Still reasons to watch, just not all right ones

While the postseason hopes fade, Twins subplots are still playing out.

By La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

Last update: August 30, 2007 - 11:02 PM

CLEVELAND -- A three-game sweep this week in Cleveland -- let's call it the knockdown in C-Town -- has the Twins facing a September without meaningful baseball.

They're 8½ games behind the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians with a month remaining. If the Indians play .500 ball the rest of the season, the Twins would have to go 24-5 to overtake them. In the AL wild-card race, the Twins are tied for fourth place, 7½ games back of the Yankees, so a comeback there is just as improbable. To get your mind off this predicament, here are a few other things to focus on in September:

Hunter's farewell?

Twins center fielder Torii Hunter is in the last year of his contract and has asked that any renewal talks be put off until after the season.

He said earlier this week that the Twins will have every chance to sign him, but the pull of free agency -- where he'll be the top center fielder on the market -- could be too great.

Hunter, 32, admitted he's taking mental snapshots since the end could be near.

"Sometimes I just walk around and look around and talk to the people," Hunter said. "Everyone is like, 'Don't leave.' It's pretty tough. Not just around the Metrodome but around downtown and all the different restaurants I go to. Nobody wants me to leave.

"But I might have to leave."

Santana's long shot

Johan Santana might have severely damaged his chances for a third Cy Young award on Wednesday with a loss to Cleveland. His 1-6 record against Cleveland and Detroit -- partially because of poor run support -- works against him.

The 29 home runs allowed don't help his case, either. But at 14-10, he's only two victories behind AL leaders John Lackey, Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield. He'll get at least five more starts and could revive his candidacy with a strong September.

He'll need consistent run support, though. And that hasn't happened all season.

Further development

The Twins have been encouraged by the progress of righthanders Scott Baker and Matt Garza. Righthander Boof Bonser has impressed at times, and righthander Kevin Slowey will fight for a rotation spot next spring. September offers each of the four a chance to stand out.

September also will allow the Twins to determine whether Brian Buscher can play third base and whether Tommy Watkins, currently on the disabled list, can contribute. Once Class AAA Rochester's season concludes, outfielder Denard Span, infielder Matt Tolbert and catcher Jose Morales should be among the more intriguing call-ups.

Clubhouse harmony

Tempers flared when the Twins failed to reach the playoffs in 2005. Kyle Lohse and J.C. Romero had run-ins with Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. And Hunter took a swing at Justin Morneau after a game, missed, and nicked Nick Punto.

Will Gardenhire have to deal with that again? When asked about his approach during this bleak period, Gardenhire said he didn't want his team to give up.

"We have a month to play in the season," he said. "We have to go out there and be professional about everything until they tell you you are done. Until somebody says you are out."

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