Danny Valencia's growing pains continue with Twins

Danny Valencia went into Saturday's late game against the Athletics with more runs batted in (55) and games played (103) than any other Minnesota Twin. He also led the team in trips to the doghouse, where he spent Friday's 9-5 victory at Oakland Coliseum.

Manager Ron Gardenhire wasn't happy that Valencia failed to hold a runner at third base during an intentional walk in Thursday's 4-1 loss at Texas. It didn't help that he committed a throwing error on the next play, extending the Rangers' breakaway inning.

Did Gardenhire believe Valencia gained anything while sitting on the bench Friday?

"No, but we did. So we're all good," the manager quipped. "We won, and I didn't have to yell at him one time last night. So everything came clean; now he can go back out there and play."

Valencia came to the Twins with something of a target on his back, known as much for his hubris as his talent since being drafted out of the University of Miami (Fla.) in the 19th round of the 2006 draft. That he has stuck as solidly as he has is a testament to what he's been able to do.

He won the starting third base job last season, hitting .311 with 40 RBIs in 85 games, and has led the Twins in RBIs most of this season despite batting .248 with runners in scoring position. But the Twins, and Gardenhire in particular, believe Valencia can be better.

"I feel like he holds me to high standards; he thinks that I can be better than sometimes I show, and he wants to bring out the best in me," Valencia said. "At the same time, there will be some times where I make a mistake here or there and I sit for it. So it's tough.


(stpaulpionneerpress.com)