HoldSteady
Footballguy
Justin Morneau had a field day the last time the Twins played at Yankee Stadium, batting .568 with three homers and four RBI. Here's to the M & M boys having a great time in N.Y.
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***OFFICAL MINNESOTA TWINS 2010 THREAD*** (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Dungeon Master
- Start date
Frostillicus
Footballguy
A-Rod was 4-6 against Matt Guerrier in his career with 3 home runs going into tonight. Someone tell me why Gardy brought him in to face A-Rod tonight with the bases loaded.
Gopher State
Footballguy
SS J.J. Hardy, on the disabled list with a left wrist bruise, did not make the road trip with the Twins. Gardenhire said Hardy, who is eligible to come off the DL in time to play Thursday in Boston, the final game of this trip, might meet the team in Boston next week if his wrist allows.
We need JJ back
We need JJ back
Gopher State
Footballguy
Kyle Gibson made his Class AA New Britain debut and was terrific for the Rock Cats in a 6-0 victory He went 7 1/3 IP and allowed just four singles with a walk and 10 strikeouts.
Watch this kid Twins fans, he's the real deal
Watch this kid Twins fans, he's the real deal
Gopher State
Footballguy
Kubel's grand slam off Mariano Rivera with two outs in the eighth inning is only the fourth grand slam Rivera has allowed in in his career 
and the Twins snapped a nine-game losing streak against the New York Yankees with a 6-3 victory today.
Maybe we finally have the NY monkey off of our back.
and the Twins snapped a nine-game losing streak against the New York Yankees with a 6-3 victory today.Maybe we finally have the NY monkey off of our back.
Gopher State
Footballguy
Twins vs. Toronto series preview
TWO-GAME SERIES AT ROGERS CENTRE
Today, 6:07 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Kevin Slowey (4-3, 4.62) vs. LHP Dana Eveland (3-2, 4.81)
Tuesday, 11:37 a.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Carl Pavano (4-3, 3.30) vs. RHP Shaun Marcum (2-1, 2.78)
TWINS AT A GLANCE
On paper, it's not the best matchup for the Twins. Kevin Slowey and Carl Pavano are fly-ball pitchers, and the Blue Jays lead the majors with 60 homers. Slowey has pitched at least six innings only once this season. Pavano, however, has pitched at least six innings in six of seven starts, giving up two or fewer runs in those six outings. ... The Twins split four games at Toronto last season but were 0-6 over the previous two seasons. ... Justin Morneau might be trying too hard to impress fans in his native land. He's a career .177 hitter with three homers and nine RBI in 16 games at Rogers Centre. But he comes to town after going 6-for-12 against the Yankees.
BLUE JAYS AT A GLANCE
It's power that stands out about these Blue Jays. They lead the majors with 60 homers and 168 extra-base hits. Outfielder Vernon Wells, shortstop Alex Gonzalez and third baseman-outfielder Jose Bautista are tied for the team lead with 10 home runs apiece. Bautista has three homers in his past two games. Catcher John Buck homered three times on April 29 against Oakland and has eight for the season. ... The pitching staff, led by the emerging Shaun Marcum, has given up just 29 homers in 38 games, the second-fewest in the American League. ... Toronto's roster is 22-for-44 against Slowey with four homers.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
Twins pitchers need to keep the HR's under contol vs the Jays
GO TWINS
TWO-GAME SERIES AT ROGERS CENTRE
Today, 6:07 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Kevin Slowey (4-3, 4.62) vs. LHP Dana Eveland (3-2, 4.81)
Tuesday, 11:37 a.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Carl Pavano (4-3, 3.30) vs. RHP Shaun Marcum (2-1, 2.78)
TWINS AT A GLANCE
On paper, it's not the best matchup for the Twins. Kevin Slowey and Carl Pavano are fly-ball pitchers, and the Blue Jays lead the majors with 60 homers. Slowey has pitched at least six innings only once this season. Pavano, however, has pitched at least six innings in six of seven starts, giving up two or fewer runs in those six outings. ... The Twins split four games at Toronto last season but were 0-6 over the previous two seasons. ... Justin Morneau might be trying too hard to impress fans in his native land. He's a career .177 hitter with three homers and nine RBI in 16 games at Rogers Centre. But he comes to town after going 6-for-12 against the Yankees.
BLUE JAYS AT A GLANCE
It's power that stands out about these Blue Jays. They lead the majors with 60 homers and 168 extra-base hits. Outfielder Vernon Wells, shortstop Alex Gonzalez and third baseman-outfielder Jose Bautista are tied for the team lead with 10 home runs apiece. Bautista has three homers in his past two games. Catcher John Buck homered three times on April 29 against Oakland and has eight for the season. ... The pitching staff, led by the emerging Shaun Marcum, has given up just 29 homers in 38 games, the second-fewest in the American League. ... Toronto's roster is 22-for-44 against Slowey with four homers.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
Twins pitchers need to keep the HR's under contol vs the Jays
GO TWINS
Gopher State
Footballguy
Twins vs. Toronto series preview
TWO-GAME SERIES AT ROGERS CENTRE
Today, 6:07 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Kevin Slowey (4-3, 4.62) vs. LHP Dana Eveland (3-2, 4.81)
Tuesday, 11:37 a.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Carl Pavano (4-3, 3.30) vs. RHP Shaun Marcum (2-1, 2.78)
TWINS AT A GLANCE
On paper, it's not the best matchup for the Twins. Kevin Slowey and Carl Pavano are fly-ball pitchers, and the Blue Jays lead the majors with 60 homers. Slowey has pitched at least six innings only once this season. Pavano, however, has pitched at least six innings in six of seven starts, giving up two or fewer runs in those six outings. ... The Twins split four games at Toronto last season but were 0-6 over the previous two seasons. ... Justin Morneau might be trying too hard to impress fans in his native land. He's a career .177 hitter with three homers and nine RBI in 16 games at Rogers Centre. But he comes to town after going 6-for-12 against the Yankees.
BLUE JAYS AT A GLANCE
It's power that stands out about these Blue Jays. They lead the majors with 60 homers and 168 extra-base hits. Outfielder Vernon Wells, shortstop Alex Gonzalez and third baseman-outfielder Jose Bautista are tied for the team lead with 10 home runs apiece. Bautista has three homers in his past two games. Catcher John Buck homered three times on April 29 against Oakland and has eight for the season. ... The pitching staff, led by the emerging Shaun Marcum, has given up just 29 homers in 38 games, the second-fewest in the American League. ... Toronto's roster is 22-for-44 against Slowey with four homers.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
Twins pitchers need to keep the HR's under contol vs the Jays
GO TWINS
TWO-GAME SERIES AT ROGERS CENTRE
Today, 6:07 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Kevin Slowey (4-3, 4.62) vs. LHP Dana Eveland (3-2, 4.81)
Tuesday, 11:37 a.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Carl Pavano (4-3, 3.30) vs. RHP Shaun Marcum (2-1, 2.78)
TWINS AT A GLANCE
On paper, it's not the best matchup for the Twins. Kevin Slowey and Carl Pavano are fly-ball pitchers, and the Blue Jays lead the majors with 60 homers. Slowey has pitched at least six innings only once this season. Pavano, however, has pitched at least six innings in six of seven starts, giving up two or fewer runs in those six outings. ... The Twins split four games at Toronto last season but were 0-6 over the previous two seasons. ... Justin Morneau might be trying too hard to impress fans in his native land. He's a career .177 hitter with three homers and nine RBI in 16 games at Rogers Centre. But he comes to town after going 6-for-12 against the Yankees.
BLUE JAYS AT A GLANCE
It's power that stands out about these Blue Jays. They lead the majors with 60 homers and 168 extra-base hits. Outfielder Vernon Wells, shortstop Alex Gonzalez and third baseman-outfielder Jose Bautista are tied for the team lead with 10 home runs apiece. Bautista has three homers in his past two games. Catcher John Buck homered three times on April 29 against Oakland and has eight for the season. ... The pitching staff, led by the emerging Shaun Marcum, has given up just 29 homers in 38 games, the second-fewest in the American League. ... Toronto's roster is 22-for-44 against Slowey with four homers.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
Twins pitchers need to keep the HR's under contol vs the Jays
GO TWINS
Gopher State
Footballguy
Twins get pounded by the Jays today
this is going to be a sub 500 road trip
Their is joy in Detroit
this is going to be a sub 500 road trip
Their is joy in Detroit
Wooderson
Fight The Power
Gopher State
Footballguy
Twins vs. Boston series preview
Last update: May 19, 2010 - 5:35 AM
TWO-GAME SERIES AT FENWAY PARK
Tonight, 6:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Scott Baker (4-3, 4.93)
vs. RHP Clay Buchholz (4-3, 3.46)
Thursday, 6:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
LHP Francisco Liriano (4-2, 2.63)
vs. LHP Jon Lester (3-2, 3.91)
TWINS AT A GLANCE
Lefthander Jose Mijares has been used in non-pressure situations as he searches for his form after returning from the disabled list because of a sore elbow. There were signs Tuesday that he might be coming around as he pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two and hitting 93 miles per hour on the radar gun. Mijares missed his spots a couple times but looked better than other outings in recent days. ... The Twins are 6-6 against the AL East. ... Justin Morneau's six-game hitting streak ended on Tuesday. ... The Twins beat Jon Lester in the Target Field opener on April 12. ... Twins hitters are 8-for-17 (.471) against Clay Buchholz and are 35-for-108 (.324) against Lester. ... Brendan Harris is a good matchup against Lester, batting .444 with three doubles and a triple off him.
