What are the Twins smoking... why is Liriano still in the minors?

Question

I mean if they believe so strongly in their current 5, just put him in long relief or make him a 6th starter... why are they wasting innings with Livan and others when liriano can dominate....

Answer 1

I'm not sure if you've checked the standings lately, but obviously the Twins don't need him.  With the pitching they have in Blackburn and Baker, along with Livan Hernandez, they're doing just fine without him.  Gardenhire should get Manager of the Year votes for the job he's done.

Plus, Liriano's only 22, and if they bring him up now, and he pitches the way we know he's going to pitch, the Twins may not have the money to sign him to a long-term deal.  Just ask Torii Hunter and Johan Santana.

Answer 2

I have to agree.  He's killing AAA right now.  He's ready.

The Twins need to make a move, but they publicly contend that they don't need him right now.

I know Tommy John surgery is a big deal, but he's clearly healthy from all published reports.

Why let him languish in the minors?  I don't get it.

Answer 3

I have to agree with you on this one. You have to get Liriano back up where he belongs. I mean come on there has to be a spot for him - he has done his best to get back and this does not seem like a fair thing to do or smart thing to do. It would be different if everyone was pitching lights out and you don't want to mess with a good thing but Slowey is not pitching well lately - his ERA over the last 3 starts is 9.43, Livan has looked really awful at times especially mid June...that is not getting it done. Blackburn looks pretty good and Perkins and Baker are pitching well but you have to get Liriano in the mix. Maybe like you mentioned make him a 6th starter. Why not - even if you just do it temporarily. I don't think it would hurt to have extra rest for all the starters until they figure out who is the odd man out Then if you want to, go back to a 5 man rotation. If everyone starts pitching well then leave it a 6 man rotation.

Michaels I have to say I don't agree with either of you. The name of the game is winning ballgames and getting to the World Series one year at a time. To "save him" or not want to bring him up because they do not want to pay him is just not feasible.

How can you guys say that Livan is tearing it up or that the Twins don't need Liriano. Last time I checked the Twins are in 2nd place. Are they playing pretty good - yeah. Could they be playing better - of course. It never hurts a team to have their best players pitch. And for the comment about how Liriano has sucked this year at the majors. That is not the real Liriano - that is the injured rehab version. The real Liriano has the potential to win alot of games in the second half of the season.

Answer 4

look at livans stats hes tearing it up this year and liriano sucked when he was in the bigs this year

Answer 5

Maybe it's so they don't burn a year towards his eligibility for arbitration and free agency.

Not sure but I did read the other day that the player's association has asked for an investigation into why Liriano is still in the minors.