Francisco Liriano is not impressed

If that isn't a look of elation, I don't know what is. Seriously, is there any other interpretation of that look other than "what the hell was that?" I don't think so. If I were to look deep down into Liriano's soul right ow, I think I would find it saying "pitching to contact is still stupid".
But really, how pissed is Liriano right now, after pitching the least Liriano like performance ever in his career, only to have it turn into a no-no?
Anyways, good for him. Maybe next game he will actually pitch well.

Just the news I wanted to hear heading into Spring Training

Joe Christenson of the Star Tribune is starting a bit of an internet kerfuffle with a recent article he drew up for today's paper. In it, he states that the Twins are open to trading Francisco Liriano. Obviously, this has many fans apoplectic. But you know what? There is a silver lining.
The Twins weren't about to go long term with Liriano, especially at 9 mil a year more than they ended up going in arbitration. Liriano has 2 years left under team control, and if there is not intention from the Twins to retain him, then isn't it in the best interest for the team to get maximum value?
The Twins should have learned their lesson from Johan Santana, who held the team over a barrel and got his deal out of town for players that have mostly been garbage. If Liriano is traded now, the Twins can count on, perhaps, getting some players that could be used NOW as well as in the future. The team will need a big right handed bat after this season, depending on what Cuddyer can still do and if Delmon Young will be back. The team could use some good ground ball pitchers in their rotation (especially if Liriano is dealt). The team has holes that need patching, and losing Liriano is worth fixing some of those holes. Especially if he continues to be an injury threat.
But what worries me the most is the reluctance to retain players long term. What does this mean for Delmon Young? If the team struggles this year, especially without Liriano, are the Twins going to sell and blow up the team this year? Did the Twins just get their stadium, and are they now going to blow it up?

Whew, sorry. Had a panic attack there for a second.

Some stats ARE overrated

As everyone knows, I am a big fan of stats, but only so they tell you about performance and how they might perform in the future. I am not really a fan of stats for stats sake, ones that are merely accomplishments and not really telling, like pitching wins or RBIs. Fortunately for us, Ron Gardenhire doesn't either, and he pulled Francisco Liriano before he could get his complete game Friday night.
Say what you will about Ron Gardenhire, and Lord knows I have, but he has an excellent track record of protecting his young pitchers. Anyone who is upset that Liriano didn't get his complete game isn't looking at the big picture (or simply has him on their fantasy team). Liriano had 107 pitches in 8 innings which is on the high end for any pitcher. The other, more important issue is that Liriano has an extensive history of arm injuries. You simply can't push him. Had he gone the full 9 and ended up with elbow problems again, Gardenhire would have been crucified. I admit that I am not his biggest fan, but in this instance, I am completely willing to admit that made the right decision.
Now if only we could work on his penchant for putting the worst hitter in the lineup in front of Joe Mauer.

At least someone is getting a raise.

Today is arbitration day in Minnesota. The Twins eligible for arbitration negotiated their new contracts so they didn't have to go to arbitration. As it turned out, every single one of those players got a raise. Hopefully I will be getting a raise this year too. Francisco Liriano nearly quadrupled his salary and is now making 1.6 million.
I would like to say that I'm complaining about professional athletes and their salaries but frankly, I'm more complainging about my job and how I'm not making 6 figures. And fans shouldn't worry about the Twins overpaying or anything. They are just following the rules the league has out there. What are you going to do?

I'm confused by Francisco Liriano

All right, Francisco, we get it. You have otherworldly talent that you think is being wasted in the minor leagues. Understandable. You were phenomenal a couple years back before your arm fell off. It's taken a while to get it reattached, and at the beginning of this season you had some lingering arm-falling-off rust. You seem to be shaking off that rust and tearing up Triple A at this point. Good for you. The thing is though, the starting pitchers on the roster are doing pretty OK.
Of the young starters, Kevin Slowey has the lowest ERA at 4.26 which is hardly objectionable. The one stinker in the bunch is Livan Hernandez, but there is some value in veteran leadership. The best spot for you on the current roster is in the bullpen, but I suspect you wouldn't like that much either. Can you play third base?
Also, the Twins aren't about to succumb to your whininess and screw over another of their prospects who has posted an ERA better than 11.32 in the bigs this year. That would mean the starter, the one who has struggled, that we would want to get rid of is Livan. Side note to agent Greg Genske: Livan is also your client. How does he feel about this grievance you're filing? Who else do you want the Twins to dump in order to get Liriano in the bigs?
I guess what I'm trying to say is, there isn't some sort of organizational conspiracy to keep Liriano in Rochester. Just do a better job of keeping your arm attached and soon your time will come.