Mauer gets the day off, which is expected, especially in a day game after a night game. So where does Mike Redmond hit? Third! Of course! That's where the catcher always hits!
By the way, Twins up 3-2 in the fifth with Lohse on the mound. Hunter has a two-run shot. However, trouble's a brewing with runners on first and second with no outs.
Post any game thoughts you have here.
Update: Mike Redmond was strategically inserted into the third spot today so that he could drive in the Twins' sixth run in the fifth inning. Will Kyle Lohse get the first quality start of the year for the Twins? Could it be?
Update: Yes! A quality start for Mr. Lohse! Then Liriano comes in and strikes out the side in the seventh!
This is the first time I remember Redmond being placed in the 3rd spot in the lineup. I think that move would be defensible against a lefty, as Redmond has been mashing lefties for a long time now, though 5th might be a better spot in the lineup.
But against a righty? Hey, it worked out beautifully. It's not near as stupid as putting Punto, Rivas, et al in the 2nd spot in the lineup.
Who else should have been third? I think Hunter is bad in the 3rd spot, myself, as he he's too much of a hacker. Double plays following a Castillo walk or single would abound. No one else besides Mauer really seems to fit the bill on the team, except Stewart, and he ain't gonna be put there.
A three game sweep of the A's. Who da thunk it?
Nick Punto with a double and triple today.
Stud.
Left is right. Up is down. This series seriously messed with my inner ear. I have no idea WTF is right anymore. Bizarro Twins.
Nick -- Cuddyer with a dinger. Stud.
Punto didn't triple today. He singled and watched Nick Swisher butcher the ball in the outfield.
Oh, and Redmond actually started 20 games in 2003 and 5 games in 2002 batted third in the Marlins lineup.