Lineup Card: Rockies @ Twins

The Rockies and Twins have mirrored each other a lot of different ways over the past 4-5 years.  That continues now as both teams come in to this series banged up.  Both teams are missing their closer.  The good news for Colorado is that Huston Street should return soon.  

Troy Tulowitzki comes in to the series dealing with a groin.  The Twins are missing both of their starting infielders -- Orlando Hudson and JJ Hardy.  Both guys we're familiar with and won't miss a bit.


Rockies Lineup (3-0)

• CF Gonzalez
• 1B Helton
• SS Tulowitzki
• DH Giambi
• RF Spilborghs
• LF Smith
• C  Olivo
• 3B Stewart
• 2B Barmes

Aaron Cook on the mound.  

Jim Tracy is such a tease -- or just doesn't get it -- because Carlos Gonzalez back in the leadoff spot.  I guess that's a little less of a big deal in the AL because there's no pitcher in front of him.  But still... ugh.  I would have moved Spilly to #1, CarGo at #4, Smith #5, Olivo at #6 and Giambi #7.  Giambi hasn't really earned hitting in an RBI position.  

Twins Lineup (36-27)

• CF Span
• 2B Tolbert
• C   Mauer
• 1B Morneau
• RF Cuddyer
• DH Kubel
• LF Young
• SS Valencia
• 3B Punto

Carl Pavano on the mound.  

No question where Aaron Cook will earn his outs tonight.  That 3-6 is as good as there is in either league.  Lots of power, lots of intelligence and with lots of speed in front and behind them.  It'll be important to keep 1,2,7,8, and 9 off the bases.

Simulation

Twins 13, Rockies 8

WP: Carl Pavano -- 6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
LP: Aaron Cook -- 5 IP, 10 H, 8 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 3 HR

Home Runs

Col: Todd Helton
Min: Joe Mauer, Jim Thome, Jason Kubel, Justin Morneau

Player of the Game -- Justin Morneau