StarTribune.com content is available via e-mail, mobile devices and as RSS feeds.
DETROIT - Twins outfielder Craig Monroe used the word "bitter" to describe his sentiment toward the Tigers on Monday, so it's fair to say he will be especiall y motivated if manager Ron Gardenhire sticks with his plan to play Monroe tonight.
"I'm excited to see those guys and talk to them," Monroe said. "I'm also excited to get a chance to do some damage and beat them, too."
Monroe had 28 home runs and 96 RBI for Detroit in the 2006 regular season, then hit five more homers that postseason. But they designated him for assignment last August, when he was batting .222, then traded him to the Cubs.
"I'm bitter," Monroe said before the Twins lost 11-9 Monday. "I'm disappointed when I think about the situation.
"I think as players we're forced into -- even when you're not on a good team, like '03, losing 119 games -- still being motivated.
"And to do some of the things I've done, I felt like I would like to have some of it back, when I scuffled the first half. I think I struggled every first half, but when you look up at the end, every September, my numbers are right there."
Monroe has started only five of the Twins' first 13 games, and entering Monday he was batting .133 (2-for-15). But Gardenhire said Monroe would likely be the designated hitter tonight, and Jason Kubel the right fielder, with the Twins facing Tigers lefthander Nate Robertson.
Gardenhire also said he intends to use Monroe in center field to spell Carlos Gomez at some point, too.
Monroe specifically said he has no hard feelings toward Tigers manager Jim Leyland.
"I had a lot of fun that year [2006] playing for him and respect a lot of the things he's done in the game," Monroe said. "But, more so, we were really tight. I think the decision, the way it went down, wasn't his decision. It was kind of out of his control, and I know that."
Cuddyer updateMichael Cuddyer had the stitches removed from his right index finger Monday, as scheduled, but the swelling hasn't decreased completely and probably won't for several days.
The Twins right fielder said he will begin throwing and swinging gradually this week, trying to gain flexibility in the finger as he goes along. He still hopes to return from the disabled list Sunday -- the first day he is eligible.
"If not that day, sometime right around that, for sure," Cuddyer said. "I don't see it being an extra week or anything."
Honoring JackieSix Twins will wear No. 42 tonight, on Jackie Robinson Day: Monroe, Delmon Young, Denard Span, Livan Hernandez, Matt Guerrier and coach Jerry White.
Across the majors, more than 330 players, managers and coaches will don the retired number on the 61st anniversary of Robinson breaking baseball's color barrier.
Etc.• After Nick Blackburn recorded the second out of the sixth inning Monday, 14 of the final 19 Detroit hitters reached base.
• Carlos Gomez and Joe Mauer have combined for 30 consecutive hitless at-bats, though Mauer did draw three walks and score two runs Monday.
• The No. 4-7 hitters Monday -- Justin Morneau, Young, Kubel and Brendan Harris -- each had two RBI.
One year ago this week, the first Web cam image of the new Twins ballpark construction site was taken. Today, the Twins released a one minute time lapse movie of how the construction has progressed over the past year.
Twins fans and players alike shrugged off the snow for opening day and heralded the arrival of the baseball season.
Twins catcher Mike Redmond talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Final of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins pitcher Boof Bonser talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Eighth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins infielder Nick Punto talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Sixth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fifth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins second baseman Brendan Harris talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Fourth of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins shortstop Adam Everett talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Third of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins third baseman Mike Lamb talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. Second of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer talks about his hopes for the season and how things are going this spring. First of nine in a series leading up to Opening Day.
Twins coach Ron Gardenhire is looking for Nick Punto to improve offensively and for Brendan Harris to be patient at the plate, but the competition for second base is close.
Assorted Minnesota Twins read reader-submitted Haiku with flair ... or not.
Michael Cuddyer says he's probably a natural fit to lead the team since he's got the most experience with the organization.
Baseball writers La Velle E. Neal III and Joe Christensen think Wednesday's lineup against Boston features the A-listers or as close as it can be given the tough competition.
Francisco Liriano's success will be about patience, according to Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson.
Related Content
Admittedly, Twins coach Jerry White believes the race for the center field spot is wide open because the competitors each bring a lot.
Just previewing a bit of our Haiku footage, Twins pitcher Boof Bonser waxes poetic with a Haiku donated to the Section 220 blog.
Writer LaVelle E. Neal III and Twins fans agree -- spring training is about the sun, the fun and access to the team.
![]() Pet Directory ListingsFind hundreds of local businesses to help you care for and enjoy your pet. Go now! |
Featured comment
From the Twins site: "Guerrier is the only non-minority of the six Twins who will be wearing the number. He said that he made the decision … read more to wear 42 in part as a tribute to his dad who works for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, specializing in Civil Rights. "He mentioned last year that it would mean a lot to him if I wore it," Guerrier said. "But it was a little too late. His birthday is coming up now and it seems perfect timing. He was hoping to bid on [a jersey] last year so he could donate to the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Now this will give him that chance." "
Add your own comment | Close comment