DETROIT — After losing two of the first three games at Comerica Park, the Twins will be eliminated if they lose again today, and they’ll have to watch Detroit celebrate its first division title in 22 years.

A win today would at least let the Twins have something on the line, as they open their final three-game series at the Metrodome on Friday against the Royals.

Brendan Harris and Mike Redmond are back in the starting lineup today. Joe Mauer is the DH.

Note: Justin Morneau said Wednesday that he believes the Twins will get Joe Mauer signed to a long-term extension this offseason. In case you missed it, click here. And I’m not sure I did it justice in print (see second note), but when Morneau told me about his recent dream of playing right field on a high school field in Pittsburgh, I almost fell over laughing.

Also, La Velle did a great job explaining the importance of the Twins’ recent international signings, including Miguel Angel Sano and Max Kepler.

Update: There’s an interesting YouTube video that suggests Joe Mauer was tipping pitches to Jason Kubel when he hit a sacrifice fly off Justin Verlander on Tuesday night. Today, Tigers catcher Gerald Laird told the Washington Post the Twins are notorious for stealing signs. Reporters swarmed the Twins clubhouse this morning, and Manager Ron Gardenhire, Kubel and Justin Morneau laughed it off. Mauer wont’ be available for comment until after the game.

Here’s a link to the original YouTube video:

We’ll have more from Laird, Gardenhire, Morneau and Kubel shortly.

Randball has a new post with embedded video.

Update: The Twins’ pitching plans are tentative, but as of Thursday’s pregame, these would be the matchups for this weekend’s series against the Royals:

Friday: Jeff Manship vs. Lenny DiNardo
Saturday: Nick Blackburn (on 3 day’s rest) vs. Zack Greinke
Sunday: Brian Duensing vs. Luke Hochevar

 TWINS (82-76)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Orlando Cabrera, SS
3. Joe Mauer, DH
4. Michael Cuddyer, 1B
5. Jason Kubel, RF
6. Delmon Young, LF
7. Brendan Harris, 3B
8. Mike Redmond, C
9. Nick Punto, 2B

Starting pitcher: RH Scott Baker

TIGERS (85-73)

1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Ramon Santiago, 2B
3. Magglio Ordonez, RF
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Carlos Guillen, LF
6. Marcus Thames, DH
7. Brandon Inge, 3B
8. Gerald Laird, C
9. Adam Everett, SS

Starting pitcher: LH Nate Robertson

Comerica Park. First pitch: 12:05 p.m. (Central). TV: FSN, MLB Network

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 9:59 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.