Extra work with bat appears worthwhile

Last update: March 14, 2008 - 9:12 PM

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Outfielder Carlos Gomez spent Thursday going over his approach at the plate with hitting coach Joe Vavra. On Friday, the pair looked at video, then worked in the batting cages.

"He had a good day of batting practice today,'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said before Friday's game against Pittsburgh.

Gomez then went 2-for-5 with a double and triple during Minnesota' s 4-1 victory over the Pirates.

"You see him hit a ball in the gap and people stop watching the ball and look at him,'' Gardenhire said. "That's pretty exciting.''

In the field, the Twins have Gomez playing a shallow center because he has the speed to get back and make plays.

But after a couple of balls were hit over his head on Friday, he initially broke back on a Doug Mientkiewicz shot in the fourth, only to have it drop in front of him for a hit.

"We will find a happy medium and put him in a spot as we go along,'' Gardenhire said. "He is not afraid to play shallow. You'll see him catch more balls at the edge of the dugout than you will over his head because he plays so shallow.''

Casilla sent to AAA;

Twins cut roster to 42

The Twins reduced their camp to 42 players Friday when they sent seven to the minor league facility, including infielder Alexi Casilla.

Casilla, infielder Matt Macri and righthanders Julio DePaula and Bobby Korecky were sent to Class AAA Rochester. Lefthander Mariano Gomez, and infielders Howie Clark and Chris Basak were reassigned to the minor league camp.

Casilla batted .250 with six walks and four stolen bases in 11 games and irritated Gardenhire with his play at second base. Gardenhire, however, said Casilla may still be adjusting to the position and that he hoped he can iron out the wrinkles in his game because he's not far from being ready.

"I think he should begin to pass some people up in this organization here in the next year,'' Gardenhire said. "The time has come real quick to where he should be on the move.''

Baker taking cautious approach to injury

Righthander Scott Baker, slowed by a strained lat (back) muscle, went through a long-toss session Friday and said he planned on throwing a light bullpen session today.

He's only had problems in games, so it won't be known whether he's really better until he gets through an outing. He hasn't pitched in a game since last Saturday.

Etc.

• Righthander Jesse Crain, who was hit near the right knee by a line drive on Thursday, said it was still a little sore but he planned on trying some baseball-related activities today.

• Third baseman Mike Lamb, unavailable for six games because of a sore hip, was 0-for-3 Friday in his return to the lineup.

Up next

Righthander Kevin Slowey, on the bubble to make the rotation, starts today against the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla.

Former Twins righthander J.D. (The Real Deal) Durbin will start for the Phillies. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. The game will be televised on Fox Sports Net.

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