Harris gets a tryout at third

Brendan Harris, who began the season at second base before moving to shortstop, got his first Twins start at third base.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: July 6, 2008 - 12:49 AM

Brendan Harris can play three infield positions but prefers shortstop, where he can be in the middle of the action and have the greatest influence on the game.

He opened the season as the Twins' starting second baseman, but was moved to shortstop in May when Alexi Casilla settled in at second. On Saturday, Harris was asked to play third base for the Twins for the first time this year, as Nick Punto started at short and lefthanded-hitting third baseman Brian Buscher didn't start because lefthander Aaron Laffey was on the mound for the Cleveland Indians.

In a perfect world, it's easier to settle in at one spot, but "when you're on a team that's 10 games over .500, I have no problem changing positions," Harris said.

Harris, who had made three errors in 15 career games at third, has taken grounders at third in recent games and worked on covering bunts before Saturday's 9-6 victory over Cleveland.

If it works out, Harris likely will play third base against left-handed starters.

"He said he's got it covered," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

All-Star stuff

The All-Star squads will be announced at 1 p.m. today, with the Twins hoping that catcher Joe Mauer, first baseman Justin Morneau and closer Joe Nathan get nods.

The New York Post said on its website Saturday that Mauer, second in the AL with a .325 batting average, will start at catcher in the All-Star Game July 15 at Yankee Stadium, and that Cleveland lefthander Cliff Lee -- who starts today's series finale against the Twins -- will be the AL's starting pitcher.

Morneau was second to Boston's Kevin Youkilis in voting for the starting first baseman. But Morneau, who is batting .310 with 51 RBI after going 0-for-3 Saturday, should land a spot on the AL roster even if he's not the people's choice.

The tough call will be Nathan, who earned his 24th save of the season Saturday night.

Boston's Jonathan Papelbon (25 saves) and the Yankees' Mariano Rivera (23) are expected to be part of the team, as Papelbon's manager, Terry Francona, is in charge of the AL team and the game is being played at Yankee Stadium. Then there must be room for the Angels' Francisco Rodriguez, who has 34 saves and is on pace to break Bobby Thigpen's major league record of 57 saves set in 1990.

Last year's AL roster included four relievers, making Nathan a possibility to land a spot this year.

Not so fast. Every team has to be represented, and Baltimore's George Sherrill is second in the league with 27 saves and on an Orioles team that has no other deserving player.

Nathan still could be named to the team, or he could become a candidate for the final roster spot. Voting for that position begins this afternoon and runs until 4 p.m. Thursday.

Home Run Derby

Morneau, if he makes the All-Star team, could be asked to participate in the All-Star Game Home Run Derby for a second consecutive year.

As of Saturday, he hadn't made up his mind whether he would answer the call.

"It would be tough to turn down since it's in New York," Morneau admitted.

Morneau batted .295 with 24 homers before the All-Star break last season, but .243 with just seven homers after the break, leading to speculation that the contest screwed up his swing.

Morneau wouldn't blame the event for his slump.

"It's not like I have my home run swing going now," said Morneau, who was tied for 25th in the AL with 12 homers.

"Actually, my swing feels pretty good right now."

Etc.

• Cleveland has signed righthander Jeff Weaver to a minor league contract. Weaver spent last season with Seattle and was 2-4 with a 6.22 ERA in nine starts with Class AAA Nashville of the Pirates chain this year before getting released last month. Weaver will join Class AAA Buffalo.

• Twins righthander Jesse Crain celebrated a birthday on Saturday. He's 27.