Lew

Ford

Ford went 0-for-3 as a designated hitter.

In this scenario, Michael Cuddyer would be sent back to the minors. " If Cuddie doesn’t show us some sharpness with the bat down here . . . I could live with one backup infielder.” That one backup infielder is Jose Offerman. Most likely, it will be Ford or Ryan to make the team.

Without Koskie to hit behind Ford, Gardenhire for some reason preferred Cristian Guzman in the two-hole. The Twins are still tinkering with things, including having Doug Mientkiewicz hitting second.

Ford, who is hitting .327 this season, has missed two games and is expected to sit out a few more.

Ford is coming back from a broken forearm. He’s expected to be used as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement down the stretch. Michael Cuddyer and Mike Restovich are also possible callups.

Ford robbed Kevin Millar of a two-run homer and a double and Johnny Damon of a single with some outstanding play in center field. All that made his first three-hit game since June 1 something of an afterthought.

Not much was expected of Ford last year when he hit .299/.381/.446 with 20 steals, but he’s been a disappointment this year with a .257/.334/.379 line. Maybe he’s turning it around as he’s started August 9-for-23 with three extra-base hits.

Ford, benched because of a failed sac bunt, is out of the doghouse now. Jason Bartlett may replace him, as he popped out on a sac bunt attempt tonight.

Manager Ron Gardenhire wasn’t pleased then and didn’t feel much better about it today. Ford will likely return to center field on friday.

He also singled and walked. The homer was his first since June 16. Amazingly, all five of Ford’s home runs this year have been three-run shots. Teams are going to have to start intentionally walking him when there are two men on base.