RED SOX AT A GLANCE
The Red Sox signed Adrian Beltre during the offseason for some power and a lot of defense. So far, he has more errors (seven) than homers (two). At least he's batting .321 and has 21 RBI. ... Outfielder Mike Cameron (abdomen) has been out for a month. He's on a rehab assignment at Class AA Portland and might miss the short series. ... Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who fractured four ribs in a collision with Beltre more than a month ago, is rehabbing at Class AAA Pawtucket and will be evaluated in Boston this week. ... Closer Jonathan Papelbon gave up homers to Alex Rodriguez and Marcus Thames on Monday, the first time he's given up two homers in an outing since Justin Morneau and Jacque Jones did on July 31, 2005 -- his major league debut. ... Former Twin David Ortiz is batting .348 with six homers and 14 RBI this month.
Last update: May 19, 2010 - 5:35 AM
TWO-GAME SERIES AT FENWAY PARK
Tonight, 6:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Scott Baker (4-3, 4.93)
vs. RHP Clay Buchholz (4-3, 3.46)
Thursday, 6:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
LHP Francisco Liriano (4-2, 2.63)
vs. LHP Jon Lester (3-2, 3.91)
TWINS AT A GLANCE
Lefthander Jose Mijares has been used in non-pressure situations as he searches for his form after returning from the disabled list because of a sore elbow. There were signs Tuesday that he might be coming around as he pitched two scoreless innings, striking out two and hitting 93 miles per hour on the radar gun. Mijares missed his spots a couple times but looked better than other outings in recent days. ... The Twins are 6-6 against the AL East. ... Justin Morneau's six-game hitting streak ended on Tuesday. ... The Twins beat Jon Lester in the Target Field opener on April 12. ... Twins hitters are 8-for-17 (.471) against Clay Buchholz and are 35-for-108 (.324) against Lester. ... Brendan Harris is a good matchup against Lester, batting .444 with three doubles and a triple off him.
RED SOX AT A GLANCE
The Red Sox signed Adrian Beltre during the offseason for some power and a lot of defense. So far, he has more errors (seven) than homers (two). At least he's batting .321 and has 21 RBI. ... Outfielder Mike Cameron (abdomen) has been out for a month. He's on a rehab assignment at Class AA Portland and might miss the short series. ... Outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who fractured four ribs in a collision with Beltre more than a month ago, is rehabbing at Class AAA Pawtucket and will be evaluated in Boston this week. ... Closer Jonathan Papelbon gave up homers to Alex Rodriguez and Marcus Thames on Monday, the first time he's given up two homers in an outing since Justin Morneau and Jacque Jones did on July 31, 2005 -- his major league debut. ... Former Twin David Ortiz is batting .348 with six homers and 14 RBI this month.
Gopher State
Footballguy
Minor details: Demotions, promotions, Strasburg
La Velle E. Neal III
Outfielder Joe Benson is supposed to be one of the Twins better prospects, a second-round pick in 2006, Benson is one of those toolsy high school outfielders that the Twins have jumped on over the years.
He began the season at Class AA New Britain but, in an eye-opening move on Monday, Benson was sent back to Class A Fort Myers after batting .219 with homers and 9 RBI in 33 games.
The batting average looks bad. And people who have seen him play have suggested that he wasn't ready to Class AA.
But after batting .161 in April, Benson was batting .283 in May with four homers. His plate discipline didn't suffer, as he led New Britain with 18 walks at the time of the demotion for a respectable .354 on base percentage.
The Twins don't mind plate discipline. But they also want their players be become as complete hitters as possible. Benson had 35 strikeouts in 33 games at New Britain. That's on pace for...a lot of strikeouts. The Twins also feel that Benson has the potential to hit for average and some power, so they felt a step back right now will help him in the long run.\
``We just need to get these kids going,'' said Jim Rantz, the Twins' director of minor leagues, ``if only for a month to get straightened out.''
Rantz also had Brandon Roberts at Class A Fort Myers, who had recovered from an injury and has played at New Britain before.
System check
With Jeff Manship with the major league team for awhile, lefthander Tyler Robertston has been called up from Class AA New Britain to start on Thursday.
Class A Fort Myers Bruce Pugh is on the disabled list with a sore elbow. Righthander Adrian Salcedo, 19, made his Class A debut on Wednesday. There are a lot of Salcedo fans in the organization, mainly because of his control. But he was tagged for five runs in four innings on six hits - two of them homers.
Carlos Gutierrez has a 1.88 ERA in four starts this month at New Britain - but has walked 10 in 24 innings. Still, it looks like he's starting to figure some things out. Gutierrez and the recent arrival of righthander Kyle Gibson will be interesting to watch.
Gibson, who will be in my updated top ten prospects list at the end of the month, struck out 10 in his double-A debut over the weekend. For comparison's sake, Francisco Liriano struck out 10 in his first game at New Britain in 2004 and Matt Garza struck out 13 in his first game there in 2006.
Gibson starts on Thursday. Got to www.rockcats.com to listen to the game. It might not be far-fetched to think that Gibson could pitch himself into September callup the way he's going right now.
Potentially bad news for righthander Ben Tootle, the Twins' third-round pick last year. He's headed to the Twin Cities this week to have his elbow examined by Twins physician Dr. Dan Buss. The Twins are worried that he has a torn ulnar ligament.
The Twins have 11 minor league pitchers on the disabled list. It has forced pitchers to be moved up to fill in holes. Righthander B.J. Hermsen is at Beloit instead of waiting for one of the short season leagues to start. He gave up one earned run in five innings last Friday in his debut. He has a chance to stick around as long as he keeps pitching well.
Here are the moves the Twins made on Monday;
Joe Benson from NB to FTM
Chris Cates from FTM to NB
Estarlin De Los Santos from NB to FTM
Toby Gardenhire from NB to ROC
Chris Parmelee from NB to FTM
Brandon Roberts from FTM to NB
Loek Van Mil from FTM to NB
GO TWINS
La Velle E. Neal III
Outfielder Joe Benson is supposed to be one of the Twins better prospects, a second-round pick in 2006, Benson is one of those toolsy high school outfielders that the Twins have jumped on over the years.
He began the season at Class AA New Britain but, in an eye-opening move on Monday, Benson was sent back to Class A Fort Myers after batting .219 with homers and 9 RBI in 33 games.
The batting average looks bad. And people who have seen him play have suggested that he wasn't ready to Class AA.
But after batting .161 in April, Benson was batting .283 in May with four homers. His plate discipline didn't suffer, as he led New Britain with 18 walks at the time of the demotion for a respectable .354 on base percentage.
The Twins don't mind plate discipline. But they also want their players be become as complete hitters as possible. Benson had 35 strikeouts in 33 games at New Britain. That's on pace for...a lot of strikeouts. The Twins also feel that Benson has the potential to hit for average and some power, so they felt a step back right now will help him in the long run.\
``We just need to get these kids going,'' said Jim Rantz, the Twins' director of minor leagues, ``if only for a month to get straightened out.''
Rantz also had Brandon Roberts at Class A Fort Myers, who had recovered from an injury and has played at New Britain before.
System check
With Jeff Manship with the major league team for awhile, lefthander Tyler Robertston has been called up from Class AA New Britain to start on Thursday.
Class A Fort Myers Bruce Pugh is on the disabled list with a sore elbow. Righthander Adrian Salcedo, 19, made his Class A debut on Wednesday. There are a lot of Salcedo fans in the organization, mainly because of his control. But he was tagged for five runs in four innings on six hits - two of them homers.
Carlos Gutierrez has a 1.88 ERA in four starts this month at New Britain - but has walked 10 in 24 innings. Still, it looks like he's starting to figure some things out. Gutierrez and the recent arrival of righthander Kyle Gibson will be interesting to watch.
Gibson, who will be in my updated top ten prospects list at the end of the month, struck out 10 in his double-A debut over the weekend. For comparison's sake, Francisco Liriano struck out 10 in his first game at New Britain in 2004 and Matt Garza struck out 13 in his first game there in 2006.
Gibson starts on Thursday. Got to www.rockcats.com to listen to the game. It might not be far-fetched to think that Gibson could pitch himself into September callup the way he's going right now.
Potentially bad news for righthander Ben Tootle, the Twins' third-round pick last year. He's headed to the Twin Cities this week to have his elbow examined by Twins physician Dr. Dan Buss. The Twins are worried that he has a torn ulnar ligament.
The Twins have 11 minor league pitchers on the disabled list. It has forced pitchers to be moved up to fill in holes. Righthander B.J. Hermsen is at Beloit instead of waiting for one of the short season leagues to start. He gave up one earned run in five innings last Friday in his debut. He has a chance to stick around as long as he keeps pitching well.
Here are the moves the Twins made on Monday;
Joe Benson from NB to FTM
Chris Cates from FTM to NB
Estarlin De Los Santos from NB to FTM
Toby Gardenhire from NB to ROC
Chris Parmelee from NB to FTM
Brandon Roberts from FTM to NB
Loek Van Mil from FTM to NB
GO TWINS
Gopher State
Footballguy
Twins-Red Sox: Hardy unlikely this weekend
La Velle E. Neal III
It's becoming unlikely that shortstop J.J. Hardy will come off the disabled list in time to play against Milwaukee this weekend. Hardy, out with a bruised left wrist, has been rehabbing at Target Field but has been unable to do any more than hit off a tee.
He's just starting to get to the point where he's not feeling any soreness the day after activity. So the Twins are expected to let him take the weekend and Monday's offday to get ready, then activate him for the Yankees series on Tuesday.
The Twins are expected to send righthander Jeff Manship back to Class AAA Rochester after the game and bring up an infielder. With Luke Hughes on the DL with a strained groin - and Matt Tolbert having to stay in the minors for at least 10 days - the door could be open for Trevor Plouffe or Danny Valencia to join the team for the weekend. Stay tuned.
Haven't heard anything about moving a certain struggling reliever - but I wouldn't totally rule it out either.
