Sloppy trousers could cost Span

Last update: March 23, 2009 - 12:00 AM

Sloppy trousers could cost Span

Major League Baseball is cracking down on players who pull the legs of their pants too far over their cleats -- with a close eye on Twins outfielder Denard Span.

Span has been warned that he will be fined $1,000 by the league after he was caught with his pants over his shoes during a series in Baltimore last season.

In fact, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire had to read a letter to the players on Thursday about the crackdown -- a letter that included a photo of Span in a take-out slide with the bottom of his pants looped over the back of his spikes.

Span said on Sunday that, if that's the game in question, then he's a victim of circumstance. He said one pants leg got hooked under a cleat.

"I didn't realize until after the game when I had a hole in the bottom of my pants from the cleat," he said. "The following day, the USA Today showed me taking out the second baseman. If it wasn't for the picture USA Today took -- so I blame USA Today -- no one would have found out."

Span laughed after he said that. But he maintained he never wears his pants that low, so it should never happen again.

Baker still searching

It looks like it will take both of Scott Baker's final spring training starts to lock in for the regular season.

Baker gave up four runs on nine hits over 42/3 innings Sunday against the Blue Jays. Having given up six homers in his previous two outings, he kept the ball in the park but admitted he's not pitching the way he wants to.

"He's still missing a little bit," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "I don't think he's found his rhythm yet."

Catching up with staff

With Mike Redmond expected to start the season at catcher while Joe Mauer recovers from an inflamed joint in his lower back, it is important for Drew Butera and Jose Morales to get to know the pitching staff.

"I don't know if our staff has seen enough of them," Gardenhire said. "We're ad-libbing. Been waiting and waiting and trying to give them a piece there and there. They are both going to see more and more."

Butera caught Nick Blackburn in a minor league game last week, and Morales will catch Glen Perkins this week in a minor league game.

Mijares spiked but OK

Lefthanded reliever Jose Mijares was charged with two runs in two-thirds of an inning on Sunday as he ran his ERA to 12.86.

He also was spiked in the right ankle as he tried to cover first base.

"He should be fine," Gardenhire said. "We'll see how he is over the next day or so."

Gardenhire said Mijares did get his fastball up to 91 miles per hour.

Etc.

• Bench coach Steve Liddle handled third base coaching duties Sunday as Scott Ullger stayed home with the flu.

• Joe Nathan's seventh inning was "too easy,'' Gardenhire said. The Twins might look to get the closer more work.

On deck

Lefthander Francisco Liriano will start against the Orioles today, with lefthander Craig Breslow and righthander Luis Ayala to follow.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III

Recent Twins stories

Mets' Johan Santana throws off mound for 1st time since elbow surgery - March 23, 2009

Mets' Johan Santana throws off mound for 1st time since elbow surgery - New York Mets ace Johan Santana threw off a mound for the first time since elbow surgery last Sept. 1 and said he felt good. More