Justin Morneau back.

[Durango53]

Gardenhire "absolutely" expected first baseman Justin Morneau to be activated from the 15-day disabled list when eligible Friday. Morneau went 1-for-4 with a home run during an extended Spring Training game vs. Reds Minor Leaguers at Sarasota, Fla.

The 23-year-old went on the DL after suffering a concussion in an April 6 beaning from Mariners lefty Ron Villone. Playing all nine innings at first base, Morneau's home run came off a right-hander. When he faced a lefty, he flied out to center field.

"Everything is going good," Gardenhire said.

Morneau will get more at-bats in games at the club's Fort Myers complex Wednesday and Thursday. He went 4-for-12 in three games for Minnesota this season.

I think this past few games showed how bad the Twins miss that hitter in the middle of the lineup that can do the big swing.

Got a big hitter in the middle the rest of the guys get better pitchs to look at.

[Timberwolf]

Thank God!

We could have used him in the series against CWS.

[Durango53]

I think that is a main reason the Twins have failed to drive in those runs.

But that is also sad I feel on ownership and managment to have one guy mean that much to a team and no one to back him up. But then again that would mean spending money and the Twins dont. :D

But I think the Sox series would have been the other way around with Justin in the lineup.

[>TC<]

I'm not worried. The team will come around fine. 14 hits last night - 6 DPs over two games. Not likely to happen again whether Morneau is there or not.

Morneau changes the way the other team pitches, that's the biggest difference he makes. He is patient, which I really like, and he hits mistakes 450 feet.\


TC

[Timberwolf]

I wish I can share your optimism, TC.

We will see. It's just that I have seen our offense come up lame too many times over the years and I am so sick of it.

[Durango53]

That is what I was trying to say Mark :D