Boy, oh boy. The Twins are hot.

So I hate to be the downer during a nice, little season that we're having, but I'm going to do it. This has to be said. I apologize in advance.

Goodbye, Jason Tyner. The Minnesota Twins reserve outfielder was not tendered a contract for 2008, making him a free agent.

Tyner batted .286 last year in 114 games, and he was capable of playing each of the three outfield positions. But the Twins' outfield is clogged. Craig Monroe, Jason Kubel, Michael Cuddyer, Delmon Young, and possibly Jason Pridie are ahead of Tyner.

Kubel was offered a contract and is eligible for arbitration.

Craig Monroe's deal with the Twins is a good one for him, as well as for the team.

The outfielder could provide much-needed additional power to the local nine. Since he became a regular, he has averaged 22 homers a season. Last year, he hit only 12.

Monroe took a paycut from $4.77 million in 2007 to $3.8 million with the possibility of a $150,000 bonus in 2008. The deal is a lot of money for a guy who batted .219 going into free agency.

But last year was last year.  

It was nice to see the Twinkies win one last night.