Danny Valencia Slumping, 0-for-17

Ron Gardenhire only has a handful of infield configurations available to him. Limitations in player swaps leave the slumping Danny Valencia without a day off.

Valencia is 0-for-17 in May. He struck out for the fourth time this month on Monday. He is hitting .207 for the season, and his on-base-plus-slugging percentage is just .536.

Alexi Casilla (recovering from a bruised throwing shoulder) and Jamey Carroll can play second base, third base and shortstop. Brian Dozier played all three positions in the minor leagues.

Danny Valencia Saves Season With Walk Off Single, Closer Thoughts

It looked like the Twins' season was all but over. Casilla flew out to left field, and Mauer was up to bat with one out. The Twins' were about to be 8 games back in the division, and likely would be trading key players at the deadline, but the Twins' fought back in a huge way, just like they have been doing all season. Mauer walked, and Cuddyer hit what looked like a single, but become a double because of his hustle. The Indians intentionally walked Jim Thome, bringing up Danny Valencia. Valencia hits a dinky fly ball to left field that drops and Cuddyer rounds third to score the game winning run. This is a huge win for the Twins that brought them to 6 games back of the 1st place Indians. They have to win again tonight if they want to keep their hopes alive.

Matt Capps pitched again last night and looked better than before. He clearly cannot handle the mental grind that comes with being a closer, as he leads Major League baseball with 18 blown saves over the past year. I think Joe Nathan is improving, but I would love to see Glen Perkins close. He's got closer stuff, the only thing you have to worry about with him is his mental toughness. He shouldn't have to worry about the mental part because when you are throwing a filthy slider along with a 97 mph fastball, you should be just fine. Gardy, just give him a shot, please.

Gardenhire Facing Tough Decisions: Who Will Sit?

With Joe Mauer, Jason Kubel, Denard Span, Justin Morneau, Nishioka and Jim Thome on the DL, a lot of players have stepped in and made cases for playing time. This has been a valuable time for players such as Luke Hughes, Ben Revere, Drew Butera, and Jason Repko have earned a lot more playing time. This leaves for some uncomfortable decisions for Gardenhire. Too big decisions he'll have to make will be about Luke Hughes and Ben Revere. Hughes is clearly out playing Danny Valencia and likewise for Ben Revere over Delmon Young.

There just aren't enough at bats in this line up for Revere once Span and Kubel come back. That means the outfield is loaded with Cuddyer, who is playing very well, Kubel, Young, Span, and Revere. That's just not enough at bats for Revere. Which brings up my suggestion, sit Young for Revere. Revere is hitting so much better than Young and even though it takes away some power, Revere has been doing a great job getting on base. My guess is, the more at bats he gets, the more comfortable he'll be playing at this level. I expect Revere to be a .300 hitter on this team.

As for Hughes. He is clearly outplaying Danny Valencia. The problem here is, the Twins believe Valencia is the answer at 3rd base for the future. Well here's my opinion, he isn't the future. We need more run production from that spot and that we need more power from the position. Hughes isn't going to provide that either, but he is hitting much better than Valencia so we should play him the rest of the year. I'm not too worried about Valencia's confidence because I don't think he's the answer at 3rd base. Please prove me wrong Danny.

TwinsFest 2011 A Success

As you may know, TwinsFest 2011 was moved to the National Sports Complex in Blaine because of the Metrodome collapse. The festival sold out very quickly and for good reason. The Minnesota Twins continue to be one of the most popular teams in the Midwest and definitely for Minnesotans. It is a team that the people here are proud about. Many of the players were at TwinsFest including Joe Mauer, Denard Span, Danny Valencia, Kevin Slowey, Brian Duensing, Ben Revere, and Anthony Slama. If you have any good TwinsFest 2011 stories, post them here!

Minnesota Twins Swept in Detroit

The Minnesota Twins were swept by the Detroit Tigers over the weekend. It was a weekend to forget and hopefully it will not carry into Cleveland or back at Target Field. Some high notes though included Danny Valencia's two home run day on Saturday, including a grand slam to bring his season total to 7. The lineups the team was using was a little different this weekend, as manager Ron Gardenhire wants to give adequate rest to the primary starters. Fortunately for us, we have already clinched and this series should not be pivotal for going into October.

The Minnesota Twins Lose 2 of 3 to Oakland A's

The Minnesota Twins hosted the Oakland Athletics over the weekend at Target Field. The Oakland A's won on Friday and Sunday, while the Twins were victorious on Saturday. A 3-1 loss on Friday night was avenged with a 4-2 victory on Saturday. Rookie third baseman Danny Valencia homered both days including a huge 3 run homer on Saturday in the 6th inning. The Minnesota Twins lost the rubber match on Sunday, where Francisco Liriano was roughed up in 5 innings. Denard Span and Jason Kubel did not play in the series and hopefully will return soon. Rookie Ben Revere got his first starts in center field and was 2-4 on Sunday for his first two hits of his career. Next up is the Cleveland Indians at home.

Cranking Runs in Kansas City & Welcome Danny Valencia

The Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 19-1 and 11-2 on consecutive nights in Kansas City. They have an amazing 39 hits in their first 2 games of the series. They've played just about as complete as a baseball team can with good pitching, great hitting, and good defense. Watching the games, I think Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City had just as many Twins fans as Royal fans. To purchase any upcoming Minnesota Twins tickets check out Ticket King!

It's hard to mention all the stars over the first 2 games but rookie Danny Valenica has 14 hits in his last 19 at bats in his last 4 games. Jason Repko has filled in nicely as well, making a spectacular catch on Monday night. Here are some of the other highlights:

-Joe Mauer went 5-5 with 7 rbi's on Monday, followed by 2-4 with 2 rbi on Tuesday. Yikes.

-Delmon Young went 4-6 on Monday and 2-4 on Tuesday.

-Francisco Liriano pitched 7 scoreless innings only allowing 3 hits on Monday

-Carl Pavano earned his 13th win on Tuesday, with 5 innings and surrendering 1 run

-Alexi Casilla was 2-4 with 3 rbi on Monday

Valencia Makes Major League Debut

Danny Valencia, the likely third basemen of the future for the Minnesota Twins, made his Major League debut last night against the Seattle Mariners. In his first at bat, he singled and ended the night 1-3. When he arrived at his locker, a jersey was waiting for him there but it was the number 79 since the veterens decided to pull a prank him. Luckily his number 19 jersey arrived just before the game. Valencia is going to be sent down right after the next series in Oakland while Michael Cuddyer is at his father in laws funeral. Valencia has been doing okay as he has batted close to .300 this season, but he is yet to hit a home run. He hit 15 home runs last year so the power is there, but he just hasn't hit one yet. It's important to monitor his progress since he is likely the 3rd basemen of the future for the Twins.