The eye test says Phil Hughes is pitching brilliantly right now, and statistics certainly back that up. He's been fun to watch during these last six games — the first Twins pitcher in a long time, even in this short term, to make us search out the future pitching probables to make sure we don't miss watching him.

The main reason? His strikeout rate of 7.79 per nine innings is similar to his career mark, but his walk rate of 0.99 per nine innings is almost three times better than his 2.71 career mark. He has exceptional command and is seeing great results from attacking hitters — getting early swings for outs while also getting into strikeout counts.

winning Bidding for six trough-style urinals from the Metrodome closed Thursday at k-bid.com. Prices soared in the final hours.

depth Three members of the NBA all-rookie team, including the Wolves' Gorgui Dieng, were drafted 20th or later. Only two top-8 picks were chosen.