Liriano called up... to start Sunday

I don't think he's ready, he did only so-so in ST and has been less than spectactular in the minors. I would've just waited and just used Brian Bass for this spot start.

The Franchise started slow in ST, but finished strong. His velocity is OK now for a lefty and should improve as he gets more comfortable with cutting it loose. He is racking up the K's with a slider that still bites and an improved change. The biggest challenge right now is location which should come around when the rust gets knocked off. He has good enough stuff to get by with missing some of his spots while he works things out.

With Hernandez & Blackburn being pleasant surprises, the Twins just might be ahead of the build for 2010 schedule.
 
Liriano is a big game pitcher. Its pretty likely that he just wasn't up for Spring Training or Minor League games. Wait until he gets in the spotlight. He'll have a few stinkers, but he's going to shock people again.
 
Its that slider that puts so much torch on his elbow that makes me nervous.....it will be really really good to see him on the mound again! I think his presence (if he can pitch well enough) will do something for the confidence of the Twins lockeroom.
 
Yeah - I just hope he's learned to take a little bit off his slider. Although it's dominant, there's just no need to be able to throw a 96 mph slider.

If Hernandez and Blackburn continue to pitch the way they've been pitching, if Bonser can pitch more like last night than he did the rest of the season, and if Baker and Liriano can get it going, this year could be a pleasant surprise. I'm not expecting division or wildcard this season (although the way the Tigers jumped out of the gate it makes me a little more optimistic). But at least hopefully we're not too far off.
 
Yeah - I just hope he's learned to take a little bit off his slider. Although it's dominant, there's just no need to be able to throw a 96 mph slider.

If Hernandez and Blackburn continue to pitch the way they've been pitching, if Bonser can pitch more like last night than he did the rest of the season, and if Baker and Liriano can get it going, this year could be a pleasant surprise. I'm not expecting division or wildcard this season (although the way the Tigers jumped out of the gate it makes me a little more optimistic). But at least hopefully we're not too far off.

If all of those things happen, its going to be an amazing season.

I think Liriano will only throw that slider 5-10 times a game. It will make it that much more tough to hit.
 

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