*No, I don’t feel like a great visionary for saying this: But Denard Span needs to bat leadoff and Carlos Gomez needs to be dropped to the nine spot for now. In 70 plate appearances, Span has a .426 on-base percentage and hasn’t looked at all overmatched against lefties. You can argue for Gomez on the basis of disruption despite a .298 OBP and a team-high strikeout total only when you don’t have someone else who deserves a look, someone who is currently getting on base at a freakish level.

*If you’re resigned to the notion that Delmon Young isn’t going to slug homers, I’d be looking at his .345 batting average since June 1 and seeing something good. I’d also be looking at his outfield play and saying that he absolutely, definitely, positively has to improve. Frankly, I think having four starting-worthy outfielders, when Cuddyer returns, is a healthy way to keep everyone on their game.

*Nick Punto: .302 average/.358 on-base percentage/.448 slugging percentage in 107 plate appearances. He also has a ground out:fly out ratio of 1.54:1, which is a huge improvement over his career total.

*The Twins fought off a Detroit charge last week at the Dome and can do the same during the four-game series that begins today with the Tigers 3 1/2 games behind the Twins, ground closed by Detroit thanks to a three-game sweep of Cleveland. That means Cleveland has dropped 10 in a row. Good luck with your new team, Juan! Put in a good word for Tyner, would ya?

*Check LaVelle’s blog. He makes the case that the Twins’ main need is for a hard-throwing set-up guy to make a title run.

*From the “my stats rock, your stats don’t” department. I checked out the top 10 relievers in the American League, based on saves, and crunuched these numbers:

Reliever                 >1 IP/G     Sv/SvOpp
Rodriguez, LA           0/42             35/38
Papelbon, Bos            6/40            27/31
Sherrill, Bal               4/41              27/32
Nathan, Min              0/37             25/27
Rivera, NY                6/38             23/23
Soria, KC                   3/37              23/25
Wilson, Tex               1/41              22/24
Percival, TB              0/29             19/21
Jenks, Chi                  1/32             18/21
Ryan, Tor                  0/32             17/19

What does that tell you?

*Nick Punto: .302 average/.358 on-base percentage/.448 slugging percentage in 107 plate appearances. He also has a ground out:fly out ratio of 1.54:1, which is a huge improvement over his career total. (Just figured I’d repeat myself in case you missed it the first time.)

*Day game today. It’s “Christmas in July Day” at Comerica, featuring Kevin Slowey as Scrooge.

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