At least the boys remain a loose group.

Brian Dozier had Michael Jackson music going in the clubhouse this morning, so a few players were moving with the beat as they prepared for today's game. Guess they need to be in a good frame of mind to face Royals ace Edinson Volquez with an 0-5 record hanging over their heads.

This is all on the offense, by the way. Kevin Jepsen is having trouble getting his changeup going. Trevor May hasn't had smooth outings. But the offense is why this team is where it's at right now.

They are batting .079 with runners in scoring position, that's all that needs to be known They are a punchless group at the moment, unable to string hits together or punish mistakes. They made Ian Kennedy look like Curt Schilling last night, and now Kennedy is being hailed as a sneaky free agent signing.

The Twins are making every pitcher look good these days.

``We just need to put the ball in play more," said third baseman Trevor Plouffe, who is right. This team has to get back in the strike zone. And it would help if the outfield of 22 and 23 year olds show more patience at the plate.

Max Kepler has arrived in the clubhouse and is ready to help in any way he can. He's not in the starting lineup, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him get an at-bat late in the game today. Can't see Kepler starting against White Sox lefty Bruce Rodon tomorrow in the home opener.

``I'm here to win," Kepler said. ``Put the ball in play. Hustle down the line. Anything I can do to help."

That would be a significant improvement over what's happening on the field right now, as the Twins are digging themselves out of a first-week hole - once again.

Twins

Brian Dozier, 2B
Eddie Rosario, Lf
Joe Mauer, DH
Miguel Sano, RF
Byung Ho Park, 1B
Eduardo Escobar, SS
Eduardo Nunez, 3B
John Ryan Murphy, C
Byron Buxton, CF

Royals

Alcides Escobar, SS
Moose, 3B
Lorenzo Cain, CF
Eric Hosmer, 1B
Kendrys Morales, DH
Alex Gordon, LF
Salvador Perez, C
Christian Colon, 2B
Paulo Orlando, RF

Edinson Volquez, RHP