What is it about Justin Ernest George Morneau that makes people take him for granted and leaves him always short of his just due? For the third game in a row, Morneau had a key extra base hit that led to a Twins victory; in two of those games, said hit was the game-winner. He has won an MVP award and a home run derby contest, and both times he’s essentially had to apologize to the national media for winning (remember the Jeter fiasco in 2006). Other facts:

*He bleeds thick maple syrup, the consistency of which helps him remain steady and leads to productive clutch at-bats.

*He could eat three pounds of bacon without flinching.

*With runners in scoring position and two outs, he is hitting .353; with the bases loaded this year, he’s hitting .500.

*Of the top 20 hitters in the Majors in terms of batting average, Morneau easily has the most RBI (82).

*His calm exhales are 40 percent of what keeps the Metrodome roof inflated.

*He once slept through a 13-day storm that knocked down 23 percent of Canada’s trees, woke up, and hand-carved 10 custom bats.

*He is the most underrated player in the Major Leagues. Impossible, you say? Prove us wrong.

What else?

Assuming the Twins don’t make any trades for infielders, if Alexi Casilla is out for any longer than 15 days, does it make sense to start thinking about at least occasional duty for Michael Cuddyer in the infield (at second or third) to add another bat and clear up the outfield glut? Yes, they don’t want to mess with him. He’s been more productive as an outfielder. But in the past 1.5 years, has he been productive enough to bar any and all thought about moving him around? Before the Casilla injury, we didn’t think it made much sense. Now we’re starting to see some momentum for it.

*It’s official. Favraro has filed his paperwork. Your move, Packers.

*Annika Sorenstam: “I really don’t know why Michelle is continuing to do this,” said 10-times major winner Sorenstam, who in May had announced that she would quit at the end of the 2008 season. “I mean, we have a major this week and if you can’t qualify for a major, I don’t see any reason why you should play with the men.” Exactly.

*Fasola-link! Unicycle hoc-key?

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