CHICAGO - The advice has been infrequent, but granted, there aren't many sluggers in the Twins' clubhouse to offer Justin Morneau home run derby wisdom, so tips have come mostly from experienced opponents. Chicago White Sox slugger Paul Konerko, who hit his third homer in this four-game series Sunday, told Minnesota's all-star first baseman not to worry, the derby is just like batting practice except for the 50,000 people watching. "He said you'll have adrenaline," Morneau said, "like you've never had before.
" The rarely excitable Canadian has said he's a bit nervous to take on the best hitters in the major leagues tonight in San Francisco, but he's not worried he won't win. He's worried he won't hit. "You just don't want to swing and miss," Morneau said.
"You don't want to embarrass yourself because you're the only guy out there, and all eyes are on you. Once you get out there and start swinging, that's where you get comfortable." He also will be hoping he hasn't used up all of his power after hitting four home runs, three in Game 2 on Friday and a solo shot in Sunday's 6-3 loss.
Perhaps the only other worry surrounds his pitcher, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. Morneau's first choice, former National League most valuable player and fellow Canadian Larry Walker, couldn't make the trip, so Morneau decided on Gardenhire, who will be in the Bay Area as a coach for the American League. Last week Morneau said he wouldn't use Gardenhire because the skipper "can't throw a straight fastball.
" Despite that knock, Gardenhire tentatively has accepted the duty. "I'll get out there," Gardenhire said, "and if it looks like there's anybody out there that throws it straighter than I do, then maybe we'll hire him, but right now it looks like I'm in." Third-base coach Scott Ullger usually throws to Morneau in batting practice, and hitting coach Joe Vavra helps Morneau with all his extra work, but Morneau said he didn't want to interrupt their all-star break plans with a trip to the Bay Area.
"We only get three days off for the break," Morneau said. "That's time to spend with (their) families. I don't want guys to have to miss whatever they have planned, and two days before I'm sure guys have stuff to do with their families.
" Morneau, who placed second and first in the two minor league home run derbies he has participated in, might not get too much advice from his teammates, but he will get some support. Center fielder Torii Hunter, making his second All-Star Game appearance, said he and his son Torii Jr. will be standing on the sidelines cheering on Morneau.
"I think he has a chance to win it," Hunter said. Kelsie Smith can be reached at ksmith@pioneerpress.com.
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CHICAGO - The advice has been infrequent, but granted, there aren't many sluggers in the Twins' clubhouse to offer Justin Morneau home run derby wisdom, so tips have come mostly from experienced opponents.
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