Twins vs. Cleveland series preview

Last update: April 18, 2008 - 7:15 AM

THREE-GAME SERIES AT THE METRODOME

Today, 7:10 p.m. FSN, 1500-AM

LHP Francisco Liriano (0-1, 7.71) vs LHP Cliff Lee (2-0, 0.61)

Saturday, 2:55 p.m. FOX (Ch. 9), 1500-AM

RHP Nick Blackburn (0-1, 3.57) vs RHP Jake Westbrook (1-1, 2.38)

Sunday, 1:10 p.m. Ch. 29 metro, FSN outstate, 1500-AM

RHP Scott Baker (2-0, 4.34) vs RHP Paul Byrd (0-2, 6.08)

TWINS UPDATE

One reason Jason Kubel looks like a different hitter is because he's reduced how high he lifts his right leg as the pitcher delivers. Kubel said he stopped doing it during the second half of last season, when he hit .364 in August then .325 the rest of the season. It looks like it has helped his timing. "Everything is nice and smooth,'' he said. ... Rafael Betancourt is closing for the Indians while Joe Borowski is on the disabled list. That's bad news for Justin Morneau, who is 2-for-11 against him. ... Nick Punto could get a couple of starts during this series because he's 3-for-7 against Cleveland lefthander Cliff Lee and is batting .316 against Jake Westbrook.

CLEVELAND UPDATE

The Indians' slow start can be attributed to a poor start by lefthander C.C. Sabathia, who's 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA, and closer Joe Borowski, who had given up a team-high three homers before he was placed on the disabled list because of a strained triceps. But manager Eric Wedge isn't nervous, "I respect the length of the season but also the urgency of each game,'' he said. "It's a fine line you've got to walk, and you've got to walk it with the right heartbeat.'' ... Cleveland was 14-4 against the Twins last season.

LA VELLE E. NEAL III