I see Baker and Liriano....anyone know who is for sure starting? Thanks! How can you have confusion on your opening day starter?? :shrug:
TWINS MONDAY STARTER???
- Thread starter HUDSON
- Start date
Projected opening lineups
Last update: April 5, 2009 - 11:11 PM
SEATTLE
Endy Chavez, LF
Franklin Gutierrez, CF
Mike Sweeney, DH
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Ken Griffey Jr., RF
Jose Lopez, 2B
Russell Branyan, 1B
Kenji Johjima, C
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
TWINS
Denard Span, CF
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, DH
Joe Crede, 3B
Delmon Young, LF
Mike Redmond, C
Nick Punto, SS
Liriano tries keeping slider, emotions under his best control
Twins lefthander Francisco Liriano, the replacement Opening Day starter for injured Scott Baker, has the opportunity to show everyone how he relies less on his slider and more on hitting spots and changing speeds.
But his first challenge will be to manage his emotions today as he goes up against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez.
"I don't want to get too excited out there,'' he said. "I don't want to do too much and just try to do the best I can.''
Liriano was 1-2 with a 4.94 ERA in spring training with 27 strikeouts -- but 12 walks -- in 27 1/3 innings. While he struggled with his control at times he also had some encouraging outings during which he painted corners with his fastball and caused a few awkward swings with his changeup.
Twins catcher Mike Redmond said Liriano is a vastly different pitcher from just a year ago, when he had his ups and downs while coming back from Tommy John elbow surgery in 2006.
"His arm strength from last year to this year is 100 times better,'' Redmond said. "You can tell he's more confident. He feels like he can pitch the way he wants to pitch. His arm continues to get stronger and stronger. His stuff is there, it's just a matter of getting consistent, like with everybody.''
Lineup confab
Deliberations about the Opening day lineup could continue into this afternoon as the good headache that manager Ron Gardenhire has been waiting for is now here. Who will start in his outfield?
Denard Span is expected to bat leadoff, but in left, right or center?
Michael Cuddyer is 0-for-12 against Hernandez, but will Gardenhire give his veteran the nod anyway?
Delmon Young is 1-for-7 against Hernandez. Carlos Gomez has never faced him.
Gardenhire has watched his outfielders throughout spring training and wondered how he's going to keep them all happy.
"Who do you want to sit out?'' Gardenhire said. "They are all pretty damn good. That's going to be a good problem to have.''
Last update: April 5, 2009 - 11:11 PM
SEATTLE
Endy Chavez, LF
Franklin Gutierrez, CF
Mike Sweeney, DH
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Ken Griffey Jr., RF
Jose Lopez, 2B
Russell Branyan, 1B
Kenji Johjima, C
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
TWINS
Denard Span, CF
Alexi Casilla, 2B
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Justin Morneau, 1B
Jason Kubel, DH
Joe Crede, 3B
Delmon Young, LF
Mike Redmond, C
Nick Punto, SS
Liriano tries keeping slider, emotions under his best control
Twins lefthander Francisco Liriano, the replacement Opening Day starter for injured Scott Baker, has the opportunity to show everyone how he relies less on his slider and more on hitting spots and changing speeds.
But his first challenge will be to manage his emotions today as he goes up against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez.
"I don't want to get too excited out there,'' he said. "I don't want to do too much and just try to do the best I can.''
Liriano was 1-2 with a 4.94 ERA in spring training with 27 strikeouts -- but 12 walks -- in 27 1/3 innings. While he struggled with his control at times he also had some encouraging outings during which he painted corners with his fastball and caused a few awkward swings with his changeup.
Twins catcher Mike Redmond said Liriano is a vastly different pitcher from just a year ago, when he had his ups and downs while coming back from Tommy John elbow surgery in 2006.
"His arm strength from last year to this year is 100 times better,'' Redmond said. "You can tell he's more confident. He feels like he can pitch the way he wants to pitch. His arm continues to get stronger and stronger. His stuff is there, it's just a matter of getting consistent, like with everybody.''
Lineup confab
Deliberations about the Opening day lineup could continue into this afternoon as the good headache that manager Ron Gardenhire has been waiting for is now here. Who will start in his outfield?
Denard Span is expected to bat leadoff, but in left, right or center?
Michael Cuddyer is 0-for-12 against Hernandez, but will Gardenhire give his veteran the nod anyway?
Delmon Young is 1-for-7 against Hernandez. Carlos Gomez has never faced him.
Gardenhire has watched his outfielders throughout spring training and wondered how he's going to keep them all happy.
"Who do you want to sit out?'' Gardenhire said. "They are all pretty damn good. That's going to be a good problem to have.''
