Game 16- Twins @ Rays - 4/22/12

[Seth Stohs]

Twins hope to win a series in Tampa. Here is the lineup they'll go with:

Denard Span CF
Jamey Carroll SS
Joe Mauer C
Josh Willingham LF
Justin Morneau DH
Chris Parmelee 1B
Danny Valencia 3B
Clete Thomas RF
Alexi Casilla 2B

SP: Francisco Liriano

Rays Lineup:

Desmond Jennings LF
Ben Zobrist RF
Carlos Pena 1B
Evan Longoria 3B
Jeff Keppinger DH
BJ Upton CF
Sean Rodriguez SS
Chris Gimenez C
Elliot Johnson 2B

SP: Jeff Niemann

[stringer bell]

Ok, I've seen enough of Clete Thomas now. Too many whiffs so far, although he does show decent pop.

[Riverbrian]

No way Velencia is in my lineup. I can't help assume that Gardy is killing Velencia by not providingconsequence for his lack of performance.

[twinsnorth49]

In the spirit of arm chair second guessing, would have liked to have seen Burroughs at 3rd and Doumit in RF (preferably Morneau at 1st, Parmelee in RF and Doumit DH but I get not playing Morneau with the foot).

[asmus_ndsu]

I thought carroll, Mayer,Morneau, willingham, or at least a couple of them were due for a day off.... Maybe there's a sense of ugency to get this win today? Not your typical gardy Sunday lineup

[twinsnorth49]

Minus Valencia at 3rd, it's close to their best defensive lineup right now. Maybe Gardy just wants to put the best team around Frankie to keep him from unravelling, just hope no one hits one down the 3rd base line.

[TwinsFanLV]

In the spirit of arm chair second guessing, would have liked to have seen Burroughs at 3rd and Doumit in RF (preferably Morneau at 1st, Parmelee in RF and Doumit DH but I get not playing Morneau with the foot).

Almost agree. Isn't it time to give Willingham a breather? If Morneau was at first, I'd lime to see Parmalee in right. Thomas in left and Willingham DH.

[Ultima Ratio]

I don't think we'll see Mauer Doumit and Parmelee in the same lineup ever again. Doumit's ABs from RF are going to be few and far between now that Clete is apparently the primary (and platoon with Plouffe) RF.

[woolhouse]

Having to watch the game on Gameday (at work). Morneau's out was listed first-to-second-to-first... did they try for the double play and miss Willingham at second?

[mnfireman]

Valencia is 0-8 with 3 K's career against Niemann, shoulda gave him the day off.

[Ultima Ratio]

Clete watch: 0/1 K (looking)

[brianpope]

It is official. Thomas has become Gardy's Punto.

[stringer bell]

There are alternatives to playing Clete. I would rather they start Plouffe or Doumit in RF before putting Clete in RF. He should be the fourth OF.

[striker_86]

Yeah, dont get me wrong. I like Thomas. But he shouldnt be our everyday rightfielder.....

[Ultima Ratio]

Here we go with Liriano (see it rhymes ).....

[striker_86]

Here we go with Liriano (see it rhymes ).....

yup, the meltdown has begun....

[Highabove]

Thomas is a carrier Minor Leaguer who is taking playing time away from our young players.

Maybe Gardy will figure this out.

[Ultima Ratio]

I looked this up last night but could not find an answer: Does Liriano have any minor league options remaining?

[mnfireman]

Clete Thomas is 3-6 against Niemann, maybe not a bad decision. We'll see.

[Highabove]

Liriano could be a fine Bullpen arm.