Hitters are hitting, except for Morneau

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: March 25, 2008 - 11:17 PM

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BRADENTON, FLA. — Twins manager Ron Gardenhire seemed pleased with the general progress of his middle-order hitters after Tuesday's 7-3 loss to Pittsburgh -- all except Justin Morneau.

Michael Cuddyer lined into a first-inning double play, doubled in the third inning and had another hard out to center field in the sixth.

That's three smashes and only one hit, but Cuddyer is batting .340 with a team-high 12 RBI.

"We asked him after his third at-bat if he wanted another one, and he said, 'No,' " Gardenhire said. "That shows you where he is. He's swinging good. I think we've got some guys who look like they're on the ball pretty good."

Joe Mauer went 1-for-4, dropping his average to .343.

"Joe feels fine," Gardenhire said. "He's ready to leave. He says he's ready to go north."

Jason Kubel continued his run of tough luck when Pirates center fielder Nate McLouth made a spectacular diving catch on a liner in the right-center gap. But Kubel drilled a double in the seventh, raising his average to .234.

"To see a ball fall for him was fun because he's hit the ball so hard," Gardenhire said.

But then there's Morneau, who is batting .220 in Grapefruit League play and requested to play in a minor league game Tuesday to work on his swing.

He went 1-for-4 with a walk, a double and a strikeout.

"Hitters panic a little bit," Gardenhire said. "He didn't get a hit [Monday], and he didn't feel real comfortable at the plate. He said he'd like to get a few more at-bats if he can.

"It's getting close [to Opening Day]. Guys are getting antsy. They want their swings where they need to be."

Rotation gumbo

For now the best way to project the Twins starting rotation is like this:

1. Livan Hernandez; 2. Boof Bonser; 3. Kevin Slowey; 4. Scott Baker; 5. Francisco Liriano; first alternate: Nick Blackburn; second alternate: Philip Humber.

If Baker or Liriano start the year on the disabled list, Blackburn is in. If both start on the DL, Humber probably is next.

After feeling weak because of flu symptoms Monday, Baker felt well enough Tuesday to convince the Twins to let him pitch in a minor league game today. He said he hopes to throw 70 pitches, but with any hint of struggle, the Twins probably would announce a DL move.

Liriano makes his next start Friday. Same thing: Slightest hint of struggle, he's on the DL.

"We think Frankie, depending on how he does Friday, is probably at a point where he can do his thing," Gardenhire said. "Bake's not there. And Blackburn is getting there. He's going to be up to 60 or 70 [pitches in his next outing]."

Flu bug spreads

Shortstop Adam Everett also has the stomach flu. Gardenhire said it could be a couple days before Everett returns to the field but hopes he will be ready for Monday's opener.

Up next

Hernandez, who is 1-2 with an 8.00 ERA this spring, will make his final start before Opening Night today, as the Twins face Tampa Bay in Fort Myers.

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