Liriano move among pondered changes

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: July 25, 2008 - 7:29 AM

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The Twins remain quiet on the trade front as the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline approaches, but there were indications Thursday that a shakeup could soon come from within.

Rather than trade for relief help, the Twins have discussed promoting Francisco Liriano from Class AAA Rochester and moving a starter -- possibly Liriano himself -- to the bullpen.

Liriano, Glen Perkins and Nick Blackburn are the main candidates for a relief role because all three have major league bullpen experience.

No move is expected before today's series opener in Cleveland, but something could happen before Sunday, when Liriano is scheduled to make his next start for Rochester.

The Yankees outscored the Twins 25-7 this week in a three-game sweep at New York.

Asked if that showing prompted the team to reopen discussions of moving Liriano to the bullpen, Twins General Manager Bill Smith said, "Whether it's a possibility or not, we believe his long-term future is as a starter."

Everett update

Adam Everett has moved to Class AAA Rochester to complete his rehab from his right shoulder injury, and the Twins will have a decision to make early next week.

Everett went 1-for-3 with the go-ahead single on Thursday in a rain-shortened 6-1 victory over Toledo. He'll play five games with Rochester, batting second and playing shortstop.

That will conclude his 20-day rehab stint, as he batted .300 (6-for-20) combined in stops with the Twins' Gulf Coast League affiliate and Class A Fort Myers.

After Monday's game, the Twins must either move Everett to the big league roster (doubtful, barring another injury), trade him, designate him for assignment or keep him on the disabled list (with Everett's permission).

"He's making good progress," Smith said. "I'm pleased. The trainers' reports have been positive. So we'll see where he's at after Monday."