Clay Condrey will throw a 50-pitch bullpen session on Friday before heading to Fort Myers to face hitters. Pat Neshek will throw in the bullpen a couple more times before he'll be ready to send to Fort Myers. We'll see.
Twins (24-16)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Brendan Harris, SS
9. Nick Punto, 3B
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano
Red Sox (21-20)
1. Darnell McDonald, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, DH
6. Adrian Beltre, 3B
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Bill Hall, LF
9. Angel Sanchez, SS
Pitching: LHP Jon Lester
La Velle E. Neal III
It's becoming unlikely that shortstop J.J. Hardy will come off the disabled list in time to play against Milwaukee this weekend. Hardy, out with a bruised left wrist, has been rehabbing at Target Field but has been unable to do any more than hit off a tee.
He's just starting to get to the point where he's not feeling any soreness the day after activity. So the Twins are expected to let him take the weekend and Monday's offday to get ready, then activate him for the Yankees series on Tuesday.
The Twins are expected to send righthander Jeff Manship back to Class AAA Rochester after the game and bring up an infielder. With Luke Hughes on the DL with a strained groin - and Matt Tolbert having to stay in the minors for at least 10 days - the door could be open for Trevor Plouffe or Danny Valencia to join the team for the weekend. Stay tuned.
Haven't heard anything about moving a certain struggling reliever - but I wouldn't totally rule it out either.
Clay Condrey will throw a 50-pitch bullpen session on Friday before heading to Fort Myers to face hitters. Pat Neshek will throw in the bullpen a couple more times before he'll be ready to send to Fort Myers. We'll see.
Twins (24-16)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Brendan Harris, SS
9. Nick Punto, 3B
Pitching: LHP Francisco Liriano
Red Sox (21-20)
1. Darnell McDonald, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Victor Martinez, C
4. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
5. Mike Lowell, DH
6. Adrian Beltre, 3B
7. J.D. Drew, RF
8. Bill Hall, LF
9. Angel Sanchez, SS
Pitching: LHP Jon Lester
Gopher State
Footballguy
Trevor Plouffe would like to follow Span's lead
By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
In Twins center fielder Denard Span, Trevor Plouffe sees a fellow first-round draft pick who struggled in the minors before finally proving the naysayers wrong in 2008.
This winter, Plouffe (pronounced PLOOF) spoke with Span and said, "I'd really like to do what you did."
So far, so good. After performing well at Class AAA Rochester, Plouffe made his major league debut Friday night as the Twins' starting shortstop and went 2-for-5 with an RBI single in the first inning and an RBI double in the fourth.
Plouffe also handled every ball hit to him, repeatedly drawing cheers of "Plouuuuufe!" from the fans.
Plouffe, 23, was the Twins' first-round pick in the 2004 draft out of Crespi Carmelite High School in Southern California. He was among the youngest players at each level as he climbed through the organization and entered this year as a .256 career minor league hitter.
He batted .260 for Rochester last season. It was much like when Span batted .267 for Rochester in 2007. Span was the Twins' first-round pick in 2002, and that was the low point before he reached the majors the next year.
"Some guys had written him off, maybe said he didn't get to Minnesota quick enough, and he's really turned into an All-Star player," Plouffe said. "Before the season, he said, 'All you've gotta go do is play hard, do well in Rochester and you'll get your opportunity.' "
Plouffe was batting .303 with 11 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 38 RBI for Rochester before getting promoted.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said Plouffe needed to be more consistent at shortstop, especially with his throws, but the whole staff saw a more mature player this spring. "When I sent him down this spring, I said, 'We'll see you in the big leagues this year,' " Gardenhire said. "I really believed that."
Casilla has MRI exam
Infielder Alexi Casilla underwent an MRI exam on his right elbow after several days of discomfort.
The tests showed some irritation caused by a bone spur, Gardenhire said, He expects Casilla to be ready to play Saturday.
Casilla, who is batting .273, hasn't started since last Sunday in New York but came off the bench three of the next four games.
Bullpen update
Clay Condrey, who is on the DL because of a strained elbow, threw a 50-pitch bullpen session without discomfort, and Pat Neshek (strained finger) felt good playing catch for 10 minutes. Gardenhire said Saturday will be a big day for both of them, as both will be reevaluated and continued rehab plans will be made.
By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
In Twins center fielder Denard Span, Trevor Plouffe sees a fellow first-round draft pick who struggled in the minors before finally proving the naysayers wrong in 2008.
This winter, Plouffe (pronounced PLOOF) spoke with Span and said, "I'd really like to do what you did."
So far, so good. After performing well at Class AAA Rochester, Plouffe made his major league debut Friday night as the Twins' starting shortstop and went 2-for-5 with an RBI single in the first inning and an RBI double in the fourth.
Plouffe also handled every ball hit to him, repeatedly drawing cheers of "Plouuuuufe!" from the fans.
Plouffe, 23, was the Twins' first-round pick in the 2004 draft out of Crespi Carmelite High School in Southern California. He was among the youngest players at each level as he climbed through the organization and entered this year as a .256 career minor league hitter.
He batted .260 for Rochester last season. It was much like when Span batted .267 for Rochester in 2007. Span was the Twins' first-round pick in 2002, and that was the low point before he reached the majors the next year.
"Some guys had written him off, maybe said he didn't get to Minnesota quick enough, and he's really turned into an All-Star player," Plouffe said. "Before the season, he said, 'All you've gotta go do is play hard, do well in Rochester and you'll get your opportunity.' "
Plouffe was batting .303 with 11 doubles, three triples, four home runs and 38 RBI for Rochester before getting promoted.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said Plouffe needed to be more consistent at shortstop, especially with his throws, but the whole staff saw a more mature player this spring. "When I sent him down this spring, I said, 'We'll see you in the big leagues this year,' " Gardenhire said. "I really believed that."
Casilla has MRI exam
Infielder Alexi Casilla underwent an MRI exam on his right elbow after several days of discomfort.
The tests showed some irritation caused by a bone spur, Gardenhire said, He expects Casilla to be ready to play Saturday.
Casilla, who is batting .273, hasn't started since last Sunday in New York but came off the bench three of the next four games.
Bullpen update
Clay Condrey, who is on the DL because of a strained elbow, threw a 50-pitch bullpen session without discomfort, and Pat Neshek (strained finger) felt good playing catch for 10 minutes. Gardenhire said Saturday will be a big day for both of them, as both will be reevaluated and continued rehab plans will be made.
Gopher State
Footballguy
After loads of trouble, a win
Minnesota squandered a lead, left the bases loaded in the ninth and 10th innings but eked out a victory on a Jason Kubel sacrifice fly.
By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
The Twins knew Target Field was beautiful and functional, but until Saturday, nobody could be sure if the place could rock.
Through 19 home games, there hadn't been an experience quite like this, with chapters of late-inning drama unfolding before a hostile and somewhat bipartisan crowd.
Groans. Roars. Oohs. Ahhs. On seemingly every pitch.
Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire made some questionable moves, as the Brewers overcame a four-run, ninth-inning deficit and took the lead. The Twins tied it and nearly won it in their half of the ninth inning.
The Brewers turned to Sunday's scheduled starter, Manny Parra, to start the 11th inning, and the Twins finally won it 8-7 in the 12th, when Jason Kubel's sacrifice fly scored Joe Mauer from third base.
Leading 6-2 in the ninth inning, Gardenhire sent lefthander Ron Mahay to the mound. Had the lead been one run smaller, it would have been a save situation, and Gardenhire would have used closer Jon Rauch.
It played out like a nightmare. Mahay, who'd allowed three runs in his previous outing, gave up two singles and a walk, loading the bases before Gardenhire finally summoned Rauch, who hadn't entered in the middle of an inning all season.
Two batters later, the game was tied. Rickie Weeks smashed a double off the right-center field wall, and old friend Carlos Gomez lined a two-run single to left-field, making it 6-6.
It was Rauch's second blown save in 12 chances.
Each at-bat was accompanied by roars and groans from the sellout crowd. Second baseman Alexi Casilla made a spectacular diving catch and doubled up Gomez at first base, but Rauch walked Prince Fielder, who scored all the way from first when Casey McGehee doubled over left fielder Delmon Young's head.
If the Twins were shocked, they didn't show it the next half-inning. Justin Morneau doubled, Michael Cuddyer singled and, after a strikeout by Jason Kubel, Young tied it with a double to left field. Cuddyer might have scored the winning run on the play, but the ball bounced over the wall for a ground-rule double.
Gardenhire used Jim Thome to pinch-hit for Trevor Plouffe, but with first-base open, the Brewers intentionally walked Thome. That loaded the bases but Nick Punto struck out, and Denard Span flied out to the right-field warning track, ending the inning.
Span raised his arm in triumph as he ran up the first-base line, but like so many long flies in the new ballpark, this one relaxed in flight and wound up as an out.
The Twins just missed another chance in the 10th, when Young came up with the bases loaded and hit a drive that right fielder Corey Hart caught as he crashed into the wall.
Hours earlier, the Twins jumped on Milwaukee's best pitcher, Yovani Gallardo, for four first-inning runs. On Friday, they scored seven first-inning runs off Dave Bush and kept adding to that lead in an eventual 15-3 victory.
But Gallardo finished six innings without allowing another run.
Hart's home run with two outs in the sixth inning trimmed the Twins' lead to 4-2, and that was the last batter for Kevin Slowey, who couldn't get through the sixth inning for the eighth time in nine starts.
The Twins added two runs in the seventh inning, as Brewers manager Ken Macha went through three pitchers from his struggling bullpen.
GO TWINS
Minnesota squandered a lead, left the bases loaded in the ninth and 10th innings but eked out a victory on a Jason Kubel sacrifice fly.
