Twins shortstop Gagne a whiz with the glove

MINNEAPOLIS Minnesota Twins shortstop Greg Gagne is more likelyto think about his offensive shortcomings than his defensiveperfection.

"We've been winning, and that's great. And I've been fielding,and that's great," Gagne said. "But nobody likes to hit .240.

"Hitting is the most fun part of the game. If I was at .270 or.280, maybe I'd be enjoying this season a little more."

His enjoyment has been curtailed even though he hasn't made anerror since May 1, a span of 75 games and 315 chances.

Only the Baltimore Orioles' Cal Ripken, who had 95 consecutiveerrorless games in 1990, and the Mets' Kevin Elster, who had 88consecutive errorless games in 1989, have had longer shortstopstreaks than Gagne's 75.

"I try to block it out," Gagne said. "But I know that when mycareer is over, I'll have something very nice to think about. I'llbe able to appreciate the accomplishment for what it was."

Others appreciate it now.

"When you think of all the plays a shortstop has to make, allthe times the ball can take a bad hop or something, that streak is anunbelievable, awesome thing," said Kirby Puckett, a four-time GoldGlove winner in center field.

"The guy doesn't get the recognition that Cal Ripken or OzzieGuillen gets, but we all know that Gags can do it. When I'm incenter and there's a ball hit to short, I don't even move. I justknow he's going to catch it. I guess I take Gags for granted."

Gagne has made just four errors all season and leads AmericanLeague shortstops with a .990 fielding percentage.