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Morneau miffed Canadian anthem gets taped treatment

The Canadian slugger didn't understand why they couldn't have had a live singer for O Canada like they did for the Star-Spangled Banner.

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: July 15, 2009 - 1:54 PM

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ST. LOUIS - With all the pageantry before Tuesday's All-Star Game, including an appearance by President Obama, the organizers made one gesture that offended Twins first baseman Justin Morneau.

Sheryl Crow was on hand to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner." For "O Canada," the crowd was treated to a pre-recorded tape.

"I wasn't very impressed with that to tell you the truth," Morneau said. "You figure they could find somebody to come and sing the song. They have a hockey team here, the Canadian teams play here.

"It's something that didn't really go over too well. I think if it happened the other way around, if they were playing in Toronto and they did that, it would have been a lot bigger deal. But nothing you can do about it."

Try the Derby again?

Morneau said Tuesday that he made the right decision, skipping this year's Home Run Derby, but added that he's not opposed to entering next year.

"If my body feels good, I'd probably lean toward it," the three-time All-Star said. "I've got to make the game first. We'll worry about that when we get there."

Twins catcher Joe Mauer, who hit five home runs but was eliminated Monday in a first-round swing off, said he would "definitely" enter again.

"Try to get back there and see if I can win the thing," he said. "I think I need to come in a little better shape. It can tire you out."

A little history

Mauer became the first starting catcher to bat third in an All-Star Game since Thurman Munson in 1975.

"I thought that was pretty neat," Mauer said of his lineup position, between Yankees Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira. "You probably could go shake it up again and do fine with it also. ... To be hitting third is a pretty cool honor for me."

Tough competition

The Twins are pushing hard to bring the 2014 All-Star Game to Target Field.

The Los Angeles Angels will be the host next year, followed by Arizona in 2011. Commissioner Bud Selig said Tuesday that Kansas City is doing "pretty well" for 2012.

Speaking at a Baseball Writers Association of America meeting, Selig mentioned Minnesota, Washington and Cincinnati as future candidates. "And the Mets, obviously," Selig added.

Future All-Star closer

Joe Nathan had his 4-year-old son, Cole, on the field for Monday's Home Run Derby. Cole was less interested in the competition than playing catch with his dad.

At one point, Nathan started watching the Derby, and Cole threw a pitch that hit Dad in the face. Cole was ready to leave early, but Nathan said, "That's Joe Mauer. We're going to stay until he's done."

Cap switch

When White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle reached into his locker and opened his box of baseball caps, he thought somebody was playing a trick on him.

They were all Twins caps.

"I kind of laughed. I wanted to look around and see if someone was messing with me," Buehrle said.

Moments later, the lefthander called over to Mauer and asked, "Hey, Joe, you hear about this?"

Mauer smiled and chuckled. Buehrle laughed off the temporary mixup, too. He chose not to tempt fate. "I didn't put one on," Buehrle said.

The Associated Press contributed to this notebook.

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