By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
The Twins knew Target Field was beautiful and functional, but until Saturday, nobody could be sure if the place could rock.
Through 19 home games, there hadn't been an experience quite like this, with chapters of late-inning drama unfolding before a hostile and somewhat bipartisan crowd.
Groans. Roars. Oohs. Ahhs. On seemingly every pitch.
Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire made some questionable moves, as the Brewers overcame a four-run, ninth-inning deficit and took the lead. The Twins tied it and nearly won it in their half of the ninth inning.
The Brewers turned to Sunday's scheduled starter, Manny Parra, to start the 11th inning, and the Twins finally won it 8-7 in the 12th, when Jason Kubel's sacrifice fly scored Joe Mauer from third base.
Leading 6-2 in the ninth inning, Gardenhire sent lefthander Ron Mahay to the mound. Had the lead been one run smaller, it would have been a save situation, and Gardenhire would have used closer Jon Rauch.
It played out like a nightmare. Mahay, who'd allowed three runs in his previous outing, gave up two singles and a walk, loading the bases before Gardenhire finally summoned Rauch, who hadn't entered in the middle of an inning all season.
Two batters later, the game was tied. Rickie Weeks smashed a double off the right-center field wall, and old friend Carlos Gomez lined a two-run single to left-field, making it 6-6.
It was Rauch's second blown save in 12 chances.
Each at-bat was accompanied by roars and groans from the sellout crowd. Second baseman Alexi Casilla made a spectacular diving catch and doubled up Gomez at first base, but Rauch walked Prince Fielder, who scored all the way from first when Casey McGehee doubled over left fielder Delmon Young's head.
If the Twins were shocked, they didn't show it the next half-inning. Justin Morneau doubled, Michael Cuddyer singled and, after a strikeout by Jason Kubel, Young tied it with a double to left field. Cuddyer might have scored the winning run on the play, but the ball bounced over the wall for a ground-rule double.
Gardenhire used Jim Thome to pinch-hit for Trevor Plouffe, but with first-base open, the Brewers intentionally walked Thome. That loaded the bases but Nick Punto struck out, and Denard Span flied out to the right-field warning track, ending the inning.
Span raised his arm in triumph as he ran up the first-base line, but like so many long flies in the new ballpark, this one relaxed in flight and wound up as an out.
The Twins just missed another chance in the 10th, when Young came up with the bases loaded and hit a drive that right fielder Corey Hart caught as he crashed into the wall.
Hours earlier, the Twins jumped on Milwaukee's best pitcher, Yovani Gallardo, for four first-inning runs. On Friday, they scored seven first-inning runs off Dave Bush and kept adding to that lead in an eventual 15-3 victory.
But Gallardo finished six innings without allowing another run.
Hart's home run with two outs in the sixth inning trimmed the Twins' lead to 4-2, and that was the last batter for Kevin Slowey, who couldn't get through the sixth inning for the eighth time in nine starts.
The Twins added two runs in the seventh inning, as Brewers manager Ken Macha went through three pitchers from his struggling bullpen.
GO TWINS
Gopher State
Footballguy
SS Trevor Plouffe the newest and funnest Twins player name to say. But the Twins really miss SS JJ Hardy, there 18-7 with JJ in the line up and 7-10 without him. Here's to quick return JJ 
Gopher State
Footballguy
CF Denard Span left Sunday's game with a bruise between his shoulders after getting hit by a pitch from Marco Estrada while leading off the third. Span stayed in the game until Alexi Casilla pinch-hit for him in the seventh. "If I had tried to make a strong throw, it would have bothered me," Span said. "Then coming in between innings it got stiff." Twins RHP Carl Pavano hit Prince Fielder with first base open in the first inning, and Span was asked if he thought he was hit in retaliation. "I don't know. I'd like not to think that," he said. Span immediately stole second base, then scored on Orlando Hudson's single. "I was going no matter what. I was determined to steal second," Span said. "And if it was a double-play ball, I was going to get in somebody's (rear end). I didn't like the spot I was hit. It was kind of high."
Gopher State
Footballguy
Selectivity and connectivity propelling Morneau’s monster start
Parker Hageman
Last update: May 24, 2010 - 1:37 AM
Without question, Justin Morneau is off to the best start of his career. He has been hitting pitchers so hard that he is probably violating some aspect of the Geneva Convention.
What has made Morneau so good in 2010? Almost every ball that the Twins first baseman connects with is on a violent trajectory but at the same time he is making opposing pitchers labor in almost every plate appearance. Morneau told Sid Hartman that he was making a concerted effort to not press too hard in the batter’s box:
"Right now I'm trying to be patient, take what they give me and not make something out of an at-bat that isn't there. With [Michael] Cuddyer, [Jim]Thome, [Delmon] Young and all of those guys in the lineup hitting behind me, I feel if I get on base they can hit a home run just as easily as me swinging at a bad pitch and blooping something in."
The numbers certainly confirm Morneau’s testament. Compared to past seasons, he’s shown schoolmarm-ish discipline. Now an established veteran of nearly a decade, Morneau has been selective on pitches both outside and inside the strike zone while keeping his bat on his shoulder more:
Morneau’s Plate Discipline: OOZ swing% IZ swing% Overall swing%
2010 27.0 62.5 41.9
2009 29.4 72.5 48.9
2008 30.3 66.6 47.6
After chasing almost 30 percent of pitches out of the zone in 2008 and 2009, he’s trimmed the fat down to below the league’s average through almost two months of the season. Of course, pitchers have enabled this newfound discipline by pirouetting around the strike zone, attempting to avoid his heavy lumber by bending and changing speeds. In the past, a younger Morneau may have expanded the zone for the pitcher by reaching for an inferior pitch. This year’s model is swinging on his own terms which have translated to more favorable counts and a higher walk rate.
Likewise, the decision to throw fewer fastballs and even fewer strikes in general is presumably an attempt to tangle with the hitters down the order from Morneau rather than challenge the league’s best hitter. While the logic is sound in theory, in practice however this has been extremely advantageous for the Twins. First, this off-speed recourse has a rather nasty side-effect: Morneau is hitting it at a very good .392 clip with six of his 11 home runs coming off of non-fastball offerings. Secondly, the decision to pitch around Morneau has ultimately led to more runs. Coming into Sunday’s game, Morneau has been issued 33 free passes. On five of those occasions, he eventually scored.
In addition to abstaining from the wayward pitches and embracing the higher dosage of off-speed stuff, Morneau has been increasingly particular about his in-zone pitches as well, taking more pitches for strikes. With this added quality-control, he has been able to hone in on his proverbial “pitch”. This has translated into more squarely hit balls.
Morneau’s batted balls: Line Drive% Ground Ball% Fly Ball%
2010 23.9 25.6 50.4
Career 18.7 40.6 40.7
After beating the ball into the ground at a career 40 percent rate, he’s elevating it more this year – shooting more fly balls and line drives around the park instead of towards the turf. While one would like to see the grounders exchanged for line drives, as fly balls are typically the most frequent of the three to be converted into an out, Morneau has been exercising a fly ball BABIP nearly a 100 points higher than the league and his career average. Also, the depressed ground ball rate has also kept him from hitting into any double-plays in ’10 despite having baseball’s second-highest at-bats in double-play situations (48) behind teammate Michael Cuddyer (50).
Aside from the batted ball levels which may not be sustainable throughout the season’s duration and eventually regress back towards his career norms, clearly Morneau has implemented a sound approach at the plate and is capitalizing on it whenever he pulls the trigger. If the organization can refrain from wearing him out at the end of the year and keep him from his second-half swoon, Morneau could be a runaway for AL MVP.
MVP MORNEAU
Parker Hageman
Last update: May 24, 2010 - 1:37 AM
Without question, Justin Morneau is off to the best start of his career. He has been hitting pitchers so hard that he is probably violating some aspect of the Geneva Convention.
What has made Morneau so good in 2010? Almost every ball that the Twins first baseman connects with is on a violent trajectory but at the same time he is making opposing pitchers labor in almost every plate appearance. Morneau told Sid Hartman that he was making a concerted effort to not press too hard in the batter’s box:
"Right now I'm trying to be patient, take what they give me and not make something out of an at-bat that isn't there. With [Michael] Cuddyer, [Jim]Thome, [Delmon] Young and all of those guys in the lineup hitting behind me, I feel if I get on base they can hit a home run just as easily as me swinging at a bad pitch and blooping something in."
The numbers certainly confirm Morneau’s testament. Compared to past seasons, he’s shown schoolmarm-ish discipline. Now an established veteran of nearly a decade, Morneau has been selective on pitches both outside and inside the strike zone while keeping his bat on his shoulder more:
Morneau’s Plate Discipline: OOZ swing% IZ swing% Overall swing%
2010 27.0 62.5 41.9
2009 29.4 72.5 48.9
2008 30.3 66.6 47.6
After chasing almost 30 percent of pitches out of the zone in 2008 and 2009, he’s trimmed the fat down to below the league’s average through almost two months of the season. Of course, pitchers have enabled this newfound discipline by pirouetting around the strike zone, attempting to avoid his heavy lumber by bending and changing speeds. In the past, a younger Morneau may have expanded the zone for the pitcher by reaching for an inferior pitch. This year’s model is swinging on his own terms which have translated to more favorable counts and a higher walk rate.
Likewise, the decision to throw fewer fastballs and even fewer strikes in general is presumably an attempt to tangle with the hitters down the order from Morneau rather than challenge the league’s best hitter. While the logic is sound in theory, in practice however this has been extremely advantageous for the Twins. First, this off-speed recourse has a rather nasty side-effect: Morneau is hitting it at a very good .392 clip with six of his 11 home runs coming off of non-fastball offerings. Secondly, the decision to pitch around Morneau has ultimately led to more runs. Coming into Sunday’s game, Morneau has been issued 33 free passes. On five of those occasions, he eventually scored.
