Around the horn

Cautious Twins

The Twins have never been known as a team that makes dramatic moves at the trading deadline, and that's starting to grate on some of the players.

"It's frustrating, very frustrating," said Justin Morneau. "You hear about the future, the future. I don't know who gets to decide when that is or when they think it is."

That would be general manager Bill Smith, who took the high road. He talked about how much respect he has for the veteran players and how they grind it out. "Certainly, every year we get to this point and we hope to be able to supplement this club and that's the case this year," he said.

Joe Mauer doesn't seem to buy it. "I've learned over the last few years not to try to get my hopes up that we'll have something, then get disappointed."

So there.

'Beautiful thing'

Washington's baseball fans haven't had much to cheer about this year. But they did Monday when Nationals outfielder Josh Willingham became just the 13th player, and only the third National Leaguer, to hit two grand slams in the same game.

Not bad for a guy who came into the game with 14 homers, 12 of them solo, and a .200 batting average with the bases loaded.

"It's just one of those things you can't explain," he said. "That's the beautiful thing about baseball. You never know what can happen."

Quick hits

Detroit's Justin Verlander admits that, while he was striking out 13 Rangers hitters Wednesday night, he was trying to make eye contact with team president Nolan Ryan.

"I was trying to tip my cap to him. He was my idol. He still is my idol," Verlander said. "I was trying to get his attention as I walked off the mound. It didn't work, though."

Diamondbacks righthander Dan Haren, on losing to the Phillies this week:

"That's probably the best lineup I've faced all year. I don't know which is harder, that or the All-Star lineup."

Kansas City's Zack Greinke leads the majors with a 2.08 earned run average. The Royals are 10-11 in his starts.