Twins notebook: Both managers missed out in '87

Ron Gardenhire and Ron Washington both spent spring training in 1987 with the Twins, but neither infielder made the team.

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: August 18, 2007 - 10:31 AM

One by one, members for the 1987 World Series champion Twins were introduced during a pregame ceremony on Friday.

Meanwhile, the manager in each dugout wondered the same thing: Where's my ring?

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and Rangers manager Ron Washington spent spring training in '87 with the Twins but failed to make the team. In Washington's case, he was the last one cut after losing a battle with Al Newman to be the team's utility player.

"They didn't call me up," Gardenhire said. "I couldn't understand that. I was hitting .260 or something [.272]."

Said Washington: "I should have made it. Look at my stats that spring. [But] they made a trade for Al Newman."

Actually, both men don't hold a grudge. Gardenhire joked that every time then-General Manager Andy MacPhail visited Class AAA Portland that year, he stunk. Washington, who played for the Twins from 1981 to '86, hooked on with Baltimore that season, appearing in 26 games.

The managers nevertheless enjoyed that spring training with the wild and loose Twins, then watching them win it all.

"My heart was there," Washington said. "I might not have been there in body."

Kubel, Bartlett mend

Jason Kubel, slowed for six games by a right oblique strain, took batting practice Friday game without any problems. He was well enough to pinch hit and play outfield if needed, and he could start before the series is over.

Shortstop Jason Bartlett, who suffered a strained left hamstring Wednesday, took grounders and hit before the game but still is a few days away from behind able to play. Nick Punto started at shortstop.

Kubel and Bartlett looked destined for the disabled list before improving in recent days.

Liriano update

Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said lefthander Francisco Liriano, who had elbow ligament replacement surgery on Nov. 6, has had no setbacks while working out in Fort Myers, Fla.

While Ryan couldn't be specific as to when Liriano will be able to get on a mound, he said Liriano remains on track to be ready by spring training. Ryan said in February that Liriano might be able to pitch in winter ball, but Ryan was more cautious Friday.

Every other day, Liriano throws 10 times from 40 feet and 60 feet, five times from 90 feet and 15 times from 120 feet before tapering back down. That's in addition to daily workouts. Ryan said he's pleased with Liriano's fitness and work ethic.

"I don't have one issue with that man," Ryan said.

It's premature to expect Liriano to be able to step right into the 2008 rotation. He has to make it through a preseason program, and his mechanics will be heavily scrutinized to ensure he doesn't put too much strain on his elbow.

Minor details

Ryan watched Class AAA Rochester earlier this week. He was asked about a couple of players.

Catcher Jose Morales is second in the International League with a .325 batting average after batting .268 over his previous six seasons. "He has made tremendous progress from last year to today," Ryan said. "He's finally had a full year when he was healthy."

Infielder Matt Tolbert, who is batting .304 after a torrid start: "He's a good player. He can run. He can throw. He can field. He's athletic. He takes decent at-bats and plays the game the right way."

La Velle E. Neal III • lneal@startribune.com

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