In addition to abstaining from the wayward pitches and embracing the higher dosage of off-speed stuff, Morneau has been increasingly particular about his in-zone pitches as well, taking more pitches for strikes. With this added quality-control, he has been able to hone in on his proverbial “pitch”. This has translated into more squarely hit balls.
Morneau’s batted balls: Line Drive% Ground Ball% Fly Ball%
2010 23.9 25.6 50.4
Career 18.7 40.6 40.7
After beating the ball into the ground at a career 40 percent rate, he’s elevating it more this year – shooting more fly balls and line drives around the park instead of towards the turf. While one would like to see the grounders exchanged for line drives, as fly balls are typically the most frequent of the three to be converted into an out, Morneau has been exercising a fly ball BABIP nearly a 100 points higher than the league and his career average. Also, the depressed ground ball rate has also kept him from hitting into any double-plays in ’10 despite having baseball’s second-highest at-bats in double-play situations (48) behind teammate Michael Cuddyer (50).
Aside from the batted ball levels which may not be sustainable throughout the season’s duration and eventually regress back towards his career norms, clearly Morneau has implemented a sound approach at the plate and is capitalizing on it whenever he pulls the trigger. If the organization can refrain from wearing him out at the end of the year and keep him from his second-half swoon, Morneau could be a runaway for AL MVP.
MVP MORNEAU
Gopher State
Footballguy
Scarcity of homers
May 24, 2010 - 10:22 PM
Target Field to date has proven to be a tough home run park, ranking 12th among 14 AL stadiums in home runs per game (by both the home and visiting teams). The numbers (through Sunday):
Stadium Home team HR per game
1. New Yankee Stadium N.Y. Yankees 2.79
2. Camden Yards Baltimore 2.70
3. Rogers Centre Toronto 2.50
4. Rangers Ballpark Texas 2.33
5. U.S. Cellular Field Chi. White Sox 2.21
6. Fenway Park Boston 2.16
7. Angels Stadium L.A. Angels 1.96
8. Kauffman Stadium Kansas City 1.81
9. Progressive Field Cleveland 1.79
10. Tropicana Field Tampa Bay 1.65
11. Comerica Park Detroit 1.55
12. Target Field Twins 1.38
13. Safeco Field Seattle 1.00
14. Oakland Coliseum Oakland 0.89
May 24, 2010 - 10:22 PM
Target Field to date has proven to be a tough home run park, ranking 12th among 14 AL stadiums in home runs per game (by both the home and visiting teams). The numbers (through Sunday):
Stadium Home team HR per game
1. New Yankee Stadium N.Y. Yankees 2.79
2. Camden Yards Baltimore 2.70
3. Rogers Centre Toronto 2.50
4. Rangers Ballpark Texas 2.33
5. U.S. Cellular Field Chi. White Sox 2.21
6. Fenway Park Boston 2.16
7. Angels Stadium L.A. Angels 1.96
8. Kauffman Stadium Kansas City 1.81
9. Progressive Field Cleveland 1.79
10. Tropicana Field Tampa Bay 1.65
11. Comerica Park Detroit 1.55
12. Target Field Twins 1.38
13. Safeco Field Seattle 1.00
14. Oakland Coliseum Oakland 0.89
Gopher State
Footballguy
Twins' season total attendance 1,009,657 -- the fastest the team has passed the 1 million mark.
Pefect weather, new ball park, winning a few games, it doesn't get any better for TWINS fans
And on ESPN Sunday night baseball today WHOOOOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Pefect weather, new ball park, winning a few games, it doesn't get any better for TWINS fans
And on ESPN Sunday night baseball today WHOOOOOOOOOOO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Gopher State
Footballguy
You need to get a FBG circle me Bert sign.Heading to the game right now.
Gopher State
Footballguy
—INFs Justin Morneau, Nick Punto, Brendan Harris and Alexi Casilla have yet to be charged with an error this season and helped the Twins get through 50 games with the lowest error total in major league history, 12.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, the previous low through 50 games was 17, accomplished by the 2006 Boston Red Sox and 2009 Philadelphia Phillies.
Nice SWEEP against the Rangers, now bring on SEATTLE
G O T W I N S
According to Elias Sports Bureau, the previous low through 50 games was 17, accomplished by the 2006 Boston Red Sox and 2009 Philadelphia Phillies.
Nice SWEEP against the Rangers, now bring on SEATTLE
G O T W I N S
Gopher State
Footballguy
LATEST ON 0-DOGHudson stays in Minnesota to have tests on wristPosted by Joe Christensen Last update: May 31, 2010 - 3:05 PMSEATTLE -- Twins second baseman Orlando Hudson did not travel to Seattle with the team after injuring his surgically repaired left wrist on the final play of Sunday night's game against Texas, General Manager Bill Smith confirmed.The Twins will open a four-game series tonight against the Mariners. Hudson had X-Rays taken at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis on Sunday night, and went back for a CT Scan on Monday."He's got a little more movement and feels better today," Smith said, adding that he was waiting for a phone call that could answer what the next step is for Hudson.Smith did not rule out the possibility of Hudson rejoining the team in Seattle."We'll let you know," Smith said.Hudson, who had reconstructive surgery on the same wrist in 2008, injured himself this time on a collision with center fielder Denard Span, who caught the ball to secure the victory and seemed to be OK. Smith said the X-Rays Hudson had on Sunday were inconclusive.Hudson, 32, has been a big catalyst for the Twins this season in the No. 2 spot of the batting order, hitting .305 with a .377 on-base percentage, 10 doubles, two triples, three homers, 16 RBI and four stolen bases. A four-time Gold Glove Award winner, Hudson has committed just two errors in 49 games.
Gopher State
Footballguy
Who's on second? While Orlando Hudson heals, Twins rotate options
Richard Tsong-Taatarii, Star Tribune file
Until Orlando Hudson’s left wrist heals and he rejoins the lineup, the Twins will deploy several replacements at second base.
Among the possibilities over the next few games: Michael Cuddyer, Nick Punto and Matt Tolbert.
By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
SEATTLE - If Twins fans were surprised to see Michael Cuddyer playing second base Monday, imagine how Francisco Liriano felt.
The first batter the lefthander faced, Ichiro Suzuki, hit a ground ball to second.
"I was like, 'What's Michael doing here?'" Liriano said. "I didn't know he was playing second, so I was really surprised."
Manager Ron Gardenhire has been improvising with starting second baseman Orlando Hudson out because of a left wrist injury. Hudson, who got hurt on the final play of Sunday's victory over Texas, rejoined the Twins in Seattle on Tuesday, but it was unclear when he'll be ready to play again.
"It should be all right in a few days, I hope," Hudson said.
Cuddyer returned to right field Tuesday, with Nick Punto moving to second base and Brendan Harris playing third.
Infielder Matt Tolbert also arrived in Seattle after being promoted from Class AAA Rochester. He replaced Alexi Casilla, who went on the 15-day disabled list following Monday's game because of a bone spur in his right elbow.
Casilla's elbow has been bothering him for weeks, but during Monday's game, he told Gardenhire it had gotten worse.
"I was supposed to have surgery at the end of the season, but it's better to do it now," Casilla said. "I'll go back to Minnesota and wait for what the doctors say. It would be better for me [to have surgery]."
Arthroscopic surgery would keep Casilla out four to six weeks. He also might have a cortisone shot to see if that can get him through the season. Casilla returned to Minnesota to consult with team physician Dr. Dan Buss.
The Twins are just relieved Hudson's wrist injury isn't serious. When he injured the same wrist for Arizona in 2008, he needed major reconstructive surgery. This time, he injured himself on a collision with center fielder Denard Span.
Hudson said, "The whole arm was just dead. I had no feeling."
"It obviously didn't feel as bad as when I first broke it in '08," Hudson added. "That was excruciating pain. It's an injury that I wasn't even supposed to be playing baseball anymore anyway, and I'm here."
A CT scan showed no new fractures. After his appointment, Hudson had a chance to watch Cuddyer try to fill his shoes.
It wasn't easy. A four-time Gold Glover, Hudson has made only two errors all season and is batting .305. Gardenhire went with Cuddyer because Casilla was injured, and the Twins were facing a righthander in Mariners starter Doug Fister. The move allowed Gardenhire to use Jim Thome as his DH and start Jason Kubel and Delmon Young in the corner outfield spots.
Cuddyer did OK defensively and went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and a home run.
"He looks good," Hudson said. "That's the biggest second baseman I've ever seen."
The Twins will face lefthander Cliff Lee on Wednesday. Gardenhire might try this same alignment, with Punto at second base and Harris at third. On Thursday, the Twins will face righthander Felix Hernandez. Look for Punto to return to third base that day, with Tolbert getting a chance at second, unless Gardenhire decides to give Cuddyer another shot at it.
Either way, Hudson can't return soon enough.
Richard Tsong-Taatarii, Star Tribune file
Until Orlando Hudson’s left wrist heals and he rejoins the lineup, the Twins will deploy several replacements at second base.
Among the possibilities over the next few games: Michael Cuddyer, Nick Punto and Matt Tolbert.
By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
SEATTLE - If Twins fans were surprised to see Michael Cuddyer playing second base Monday, imagine how Francisco Liriano felt.
The first batter the lefthander faced, Ichiro Suzuki, hit a ground ball to second.
"I was like, 'What's Michael doing here?'" Liriano said. "I didn't know he was playing second, so I was really surprised."
Manager Ron Gardenhire has been improvising with starting second baseman Orlando Hudson out because of a left wrist injury. Hudson, who got hurt on the final play of Sunday's victory over Texas, rejoined the Twins in Seattle on Tuesday, but it was unclear when he'll be ready to play again.
