Nothing Significant

...Other than, that is, a 7-3 loss to Cleveland. The Twins played two games, with split squads. The first game against Cleveland was disapointing. Only one current big leaguer threw any innings for the Twins, Matt Guerrier, leaving the game in the hands of Boof Bonser, Adam Harben, Pat Neshek, and Dave Gassner. Bonser was the only Twins pitcher to really show any dominance, striking out two in two innings of work while giving up no runs. Neshek, a potential future closer at Triple-A currently, also threw 2/3 of a scoreless inning. Otherwise, the Indians batted around.

Harben lost the game, giving up four runs in one and one-third innings. Harben was one of the better pitchers in the Twins minor league system last year, spending the whole year in Single-A and dominating. It would be nice to see him get some better innings in. Otherwise, Guerrier, a long reliever on the Twins staff, gave up a two-run shot to former uber-prospect Brandon Phillips and Gassner gave up a run as well.

The Twins offense was somewhat its usual self. Batista remains hitless and Buster Olney posted a scout's comment on his blog that he looks absolutely horrible. Not good. I'm still hoping for the best, but this is a bad sign. Otherwise, Minnesota left nine men on base while Torii had a few hits and Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel drove in runs. But 12 hits against no major pitchers with only three runs, one unearned, isn't a great story. Needless to say, it was a disapointing day for this Twins squad.

At the other game, things went a little better. A few major pitching prospects, Matt Garza and Errol Simonitisch, threw solid innings with Scott Baker starting and striking out two in 2 2/3 innings, as the Twins beat Tampa Bay's squad 6-1. The offense was provided by Lew Ford, who had a two-run triple, and Terry Tiffee, who went 3 for 4 with an RBI. Then again, six runs against a guy, Shawn Camp, that the Royals released isn't too much to be proud of, but its good to win one instead of two disappointing losses. Pay attention tommorow, though, as the Twins take on the Red Sox again at noon on FSN.