Twins, A's kick off limited instant replay

OAKLAND -- Twins manager Ron Gardenhire still had some questions about how the limited version of instant replay will work before his club was set to open its series against the A's on Thursday night.

But that didn't mean he wasn't willing to test it out on the first day the new technology will be used across Major League Baseball.

"I hope we hit so many balls off the wall that they have to check 10 of 'em tonight," Gardenhire said. "That would be just wonderful with me."

The Twins were one of six teams that were eligible to use the new system on Thursday as they began a four-game series in Oakland. Along with the Twins-A's series opener, the Angels were hosting the Rangers for the start of a series and the Cubs were opening up a set against the Phillies at Wrigley Field.

The limited version of replay will only be used to determine disputed home run calls -- fair or foul, in or out of the ballpark and fan interference.

Gardenhire has repeatedly expressed his approval of the new system, as have many of the Twins' players. First baseman Justin Morneau said he likes the new system, but he would like to see the replay extended beyond just home runs to include whether balls hit down the line are fair or foul.

For now, Morneau and the rest of baseball will have to see how replay works when it comes to home run calls. As for how much of an impact the replay system will have now that it's in place, that's still a question. But Gardenhire said he'll be paying close attention to it.

"I'll be anxious to see how many times it happens through the weekend," Gardenhire said.