Twins-Blue Jays: No need to panic

Anyone who remains in a panic over how the Twins have played since clinching the division title must be addicted to feeling alarmed.

This is when the critical eye needs to be turned on this team as it opens a four-game series against Toronto.

I could care less how they played on the road trip. Know why?

Francisco Liriano was sick before his last start. The start before that, he was struck with a rash so bad it looked like someone painted his chest red. All indications are that he's fine for today's outing.

Carl Pavano had nine days off between starts,. so it was expected that he would be off his game a little when he started against Detroit.

Relievers need to take the blame for the 11-10 and 10-8 losses on the trip. That is one area that has been disappointing.

But now the playoff rotation is set and throwing on a regular schedule. The lineup is getting healthy, as Joe Mauer and .J. J. Hardy are back in tonight. NOW let's see how this team does.

But anyone who is dreaming of Morneau being a factor in the postseason, wake yourselves up.

I'm just glad the man has been symptom-free and can enjoy being a father. He's been out two-plus months because of his concussion and needs a bunch of at bats before the Twins can even consider placing him on the postseason roster.

``I feel pretty good right now." he said, ``but it's still day-to-day."

I don't think he'll be ready for the ALDS. ALCS? That's a possibility. But he needs to face live pitching. He can do that here in simulated games and down in Florida for instructional league. But even he said it's too early to look that far ahead.

Toronto (82-76)

Shawn Hill, RHP

Twins (93-65)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, DH
4. Delmon Young, LF
5. Jason Kubel, RF
6. Michael Cuddyer, 1B
7. Danny Valencia, 3B
8. J.J. Hardy, SS
9. Drew Butera, C