Minnesota Twins Report July 27, 2003

Record: 51-52
Standings: 5 ˝ games behing the KC Royals

Stewart/Kielty Trade
The Twins and Blue Jays made a deal during the All-Star break. The Twins sent OF Bobby Kielty to the Blue Jays in exchange for OF Shannon Stewart. Kielty had begun to irritate manager Ron Gardenhire with his poor outfield defense. Also, the Twins needed a kick start to try and gain some positive momentum in the second half of the season. The Blue Jays are paying the remaining salary for Stewart and the Twins will pick up Kielty’s salary for the balance of the 2003 season. Stewart is a free agent at the end of the year, and is seen as a rental player.

Upcoming Schedule
If the Twins are going to make a move and challenge the KC Royals for the Central Division crown, they need to do it during the next 2 ˝ weeks. Over the next 17 games, the Twins play the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, and Detriot Tigers. We will know a lot more on the Twins after these games. If the Twinsare still 5 ˝ (or more) games behind once these 17 games are finished, the Twins can forget about making a repeat appearance in the playoffs.

Fire and Ice
Who has been on fire the past 7 games, and who is cool as ice.

Fire –Hitters
Shannon Stewart - .536 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 21 Total Bases
Jacque Jones - .375 AVG, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 Stolen Bases
Torii Hunter - .310 AVG, 3 HR, 7 RBI

Ice – Hitters
Matthew LeCroy - .077 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI
Luis Rivas - .160 AVG, 1 HR, 1 RBI
Justin Morneau - .127 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI

Fire – Pitchers
Eddie Guardado – 0.00 ERA, 4 Games, 3 Saves
Brad Radke – 2.57 ERA, 1 Win, 0.71 WHIP
LaTroy Hawkins – 4.50 ERA, 2 Wins

Ice – Pitchers
Kyle Lohse – 10.80 ERA, 8.1 IP, 10 ER
Rick Reed – 9.00 ERA, 5 IP, 5 ER
Johan Santana – 8.44 ERA, 5.1 IP, 5 ER

Minor League Update
Former 1st round draft choice P Adam Johnson is moving to the bullpen. After struggling the past couple of years as a starter at Triple A, the Twins are going to try him in the bullpen. There is speculation that he may get a look as a closer. C Joe Mauer is hitting over .350 in Double A. The Twins still have no plans to give him a look at the Major League level this year. The main reason is he isn’t on the Twins 40 man roster. OF Michael Cuddyer has been out the past month with a hamstring injury. The Twins are being very careful with this injury as they still have high hopes for Cuddyer. P J.D. Durbin appeared in the 2003 Futures game during the All-Star break. If he keeps developing he may have a shot next Spring to make the Twins.