This isn't about Cliff Lee, it's about Liriano vs. Verlander

Morneau questionable for Tigers series, and the All-Star Game.

July 9, 2010 at 9:27PM

DETROIT -- OK, Cliff Lee is heading to the Rangers, not the Yankees.

But the point I made earlier still stands. The way the Twins have played in their 5-11 stretch, it's reasonable to wonder if Lee could have lifted them to the postseason. It's time for the players who are here to turn things around. Now is the perfect time, with a three-game weekend series in Detroit, right before the All-Star break.

It starts with Francisco Liriano vs. Justin Verlander. I'll be back later with the starting lineup and update on Justin Morneau.

Update: The big news here is that Twins first baseman Justin Morneau still has a headache from the concussion he suffered Wednesday night. He is not only questionable for this series but questionable for the All-Star Game.

TWINS (45-40)

1. Denard Span, CF
2. Orlando Hudson, 2B
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Jim Thome, DH
5. Jason Kubel, RF
6. Michael Cuddyer, 1B
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. J.J. Hardy, SS
9. Nick Punto, 3B

Starting pitcher: LH Francisco Liriano (6-6, 3.32 ERA)

TIGERS (46-37)

ADVERTISEMENT

1. Austin Jackson, CF
2. Ryan Raburn, LF
3. Magglio Ordonez, DH
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Brennan Boesch, RF
6. Carlos Guillen, 2B
7. Brandon Inge, 3B
8. Gerald Laird, C
9. Danny Worth, 2B

Starting pitcher: RH Justin Verlander (10-5, 3.85 ERA)

Comerica Park. First pitch: 6:05 p.m. (Central). TV: FSN. Twins Radio Network

about the writer

about the writer

Joe Christensen

Sports team leader

Joe Christensen, a Minnesota Star Tribune sports team leader, graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent 15 years covering Major League Baseball, including stops at the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Baltimore Sun. He joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2005 and spent four years covering Gophers football.

See Moreicon

More from Twins

See More
card image
Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune

The two-time All-Star reliever collected 117 saves over 13 seasons, the first six of which were with the Twins.

card image
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11) works on completing a double play as Minnesota Twins left fielder Nick Gordon (1) tries to slide into second in the second inning.