8:59 update: Jason Kubel has been scratched from the lineup. We’re waiting to learn why. Mike Lamb has replaced him at DH. 

Was told today that at least three teams, possibly four, are interested in righthander Livan Hernandez. Colorado is known for sure. My guess is that Texas has to be one of the others because the Rangers need starters bad.

So the chances are greater now that the Twins may be able to get something back for Livo. I wouldn’t expect much, though. And we have to see how the waiver process goes, too. 

The Twins hit the field for early work this afternoon under clear blue skies at Safeco Field. They usually do early work the first day in a new city to acclimate themselves to the different surroundings.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was out on the field hitting grounders to infielders and drilling Brian Buscher and Adam Everett at second base. Yes, second. “In case of an emergency,” Buscher said.

Larry Stone, longtime seamhead for the Seattle Times, saw Gardy at work and said, “You don’t see managers out on the field like that anymore.”

The beat writers here are a little envious of me. The team they cover has a real chance of being the first club ever to have a $100 million payroll and lose 100 games in a season.

But I know from experience that covering a bad team can be entertaining - in a morbid way. And the Mariners aren’t just flopping, they are flopping with flair.

Lineups

Twins (62-49): 1. Denard Span, RF. 2. Nick Punto, 2B. 3. Joe Mauer, C. 4. Justin Morneau, 1B. 5. Mike Lamb, DH. 6. Delmon Young, LF. 7. Brian Buscher, 3B. 8. Brendan Harris. SS. 9. Carlos Gomez, CF. Pitching: Glen Perkins.

Seattle (42-69): 1. Ichiro, RF. 2. Willie Bloomquist, CF. 3. Raul Ibanez, LF. 4. Adrian Beltre, 3B. 5. Jose Lopez, 2B. 6. Jose Vidro, DH. 7. Bryan LaHair, 1B. 8. Kenji Johjima, C. 9. Yuniesky Betancourt, SS. Pitching: Miguel Batista.Â

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