YAY!  I can post the gamechat today!!!  AGAIN, my apologies for missing you all last night.  At least we have today.  (doesn’t that sound like a taudry romantic drama? about baseball?)

Ok, injury updates:  The good news is that ‘Lando is BACK!!  Joe Mauer is BACK to catching – which is great news for Butera who has really earned the day off.  And even better, Lexi’s little experience last night will not require a stint on the DL.  He has a bone spur on his ankle but no soft tissue damage or fractures so … they’ll let him play when the soreness is gone.  But that means that Plouffe, who would have been sent down to make room for Hudson, has to stay to back him up, and it’s Anthony Slama who draws the short straw.  I’m sure we’ll see Slama again fairly soon.

The bad news is that Kevin Slowey is dealing with some pain on the back of his elbow and he’ll be skipping his next start.  Sounds like they’ll be bringing up Perkins to make a start in his spot – and both Liriano and Pavano would like an extra day of rest as the rotation flows so I think the math works out.  Perkins will start on Wednesday against the White Sox if I’m still on target.

The MIA bit is that I haven’t heard a word about Punto’s recovery and if he’ll come back on schedule or not.  I’m definitely going to ask around and see if I can find out.

On to today’s game!  Duensing is out there again and I think he will do well today.  I sure hope it’s still cooler in Cleveland than it is in Minnesota.  And I can’t say that I will miss the throwback uniforms from yesterday.  I still think the hats were cool though. Span is getting a day off and Repko i sout in his spot – from how Span looked at the plate last night, I think that is a very good move. He needs a mental reboot.

Well it was REALLY good to get the win today and the series win as well!!  Duensing was a bit rough in the first inning and gave up 3 runs and the defense was a bit rough behind him for a couple innings too.. and there was NO offense from the Twins to speak of.  However, they got their rhythmn together and all three parties managed to get things going. 

Duensing turned in brilliant innings 3-7 and even came out to start the 8th for the first time this season.  ‘Lando had a GREAT day back and even got the game-tying hit.  For that, they both get pastries for doing such a great job.  Gamechat elected Jim Thome as our BOD today though for really getting the offensive ball rolling with a 2 run HR that in NO WAY left room for doubt or review.  Thank you so much  Mr. Thome!