I've read quite a lot about moving Mauer in the 2 hole upon his return to the lineup. Most recently I read Joe Christensen this morning. He advocates this as well. Something he said got me to thinking (and forgoing part of my work day).

Specifically, how does the OBP of the #2 hitter affect our ability to win. What I did was look at both LNP and others in the 2 hole and how their production drove the offense.

Take a look at this:

Game Type                 W  L Tot Win %
LNP #2 Hitter            16 17 33 .484
LNP not # 2 Hitter       12 11 23 .521
# 2 Hitter >.320 OBP     15 9  24 .625
LNP #2 & >.320 OBP        9 6  15 .600
LNP not # 2 & >.320 OBP   6 3  9  .667

The sample size is a bit smaller than I'd like. However, given a change (IMO) should be made sooner rather than later, I think this points in the direction of putting a higher OBP guy in front of Cuddy, Torii and Morneau with out the black hole that has been the # 2 hitter.

If the put someone in the 2 spot who can get on base 2-3 times per game consistently, maybe they can't get all the way to a .625 winning percentage. But, if they can gain even half that from where they are at currently, you're looking at 91 wins. Probably not enough - but a heck of a lot closer, and will definitely make for a much more interesting August/September.

Ran across an interesting site. As I obviously have nothing better to do, I plugged some Twins in. Mauer's 2nd likeness was Che, a little weird. Morneau's 2nd...Harry Potter fans anyone? The face of the franchise? He's been spending most his life Living in the Gangster's Paradise. Also he evidently looks something like Helen Hunt and a certain NY Yankee. Anyway, check it out if you're interested. It's definitely a good time waster.

Terry Ryan and all other GMS, are behind Kevin McHale, in terms of top GMs in sports per Forbes.com. KEVIN MCHALE is the top GM. In all of sports.

Really.

His inability to bring in talent, in any form, to surround KG is amazing. He wasted draft picks in multiple ways, bad picks/contracts (Joe Smith anyone?)

I don't know who came up with the formula, but the fact that he was at the top of the list, shouldn't that mean you scrap your formula/article and go a different route? Looking through the list, I thought it was obvious the formula was flawed.

It got me to thinking about where I would rank TR. I wouldn't say he is at the top of the list for me, lack of titles and inability to trust in the youth are strikes against in my book. Top 5 in baseball. Top 10-12 in all of sports. I don't know if I think baseball guys are smarter or they just have less variables (read salary cap) than other sports...where do you think TR would rank in your book, in baseball and in general?

During my daily web-rounds today, I had a "why in the world didn't I think of that moment." Jayson Stark had a cool article about a new use currently popping up for player's iPods - watching game "tape." Just the thought of having all that video archived in the palm of your hand and at your disposal at any time, any place (hello dugout) has got to be a revelation for players addicted to game film.

You've got an upcoming series against say Detroit. You want to see how people succeed against Verlander, how they fail. Assuming your media department is worth it's salt, you just go into your iPod and watch. From the bus. On the way to the game. Or before stepping into the batter's box. Wow.

This is definitely a bonus when you have Lew on your team. He probably has a way to hack into someone's iPod to screw with it. Or has played online recently with someone who knows.

According ESPN.com, Gary Sheffield has been traded to the Tigers. I know he's a bit of a clubhouse cancer, but I think it improves the Tigers. I would assume he takes over for Casey/Shelton at first.

Hadn't really heard about the 3 guys given up, does anyone know how good they are? They are Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan and Anthony Claggett. Sanchez was at AAA/AA, and the other 2 were at High/Low A.

Sureal.

I know the word will probably get thrown around a bit, but how else do you describe a journey such as this? The first time the Twins were in first, they packed their bags to head north from Fort Meyers. People who packed their bags included Tony Batista, Juan Castro and Kyle Lohse. The stay in first was short. Chicago won their first game, and before the Twins even played, they would be resigned to looking up in the standings for a long time.

Not much went well those first 50 or so games. I can't say for certain, but it seems Dr. Leo Marvin wrote the front office this prescription: "Take a vacation from your problems." They packed Batista's bags for him. (To the extra cook hired to help prepare the clubhouse buffet, don't be mad at TR - they had to let Batista go. I know it is your lively hood, but when he left, they didn't need you any more. It wasn't anything personal.) Next Castro's (Wayne you are a saint). But there was still a nagging pain in the back of TR's head. Bye-bye Kyle (Thanks again Wayne). Much better.

Now the Twins just finished packing again. This time for New York, right? Hey at least we're packing guys. New York, is less than ideal for a vacation. At least we're going. Wait what's that? We're in first again? Hmm...odd. We could go to the Bay area? What's that? We're going to spend a couple days in Alemeda? Nice.

One day. Say that again. ONE DAY. That is the number of days that ended with the Twins in sole possession of first place in the Central. Way to pick the one day though guys.

I just hope someone leaves enough space in their luggage for the WS trophy. Maybe ask LNP, he's short, I bet his clothes take up less room.

GO TWINS!