FanHouse MattTolbert

BALTIMORE -- The Twins optioned 24-year-old second baseman Alexi Casilla to the minors Wednesday, calling up infielder Matt Tolbert to replace him.

Casilla has struggled offensively this season, hitting .167 over 24 games with just two extra-base hits to his name, but Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire was clear that his demotion was about more than just his troubles at the plate.

"He's not playing the whole game, not running balls out, not doing everything that's involved with being a Minnesota Twin," Gardenhire said, citing two specific examples -- one where Casilla didn't run out a bunt and ended up getting doubled off and another where he ran all the way down to first base with the bat in his hand.

FanHouse continues its 2009 MLB Preview with a look at the Minnesota Twins.

Last year was supposed to be the season in which the Minnesota Twins finally had to deal with reality. They traded Johan Santana to the Mets because they couldn't afford him any longer, and the heart and soul of the team, Torii Hunter, left for the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles. Then the Twins went out and won 88 games and were one run shy of making the playoffs after losing to the White Sox in a one-game playoff for the Central title. This is just what the Twins do. They defy everyone's expectations but their own, and odds are they're going to do it again this season.