Links of the Day for 6/26/06

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• .182, 0 HR, 15 RBI. You know who we’re talking about. But there’s nothing to worry about, because the Twins and their apparently godforsaken DH have figured the whole thing out. “White and Ron Gardenhire had a long talk Friday, when White informed his manager of how much his shoulder has been bothering him.” White is now getting treatment for the shoulder, and “[his] roster spot appears safe once left fielder Shannon Stewart (left foot) is activated from the DL.” To which the fans of Minnesota can only respond (with apologies to Adam Sandler): Once again, something that could have been brought to our attention IN APRIL!!!!!



• Speaking of ulcers and things that induce them, Francisco Liriano may have one. Think good thoughts, people…



• There’s been some talk this year about how the Twins had better find a way to get back into contention with the crop of youngsters currently beating the snot out of the ball, because the famous Minnesota farm system is just about tapped out. Far be it from Intern Sam to be the voice of optimism, but it sounds as if the Twins might have a couple of right-handed dynamos not more than two years away from joining the major league rotation. (Disclaimer: There is no such thing as a true prospect until you get to Double-A. Further disclaimer: There is no such thing as a pitching prospect, period.)



• And speaking of prospects, Gordon Wittenmeyer is pleased to introduce the final piece of the Twins 2007 outfield picture: a big rangy Aussie named Trent Oeltjen. Try making a Lewwww-style chant out of that, why doncha?



• LaVelle E. Neal III has an interesting piece in today’s Strib concerning how the Twins determine what level of the minors to start a prospect at after he’s signed. (Lest anyone become confused by LaVelle’s statement that the Twins farm club in Fort Myers is a level below the team in Elizabethton, you should know that the Twins actually have two teams in Fort Myers: the Miracle, a High-A club in the Florida State League, and the Gulf Coast Twins, a short-season rookie league club. LaVelle is referring to the latter.)



• Ever wonder what makes Tigers manager Jim Leyland the living legend that he is? Well, it’s his seemingly endless supply of grizzle. (That, and the uncanny ability to turn a team of utter incompetents into World Series champions faster than Lou Brown. But mostly, it’s the grizzle.)



• As if Ozzie Guillen didn’t have enough problems, John Rocker is now publicly defending him. Been nice knowin’ ya, Ozz…