With two outs in the eighth, Ron Gardnehire decided to take out a weapon he uses with rightful caution: He sent Joe Mauer to second base on a steal. It was his fourth of the season and, I have to admit, watching Mauer steal is like watching ski jumping. You hope he’s in one piece at the end of the play.

All went well Monday night — and Michael Cuddyer followed with an RBI single at wimpy-armed left fielder Scott Podsednik to bring home the final run in the 4-1 victory. It was a sweet reward for those who forsaked Brett Favre for Nick Blackburn’s commanding performance.

And Joe Nathan pitched a purposeful and perfect ninth.

And Joe Nathan pitched a purposeful and perfect ninth.

And Joe Nathan pitched a purposeful and perfect ninth.

Didn’t I tell you everything was going to be OK?

For all the silliness and pain they have inflicted upon themselves and their fans, the Twins are the closest second-place team in the majors. None of the others are within 5 1/2 games of the top. Tough pitching matchups the next two days, but nothing seems too tough when the White Sox are at the Metrodome. Sounds like something that Ozzie Guillen himself would say.

(Sorry for the limited blogging. Projects in full swing with the “A” job that are keeping me from thinking in multiple paragraphs — about much of anything.)

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