"It should be all right in a few days, I hope," Hudson said.
Cuddyer returned to right field Tuesday, with Nick Punto moving to second base and Brendan Harris playing third.
Infielder Matt Tolbert also arrived in Seattle after being promoted from Class AAA Rochester. He replaced Alexi Casilla, who went on the 15-day disabled list following Monday's game because of a bone spur in his right elbow.
Casilla's elbow has been bothering him for weeks, but during Monday's game, he told Gardenhire it had gotten worse.
"I was supposed to have surgery at the end of the season, but it's better to do it now," Casilla said. "I'll go back to Minnesota and wait for what the doctors say. It would be better for me [to have surgery]."
Arthroscopic surgery would keep Casilla out four to six weeks. He also might have a cortisone shot to see if that can get him through the season. Casilla returned to Minnesota to consult with team physician Dr. Dan Buss.
The Twins are just relieved Hudson's wrist injury isn't serious. When he injured the same wrist for Arizona in 2008, he needed major reconstructive surgery. This time, he injured himself on a collision with center fielder Denard Span.
Hudson said, "The whole arm was just dead. I had no feeling."
"It obviously didn't feel as bad as when I first broke it in '08," Hudson added. "That was excruciating pain. It's an injury that I wasn't even supposed to be playing baseball anymore anyway, and I'm here."
A CT scan showed no new fractures. After his appointment, Hudson had a chance to watch Cuddyer try to fill his shoes.
It wasn't easy. A four-time Gold Glover, Hudson has made only two errors all season and is batting .305. Gardenhire went with Cuddyer because Casilla was injured, and the Twins were facing a righthander in Mariners starter Doug Fister. The move allowed Gardenhire to use Jim Thome as his DH and start Jason Kubel and Delmon Young in the corner outfield spots.
Cuddyer did OK defensively and went 2-for-4 with an RBI single and a home run.
"He looks good," Hudson said. "That's the biggest second baseman I've ever seen."
The Twins will face lefthander Cliff Lee on Wednesday. Gardenhire might try this same alignment, with Punto at second base and Harris at third. On Thursday, the Twins will face righthander Felix Hernandez. Look for Punto to return to third base that day, with Tolbert getting a chance at second, unless Gardenhire decides to give Cuddyer another shot at it.
Either way, Hudson can't return soon enough.
Gopher State
Footballguy
Kevin Slowey looks to build off last start, pitching opposite Cliff Lee
Well, the voters (media types covering the teams) have spoken, and David Ortiz was the American League's Player of the Month for May. Vladimir Guerrero was the runner up. Justin Morneau? No mention in the press release.
Here are their May numbers:
Ortiz: .363/.424/.788 with four doubles, 10 homers and 27 RBI.
Guerrero: .330/.339/.633 with three doubles, 10 homers and 31 RBI.
Morneau: .400/.496/.710 with 13 doubles, six homers and 19 RBI.
Boston's Jon Lester was named AL Pitcher of the Month. That seemed well-deserved, as he was 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA.
Anyway, back to the task at hand. The Twins will be facing Cliff Lee tonight, and they'll need Kevin Slowey to build off his last start against Texas. Slowey held the Rangers to one run on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.
Key matchup for Slowey: Jose Lopez is 4-for-6 with two home runs off him.
TWINS (31-21)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. J.J. Hardy, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Matt Tolbert, 2B
9. Nick Punto, 3B
Starting pitcher: Kevin Slowey (6-3, 4.15 ERA)
MARINERS (20-31)
TBA
Starting pitcher: LH Cliff Lee (3-2, 3.22 ERA)
Safeco Field. First pitch: 9:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network
LETS GO TWINS
Well, the voters (media types covering the teams) have spoken, and David Ortiz was the American League's Player of the Month for May. Vladimir Guerrero was the runner up. Justin Morneau? No mention in the press release.
Here are their May numbers:
Ortiz: .363/.424/.788 with four doubles, 10 homers and 27 RBI.
Guerrero: .330/.339/.633 with three doubles, 10 homers and 31 RBI.
Morneau: .400/.496/.710 with 13 doubles, six homers and 19 RBI.
Boston's Jon Lester was named AL Pitcher of the Month. That seemed well-deserved, as he was 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA.
Anyway, back to the task at hand. The Twins will be facing Cliff Lee tonight, and they'll need Kevin Slowey to build off his last start against Texas. Slowey held the Rangers to one run on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.
Key matchup for Slowey: Jose Lopez is 4-for-6 with two home runs off him.
TWINS (31-21)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. J.J. Hardy, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Matt Tolbert, 2B
9. Nick Punto, 3B
Starting pitcher: Kevin Slowey (6-3, 4.15 ERA)
MARINERS (20-31)
TBA
Starting pitcher: LH Cliff Lee (3-2, 3.22 ERA)
Safeco Field. First pitch: 9:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network
LETS GO TWINS
Bill Brasky
Footballguy
I thought it was funny last night that just as **** was talking about how the Twins have some big hitters up this inning but Lee hasn't given up a HR in however many innings, Cuddy goes yard on the next pitch. 
Gopher State
Footballguy
Valencia to start at 3B in MLB debut; Hardy sits vs. King Felix
SEATTLE -- Danny Valencia will start at third base tonight in his major league debut, and J.J. Hardy, who still has soreness in his left wrist, is getting a night off with the Twins facing Felix Hernandez.
Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire said Valencia likely will return to Class AAA Rochester after the weekend series in Oakland. The Twins will need the roster spot when Michael Cuddyer returns from the bereavement list.
"Maybe things can change, they always do, but yes, I would think he’d go right back," Gardenhire said.
J.J. Hardy said a day off today, and taking fewer swings in batting practice, should help him be able to play through the soreness in his left wrist.
Orlando Hudson is taking ground balls at second base during batting practice but there were no plans for him to start swinging a bat. Gardenhire said Hudson is day-to-day.
TWINS (31-22)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Matt Tolbert, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jim Thome, DH
6. Jason Kubel, RF
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Danny Valencia, 3B
9. Nick Punto, SS
Starting pitcher: RH Carl Pavano (5-5, 3.99 ERA)
MARINERS (21-31)
1. Ichiro Suzuki, CF
2. Chone Figgins, 2B
3. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
4. Jose Lopez, 3B
5. Milton Bradley, DH
6. Casey Kotchman, 1B
7. Josh Wilson, SS
8. Rob Johnson, C
9. Michael Saunders, LF
Starting pitcher: RH Felix Hernandez (2-4, 3.50 ERA)
Safeco Field. First pitch: 7:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network
SEATTLE -- Danny Valencia will start at third base tonight in his major league debut, and J.J. Hardy, who still has soreness in his left wrist, is getting a night off with the Twins facing Felix Hernandez.
Update: Manager Ron Gardenhire said Valencia likely will return to Class AAA Rochester after the weekend series in Oakland. The Twins will need the roster spot when Michael Cuddyer returns from the bereavement list.
"Maybe things can change, they always do, but yes, I would think he’d go right back," Gardenhire said.
J.J. Hardy said a day off today, and taking fewer swings in batting practice, should help him be able to play through the soreness in his left wrist.
Orlando Hudson is taking ground balls at second base during batting practice but there were no plans for him to start swinging a bat. Gardenhire said Hudson is day-to-day.
TWINS (31-22)
1. Denard Span, CF
2. Matt Tolbert, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jim Thome, DH
6. Jason Kubel, RF
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Danny Valencia, 3B
9. Nick Punto, SS
Starting pitcher: RH Carl Pavano (5-5, 3.99 ERA)
MARINERS (21-31)
1. Ichiro Suzuki, CF
2. Chone Figgins, 2B
3. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
4. Jose Lopez, 3B
5. Milton Bradley, DH
6. Casey Kotchman, 1B
7. Josh Wilson, SS
8. Rob Johnson, C
9. Michael Saunders, LF
Starting pitcher: RH Felix Hernandez (2-4, 3.50 ERA)
Safeco Field. First pitch: 7:10 p.m. TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network
Bill Brasky
Footballguy
Gopher State
Footballguy
Valencia thrilled, even if his number is 79
By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
SEATTLE — Danny Valencia had a Twins jersey with his name and No. 79 hanging in his locker Thursday when he arrived at Safeco Field.
Valencia hadn’t worn No. 79 since spring training in 2009. This year in big league camp, he wore No. 19, but after hazing their top third base prospect all spring, the team’s veterans couldn’t resist.
“I don’t care, I’ll wear whatever number they want me to,” Valencia said. “I’m just thrilled to be here.”
The team had Valencia’s No. 19 ready in time to make his major league debut against Mariners righthander Felix Hernandez. He hit an infield single in his first at-bat, beating out a dribbler to third in a 4-1 loss to Seattle.
The Twins plan to send Valencia back to Class AAA Rochester after this weekend’s series in Oakland, since they will need a roster spot with Michael Cuddyer returning from the bereavement list after attending his father-in-law’s funeral.
“Maybe things can change — they always do — but yes, I would think he’d go right back,” manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Meanwhile, Valencia, 25, will get a few games to show what he can do. He was batting .298 with 15 doubles and 24 RBI in 48 games for Rochester.
Those numbers include a .330 batting average in May. But because he’s a corner infield prospect, one of his season stats sticks out — zero home runs.
“It’s weird,” said Valencia, who hit 14 home runs last year in the minors, including seven for Rochester. “I started out slow in April. I just wasn’t hitting balls in the air. I was hitting a bunch of doubles, and my average was going up and up and up. I was happy about that, and I wasn’t thinking about home runs.”
Defensively, the strong-armed Valencia committed just four errors, but the Twins know he has things to improve.
“The reports said he’s laying back on too many balls right now, so we’ll talk about being aggressive and getting the ball,” Gardenhire said. “You can’t trust your arm all the time because the game’s pretty fast up here.”
