitimate World Series run with Cliff Lee in their rotation. It makes the most sense of any deal possible. Lee was made to pitch for the Twins, and they have exactly the kinds of players that the Mariners are going to want in return.""The Twins could create a package for Lee built around either Scott Baker or Kevin Slowey that would certainly pique the Mariners interest. Rather than getting a prospect that you hope develops into something, the Mariners would be able to slide either of them right into the middle of their rotation, filling a big hole on the 2011 roster but providing future value as well. In addition, the Twins have a quality young catching prospect named Wilson Ramos who doesn’t have a future in Minneapolis thanks to the presence of Joe Mauer, and while he’s not that much different than Adam Moore, he’d offer the M’s another option at a position that has been a huge problem since [current GM Jack Zduriencik] got to Seattle. A package of Ramos and a second prospect, along with either Slowey or Baker, is the kind of deal that the Mariners simply couldn’t turn down."And in conclusion:"So, don’t be surprised if Lee ends up in pinstripes this fall, but not the Bronx version. Lee to Minnesota makes sense on a lot of levels, and you have to think that both teams see the same things we do. There’s a win-win deal here where both teams benefit, and that’s why I’d put Minnesota as the favorites to land Cliff Lee this summer."Lee to MINNY let's get er done

I'm not too keen on giving up Slowey or Baker as part of a deal for a rental. Seems like a pretty steep price to pay if he doesn't sign.

The Twins need to sign Lee to a new contract as part of the trade, making it a long term trade/deal. The Twins can afford it, I mean their charging $22.00 for standing room tickets, which are about all that is available for tickets at Target field.

 

[Gopher State]

Thome is one of only 33 players in history to hit a homer against each of the 30 major league clubs. He accomplished the feat with his 570th career home run Saturday against his former team, the Phillies.

Thome HOF

 

[igbomb]

Cliff Lee to Minnesota: The Seattle viewby Howard Sinker "The Twins have the depth to make that kind of move without crippling their future, and could capitalize on the primes of Mauer and Morneau with a legitimate World Series run with Cliff Lee in their rotation. It makes the most sense of any deal possible. Lee was made to pitch for the Twins, and they have exactly the kinds of players that the Mariners are going to want in return.""The Twins could create a package for Lee built around either Scott Baker or Kevin Slowey that would certainly pique the Mariners interest. Rather than getting a prospect that you hope develops into something, the Mariners would be able to slide either of them right into the middle of their rotation, filling a big hole on the 2011 roster but providing future value as well. In addition, the Twins have a quality young catching prospect named Wilson Ramos who doesn’t have a future in Minneapolis thanks to the presence of Joe Mauer, and while he’s not that much different than Adam Moore, he’d offer the M’s another option at a position that has been a huge problem since [current GM Jack Zduriencik] got to Seattle. A package of Ramos and a second prospect, along with either Slowey or Baker, is the kind of deal that the Mariners simply couldn’t turn down."And in conclusion:"So, don’t be surprised if Lee ends up in pinstripes this fall, but not the Bronx version. Lee to Minnesota makes sense on a lot of levels, and you have to think that both teams see the same things we do. There’s a win-win deal here where both teams benefit, and that’s why I’d put Minnesota as the favorites to land Cliff Lee this summer."Lee to MINNY let's get er done

I'm not too keen on giving up Slowey or Baker as part of a deal for a rental. Seems like a pretty steep price to pay if he doesn't sign.

The Twins need to sign Lee to a new contract as part of the trade, making it a long term trade/deal. The Twins can afford it, I mean their charging $22.00 for standing room tickets, which are about all that is available for tickets at Target field.

Lee has made it pretty clear that he will not sign an extension with anyone. He wants to test the market this winter.

