Autographs, home runs, and Johan at the bat

Got off the Subway at the same time as Matt Guerrier and Joe Nathan this afternoon. Nathan was bombarded by autograph seekers, but Guerrier was left, for the most part, alone. One sympathetic fan ran up to Guerrier, thrust a ball at him and said, "Here, I feel bad."

Classic.

A few little facts before the lineups ...

Justin Morneau is looking for his 100th career home run. His walk-off on Sunday against the Brewers was his 99th.

Johan Santana sat in the dugout before the game with his batting gloves on, holding his bat and looking quite excited about the opportunity to hit tonight. Perhaps he'll give himself some of that run support he's been missing.

Michael Cuddyer is riding a nine-game hitting streak. During that time the right fielder is hitting .333.

When asked what he'd heard about Mets starting pitcher Jorge Sosa, Ron Gardenhire said, "slider, slider, slider."

Lineups ...

Minnesota
Luis Castillo 2B
Joe Mauer C
Michael Cuddyer RF
Justin Morneau 1B
Torii Hunter CF
Jeff Cirillo 3B
Jason Tyner LF
Jason Bartlett SS
Johan Santana P

New York
Jose Reyes SS
Paul Lo Duca C
Carlos Beltran CF
David Wright 3B
Carlos Delgado 1B
Damion Easley 2B
Shawn Green OF
Carlos Gomez LF
Jorge Sosa P