Six years ago -- as noted today in La Velle's story about the Twins' search for chemistry and character amid this year's ugly start -- Kyle Lohse bashed Ron Gardenhire's office door with a baseball bat. The next year, he was jettisoned in mid-season after struggling mightily. Truth be told, very few Twins fans were sad to see him go.
Since then, Lohse hasn't done a whole lot to distinguish himself. He was a 15-game winner in 2008 and he as a 4-2 record with a 2.24 ERA so far this year, but overall he has been what we thought he was: erratic and forgettable.
All that said, we have to offer a huge tip of the cap to Lohse for his antics in Thursday's game against the Cubs. With ailing manager Tony La Russa not able to be in the dugout, Lohse dressed up like La Russa -- trademark hair and shades, even his uniform -- to deliver the lineup card (yes, those are screen grabs of Lohse, not La Russa, above and below, from MLB. He was apparently prodded to do this by teammates, and everyone thought it was awesome.
The Cardinals won the game 9-1. We're not saying they won big because of Lohse's gag, but it sure didn't hurt. Click here for the video of the big event; don't be alarmed, Twins fans, to see a dugout overflowing with joy and laughter.
