How bad has it been this week?

On Monday, when the great Zach Britton beat the Twins, it was his first victory in more than two months. In his last seven starts before coming to Target Field, Britton pitched 28 innings, given up 28 earned runs and put 61 runners on base.

On Tuesday, when converted reliever Alfredo Simon held the Twins to one run and three hits over eight inning, he was coming off three starts in which he'd given up 16 runs in 15 2/3 innings.

On Wednesday, Jeremy Guthrie raised his record to 6-16, by holding the Twins to one run and five hits over seven innings. He'd yielded "only" 17 runs in his previous 19 2/3 innings.

The encore stat: Mike Gonzalez, a journeyman lefty with an assortment of mediocre statistics this season, has faced seven Twins in this series -- four on Monday and three on Wednesday.

All of 'em have struck out.

Can't wait for them to face Justin Verlander on Saturday when he goes for his 20th win.

Gimme 10-1 and I'll take the no-hitter.

It was the trees, people.