 

[Gopher State]

Young is hitting .310 with a .346 on-base percentage, a .507 slugging percentage and 45 RBI, and is hitting .376 since May 21. He is smoken hot

 

[Gopher State]

Michael Cuddyer offers to play more at 3B

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

MILWAUKEE - The Michael Cuddyer at third base experiment might not end when the Twins finish interleague play, manager Ron Gardenhire said Wednesday.

"He's already told me, 'If this works out, and we get back playing American League baseball, if you want to do that more often, we can do that,'" Gardenhire said.

The key word is if. Cuddyer started at third base for the third time in five games Wednesday night. In the first two games, Cuddyer had only one ball hit to him.

"Anybody can feel comfortable just standing there, so we'll see," Cuddyer said.

On Wednesday, the Brewers had two run-scoring hits on balls hit to either side of Cuddyer -- an RBI double by Corey Hart to his right in the third inning and an RBI single by Rickie Weeks to his left in the eighth.

Asked specifically if Weeks' ball should have been stopped, Gardenhire said, "I guess if Brooks Robinson's over there -- it was hit pretty hard. Cuddy's not had a lot of time over there. It's not exactly an easy play -- that was a rocket. We would like it to be caught, but I think they scored it right; it's a base hit."

Cuddyer has not hid how much he disliked third base in 2005, so his willingness to move back there to give his team other options is commendable. In National League ballparks, it allows the Twins to keep Cuddyer, Delmon Young and Jason Kubel in the lineup.

Once the Twins resume their AL schedule, this would keep the designated hitter spot open for Jim Thome. But this would probably only happen on occasion.

"To say we're doing that to have Jim Thome in the lineup every day -- I don't think Jim's body's going to allow him to do that on an everyday basis," Gardenhire said.

• J.J. Hardy (bruised left wrist) took some more swings off a tee Wednesday with minimal pain, but Gardenhire said he won't know how close the shortstop is to returning from the disabled list until he starts going through more baseball drills.

• The Twins agreed to terms with second-round draft pick Niko Goodrum, a high school shortstop from Fayetteville, Ga. They have now signed seven of their top 10 picks and have until mid-August to ink the others, including their first-rounder, Ohio State pitcher Alex Wimmers.

 

[Gopher State]

Third baseman Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox: He has no role with the Red Sox. The Rangers, who tried to deal for him in the offseason, could use depth. The Minnesota Twins could use him at third. It's easy to envision Lowell anywhere but Boston after July USA TODAY

Hoping the Twins trade for the L & L boys Lee and Lowell

 

[Bill Brasky]

 

[urbanhack]

 

[Gopher State]

Cliff Lee to Minnesota: The Seattle viewby Howard Sinker "The Twins have the depth to make that kind of move without crippling their future, and could capitalize on the primes of Mauer and Morneau with a legitimate World Series run with Cliff Lee in their rotation. It makes the most sense of any deal possible. Lee was made to pitch for the Twins, and they have exactly the kinds of players that the Mariners are going to want in return.""The Twins could create a package for Lee built around either Scott Baker or Kevin Slowey that would certainly pique the Mariners interest. Rather than getting a prospect that you hope develops into something, the Mariners would be able to slide either of them right into the middle of their rotation, filling a big hole on the 2011 roster but providing future value as well. In addition, the Twins have a quality young catching prospect named Wilson Ramos who doesn’t have a future in Minneapolis thanks to the presence of Joe Mauer, and while he’s not that much different than Adam Moore, he’d offer the M’s another option at a position that has been a huge problem since [current GM Jack Zduriencik] got to Seattle. A package of Ramos and a second prospect, along with either Slowey or Baker, is the kind of deal that the Mariners simply couldn’t turn down."And in conclusion:"So, don’t be surprised if Lee ends up in pinstripes this fall, but not the Bronx version. Lee to Minnesota makes sense on a lot of levels, and you have to think that both teams see the same things we do. There’s a win-win deal here where both teams benefit, and that’s why I’d put Minnesota as the favorites to land Cliff Lee this summer."Lee to MINNY let's get er done

I'm not too keen on giving up Slowey or Baker as part of a deal for a rental. Seems like a pretty steep price to pay if he doesn't sign.

