A big night for Boof and Choo

Twins 3, Cubs 0

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Boof Bonser watched the rest of the Minnesota Twins' rotation put up some impressive numbers this month, and felt left out after two straight lackluster starts.

He joined the party on Saturday night.

Rockies 11, Rangers 6

But Helton didn't want to talk about his newfound comfort level at the plate nearly as much as the play of center fielder Choo Freeman.

''His swing looks a million times better than it ever has,'' Helton said.

Freeman hit his second career home run during a six-run first inning. His two-out, three-run shot to left field was his first homer since June 10, 2004, against the New York Yankees.

Freeman is rewarding the confidence that Hurdle has placed in him. Before Saturday's game, Hurdle said he's going to give Freeman a chance to be a regular outfielder. Freeman has started three straight games and is 5-for-12 with a home run, triple, double and two singles.

''He's going to get more opportunities,'' Hurdle said.

I sometimes worry that baseball has lost the indiosyncracy of the days of Dizzy, Babe, and Three-Finger. Than a Boof and a Choo come along.