Should I Pick Up Francisco Liriano or David Price?

Question

Liriano didn't allow a run over seven innings with nine strikeouts and one walk in Mon.'s win for Triple-A Rochester.

He should be called up at some point after the All-Star break.

And Price is a combined 6-0 with a 1.74 ERA, 49 Ks, 13 BB and a .218 batting-average against in his first eight professional starts in his month-plus career. He is the best pitching prospect, since ... well, pick your pitching phenom of choice: Felix Hernandez, Dwight Gooden, Sandy Koufax

Should I pick up either of these guys?

I could drop Randy Wolf, Matt Garza, Evan Longoria, or Scott Baker.

Answer 1

Price has good upsided considering he is the top pitching prospect in baseball and stats to show for.  But, keep in mind that prospects have to be able to prove themselves worthy before plugging them into you active roster.  In other words, pick him up and plug him into a BN slot.  Ride out two or three games to see how he performs.  Just imagine what this kid is capable of doing for the red hot Tampa Bay Devil Rays!

As for Liriano, he has some good stuff and his minor rehad stats prove he is making a come back.  However, he is coming off of Tommy John surgery...high risk!  I would keep an eye on him and even consider picking him up for a BN slot.

I'd drop Baker for Price and consider dropping Wolf for Liriano.  Whatever you do, DO NOT DROP LONGORIA!  How can you consider dropping him in the first place?  This kid has Rookie of the Year Award written all over him!

Answer 2

I'm not sure I would pick up either of these guys unless you're in a keeper league. Although both might be doing well in AAA, the big leagues is a totally different story. Look at Clayton Kershaw...he was tearing it up in minor league ball, but he can't even get past 5 innings in the bigs. Be realistic with your expectations from young guys like Price. Liriano might be worth a flier I guess...