Henry

Blanco

He should be back in the Twins’ lineup tonight to catch Cy Young hopeful Johan Santana. Pat Borders went 0-for-4 against the Tigers last night in Blanco’s place.

It looks like that isn’t going to be enough to get a deal done. “A large number of clubs have expressed more than casual interest in Henry,” agent,Steve Schneider said. “I have told (the Twins) I need to allow other teams … to make their offers so we can evaluate his options. Many have. Others have said they will next week.” The Twins should probably be thinking about moving on. There’s no need for them to give a multiyear deal to a backup catcher.

Blanco is like Vance Wilson, only more expensive. No wonder the Mets want him.

Even though Matthew Lecroy (strained oblique muscle) is set to return to action on Tuesday, he will likely get most of his starts at DH, and will catch only to give Blanco a rest. Blanco will keep his gig as the Twins’ starting catcher until Joe Mauer is fully recovered from his knee injury. That could take until the end of May.

Joe Mauer, who caught last night and went 1-for-4, will get the day off.

The Cubs have decided against calling up another catcher while Michael Barrett serves his suspension, so Blanco, who has three homers during an eight-game hitting streak, should get every start through June 30. Phil Nevin will be his backup.

With Michael Barrett suffering from a sore back and about to serve a 10-game suspension, Blanco is heating up at the right time. He’s 5-for-9 this month, raising his average from .070 to .173. NL-only leaguers could consider picking him up for the short-term.

His first game with multiple extra-base hits since April 14. Blanco does have four home runs since the break, but even while he’s playing regularly, he’s not much of an asset in fantasy leagues.

Raising his average to .196.

Henry Blanco is catching and batting eighth against the Marlins. It’s just a routine day of rest for Montero.