Francisco Liriano took the hill in a Twins uniform for the first time in well over a year. The outing was in no way spectacular, and Liriano did struggle at times. But overall, win or lose, it was a good sign for both Liriano and the team's future.

Liriano's final line was 4.2 innings, six hits, five walks, four runs and four strikeouts. The outing gives him a poor ERA and obviously doesn't make it look like a good start for Franchise, but fans willing to take a look past statistics, will see that that isn't entirely true.

First off, you must take several factors in consideration. It was cold. Liriano for the most part has pitched in warm weather for the past fifteen plus months. In fact, all but one of his starts came in Florida. Secondly, this was Liriano's first start in well over a year. You all know about pitchers needing to get the jitters out in their first start each season, imagine getting the jitters out in a first start after missing the previous season.

The main low points for Liriano overall were his inability to get the first pitch across for a strike, and his control as a whole. The five walks and lack of first pitch strikes is something that can easily change. As time goes on and Liriano gets back into game rhythm, that will change. His slider, fastball and changeup looked very good, and at times reminded us of his 2006 season. That is a very good sign since it's something that doesn't come back as much with time as does the control.

It was cold, the Royals scored some runs rather cheaply (bunts, wind aided hits, etc.) and for his first time out, Liriano did leave some things for fans to look forward to.

The Twins shutout the Royals for the second straight night to secure another series win and to move above the .500 mark on the season with an overall record of 6-5. The offense scored just two runs, but it turned out to be enough with a solid pitching performance from Boof Bonser and the bullpen.

Bonser was 0-2 coming into the game, but overall had pitched pretty well. He picked up his first win of the season going six innings allowing just three hits, two walks and no runs while also collecting four strikeouts. Bonser is now 1-2 on the season with a solid 2.84 ERA through three starts.

After Bonser, the bullpen aces Matt Guerrier, Pat Neshek and Joe Nathan finished up the game. Guerrier pitched the seventh and allowed just one hit. The eighth went to Neshek and he struck out two in his quick inning of work. The ninth then went to Nathan for his fourth save opportunity and he gave up one hit, but got a double-play to get save number four on the early season.

The offense was by no means electric, with only hitters five through nine getting hits. But with the nice pitching performance, the two runs were enough. Kubel, Span, Punto and Harris each collected two hits with Kubel's solo homerun and Span's RBI single being the big ones. Delmon Young also singled late in the game.

For more stats, check out the Box Score.

Our most recent poll question asked who you thought would be the team's All-Star in 2008. Obviously there is a chance that there could be multiple players, but the most likely All-Star according to the results is Joe Mauer.

Here is how everything stacked up:

Our new poll question for the week(s) ahead is: "Will Matt Tolbert contend for the Rookie of the Year?"

The Twins made three roster moves today, watching a player leave, bringing in another and then placing another on the disabled list.

The first move the Twins made was placing pitcher Kevin Slowey on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 4 with a bicep strain. To take his place on the active roster and in the rotation this Sunday, the Twins have recalled Francisco Liriano from AAA Rochester after he made two decent rehab starts in the minors.

The Twins also completed the Craig Monroe deal with the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to send AAA outfielder Doug Deeds to Chicago as the player to be named later. There was thought a while back that Rule Five pick Tim Lahey might be that guy, but he was claimed by the Phillies before anything could happen.

Speaking of Tim Lahey, the final transaction involves him. After being designated for assignment by the Phillies and passing through waivers, the Phillies had to offer him back to Minnesota, and the Twins took him back.

We'll get the organization board updated as soon as we know where Lahey will be place. Up to this time, we have all teams from Beloit to the Twins updated rosters.

The series finale scheduled for tonight against the White Sox has been rained out do to poor weather moving through the area. The Twins and White Sox will make up the game on June 9th when both teams have the day off.

The team will now travel to Kansas City for a Friday night game and all pitchers have been moved back one game meaning that Francisco Liriano will no longer be needed on Sunday and the Twins won't need to fill Slowey's spot until Tuesday.