Ten games ahead with two weeks to play. That's a pretty sweet position we're not used to around here.
As a result, we'll be watching some B and C-plus lineups over these final games as Gardy gets things primed for the postseason. The weekend's lineups were there for much different -- and totally valid -- reasons than back during midseason when many of us wondered what was up for that Sunday game against Atlanta.
At this point, though, I'm disinclined to look back and ask too many questions.
Things have worked themselves out.
The most interesting news of the weekend -- barring Joe Mauer's jammed knee being more serious that we think right now -- was Gardy's indication that the Twins will go with 11 pitchers in the postseason.
If Capps, Fuentes, Rauch, Crain, Guerrier and Mijares are bullpen locks, that means one of the starters will be left off the roster -- and that Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey and Scott Baker are essentially auditioning for two spots each time they pitch. Of course, health issues could answer that question -- or create others.
I'm not getting into all the variables of a five-player bench. And while I've been pretty gloomy about the prospect of Justin Morneau returning for the postseason, Gardy's call definitely leaves open that possibility. The trick -- and I'm not the first person to say this -- will be to figure out a way to get Morneau's game sharpness back without the benefit of minor-league rehab.
Like I said: not at all optimistic, but intrigued at how it would be done.
The other thing to figure out: How to get Francisco Liriano through the first inning. Please get after that one, Rick Anderson.