Frank Thomas has signed with the Oakland A’s. This move doesn’t make sense to me because the A’s already have Mike Sweeney at DH and, judging by his at-bats the past two games, Sween-Dog has plenty of offense left in him.

Should the Twins have signed Sweeney (he’s making $500,000) instead of dealing for Craig Monroe (who’s making $3.82M)? I was told that Sweeney was in the picture right up until the Twins signed Monroe before the tender date. For flexibility, it’s better to have Monroe, who can play the outfield (although that hasn’t happened yet).

I was unable to get to Carlos Gomez before yesterday’s game. But here’s what he said after the game about not being in the starting lineup. 

“I come here everyday and watch the lineup. In this game you don’t have anything (given to you). 

“I know the manager say, `Carlos, you’re not in the lineup today. Don’t be like, `Uh-oh.’ ” I say, `You don’t have to tell me this. I’m on the team. I start the game, or I’ll be ready where you can use me later and you can use me to win the game with defense, with speed.”

“He said, `I’m the manager, I have to tell you first.’ I say, `Nah, Nah, not me. I’ll be ready. You don’t put me in the lineup. I’ll be ready.’ ”

On his slump: “The last three days, I feel good at the plate but it’s the game. That happens.”

Was on the phone with Joe C. this morning, talking about Frank Thomas and things, when he asked, “Is there going to be any scoring in these Champions League semifinals? There’s been only one legitimate goal scored so far.”

I missed yesterday’s match and can’t believe Ronaldo missed the penalty. I did catch Kuyt’s goal on Tuesday and Riise’s own goal. But there’s a great chance the second leg of the semis will be explosive because it will be do or die. And the Champions League final on May 21 is must-see TV.

The A’s are taking batting practice. And there’s Frank Thomas in white and green. Lineups to follow….

Sorry, was on the field for a while before the game. I han’t seen half the coaching staff with the two late deadline games, so I had to catch up on some things.

Mauer gets the day game after a night game off. Gardy said before the game that Kubel is going so good right now that he wants him in against lefties and righties. Mike Sweeney AND Thomas are in the A’s lineup. And watch out for Greg Smith. He’s supposed to have an excellent pickoff move.

Twins (10-11): 1. Gomez, CF. 2. Harris, 2B. 3. Kubel, RF. 4. Morneau, 1B. 5. Young, LF. 6. Monroe, DH. 7. Redmond, C. 8. Buscher, 3B. 9. Punto, SS. Pitching: Liriano.

Athletics (13-9): 1. Suzuki, C. 2. Ellis, 2B. 3. Sweeney. 1B. 4. Thomas, DH. 5. Brown, RF. 6. Crosby, SS. 7. Denorfia, LF. 8. Murphy, 3B. 9. Davis, CF. Pitching: Smith.

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