The Twins couldn't solve Jeff Niemann on Sunday and lost 6-2 to the Rays on Sunday. Here are three quick thoughts before I hit the sack:
1. The offense: The Twins are fifth in the AL in batting average, fourth in hits and doubles. But their 58 runs are 12th in the league. What's the deal? The Twins have dropped to 11th in the league in batting average with runners in scoring position. They are 6-for-40 in those situations over their last four games, not a good sign. These things sometimes go in cycles, and there's plenty of time for them to turn it around. It would be worse if they weren't generating scoring chances.
2. Francisco Liriano: He needs to take a step back. With the off-day on Thursday, the Twins can skip Liriano the next time in the rotation and start Carl Pavano on Friday against the Royals, then Jason Marquis then Liam Hendriks. It was an interesting scene as we left the clubhouse on Sunday, as pitching coach Rick Anderson and General Manager Terry Ryan were in the manager's office. Liriano's problems include getting ahead in the count. In 2008 he threw first pitch strikes 43.0 percent of the time. It was 41.7 in 2009 and 46.6 in 2010 (his good year). Last year, it dropped to 35.2 percent and he entered today's start at 38.1. Get ahead in the count. So basic. But so hard for Liriano to do right now.
3. Clete Thomas. He's 1-for-12 with 10 strikeouts over his last three games. He can run and has a nice arm, but expectations needed to be managed here, He spent all of 2010 and all of 2011 in the minors and shouldn't be counted on to provide a lot of offense.
