MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota Twins utility infielder Denny Hocking will miss the American League championship series against the Anaheim Angels after injuring the middle finger on his throwing hand during a postgame celebration.

        Infielder David Lamb will take Hocking's place on the roster. In another move, the Twins will insert right-hander Bob Wells in the bullpen in place of Tony Fiore.

        Moments after Hocking caught the final out in Sunday's 5-4 victory over Oakland in Game 5 of the AL division series, the Twins piled on each other in the middle of the field. A teammate, whom Hocking believed was outfielder Jacque Jones, stepped on the middle finger of Hocking's right hand, splitting the nail in two places.

        Wearing a splint on his finger Monday morning, Hocking was disappointed that he will miss the best-of-seven series against the Angels, the team he rooted for as a teenager growing up in nearby Torrance, Calif. The ALCS starts today at the Metrodome.

        “Just when you think everything is going your way, this game brings you back to reality,” said Hocking, expected to be available for the World Series if the Twins advance.

        CARDINALS: Woody Williams, a right-hander, will probably get a shot at starting in the NL championship series for St.Louis after missing the division series with a pulled muscle in his left side.

        Williams threw 20-25 pitches from the mound on Sunday, the day after the Cardinals wrapped up their first-round sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and played catch on Monday. He could get a start as early as Game 2 of the NLCS on Thursday night.

        UMPIRES: Ed Montague was picked as umpiring crew chief for the ALCS and Northern Kentuckian Randy Marsh was selected for the NLCS.

        Montague will be working his eighth LCS and his third in four seasons. He also was crew chief at the 2000 World Series. Marsh will be working his fourth LCS.

        At the NLCS, which starts Wednesday, Marsh will be joined by Jeff Nelson (first base), Dale Scott (second base), Jeff Kellogg (third base), Tim Welke (left field) and Charlie Reliford (right field). Marsh is a 21-year veteran.

Reassignment irks Rodgers FSN, Reds working to add 15 TV games A postseason to warm misers' hearts Bonds has nothing to prove Braves endure another postseason disappointment Underdogs shake up baseball's postseason Cardinals not optimistic about Rolen's return for NLCS Twins, Angels savor their moment in sun Twins' Hocking out with injured finger ALCS preview NLCS preview Mets given OK to interview Randolph for manager post DJ fired for on-air prank

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