Game 14 - Twins @ Rays - 4/20/12

[Seth Stohs]

As if the Twins and Rays didn't play enough this spring, the Twins are headed to St. Pete for a three-game series tonight.

Twins Lineup:

Denard Span CF
Jamey Carroll SS
Joe Mauer DH
Josh Willingham LF
Danny Valencia 3B
Ryan Doumit C
Trevor Plouffe RF
Chris Parmelee 1B
Alexi Casilla 2B

SP: Liam Hendriks

[gmarais66]

I hope it won't be too much longer before the Twins DFA Plouffe... He isn't good at any defensive position and he's never going to be a decent hitter...

[Shane Wahl]

This will make Mauer's positional breakdown for 14 games (all played)
C: 8
1B: 3
DH: 3

That's pretty good usage. Would have been good to start that about 2008 . . .

[Shane Wahl]

I hope it won't be too much longer before the Twins DFA Plouffe... He isn't good at any defensive position and he's never going to be a decent hitter...

Unlike Hughes, he may have value against left-handed pitching. .734 career OPS against lefties is not great, by any means, but it was .782 last year. That makes him valuable enough in that role.

[thrylos98]

I hope it won't be too much longer before the Twins DFA Plouffe... He isn't good at any defensive position and he's never going to be a decent hitter...

Unlike Hughes, Plouffe is a former Twins' first round pick (and from when Terry Ryan was the GM). In the past the Twins have shown incredible patience concerning their 1st round picks, esp. the ones who reached the higher levels. At this point of his career Plouffe is about as productive as Cuddyer (another former 1st round pick) was at the equivalent point of his career... So I will be very surprised if something will happen

[Top Gun]

Justin Morneau is not in Friday's lineup against the Rays after taking a foul tip off his foot in Thursday's game.

While it's a shame to see him out of the lineup the way he's been hitting recently, it's not a major concern and he is available to pinch-hit. Consider him day-to-day.


Source: John Shipley on Twitter

[Seth Stohs]

I personally think it's about time Morneau got a day off. I'm not saying he should only play 4 out of 5 or something, but 10-11 or 12-13 or whatever it is, he needs a day.

In fact, I think Mauer needs a full day, even not catching or DH.

[striker_86]

Another good start by Hendricks. Keep it going!!!

[John Bonnes]

Between Parmelee's strikout last night, Valencia's first pitch pop up tonight and Casilla's pop fly bunt and double play tonight, I"m a little disgusted by some of these guys abilities to have a quality at bat right now.

[nicksaviking]

Casilla's trying to work his way into the doghouse.

[asmus_ndsu]

Casilla's trying to work his way into the doghouse.

I don't think he will ever be officially out of the doghouse if he's working under Gardy no matter how good he can be at times

[asmus_ndsu]

I really like this Hendricks guy, I love how even when behind in the count hell still challenge guys on the outer half and never just gives it up

[asmus_ndsu]

Damn, at let the home run came after the dp.... C'mon guys let's get the bats going

[asmus_ndsu]

Is it just me or is this Gomes guy as annoying to watch pitch as pappelbon

[asmus_ndsu]

Willinghammer!!!!!!!!!!! What a great AB coming from behind and getting a 3 run double

[stringer bell]

Continue to like Burton and Maloney in the bullpen. Added to Capps, Duensing and Perkins, the 'pen could be all right.

[asmus_ndsu]

Damn burton looking pretty good against some really good hitters.... That split finger looks like a 92mph changeup

[asmus_ndsu]

Bah I jynxed it

[asmus_ndsu]

Oh god please don't give Capps only 1 run to work with at least it will be against the bottom of the order

[asmus_ndsu]

How miserable of an at bat by Valencia. Something needs to be done with this kid