By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Johnny Vander Meer can wait.

After firing his improbable no-hitter Tuesday, Minnesota Twins lefthander Francisco Liriano is scheduled to make his next start Monday in Boston.

That's an ESPN game, and the network probably can't wait to hype Liriano's bid to become the first pitcher to throw consecutive no-hitters since Vander Meer did it for Cincinnati in 1938.

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer literally went through a growth spurt after winning his first batting title in 2006, climbing from 6-4 to 6-5 at age 23.

In a lighthearted moment the following spring, Mauer acknowledged that he's actually 6-6 "wearing shoes."

"I don't want to get too big," Mauer said, "or I might have to move (positions)."

Before signing with the Minnesota Twins last winter, Jim Thome considered returning to the White Sox, but Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen didn't want him back.

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Last Sunday, Jim Thome leaned over to Minnesota Twins third base coach Scott Ullger during a big inning and said, "Man, we've got some kind of lineup."

Ullger replied, "Yeah, and the Beast isn't even in there."

The Beast? That would be Jason Kubel, one of the most unassuming, underrated and dangerous hitters in baseball.

For those Minnesota Twins fans fearful that this year's MVP award will make it more difficult to keep Joe Mauer past 2010, General Manager Bill Smith tried offering some soothing words Monday.

Considering they could be approaching their fifth playoff appearance in seven years, the Minnesota Twins are a little light on pennant race experience as they enter a month that will test their endurance physically and mentally.

Batting average. Who needs it?The Chicago White Sox are a testament to the importance of on-base percentage.Surprising early leaders in the American League Central, Chicago leads the A.L. in scoring at 5.2 runs per game despite ranking last in batting average.