Lineup possibilities keep manager busy

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: February 25, 2008 - 12:15 AM

FORT MYERS, FLA. — Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has so many new choices, it might take him all 31 Grapefruit League games before he settles on an Opening Day lineup.

Sunday, he dropped some hints, saying he thinks Justin Morneau should bat cleanup and suggesting he might bat Joe Mauer second.

"With Morneau, I would like to have him in that 4-spot," Gardenhire said. "I think that's where he belongs."

Asked if it could be assumed that with Morneau batting cleanup, Mauer would hit second, Gardenhire said: "No, I wouldn't assume that. I think that sounds really good, but don't assume that.

"I like that. I think [Mauer's] an on-base percentage guy, and I'd like to have a righthanded bat in between them.

"So it makes sense -- if we can find a leadoff guy, and if we can find a third hitter, all those things."

Michael Cuddyer and Delmon Young are expected to hit before and after Morneau, in some order.

Asked about the prospects of a Mauer-Young-Morneau combination, Gardenhire sounded as if he was leaning toward putting Young behind Morneau.

"You better have somebody behind [Morneau] who can hit a little bit," Gardenhire said. "Or, they'll pitch around him all day long, and then he expands [the strike zone], and that's no good."

Mauer not picky

Mauer said he doesn't mind where he hits.

"In 2006, we found a pretty good thing that worked," he said. "But we've got new personnel, and we've just got to find that right combination, whether he wants me third, second or leadoff -- wherever he wants me to hit."

Mauer referenced Morneau's RBI totals the past two years, 130 and 111.

"I think that's the guy we've got to make sure we've got people on for," Mauer said. "Cuddy, myself or Delmon -- we can handle that too -- but I think with Morneau, he's proven that he can do it."

Young already has made a good impression on Mauer.

"He's going to be really good," Mauer said. "I mean, he's already good, but he's got a high ceiling

"It's just been a few days, but he's got a great work ethic, and I think he's going to be a real special player."

Crain feels no pain

Jesse Crain walked off the mound, smiling, after facing hitters from a mound for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery last May.

"It's nice to take the next step," Crain said.

Other Twins pitchers are throwing live sessions every other day, but the plan with Crain is to throw on the side Tuesday before facing hitters again Thursday.

"He looked normal -- like he was letting it go, and the ball was coming out really well," Gardenhire said. "We have a long ways to go. There could be setbacks, but the first day was good."

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