Not So Rad

Faithful Twins fans know that while Brad Radke is capable of pitching like an ace on a given day, he's also the master of the Pretty Good Game, Except for One or Two Mistakes. Sometimes he digs himself an early hole, or hits a rough patch in the 4th or 5th inning after the hitters have seen him once or twice, that mars an otherwise good outing. Looks like today was one of those days when the hitters had him timed out of the gate. Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins smacked a 3-run homer off Radke, capping a 4-run 1st inning, but then Radke settled down to pitch a scoreless 2nd and 3rd frame. Yep, that's our man.

Joe Mays also had a rougher time in his 3 innings of work today than he had in his spring debut, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits, including a home run by 2B Chase Utley. Helpful tip to Twins pitchers: middle infielders on other teams sometimes actually can hit the ball, and for power, too. Watch out for that once the real season starts.

Our boy Jason Bartlett got another start at SS for the Twins, and was 1-for-3 with a double and scored a run. No errors, either. Keep it up, kid.

Justin Morneau rose from his sick bed to hit an RBI double off Jon Lieber in the 3rd inning, which no doubt would have landed in the seats if he wasn't weak from his late, sudden onset of the rickets. Be sure to take plenty of Vitamin D and get some sunlight, Justin. The team is depending on you to break a few windows and floodlights this year.

Joe Mauer took a couple at-bats as the DH today. No hits, but more importantly no reports of crippling pain in his knee. Word is that he could be back behind the plate for Saturday's televised game against the Blue Jays, on FSN. If you're a Minnesota reader who won't be watching that game, I'd like to hear your excuse. Our panel of judges will accept, "I can't afford cable." Also sudden emergencies, sure. I'm not sure that there is any other valid excuse to hold off banishment from Twins Territory. Just be there, or have your bags packed Sunday morning. Chairman's orders.