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

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

Clete watch: 0/1 K (looking)

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

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.

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

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

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

yup, the meltdown has begun....

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

 

Maybe Gardy will figure this out.

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

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

Liriano could be a fine Bullpen arm.

Wow..Twins are going to have to do something. This is getting downright laughable (and predictable) with Liriano...

Liriano could be a fine Bullpen arm.

Not with his current walk rate. When could you trust to bring him in?

Liriano could be a fine Bullpen arm.

And we think that Jeff Gray was frustrating yesterday...

7.1 BB/9 so far this year (before today's start). That's walks, not Ks. Horrible.

Is Liriano going to lose a no-hitter today???

Doesn't Liriano usually have a good first inning?

Twins are now on a 5 for 35 streak with RISP.

When you enter the Trop, it looks like the Circus is in town. A lot of junk hanging from the ceiling.

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

I realize this is way after the fact and being in a game thread may not get read...but my understanding is that he has at least one option, but because he has five years of major league time that he has to agree to being sent down. I'm not 100% that's true, but that's what "I've heard."