Blake

Okay, question for everyone: Liriano pitches "lights out" for the rest of the season with a sub 3.00 ERA. (this number does not include Liriano's ERA from his first few starts) Does it then become worth while for the Twins to go to arbitration with Liriano?

Oddly enough, I think the Twins have too many questions to answer before any players can be traded. For instance, Morneau really cannot be traded right now, because of injury history and lack of replacement. There are too many unknowns when it comes to the rotation at this point. (Although the bullpen problems from last year seem to have been solved) For instance, what if it turns out Walters and Diamond are serviceable big league pitchers? What about Liriano? Third base is another gaping hole. And the Twins don't know if Dozier is the answer up the middle. Right now, if the Twins make a move, I think it looks more like making a move just to make a move, rather than a careful assessment of team needs. Obviously, if another team comes across with a deal that sends a bunch of top flight prospects for, say , Span, then I'm sure the deal would be considered. Anything other than a haul of minor league players probably means the deal won't be done.

Thank you very much for the information. I didn't know that Slama is considered a two pitch pitcher.

I think Marquis was supposed to be nothing more than a placeholder for this year. I expected Marquis to be a .500 pitcher while pitching a lot of innings. Unfortunately for the Twins, Marquis forced their hand and now they have to make a move. Seth, why is Slama tagged as a relief pitcher? It seems to me Slama's control issues would be easier to deal with or hide as a starting pitcher. Anyway, I have to go with bringing up Slama. I think you're right, Seth, Slama deserves a look.

Hah, can you imagine? Butera is behind the plate until the Ninth, (can't afford to give up his bat right now) then moves to the mound for the save.....

I don't think Span is traded this year, unless the Twins get an offer that restocks the farm system. I see Revere going before Span. One thing I don't know about is Greinke's durability. Has Zack spent a lot of time on the DL?

I forgot about Marquis being on a 1 year contract. I also forgot about Baker. Obviously, I'm ignoring the problems at 3B and hoping that Mauer and Morneau make a strong come back this year. As an aside, Doumit looks like he's that DH the Twins have needed for a while. So, it appears the Twins would have the money. I wonder if the FO would pursue Greinke because A. he would put fans in the seats and B. He would give the Twins the front line starter they need.

Listening to Dick and Bert while watching the Brew Crew lose, I thought Bert mentioned Zach Greinke is a free agent after this year. With it probably being Capps and Pavano's last year, would this free up enough money for the Twins to go after Mr. Greinke? (If Bert was correct) Thoughts, feedback and general pointing and laughing are all appreciated.

First, offer the coaching job and then fire. (make sure the person wanted is willing) So, offer the job of pitching coach to Blyleven. If he says no, then offer the job of hitting coach to Roy Smalley. Kind of hard for the youngsters to ignore a HOF pitching coach and a hitting coach with a World Series ring. (someone needs to invent an emoticon that signifies tongue in cheek)

Capps is probably gone after this year. It looks to me like Glenn Perkins will probably take over as the closer. At that point, Liriano becomes the set up man. Yes, it would be a bit unusual to have two lefties at the end of the bullpen, but, since both have the demonstrated ability to get people out, I don't think it would be much of an issue.

Just how bad was the word on Doumit's defense, John, if you think Doumit is better than advertised? Even I know a catcher is supposed to move laterally behind the plate, not just move the glove.

What the F*** is Doumit doing behind the plate? The man is a defensive train wreck. The only time Doumit should be on the field is shagging fly balls.

Seth, I'm not seeing anything from Ryan Doumit that tells me he's long for the club. It looks, to me, like Doumit doesn't work well with pitchers, is a defensive liability and doesn't have much of a bat. Your thoughts? Thanks for the farm report. Love reading through that stuff.

After Butera threw out a base stealer, then the lead runner at second on the bunt attempt, I see why Butera is considered major league material. If Butera can get to the point where he is hitting even .250, he's not going anywhere. Also, Jamie Carroll is looking like a brilliant signing.

All this commentary and everyone is missing the pitching highlight of the game: The nasty slider Perkins struck Pujols out with. That pitch was a thing of beauty.

I have to believe the lack of defense behind Twins pitching had to contribute to some of the problems the staff had last year. Has to be hard to pitch when you know that routine plays are now an adventure.