More Dingers at Target Field, New Ballpark Apps, and Notes on Old Friends

Isn't everything just GREAT? 19 runs! 19! And here's some more things to feel good about:

• Homeruns are on the rise this year at Target Field. Games are averaging 2.22 homruns as opposed to 1.55 in '11 and 1.43 in '10. Bad News: The rise is mostly because of Twins pitching.
• Have you ever been at a Twins game and thought, "Gee, I know exactly what the Twins are going to do next inning, I just wish there was away I could win prizes when all of my predictions come true"? Now there's an app for that!
• Justin Morneau extended his 14 game hitting streak last night with four-hits against the Orioles, also marking his first four-hit game since July 4, 2009. Morneau credited his recent hot-streak to spending more time in the batting cage. Gardenhire credited it to hitting more "Ichiros".
• Jim Thome, who is back in town now as an Indian Phillie Oriole, is currently tied with Sammy Sosa for 7th on the all-time homerun list with 609 homeruns. Jimmers didn't play Monday, but has a chance to pass Sammy in the next three games at Target Field.
• Remember when Jimmers came back here as an Indian Phillie, and hit homerun no. 607 into the flowers in right field and no one could find it? Well, Gardenhire now has the ball and is holding it for ransom. "Make my day, thrill me," Gardenhire told Thome, in reference to giving back the homerun ball. "He hit it against us. He hurt our feelings." (coughhewantsThometodonatetolocalcharitycough).
• Another old friend is back at Hammond Stadium--Mike Redmond. The former Twins naked-batting-practice backup-catcher is managing the single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, who face Jake Mauer's Fort Myers Miracle this week. Jake really gave the media a piece of his mind regarding Remond, telling them, "He's doing a good job. He's a great guy."