MILWAUKEE — Sorry this is late. It’s been a tough day of travel. I had two flights canceled and if it weren’t for the good folks at Midwest Express, I would have missed this game entirely.

Not complaining, though. A buddy of mine said it took him eight hours to drive here from Faribault today because of the road closures. Carol Gardenhire was half-way into her drive when she had to turn around for home.

Brian Buscher had all kinds of travel delays from Rochester, but he made it in time for batting practice. Otherwise, not much news.

As you’ve probably heard by now, the Twins signed their top draft pick, high school outfielder Aaron Hicks. They have also signed second rounder Tyler Ladendorf, third rounder Bobby Lanigan, fourth rounder Daniel Ortiz. All told, they’ve already signed 11 of the 52 players they drafted.

Shortstop Trevor Plouffe was among the reinforcements sent to Rochester today from Class AA New Britain.

Delmon Young is not in the lineup again tonight. Gardy explained it by stressing how well Jason Kubel is swinging, and there is no DH in the National League ballpark.

Gardy also called this the worst road trip he can remember, considering the team is 1-6 and five of the losses have been blowouts.

I was driving to the ballpark, talking to my wife, when she gave me the news Tim Russert had died. Just terrible.

An important note: The comments Livan Hernandez heard in the clubhouse last night actually came from the Cleveland radio feed. It was lead broadcaster Tom Hamilton, one of the classiest men you’ll meet. I spoke to Hamilton today and will have more on that in the notebook.

Update (6:20 p.m.): Juan Rincon turned down the Twins’ offer to assign him outright to Class AAA Rochester, so they officially designated him for assignment. They now have 10 days to either trade him or release him.

Twins (32-25)

1. Carlos Gomez, CF

2. Alexi Casilla, 2B

3. Joe Mauer, C

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Michael Cuddyer, RF

6. Jason Kubel, LF

7. Brendan Harris, 2B

8. Mike Lamb, 3B

9. Kevin Slowey, P

Brewers (35-31)

1. Corey Hart, RF

2. Craig Counsell, SS

3. Ryan Braun, LF

4. Prince Fielder, 1B

5. Russell Branyan, 3B

6. Mike Cameron, CF

7. Bill Hall, 2B

8. Jason Kendall, C

9. Dave Bush, P

Miller Park. First pitch: 7:05 p.m. (Central)

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