Based on messages and boasting through social media, several thousand Twins fans are expected to be down here for the series against the Royals,.I arrived at the ballpark about an hour ago, and there were Twins fans tailgating in the parking lot.
That's hardcore. Because it's 95 degrees right now in KC. And it's supposed to hit 100 the next two days.
I'm not complaining. After being in the Twin Cities this summer and covering a series in Texas a couple weeks ago, my skin has been de-sensitized to the point where I no longer feel anything.
In an unbelievable move, the Royals today actually found someone to take Jonathan Sanchez off their hands. It was the Rockies, who dealt them their headache, Jeremy Guthrie, in return for Sanchez. And Guthrie has been penciled in as the starter on Sunday against the Twins.Guthrie, who was Colorado's Opening Day starter, went 3-9 with a 6.35 ERA for the Rockies.
Will check back later with lineups and updates.
UPDATE: Denard Span and Brian Dozier are not in the lineup, Will check on why; Span is batting .136 against Hochevar, while Carroll is 6-for-10 against him.
UPADATE II: Yep, Gardy said matchups were a reason why he started Carroll and benced Span - but that could change at any minute.
Justin Morneau's wife, Krista, is due at any moment. Morneau will go on paternity leave once Krista goes into labor. The Twins will be allowed to call up a player for three days to replace Morneau, presumably Chris Parmellee.
