Series Preview: Twins vs. Tigers News And Notes

By Jon Marthaler Aug 13, 2012, 1:00pm EDT

Here's a few notes, as Detroit and Minnesota open a three-game set at Target Field.

I've made a lot of jokes about the silly two-wild-cards system, but this year, the AL race is looking to be contentious despite the extra spot. Five teams, including Detroit (1 GB) are within two games of a spot, and the Tigers are also just two back in the AL Central.
Your Delmon Young update: he's the regular DH these days, a position at which he's batting .261/.287/.391. His .678 OPS is way below the league average for a DH, which is .772, and yeah the point we're trying to make here is that Delmon's still not that great. These updates will continue until I forget that anybody out there was peeved about the Young trade last year, which should be any day now.
Manager Jim Leyland said publicly that he thinks Miguel Cabrera should be the MVP, which would make total sense, assuming Mike Trout is a figment of my imagination... wait, he's real? Like, really real? Then I'm forced to conclude that Jim Leyland is not an objective observer in this case.
Keep an eye on Doug Fister, Tuesday's starter. Since the All-Star Break, Fister is 4-1 with a 1.79 ERA, is striking out nearly a batter per inning, and hasn't allowed more than three runs in any of his six starts.

Don't look now, but the Twins' four-game losing streak has them right back in a tie for last place with the Royals. It's the story of this year; every time things seem to be going okay, there's a five-game losing streak right around the corner, ready to mug the Twins and steal their wallet and buy $850 worth of gift cards at Target with their debit card.
In light of Brian Dozier's curious decision-making in extra innings yesterday, it's time for our semi-regular feature, "Will Brian Dozier Lead The League In Errors This Year?" Today's update sees Dozier tied for the American League lead with 15 errors. Asdrubal Cabrera of Cleveland and Wilson Betemit of Baltimore also have 15, with Ian Kinsler of Texas just one behind at 14.
Denard Span left Sunday's game with a bruised shoulder after an awkward dive in center field, and is "day-to-day". Given the Twins' medical staff, expect to see Span back on the field in 2013, 2014 at the latest.
Anthony Swarzak threw a bullpen session without pain, so let's all hope that Sasquatch-lovin' fool is back out on the mound soon.
Trevor Plouffe went 0-4 on his rehab assignment, but Phil Mackey says his thumb came out feeling okay.
Also according to Mackey, Carl Pavano threw three innings Sunday for Fort Myers, and Matt Capps is scheduled to go in today for a follow-up MRI on his shoulder.

Share this story