The Twins have seen several of their prospects thrive during brief stints in the majors this year. Infielder Luke Hughes homered in his first major league at-bat. Catcher Wilson Ramos went 7-for-9 in his first two games. Shortstop Trevor Plouffe went
2-for-5 in his major league debut.
“Hopefully I don’t disappoint, but man they really set the bar high,” Valencia said.
Asked what the Twins have told those players to help them succeed, Gardenhire said, “Don’t try to change your game and do too much. Whatever got you here, just keep doing it. Just have fun, enjoy it. It’s a chance to get to the big leagues, get your first swings. Take it all in and enjoy it.”
Valencia will try, even if the hazing continues. “I’m sure there’s a lot of it coming my way,” he said, “and I’m looking forward to it.”
By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune
SEATTLE — Danny Valencia had a Twins jersey with his name and No. 79 hanging in his locker Thursday when he arrived at Safeco Field.
Valencia hadn’t worn No. 79 since spring training in 2009. This year in big league camp, he wore No. 19, but after hazing their top third base prospect all spring, the team’s veterans couldn’t resist.
“I don’t care, I’ll wear whatever number they want me to,” Valencia said. “I’m just thrilled to be here.”
The team had Valencia’s No. 19 ready in time to make his major league debut against Mariners righthander Felix Hernandez. He hit an infield single in his first at-bat, beating out a dribbler to third in a 4-1 loss to Seattle.
The Twins plan to send Valencia back to Class AAA Rochester after this weekend’s series in Oakland, since they will need a roster spot with Michael Cuddyer returning from the bereavement list after attending his father-in-law’s funeral.
“Maybe things can change — they always do — but yes, I would think he’d go right back,” manager Ron Gardenhire said.
Meanwhile, Valencia, 25, will get a few games to show what he can do. He was batting .298 with 15 doubles and 24 RBI in 48 games for Rochester.
Those numbers include a .330 batting average in May. But because he’s a corner infield prospect, one of his season stats sticks out — zero home runs.
“It’s weird,” said Valencia, who hit 14 home runs last year in the minors, including seven for Rochester. “I started out slow in April. I just wasn’t hitting balls in the air. I was hitting a bunch of doubles, and my average was going up and up and up. I was happy about that, and I wasn’t thinking about home runs.”
Defensively, the strong-armed Valencia committed just four errors, but the Twins know he has things to improve.
“The reports said he’s laying back on too many balls right now, so we’ll talk about being aggressive and getting the ball,” Gardenhire said. “You can’t trust your arm all the time because the game’s pretty fast up here.”
The Twins have seen several of their prospects thrive during brief stints in the majors this year. Infielder Luke Hughes homered in his first major league at-bat. Catcher Wilson Ramos went 7-for-9 in his first two games. Shortstop Trevor Plouffe went
2-for-5 in his major league debut.
“Hopefully I don’t disappoint, but man they really set the bar high,” Valencia said.
Asked what the Twins have told those players to help them succeed, Gardenhire said, “Don’t try to change your game and do too much. Whatever got you here, just keep doing it. Just have fun, enjoy it. It’s a chance to get to the big leagues, get your first swings. Take it all in and enjoy it.”
Valencia will try, even if the hazing continues. “I’m sure there’s a lot of it coming my way,” he said, “and I’m looking forward to it.”
Frostillicus
Footballguy
Valencia looked like another in the long line of good fielding slap-hitting Twins infielders.
I was hoping for more.
I was hoping for more.
Gopher State
Footballguy
I agree, I had/have high hopes for Valencia, especially when he only as to beat out Punto
Gopher State
Footballguy
Morneau doubled off Oakland's All-Star closer Andrew Bailey and scored on Delmon Young's single down the first-base line, giving the Twins a 5-4 victory.
"It's usually when you have your best games, when you feel your worst," said Morneau, who went 2-for-4 to raise his major league-leading average to .372. He also leads the majors in on-base percentage (.483) and slugging percentage (.691).
MORNEAU= M V P
GO TWINS
"It's usually when you have your best games, when you feel your worst," said Morneau, who went 2-for-4 to raise his major league-leading average to .372. He also leads the majors in on-base percentage (.483) and slugging percentage (.691).
MORNEAU= M V P
GO TWINS
Gopher State
Footballguy
Lineup in tatters, Twins play on
Ben Margot, ASSOCIATED PRESS
OAKLAND, CALIF. - Banged up, sick and grieving, the Twins played Oakland without four of their regulars Saturday night.
The Twins knew they would be without right fielder Michael Cuddyer, who is on the bereavement list attending his father-in-law's funeral in Virginia, and second baseman Orlando Hudson has been out since last Sunday because of an injured left wrist.
First baseman Justin Morneau came down with the stomach flu after a big performance in Friday night's 5-4, 11-inning victory at the Oakland Coliseum, and shortstop J.J. Hardy was scratched because of a sore left wrist.
Manager Ron Gardenhire had talked about giving Morneau a full day off during the series anyway. But after going 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored in Friday's victory, Morneau said, "I think I'll talk him out of it tomorrow."
Gardenhire agreed that the flu bug was probably Morneau's body's way of telling him he needed the break.
Morneau did say it's easier taking a break with a multigame lead over the Tigers in the American League Central.
"Instead of us being four or five games back, now's the time you can kind of afford to do it," he said. "As opposed to when you absolutely have to be in there every day."
Morneau pinch hit for Brendan Harris in the ninth inning Saturday, drawing an intentional walk with one out and the bases empty. Hardy pinch ran for Morneau and scored the go-ahead run on Matt Tolbert's single. Tolbert moved to first base, replacing Harris, and Hardy stayed in the game at shortstop as the Twins beat the Athletics 4-3.
Hardy said his left wrist, which he first injured last month, flared up on him this week in Seattle. He was questionable to play Friday's game, but gritted it out, going 0-for-5 at the plate but making several strong defensive plays.
Struggles at the top
Hardy had moved into Hudson's No. 2 spot, but with his own wrist bothering him, he hadn't done much offensively on the trip, and neither had leadoff man Denard Span. In fact, the Twins' No. 1-2 hitters have combined to go 3-for-50 on the road trip with two walks, 12 strikeouts and no runs scored.
Gardenhire said he has given no thought to moving catcher and AL batting champion Joe Mauer into the No. 2 spot.
"He's our 3-hole hitter," Gardenhire said. "You fill one hole, you just create another hole down the lineup."
Neshek sent to Rochester
The Twins activated Pat Neshek from the disabled list and optioned him to Class AAA Rochester.
Neshek opted to go on the DL when the Twins tried to send him to Rochester last month. He was pitching despite inflammation in the middle finger in his right hand.
Neshek made two relief appearances for Class A Fort Myers -- a perfect inning Wednesday and a rocky inning Friday -- before this move was made. He has posted a 4.15 ERA in six appearances for the Twins this year.
Gardenhire said there is no timetable on when Neshek will be back in the big leagues.
"He's just like everybody else in the minor leagues now; he's got to pitch his way back up," Gardenhire said. "When there's a need, and he's throwing the ball good, then he'll get the opportunity."
Hudson update
Hudson (sore left wrist) took righthanded swings during batting practice but the switch-hitter has yet to feel comfortable batting lefthanded. Still, the progress is notable as the Twins look to make a decision by Tuesday whether Hudson will have to go on the DL.
Just win baby
Ben Margot, ASSOCIATED PRESS
OAKLAND, CALIF. - Banged up, sick and grieving, the Twins played Oakland without four of their regulars Saturday night.
The Twins knew they would be without right fielder Michael Cuddyer, who is on the bereavement list attending his father-in-law's funeral in Virginia, and second baseman Orlando Hudson has been out since last Sunday because of an injured left wrist.
First baseman Justin Morneau came down with the stomach flu after a big performance in Friday night's 5-4, 11-inning victory at the Oakland Coliseum, and shortstop J.J. Hardy was scratched because of a sore left wrist.
Manager Ron Gardenhire had talked about giving Morneau a full day off during the series anyway. But after going 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored in Friday's victory, Morneau said, "I think I'll talk him out of it tomorrow."
Gardenhire agreed that the flu bug was probably Morneau's body's way of telling him he needed the break.
Morneau did say it's easier taking a break with a multigame lead over the Tigers in the American League Central.
"Instead of us being four or five games back, now's the time you can kind of afford to do it," he said. "As opposed to when you absolutely have to be in there every day."
Morneau pinch hit for Brendan Harris in the ninth inning Saturday, drawing an intentional walk with one out and the bases empty. Hardy pinch ran for Morneau and scored the go-ahead run on Matt Tolbert's single. Tolbert moved to first base, replacing Harris, and Hardy stayed in the game at shortstop as the Twins beat the Athletics 4-3.
Hardy said his left wrist, which he first injured last month, flared up on him this week in Seattle. He was questionable to play Friday's game, but gritted it out, going 0-for-5 at the plate but making several strong defensive plays.
Struggles at the top
Hardy had moved into Hudson's No. 2 spot, but with his own wrist bothering him, he hadn't done much offensively on the trip, and neither had leadoff man Denard Span. In fact, the Twins' No. 1-2 hitters have combined to go 3-for-50 on the road trip with two walks, 12 strikeouts and no runs scored.
Gardenhire said he has given no thought to moving catcher and AL batting champion Joe Mauer into the No. 2 spot.
"He's our 3-hole hitter," Gardenhire said. "You fill one hole, you just create another hole down the lineup."
Neshek sent to Rochester
The Twins activated Pat Neshek from the disabled list and optioned him to Class AAA Rochester.
Neshek opted to go on the DL when the Twins tried to send him to Rochester last month. He was pitching despite inflammation in the middle finger in his right hand.
