Twins Notes

-The Twins went 2-2 in their first series of the year against the Seattle Mariners at the Dome, but probably should have lost 3 of 4. The only quality start came from Glenn Perkins, which ended up being in a losing effort. Not only were the Twins bats quiet on Thursday, but they didn't make much noise throughout the rest of the series either. Pitching will carry this team, so expect the starters to perform much better than they did the first time around. Also, this team clearly misses Joe Mauer's presence in the lineup. The Twins are missing their best hitter and their top starting pitcher right now. Scott Baker will probably return next week, and Mauer should be back by the end of the month. Once both stars return, the Twins will be set. Tuesday night's game at the Dome was the start of the last season of Metrodome magic, as the Twins miraculously scored 3 runs with 2 out to win the game.

-I already don't like Manager Ron Gardenhire's outfield rotation. Batting Michael Cuddyer in the 3 hole on a daily basis is a bad idea. He strikes out way too much to justify it and he is a pure guess hitter. Also, Gardy has sat Jason Kubel against most lefties so far. Kubel needs to be in the lineup every day. So far, when Delmon Young has played, Kubel has sat. Delmon and Kubel should be in the lineup virtually every day. I understand why Gardy wants to play Span every day, and to an extent, I can see why he want the veteran Cuddyer in the lineup every day. However, if that's the case, put Carlos Gomez into the rotation as well. Right now, it's only a rotation between Young and Kubel, with the other three in the lineup every day. In my opinion, Denard Span should be the only one in the everyday lineup because he's the lead off hitter and he does a damn good job in that position. Cuddyer, Gomez, Young, and Kubel should all be in a rotation. I understand it's a tough job for Gardy, but he can't just play favorites and just sit Young and Kubel. And stop batting Cuddy third!

-The Twins and White Sox renew their rivalry tonight at U.S. Cellular Field, as the Twins travel to Chicago for the first time since being eliminated in Game 163 a season ago. Regardless of what people think coming into the year, the AL Central usually comes down to the Twins and Sox. Even though it's only April, expect the atmosphere to be intense. It always is when these two teams meet up. It will be very interesting to see how knuckleballer R.A. Dickey fares tonight at the Cell.

-Joe Crede hasn't been terrific at the plate so far, but his defense has been as good as advertised. In the first game, he cut off a ball that Brian Buscher would have never gotten two, and fed it to second for the start of a 5-4-3 double play. His range has looked great, he is slick, and he has a cannon arm. Just wait for the home runs to start coming off his bat. Hopefully, he hits some bombs starting tonight as he goes home to face his old team.

-Jose Morales has looked pretty shaky in his two games thus far. He struck out three times against Erik Bedard and his defense behind the plate wasn't strong. Luckily, Mike Redmond's injury wasn't serious enough to put him on the DL. Otherwise, the Twins would be stuck with two rookie catchers until Joe Mauer gets back.

-Justin Morneau hit an absolute bomb against Carlos Silva on Wednesday night. A beautiful sight to see and the first of many.

Let's get three victories this weekend over the dirty, hated South Siders. Go Twins!