DH offers again to eat cockroach

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

A bustling Minnesota Twins clubhouse fell nearly silent Tuesday morning when DH Matthew LeCroy dared to do the unthinkable.

LeCroy announced to his teammates, who gathered around him, that he would eat a cockroach that he found scurrying across the clubhouse carpet — for a price.

"Do I hear $200?" LeCroy said. "How about $450?"

To those who think the Belton, S.C., native might be bluffing, think again: LeCroy actually did eat a cockroach last year in Kansas City, according to several players and Twins beat writers. For that, LeCroy got $500.

LeCroy couldn't find any takers Tuesday. He did, however, get plenty to eat.

He was one of 10 Twins to participate in an autograph lunch that benefited five Southwest Florida charities. The lunch, catered by Outback, raised $7,500.

Free baseball

Fans can find one easy ticket to watch the Minnesota Twins this season — for free.

At 10 a.m. today, a group of Twins will play against Concordia University (Minn.) on field No. 3 at the Lee County Sports Complex.

Boof Bonser, Travis Bowyer, Ryan Rowland-Smith and Scott Tyler are scheduled to pitch. LeCroy, Rob Bowen and Gabby Torres will catch.

The infield will feature Jason Bartlett, Luis Maza, Garrett Jones and Luis Rodriguez. Todd Dunwoody, Josh Rabe, Michael Ryan and Jason Tyner will man the outfield.

Mound assignments

Kyle Lohse will start the Twins' Grapefruit League opener at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at City of Palms Park against the Boston Red Sox.

Lohse will be followed by Scott Baker, J.D. Durbin and Trey Hodges.

On the rebound

1B Justin Morneau, who's coming off a rough offseason that included an appendectomy, chicken pox and then pneumonia, said he's starting to regain his strength.

Other injury updates:

Nick Punto, competing for the starting shortstop job, remains sidelined with a strained lower back.

OF Michael Restovich, who had a separated right shoulder, has been cleared for batting practice.