So, how about those Tigers, eh? Did I tell you to watch them, or what?

That team is simply determined to defy everything I write. Like my infamous 2006 World Series prediction: Tigers in 4! Still haven’t heard the end of that.

I wrote, “Tigers look poised to finally run away from the pack” — just before the Twins swept them in early May. I predicted a post-break surge, and they’ve dropped two of three in Baltimore.

Anyway, there won’t be a prediction in this space today. Just the hard facts. Two games into this series, the Rangers have been outscored 20-2. The vaunted All-Star quartet of Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley is a combined 4-for-30.

Kinsler, the AL batting leader, doesn’t have a hit. Hamilton, the RBI leader, hasn’t driven in a run. Today, Scott Baker will try to keep them at bay, as the Twins go for a sweep.

Updates to come…

Update (12:10 p.m.): Nick Punto has made enough progress with his sprained knuckle that Manager Ron Gardenhire doesn’t expect to make a roster move. Punto is not in the lineup today, but Gardy said he might be available as a defensive replacement and should be ready to play in New York.

Rangers (50-48)

1. Ian Kinsler, 2B

2. Brandon Boggs, LF

3. Michael Young, SS

4. Milton Bradley, DH

5. David Murphy, RF

6. Hank Blalock, 3B

7. Marlon Byrd, CF

8. Chris Davis, 1B

9. Taylor Teagarden, C

Starting pitcher: RH Vicente Padilla

Twins (55-42)

1. Carlos Gomez, CF

2. Alexi Casilla, 2B

3. Joe Mauer, C

4. Justin Morneau, 1B

5. Jason Kubel, DH

6. Delmon Young, LF

7. Brian Buscher, 3B

8. Brendan Harris, SS

9. Denard Span, RF

Starting pitcher: RH Scott Baker

Metrodome. First pitch: 1:10 p.m.

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 20th, 2008 at 10:25 am and is filed under Twins thoughts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.