The Twins need to sign Lee to a new contract as part of the trade, making it a long term trade/deal. The Twins can afford it, I mean their charging $22.00 for standing room tickets, which are about all that is available for tickets at Target field.

Lee has made it pretty clear that he will not sign an extension with anyone. He wants to test the market this winter.

If the Twins acquired Lee and he left as a free agent at the end of the year the Twins would received two draft picks as compensation. That's not ideal for a team that intends on remaining competitive all decade, but it's a consolation prize.

 

[Bill Brasky]

 

[Balco]

If the Twins gets Lee, it is obviously a rental, but I think they should do it. Seattle is kind of in a bind, because Lee said he won't sign an extension in season, so no team is going to give up a boatload of prospects. Twins will definitely need to give up a minor league pitcher and a hitter as well. Not sure how they are in the pitching department in the minors. As for hitters, maybe Ben Revere would cut it. Fast guy, no pop, is hitting for a high average, should fit in well in Seattle's home park.

Twins need to make a deal for him. As others have said, when he walks as a free agent, they get two draft picks.

 

[Gopher State]

Gardenhire would love to pocket aces

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

NEW YORK — With the Twins weighing how aggressive they should be in trade talks for Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt, manager Ron Gardenhire made it clear Saturday that he would welcome a new starter.

"Everybody wants the best pitchers in baseball," he said. "So if there are upgrades that can make your team better, I think every manager in baseball will tell you the same thing -- sure."

Lee can become a free agent this fall, so a team trading him now would be renting him for three months at about $4.5 million, and Seattle will expect top young talent in return. Houston might not get as much for Oswalt, but he's owed about $7.5 million for the rest of this season and $16 million next year, with an option for 2012.

Asked about the Twins' trade philosophy now that they have moved into Target Field, Gardenhire said: "This organization's pretty set in its ways about not ever giving up your system for a rental, as they say. We haven't done that in the past, and I wouldn't think they would be leaning that way now.

"But things happen, and because of the new ballpark we're finding a situation where we're selling out every ballgame and there is probably a little more [money] than there has been in the past."

No hit limits

One day after Arizona's Edwin Jackson threw 149 pitches in a no-hitter against Tampa Bay, Gardenhire was asked what he would do if a Twins pitcher had a similar no-hit bid.

"You'll be complaining because our pitcher won't get to 149 pitches," Gardenhire said. "I'm just saying, for us, that's not something I want to take a chance with. That guy [Jackson] has been pitching a pretty good while. He's a big, strong guy. He's probably been to 120-130 pitches before, but I'd have a hard time.

"I'm amazed [at Jackson]. I think everybody should be amazed. That's awesome. If he can throw 149 pitches, walking eight and still be in a 1-0 game -- you're doing something pretty darn good there, and pretty darn bad."

Cuddyer settles in at third

Michael Cuddyer has started six games at third base without committing an error. On Wednesday in Milwaukee, two balls shot past him, one to either side. But Friday, he made a diving backhand stop and threw across the diamond to take a hit from Jeff Francoeur.

Gardenhire figured Cuddyer would have an easier time when he left Miller Park.

"Certain fields can be really tough, and this one [Citi Field's] makes it a little easier," Gardenhire said. "I knew going in that [Miller Park] was going to be the fastest infield he would play on."

As for Target Field? "It's softer," Gardenhire said. "The grass is about the same [length] as Milwaukee's, but it's the surface underneath that's good. In Milwaukee it's hard as a rock, and that's probably because of the roof."

Etc.

• The Twins activated lefthander Jose Mijares from the restricted list Saturday and optioned righthander Jeff Manship back to Class AAA Rochester.

• Gardenhire said the Twins hope Nick Blackburn can come out of his recent rut in his next start, Tuesday against the Tigers, since it falls at home. Blackburn is 4-0 with a 3.19 ERA at home, compared with 2-5 with a 9.40 ERA on the road.

