First Pitch: 1:10 PM CDT
TV: WFTC 29
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Lookout Landing
Pre-game Notes
- UPDATE: Via Phil Mackey at ESPN Twin Cities, Morneau will not be travelling to Tampa Bay with the Twins. I didn't think he would (or should), and it sounds like he'll look to get some time in the cage today and then hit the field tomorrow when there won't be so many people around to focus on him. Also, Mauer might DH tomorrow, and Orlando Hudson will go to Tampa with the team.
- Justin Morneau will take batting practice today for the first time. Here's hoping he feels good, and maybe we can have him back in a few more days. Get healthy, sir.
- Joe Mauer took a cortisone shot yesterday after the game, and won't be available to catch today or tomorrow. He wouldn't be catching Carl Pavano tomorrow anyway, so here's a chance to get him a couple days of rest at least. He's also had an MRI, but everything is fine. It'll be interesting to see if he's available to hit, as Christensen's report only mentions that Mauer won't be throwing.
- It came out yesterday that the Twins tried to get one more arm before the deadline, but weren't able to get something done. While a guy who has decent numbers but an unrecognizeable name like Chad Qualls was dealt for peanuts, top-of-the-available-line relievers were coming at a premium. For all of the teams looking for bullpen help, not many of the more common names were dealt. Hopefully this month we'll see another move or two to bolster this team down the stretch.
Pitchers and lineups after the jump.
I'm looking forward to watching him pitch again today. My call: 7 innings, 7 hits, two runs, eight strikeouts and two walks.
An upper-80s fastball, doesn't miss bats, mediocre complementary pitches, a fly ball pitcher. If the Twins don't knock him out before the fifth inning, I'll be at least a little disappointed.