Team refuses to play blame game

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: September 5, 2008 - 7:49 AM

TORONTO - Losing tough games in a playoff race is a test of a team's character. It's also a challenge for veterans to show younger players the best way to handle defeats.

That's why the Twins were in spirit-lifting mode after Wednesday's 5-4, 11-inning loss to the Blue Jays.

Shortstop Nick Punto, whose error in the seventh allowed Toronto to tie the score 3-3 at the time, made sure he reached out to righthander Nick Blackburn, who was on the mound at the time.

"I made a big error in that game," Punto said. "I went in the dugout and told Blackburn, 'You're doing all you need to do. Just get me one more ground ball.' Blackie is young but he pitches like he's mature."

Backup catcher Mike Redmond spoke to outfielder Jason Pridie and third baseman Matt Tolbert after the game -- they each had an error -- to remind them that mistakes will happen and not to blame themselves for the loss.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said the veterans, as well as the coaching staff, have worked hard all season to make sure the young players don't make their mistakes and struggles bigger than what they are.

"It is not a time to hang your head," Gardenhire said, "and the veterans out there, that is their responsibility to make sure they are getting after the game."

No Go-Go

Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez's playing time has decreased as the Twins navigate through the AL Central Division playoff race.

He didn't start Thursday and has started only one of the past four games. Gardenhire has tried to keep his best bats in the lineup. Denard Span, who has settled in as the Twins' leadoff hitter, has started in center field instead of Gomez.

Gomez started Wednesday, but was 0-for-2 with two strikeouts against righthander A.J. Burnett. Gardenhire said Gomez actually took good at-bats but was beaten by a quality pitcher.

Gardenhire spoke with Gomez on Tuesday, just to make sure he doesn't get down because of his reduced playing time.

"I told him we are trying to win, and he understands that," Gardenhire said. "He wants to play and all those things. I told him this is about winning baseball games and using you the best I possibly can."

Etc.

• Delmon Young, who is nursing a sore right ankle, was back in the lineup Thursday. Gardenhire said Young is able to play but will have to favor the ankle for awhile.

• Third baseman Mike Lamb has cleared waivers and has been unconditionally released. He can sign with another team, but the Twins are on the hook for the remainder of his two-year deal, roughly $3.8 million.

• The Class A Fort Myers Miracle have advanced to the Florida State League finals and awaits the winner of the series between Daytona (a Cubs affiliate) and Palm Beach (Cardinals).

• Four of the six walk-off losses the Twins have suffered this season came on this road trip. Five have come since Aug. 10. Two have come off Jesse Crain, with the rest off Juan Rincon, Craig Breslow, Joe Nathan and Boof Bonser.

• The Twins have had four walk-off victories.

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