I know there’s been a lot of talk about eighth-inning bullpen woes during the Twins-Angels  series, but giving away outs was just as bad.

Brian Buscher and Carlos Gomez had their moments over the weekend, and it’s not far-fetched to think that they should have landed in Seattle on Sunday after a 3-1 series win if plays are made.

Most of Buscher’s problems have been with sailing his throws. He’s adequate with the glove. It was very unfortunate that he had breakdowns in both areas in the same inning.

And Gomez should have caught two drives hit near the wall over the weekend. I agree that the balls were smoked, and some of the toughest plays for outfielders are when balls are hit right at them. But Gomez is good enough to catch both those balls. 

While I think the Twins anticipate Buscher to have his moments in the field, they should expect more from Gomez. And maybe that’s the worst we’ll out of Gomez this year. He’s made so many fine catches that his missed plays are glaring.

The loss on Sunday was unfortunate, but they left L.A. with two wins. The starting pitching stepped up. The hitters, for the most part,  took good at-bats (does Delmon Young look dangerous when he’s ahead in the count, or what?). It looks like the intensity level kicked up a notch as they try to prove they can win on the road. I now feel my prediction of a 7-7 road trip may fall short.

Also heard today: Class A Beloit outfielder Ben Revere will have his left knee examined on Tuesday in the Twin Cities by team physician Dr. John Steubs. Revere apparently has some loose particles in the knee.

The Twins tonight have signed righthander B.J. Hermsen, their sixth round pick in the June draft. There are indications that Hermsen signed for around $600,000, but all a Twins official would tell me was that it was above the league-suggested slot figure.

Hermsen had a scholarship to Oregon State, a very good program, but chose to turn pro. He will head to Fort Myers, Fla. to begin the transition into the pro ranks. He’s not expected to pitch in any games, part of the reason is that Iowa’s baseball season includes the summer. So he just finished his year.   

The Twins also signed 14th-round pick Blayne Weller, a righthander from Key West (Fla.) High School.

Was told that the Twins are not trying to sign Joe Loftus before the 11 p.m. deadline Friday night.

Class A Fort Myers Lefthander Tyler Robertson has been shut down for the season because of a tight shoulder. Robertston, who flew to the Twin Cities this week for an examination, will undergo a rehabilitation program that hopefully will loosen the shoulder up.

Fort Myers outfielder Danny Santiesteban is an outfielder no more. He’s being converted to a pitcher. He’s already 88-92 on the gun with a good slider.

The Twins have extended their player development agreement with Class AA New Britain through 2010.

Alejandro Machado is batting .360 at Class AAA Rochester but his arm is not strong at all coming off of two shoulder surgeries.

Reported this week that Luke Hughes will play third base at the Arizona Fall League. Was told today that while they do want him to play third, he may wind up in winter ball.