Neshek made two relief appearances for Class A Fort Myers -- a perfect inning Wednesday and a rocky inning Friday -- before this move was made. He has posted a 4.15 ERA in six appearances for the Twins this year.
Gardenhire said there is no timetable on when Neshek will be back in the big leagues.
"He's just like everybody else in the minor leagues now; he's got to pitch his way back up," Gardenhire said. "When there's a need, and he's throwing the ball good, then he'll get the opportunity."
Hudson update
Hudson (sore left wrist) took righthanded swings during batting practice but the switch-hitter has yet to feel comfortable batting lefthanded. Still, the progress is notable as the Twins look to make a decision by Tuesday whether Hudson will have to go on the DL.
Just win baby
Gopher State
Footballguy
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???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
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???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Gopher State
Footballguy
Young had seven RBI in the three-game series vs Oakland. In his past 30 games, he's batted .311 with four home runs and 25 RBI. Here's to Young finally showing his talent
Wooderson
Fight The Power
Since they were playing in Oakland I got to see all 3 games on TV. Young played great minus a couple fielding adventures.Young had seven RBI in the three-game series vs Oakland. In his past 30 games, he's batted .311 with four home runs and 25 RBI. Here's to Young finally showing his talent
Gopher State
Footballguy
-Kansas City series preview
Last update: June 8, 2010 - 12:34 AM
THREE-GAME SERIES AT TARGET FIELD
Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN 1500-AM
RHP Kevin Slowey (6-3, 3.84 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Greinke (1-7, 3.60)
Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Carl Pavano (5-6, 4.11) vs. RHP Kyle Davies (4-4, 5.49)
Thursday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Scott Baker (5-4, 4.52) vs. LHP Bruce Chen (2-0, 2.95)
ROYALS UPDATE
Kansas City is 12-11 since Ned Yost replaced Trey Hillman as manager, including 2-1 against the Tigers last weekend. ... Zack Greinke has been a hard-luck loser several times again this season, but the reigning Cy Young winner hasn't been dominant, either. On May 23, he gave up seven earned runs in 31/3 innings against Colorado, and in his last start, Thursday against the Angels, he gave up three walks and 10 hits in six innings. He faced the Twins on April 16 at Target Field, and the Royals wound up losing 10-3. He allowed five walks and six hits in five innings. ... Billy Butler entered Monday ranked seventh in the AL with a .330 average, but he's also grounded into a league-leading 16 double plays.
TWINS UPDATE
The Twins didn't announce any roster moves Monday, but with Michael Cuddyer coming off the bereavement list Tuesday, they need to clear a spot. As of Sunday, the Twins were leaning toward putting second baseman Orlando Hudson on the disabled list because of a sore left wrist. He hasn't played since May 30, so he could return from the DL on June 15. Manager Ron Gardenhire said shortstop J.J. Hardy might have to go on the DL if his left wrist doesn't feel better. Justin Morneau (973,563 votes) has overtaken the Yankees' Mark Teixeira (931,405) as the American League's leading All-Star vote-getter at first base. ... Kevin Slowey has turned in two consecutive quality starts -- at least six innings pitched, three or fewer earned runs allowed -- after having only one quality start in his first nine tries this season.
Last update: June 8, 2010 - 12:34 AM
THREE-GAME SERIES AT TARGET FIELD
Tuesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN 1500-AM
RHP Kevin Slowey (6-3, 3.84 ERA) vs. RHP Zack Greinke (1-7, 3.60)
Wednesday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Carl Pavano (5-6, 4.11) vs. RHP Kyle Davies (4-4, 5.49)
Thursday, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Scott Baker (5-4, 4.52) vs. LHP Bruce Chen (2-0, 2.95)
ROYALS UPDATE
Kansas City is 12-11 since Ned Yost replaced Trey Hillman as manager, including 2-1 against the Tigers last weekend. ... Zack Greinke has been a hard-luck loser several times again this season, but the reigning Cy Young winner hasn't been dominant, either. On May 23, he gave up seven earned runs in 31/3 innings against Colorado, and in his last start, Thursday against the Angels, he gave up three walks and 10 hits in six innings. He faced the Twins on April 16 at Target Field, and the Royals wound up losing 10-3. He allowed five walks and six hits in five innings. ... Billy Butler entered Monday ranked seventh in the AL with a .330 average, but he's also grounded into a league-leading 16 double plays.
TWINS UPDATE
The Twins didn't announce any roster moves Monday, but with Michael Cuddyer coming off the bereavement list Tuesday, they need to clear a spot. As of Sunday, the Twins were leaning toward putting second baseman Orlando Hudson on the disabled list because of a sore left wrist. He hasn't played since May 30, so he could return from the DL on June 15. Manager Ron Gardenhire said shortstop J.J. Hardy might have to go on the DL if his left wrist doesn't feel better. Justin Morneau (973,563 votes) has overtaken the Yankees' Mark Teixeira (931,405) as the American League's leading All-Star vote-getter at first base. ... Kevin Slowey has turned in two consecutive quality starts -- at least six innings pitched, three or fewer earned runs allowed -- after having only one quality start in his first nine tries this season.
Bill Brasky
Footballguy
hopefully he doesn't struggle in the second half like usual.
Frostillicus
Footballguy
Typical Twins pitcher. Throws low nineties with a good curve and good change, and throws strikes. Compared to Radke. Pretty major league ready and could be in the rotation for 2012.
Gopher State
Footballguy
Delmon Young hit his seventh home run of the season. He didn't hit his seventh home run in 2009 until Aug. 18.
Liking Young more each day
Liking Young more each day
Gopher State
Footballguy
Twins-Atlanta series preview
Last update: June 10, 2010 - 10:41 PM
THREE-GAME SERIES AT TARGET FIELD
Today, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
LHP Francisco Liriano (5-3, 3.10) vs. RHP Tim Hudson (6-1, 2.44)
Saturday, 6:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Nick Blackburn (6-3, 5.21) vs. RHP Derek Lowe (8-5, 5.04)
Sunday, 1:10 p.m. • Ch. 29, 1500-AM
RHP Kevin Slowey (7-3, 3.45) vs. RHP Kris Medlen (3-1, 3.21)
TWINS UPDATE
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has liked what he has seen from rookie third baseman Danny Valencia at the plate -- and in the field. "He's made all the plays," Gardenhire said. "Kept his head in the game. He pays attention, looks in [the dugout] on which guys might bunt." ... Lefthander Francisco Liriano has gone at least six innings in 10 of his 11 starts. ... The Twins are 4-2 against the Braves and swept them in a three-game series the last time the teams met in 2007. All three series between the Twins and Braves have been played in Minneapolis. Jim Thome should get the start against Tim Hudson. He's 9-for-16 career against him with four homers.
BRAVES UPDATE
It's not the Phillies or the Mets leading the NL East, it's the Braves. They entered Thursday having lost three of their past four games but won 10 of 11 before that. ... Outfielder Nate McLouth got the worst of a collision with Jason Heyward on Wednesday. McLouth was forced to leave the game against Arizona and have tests for a concussion. It's unclear if he'll be in the lineup Friday. ... As for Heyward, he's teamed with Troy Glaus to give the Braves some thump in the middle of the lineup. ... One player you might want to remember is second baseman Martin Prado, who entered Thursday with a .310 career batting average in 317 major-league games.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
Lets go TWINS
Last update: June 10, 2010 - 10:41 PM
THREE-GAME SERIES AT TARGET FIELD
Today, 7:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
LHP Francisco Liriano (5-3, 3.10) vs. RHP Tim Hudson (6-1, 2.44)
Saturday, 6:10 p.m. • FSN, 1500-AM
RHP Nick Blackburn (6-3, 5.21) vs. RHP Derek Lowe (8-5, 5.04)
Sunday, 1:10 p.m. • Ch. 29, 1500-AM
RHP Kevin Slowey (7-3, 3.45) vs. RHP Kris Medlen (3-1, 3.21)
TWINS UPDATE
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has liked what he has seen from rookie third baseman Danny Valencia at the plate -- and in the field. "He's made all the plays," Gardenhire said. "Kept his head in the game. He pays attention, looks in [the dugout] on which guys might bunt." ... Lefthander Francisco Liriano has gone at least six innings in 10 of his 11 starts. ... The Twins are 4-2 against the Braves and swept them in a three-game series the last time the teams met in 2007. All three series between the Twins and Braves have been played in Minneapolis. Jim Thome should get the start against Tim Hudson. He's 9-for-16 career against him with four homers.
BRAVES UPDATE
It's not the Phillies or the Mets leading the NL East, it's the Braves. They entered Thursday having lost three of their past four games but won 10 of 11 before that. ... Outfielder Nate McLouth got the worst of a collision with Jason Heyward on Wednesday. McLouth was forced to leave the game against Arizona and have tests for a concussion. It's unclear if he'll be in the lineup Friday. ... As for Heyward, he's teamed with Troy Glaus to give the Braves some thump in the middle of the lineup. ... One player you might want to remember is second baseman Martin Prado, who entered Thursday with a .310 career batting average in 317 major-league games.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
Lets go TWINS
HoldSteady
Footballguy
Impressive Twins pitching today
Gopher State
Footballguy
Jon Rauch struck out the side in the ninth for his American League-leading 16th save. Atlanta's 14 strikeouts Friday tied its season high.
Who a thought Rauch would be leading the AL in saves. Joe "who" was the Twins closer
F.L. who struck out 11 last night might be back
Who a thought Rauch would be leading the AL in saves. Joe "who" was the Twins closer
F.L. who struck out 11 last night might be back
Bill Brasky
Footballguy
Finally heading to the new ballpark today for the first time. 
Limp Ditka
Footballguy
Enjoy - can't wait to get there.Finally heading to the new ballpark today for the first time.
