Liriano Slotted for Bullpen

by montanatwinsfan on Aug 10, 2009 8:00 PM EDT

I guess this is a bit of a self-serving post as I've been calling for Liriano to go to the pen for the past several weeks but it looks like Gardenhire had finally decided to pull that trigger until Glen Perkins complained of pain in his shoulder. Since Perkins is scheduled to get an MRI, Liriano has been temporarily included in the reshuffled rotation. Francisco Liriano will apparently make the Wed start this week, with gardy and Anderson still trying to decide between Swarzak and Duensing on Thursday.

Gardenhire believed that putting Liriano in the pen will help him regain his confidence. I'm skeptical. A move to the pen seems like more of a demotion than a move to AAA to work on mechanics and such if the org. believes he will continue to be a starter. Am I wrong here? I for one think Liriano's starting days are over and that he/we will all be better with him in the pen from now on, working toward being that 8th inning set up man, and maybe eventually a closer.

Anyway, in a 'related' note, as per mlb.com, Nick Blackburn, who is scheduled to start the series tomorrow night,
0-4 with a 7.89 ERA in four starts since the All-Star break.

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by Andersklasen on Aug 10, 2009 8:40 PM EDT reply actions

Isn't the title positive?

by montanatwinsfan on Aug 10, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Eh

I still think Liriano should start. He’s been…not good this year. But he’s also been a little unlucky. I still think he’s a better bet going forward than about anyone else on the Twins as a starter. To me, Baker, Slowey, and Liriano are the 3 guys I see as the best starters going forward, and of course Slowey is not available right now.

by Eric in Madison on Aug 10, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions

I think it's an okay experiment.

If Liriano suddenly becomes extremely effective in the pen and can becomes a dominant set-up guy, it’s probably worth it. However, even slightly below-average starters are much more valuable to their teams than almost all relievers, because of the innings pitched above replacement level.

by Mike I on Aug 10, 2009 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

The only thing I would say is that I don’t think Liriano’s performance has a starter has been “slightly below average” as you implied. I think it has been really bad.

by Sheldon on Aug 11, 2009 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions