Lamb will have to adjust to turfball

Last update: March 27, 2008 - 10:16 PM

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The Twins will have newcomers all over the diamond for Monday's season opener, and the Metrodome will be a big adjustment for one player in particular.

Third baseman Mike Lamb hasn't played on an artificial surface since Aug. 15, 2004.

Lamb, who played for Houston from 2004 to 2007, will experience the Metrodome's FieldTurf for the first time, as his last game in Minnesota came with Texas on July 13, 2002, when the Dome's carpet was much slicker.

"It's going to be new for me," Lamb said. "Hopefully, I'll transition quickly."

There hasn't been an artificial surface in the National League since Montreal relocated to Washington in 2005.

The American League has artificial surfaces in Toronto, Tampa Bay and Minnesota, but even with interleague play, Lamb has played just three games on artificial grass since 2002.

"The ball's going to move a lot quicker than on a regular surface," Lamb said. "The last time I was on turf was in Toronto. I remember being sore just from taking grounders. I didn't even play, so that's something I'll have to adjust to the most."

Gomez scratched

Center fielder Carlos Gomez was scratched from Thursday's lineup after reluctantly telling Manager Ron Gardenhire that he had soreness behind his left knee. Gomez left Wednesday's game with cramping in his left hamstring.

"Maybe play him [today] or [Saturday]," Gardenhire said. "He's got soreness in there. Silly to run out there right now."

Undecided at DH

Gardenhire said he doesn't know if Craig Monroe or Jason Kubel will be the designated hitter Monday.

The Angels will start righthander Jered Weaver, and the lefthanded-hitting Kubel is 1-for-5 off him for his career compared to 0-for-3 for the righthanded hitting Monroe.

"I think we'll probably look at success against pitchers," Gardenhire said. "Both of them are swinging pretty darn good, so I don't like the word platoon with those guys. I'm not big on that."

Etc.

• The Twins season opener is sold out but tickets remain for the rest of the seven-game homestand.

• Sports Illustrated picked the Twins to finish last in the American League Central.

• Jesse Crain gave up a bloop single and a two-run homer to Ken Griffey Jr., pitching on two day's rest. The Twins will try him on one day's rest Saturday for the first time this spring.

Up next

All eyes will be on Francisco Liriano today, as he pitches against Pittsburgh in Fort Myers, Fla., trying to convince the Twins he's ready for a regular season start.

Opening Night starter Livan Hernandez offered his endorsement earlier this week.

"He's waiting to show people he's ready, and I think it's very important because we need a guy in the rotation like that," Hernandez said. "He's ready to go. I talk to him every day."

JOE CHRISTENSEN

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