• The matchups for the Tigers series: Francisco Liriano vs. Jeremy Bonderman (Monday); Blackburn vs. Armando Galarraga (Tuesday); and Kevin Slowey vs. Andy Oliver (Wednesday).

• Chris Heintz has left his job as the manager of the Twins' Gulf Coast League affiliate to become an assistant coach at South Florida, his alma mater.

 

[Gopher State]

NEW YORK - Carl Pavano and Cliff Lee were teammates in Cleveland last season and have remained close friends, so Pavano can't help getting excited when he hears talk of the Twins potentially trading for Lee.

"I send him text messages and e-mails every day," Pavano said. "First of all, I congratulate him on what a great year he's having. I tell him, 'Obviously, we'd love to have you over here.' We're hoping things work out, but either way, he's going to be in a good position."

After winning a Cy Young for Cleveland in 2008, Lee got traded to Philadelphia last July 29. Nine days later, the Indians traded Pavano to the Twins. The moves allowed both pitchers to reach the postseason, where Lee really shined, going 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA.

Lee got traded again in December, this time to Seattle. He started the year on the disabled list because of an abdominal strain but returned April 30 and has quickly re-established himself as a top American League pitcher.

Lee is 6-3 with a 2.39 ERA. His strikeout-to-walk numbers are almost silly -- 76-4. Like Pavano, Lee is coming off back-to-back complete games.

"I can't say enough about him," Pavano said. "His numbers speak for themselves. He's gone through his trials and tribulations, and he's been traded quite a few times, so you don't have to worry about him being affected by that. I know how tough those transitions can be, and he makes it look pretty seamless."

Pavano thinks Lee would like pitching for the Twins.

"His personality would fit in perfect," Pavano said. "I think his character is great. He'd really enjoy some guys on this team. He's been in the Central Division, and I think that's an advantage. These guys know what he brings to the table. They'd all be excited, especially the hitters. They know how tough he is."

Etc.

• Manager Ron Gardenhire said he's leaning toward giving Michael Cuddyer another start at third base Monday against the Tigers. Gardenhire said Cuddyer continues to get more comfortable at third and said this would be a good way to get Jim Thome in the lineup, after nine games with no DH in National League parks.

• The Twins are tentatively targeting July 6 for J.J. Hardy's return from the DL. If things go as planned, Hardy (bruised left wrist) will take batting practice the next few days, do a three-game rehab stint for Class AAA Rochester, then return in Toronto, for the first day of the next road trip.

• Alexi Casilla, who had right elbow surgery June 4, could be ready for his minor league rehab stint about a week after Hardy's, but the Twins might stretch his stint close to the 20-day limit, since he's had only 39 at-bats this season.

• Nick Blackburn shaved his beard Saturday and arrived at Citi Field on Sunday with his version of Pavano's mustache. Blackburn said he knew he looked silly and wasn't even sure he'd keep the mustache for Tuesday's start against Detroit. "Had to do something," he said.

Twins need to get this Lee deal done before the Tigers grab him

 

[Greco]

let me be the first to say, nice sweep. thought we might have taken one, but the tigers are no match.

 

[Bill Brasky]

let me be the first to say, nice sweep. thought we might have taken one, but the tigers are no match.

nice reverse jinx. Twins are playing bad enough right now to shake that though.

 

[Bill Brasky]

great start to the series

 

[Bill Brasky]

Thome with a triple off a crazy bounce. Can't believe he didn't pass out half way to third.

 

[Gopher State]

let me be the first to say, nice sweep. thought we might have taken one, but the tigers are no match.

Tigers are RED HOT, they smell a sweep of the Twins

 

[Greco]

let me be the first to say, nice sweep. thought we might have taken one, but the tigers are no match.

