Some quick thoughts after watching Phil Humber, Zach Stewart and Co., hold the Twins to one run over 18 innings today:
* If Stewart had finished with a no-hitter, instead of a one-hitter, the rookie would have joined some elite company. The four pitchers who've thrown no-hitters against the Twins are Catfish Hunter, Nolan Ryan, Vida Blue and David Wells.
* Trevor Plouffe went 0-for-6 with a walk in the doubleheader and did not have a very smooth day at shortstop. He made some plays, but he also bobbled a routine grounder from Juan Pierre before recovering to get the out in Game 1 and committed his sixth error of the season when he booted a grounder from Gordon Beckham in Game 2.
* At 58-83, the last-place Twins are one loss from ensuring their worst finish under Gardenhire. They went 79-83 in 2007, his only other sub-.500 season.
* It should be interesting to see how Chris Parmelee and Joe Benson do after getting promoted from Class AA New Britain. The 23-year-olds were picked out of high school in the 2006 draft, Parmelee in the first round and Benson in the second.
Benson is a speedy center fielder who can hit for power and get on base, but he also strikes out a lot. Jason Kubel has a sore foot and Michael Cuddyer has a sore wrist, so that could open playing time for Benson.
Parmelee is a lefthanded power hitter, who could see extended time at first base, with Manager Ron Gardenhire saying Justin Morneau will be used strictly as a DH to finish the season.
