To measure just how impressive Denard Span's catch was, to calibrate precisely how critical the leaping snag was to the Twins' state of mind, not to mention their 7-3 victory, just listen to his teammates describe the play. And the player.
"I saw it go, and I said, 'Noooo!' " demonstrated Dennys Reyes, whose earned-run average is slightly lower because of the catch. "Then I said, 'Yesssss!' ... Everyone feels so much better because of him."
"When I saw him get close to the fence, I yelled, 'Jump! Jump!' " said Carlos Gomez, who was hustling over from center field. "He can jump up there, high."
"He's been playing Gold Glove-caliber outfield," said Jesse Crain, who gave up the pitch that Adrian Beltre whacked into the first row of seats at Safeco Field — almost. "As a pitcher, it's just nice to have him out there."
And this commendation probably sums up Span's importance better than any: When Michael Cuddyer returns from his hand injury next week, the rookie's status, manager Ron Gardenhire said, won't change.
"He'll bat No. 1 and he'll play somewhere every day. I can tell you that right now," Gardenhire said. "I think he's played his way into (a job)."
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Denard Span key to Twins' 7-3 win Wednesday
Denard Span key to Twins' 7-3 win Wednesday
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