Without a whole lot of fanfare, Span emerged as one of the game's elite leadoff hitters, showing a knack for getting on base (.392) in front of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Expect more of the same in 2010. With Carlos Gomez struggling to prove himself offensively, the opportunity is there for Span to establish himself as the club's everyday center fielder while making a run at 100 runs, 30 steals and double-digit homers.

Span nearly matched his RBI total from the month in just one game. He had accrued only eight RBIs in 20 games leading up to Saturday's affair. The rash of RBIs on Saturday bumped him up to 14, the same number he put up in July and August.

It's likely that Span will be back in the starting lineup on Sept. 25 for the series opener with the Royals. The Twins have an off-day on Thursday and manager Ron Gardenhire wanted to make sure he saw how Span fared during batting practice before putting him back out in the field. Gomez will likely return to a reserve role once Span returns, although he could also split time with Delmon Young, who went 3-for-5 with a run scored on Wednesday.

Span said he was still feeling the effects of getting hit in the head. He had a headache that he said would come and go and also reported feeling like he was "a little foggy and in a little bit of a daze." It was a similar feeling to the one Span had when he missed time back in June due to dizziness caused by an inner ear infection. Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire said the training staff felt it was best if Span was given the day to regroup and get back to feeling like himself. Carlos Gomez took over the leadoff spot and was manned center field Tuesday.

Span was hit in the back of his batting helmet by a wayward fastball from White Sox left-hander Randy Williams. He was conscious but remained on the ground for a few minutes as the Minnesota training staff tended to him. He was able to stand up and walk off the field on his own and into the visitors' clubhouse. Span had a slight headache but was checked out by a doctor and is considered day-to-day.

Kubel hurt his neck while taking swings in the batting cage before the game, giving the outfielder a crick in his neck. Denard Span shifted from center field to right to cover for Kubel, and Carlos Gomez was inserted into the lineup as the center fielder. It's unclear whether Kubel will return to the starting lineup Monday, when the Twins open a three-game set vs. the Indians.

The only aspect missing from Span's dynamic attack this month has been his greatest weapon -- his speed. Despite tallying just a single swipe in September, the Twins' leadoff-man has posted a rock-solid .533 slugging percentage and has roped a pair of long balls. Of course, he's also crossed home nine times as well, so his tablesetting skills have not gone away completely.

Span's deft defense would keep him in Minnesota's lineup even if he didn't hit, but he has certainly produced enough to be a fine fourth fantasy outfielder and very solid starter in AL-only leagues. This was Span's second straight game with a homer, and he now has eight bombs -- to go with a .308/.392/.419 split line and 21 steals -- on the season.

Span continues to sizzle for the second half, hitting .332 with two blasts, 24 RBIs and five steals. Thursday's homer gives the speedy sophomore seven for the season after closing out 2008 with six jacks to his name.

Just another day at the office for Span, who extended his hitting streak to 10 games. He’s gone 16-for-39 (.410 AVG) with three triples and five RBIs during his latest fiery stretch, raising his average to .313, which is the highest it’s been since April.

That's six multi-hit efforts in the last seven games for Span, whose average has jumped from .293 to .306 over that span.

Span has been putting good wood on nearly everything that enters his wheelhouse lately, going 12-for-28 (.429 AVG) with a double, two triples and five runs over the last six games. The fleet-footed outfielder has submitted a solid sophomore campaign, batting .303 with seven triples, 72 runs and 19 steals, making him a legitimate contributor in all formats.

Morneau's recent struggles with dizziness came to a head on Aug. 17, when he left the Twins' game in the fourth inning. He visited an ear, nose and throat specialist Friday and received new medication that should temper the infection. "They think by the weekend it should be cleared if he relaxes a little bit," manager Ron Gardenhire said. A DL stint is still a possibility, especially if the medication doesn't improve Morneau's condition by Aug. 24. As has been the case since Morneau's absence, Michael Cuddyer should continue to log time at first base with Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young joining Denard Span in the outfield. Owners in need of outfield help should take a look at Young, who has five homers and 11 RBIs in his last 10 affairs.

Make that three multi-hit efforts in a row, including back-to-back three-hit outbursts for the Twins sparkplug. Span has been enjoying his finest month at the plate this August, hitting .375 (27-for-72) in what has been a breakout campaign for the 25-year-old.

Span has multi-hit efforts in three of his last four games, and has boosted his average to an even .300 on the season. While he doesn't offer premier pop (he's slugging .389) or huge stolen base totals (he's 19-for-26 this season), Span's steadiness and perch atop Minnesota's order makes him a very worthy flex guy in mixed formats and a strong AL-only play.