Justin Morneau Could Use a Day Off

And I'm not just saying that because it would hurt the Twins, and in turn, help my White Sox.

No, Justin Morneau is one of only two players in the Major Leagues this season who have started every game for their team this season (Seattle's Raul Ibanez is the other), and it's starting to take a toll on Justin's legs (no doubt that playing half of his games on the turf in the Metrodome doesn't help either). Still, even though he could definitely use a day off, and his manager Ron Gardenhire wishes he could give him one, Morneau just won't let it happen.

"He wants to play, he wants to be in there, he knows his legs are about done," Gardenhire said. "He's played a lot of baseball."

Yes he has, and even if Justin's legs are tired, you sure couldn't tell by looking at his numbers. While his tired legs have begun to take away some of his power (Justin only has five home runs since August 1st), he's still producing for the Twins. Since the end of July, Justin is hitting .286 and slugging .497 while driving in 38 runs.

What's even more amazing is that his 128 RBI lead the American League, with Josh Hamilton in second with 124, but at the All-Star break Hamilton had 95 RBI compared to Justin's 68. Imagine what he'd be doing on fresh legs right now. Since the Twins can't afford to give Morneau a day off as they chase the White Sox, I would expect Morneau to get a lot more time at DH over the next two weeks.