J..J. Hardy is missing a fifth straight game because of a `mild' quad strain - which makes you wonder how the Twins define, `mild.' Matt Tolbert starts at short.

Justin Morneau, however, has recovered from his hockey soreness and is back in the lineup, along with Jim Thome. Part of me believes that they were healthy enough to play but this is part of the Twins' plan to be careful with them.

Ben Revere is leading off and starting in center field. The Twins' No. 3 prospect (on the Neal Prospect List) is impressing in camp. I think he could be ready to contribute on the major league level with another half-season of seasoning.

By the way, Miguel Angel Sano, Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco - the Twins' three big international signings last year - made their pro preseason debuts yesterday during a 8-0 exhibition win over Bethel. Sano played short and DH'd, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Outfielder Kepler was 1-for-4 with a RBI and run scored and Polanco, who played short, was 1-for-3 with a RBI.

Joe C. has a big smile on his face today. Mrs. Joe C. and Baby C. are flying down today for a few days. Baby C. is 14 months old. It didn't hit me what was about to happen to the house we're staying in until a baby care rental van pulled up yesterday with a temporary crib, car seat, stroller and playpen. I'll be writing from home with background noise for a few days.

Lineups

Pirates

1. Ronny Cedeno, SS
2. Delwyn Young, 2B
3. Garrett Jones, RF
4. Jeff Clement, 1B
5. Lastings Milledge, LF
6. Brandon Moss, DH
7. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
8. John Raynor, CF
9. Jason Jaramillo, C

RHP Ross Ohlendorf

Twins

1. Ben Revere, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Jim Thome, DH
6. Michael Cuddyer, RF
7. Jacque Jones, LF
8. Brendan Harris, 3B
9. Matt Tolbert, SS

RHP Carl Pavano, with Jose Mijares, Clay Condrey, Anthony Swarzak and Kyle Waldrop to follow.