The Twins lost last night to the A's 3-0. It really didn't matter how the Twins played because Chad Gaudin was very good. I watched most of it and they really didn't play very well. Because of that and the fact that they are already playing today, I'm going to pass on the Three Stars.
As for today's game. I was presently surprised when Carlos Gomez (after a day off) led off today's game with a home run. It was also nice to give Liriano an opportunity to come into the game with a one-run cushion.
And then the wheels fell off...
Liriano made it only 2 outs into today's game and had already given up 5 H, 3 BB and 6 (all earned runs). Yikes!
Personally, I've had it with Francisco Liriano. I like him as a player. (Well, at least I did in 2006.) But it's become obvious that he's not doing the things he's supposed to be doing to get himself back into that form... and until he is, there is not room for him on this ball club. I also don't think it's worth sending him back to Rochester. I think it would make more sense to send him to Fort Myers -- either High-A ball or Extended Spring Training. And then, when all is said and done, don't bring him back until he's shown that he's ready. Even if that means 2009.
So what roster move should the Twins make? It really depends on Kevin Slowey. (Michael Cuddyer should take Denard Span's spot, not Liriano's.) If Slowey can come back as a starter, he should take Liriano's place. Even though a 5th starter isn't absolutely necessary until around May 10th, it would still benefit Slowey to be pitching to big-league hitting.
If Slowey isn't ready soon, that makes this move a little more interesting. Has Kevin Mulvey done enough to deserve a promotion? I think he's done enough to deserve a look. But is that the best idea in terms of the Twins' long-term plans? I don't really think so. With that being said, no other pitcher in Rochester has performed well enough to merit a look in the bigs, nor has any batter batted like he could help the Twins.
So my guess for Twins transactions in the next couple of weeks:
-Remove Michael Cuddyer from DL and send Denard Span to AAA.
-Send Francisco Liriano to High-A Ft. Myers and promote Kevin Mulvey.
That leaves Kevin Slowey and Adam Everett on the DL. Which could make for a few more interesting decisions in the near-future.
(On a side note, I was happy - but a little surprised - that Carly got sent home last night. My Idol Power Poll: 1. David C.; 2. David A.; 3. Syesha M.; 4. Brooke W.; 5. Jason C.)
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2 comments:
I agree that Liriano needs to be sent down, and the scary part is I don't know if he will ever return back to his '06 form unless they allow him to go back to his old delivery. Where is the proof that his delivery was to blame for his injury?? There is no way to determine it exactly. Let him do what made him good before and if it blows out his elbow then he wasn't meant to be a starter in the mlb. If he keeps the same delivery that he has now he will be no better then a 3 or 4 starter in this league.
http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/mechanics/discussion/francisco_liriano_warning_signs/
From what I've read, Liriano does what he's supposed to in bullpen sessions, but when it comes to games, his delivery and follow-through are the same as 2006.
I don't think they can determine that his injury was a mechanical issue, but the way he wrenches his elbow on his breaking ball is going to continue to cause problems.
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