Tigers are RED HOT, they smell a sweep of the Twins

They have no chance. The Twins are too good.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Wow, Span 3 for 3 with 3 triples and 5 RBI so far tonight. How often do you see one guy hit 3 triples in a game?

 

[Bill Brasky]

Wow, Span 3 for 3 with 3 triples and 5 RBI so far tonight. How often do you see one guy hit 3 triples in a game?

Not very often I guess...

Twins' Span ties modern era record with three triplesJune 29, 2010CBSSports.com wire reports MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota Twins center fielder Denard Span has tied a modern era record with three triples against the Detroit Tigers. Span led off the first inning with a triple, then had a two-run triple in the fourth and a bases-loaded triple in the fifth inning that gave Minnesota a 10-3 lead. He also has a single and five RBI in the game. Many players have hit three triples in one game since 1900. The last player to do it was Atlanta's Rafael Furcal against Florida on April 21, 2002. The only other Twin to have three triples in a game was Ken Landreaux, who did it on July 3, 1980.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Big series win.

 

[Gopher State]

Nice win today by the Twins. But I still not sure if they can hold off the Tigers or White Sox, plus no one from the central matches up very good against the Yankees or Boston in the play offs.

It now looks like Cliff Lee is going to the Mets, so the Twins will have to do with what they have for pitching

 

[the moops]

Nice win today by the Twins. But I still not sure if they can hold off the Tigers or White Sox, plus no one from the central matches up very good against the Yankees or Boston in the play offs.It now looks like Cliff Lee is going to the Mets, so the Twins will have to do with what they have for pitching

Is Slowey OK? All I saw was that he was pulled after 6. Had only thrown 85 pitches or so.

 

[Wooderson]

Back in 1st just the way I like it.

 

[Wooderson]

I love all the Twins talk this year. I started the "official" Twins thread the previous two years and got a total of 182 replies we are well over that this year.

Either the Twins are more exciting this year or we have more fans of the team on the board this year.

 

[Wooderson]

After a nice series when against the kittens the Twins play the Rays on MLB network tonight.

Going to be fun to be able to watch the game tonight.

 

[Gopher State]

Kevin Slowey left Wednesday's 5-1 victory over Detroit after being hit on the right ankle by a groundball from Magglio Ordonez. X-rays were negative, and Slowey said he was confident he'd make his next start Tuesday in Toronto.

"I'd be more worried if they had taken the X-ray and said it didn't look good," he said.

Slowey improved to 5-0 in seven career starts against the Tigers.

Here's to Slowey being ok

 

[Bill Brasky]

god dammit Rauch.

it didn't impact the outcome, but that missed call on the Cuddyer tag in the 10th was the worst obvious missed call I've seen against the Twins since the Mauer foul ball against the Yankees in the playoffs last year. even if he did miss the tag, which he didn't, how do you even call that?

 

[meeka]

god dammit Rauch.

it didn't impact the outcome, but that missed call on the Cuddyer tag in the 10th was the worst obvious missed call I've seen against the Twins since the Mauer foul ball against the Yankees in the playoffs last year. even if he did miss the tag, which he didn't, how do you even call that?

Seems like this part is being overlooked. I was at last nights game and I could not figure out what was happening. When they put up the E5 I figured he dropped the ball and I missed it. Bad, bad call. I am glad it had no impact on the game.

 

[Gopher State]

Infielder Matt Tolbert might be headed to the DL after taking a hard grounder off his right middle finger Wednesday, manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Gardenhire said it was a compression injury that left the finger slightly bent but not broken. Tolbert fielded grounders during batting practice Thursday but was unavailable to hit or play defense in the game.

"If he can't throw for three or four days, it could be a DL stint for him," Gardenhire said.

With shortstop J.J. Hardy expected to come off the DL on Saturday, the Twins will need to clear a spot. It looked like third baseman Danny Valencia was heading back to Class AAA Rochester, but Tolbert's injury could change that.

No loss with Tolbert out of the line up. Twins need Hardy healthy and back on the field.