First Pitch: 7:10pm CDT
TV: FSN North
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Let's Go Tribe!
Back in 2006, when Francisco Liriano exploded onto the scene and began dominating major-league lineups like no rookie hurler I've ever seen before, his starts became an event for Twins fans. While I make a modest effort to catch every televised Twins game over the course of a season, I would actively avoid making plans on nights where Liriano pitched. Every fifth night was like a holiday and double-booking was not an option.
"Want to go bowling tonight?" Can't, Liriano's pitching.
"Wanna catch a flick?" Yeah right, Liriano's facing the Royals tonight, could be double-digit strikeouts.
"I won a free trip to Cancun, want to come?" And miss Liriano's start against Roger Clemens? Yeah right!
Maybe it's because I was so drawn to Liriano's electricity initially that I've been so hesitant to let him go. As the left-hander has struggled to rediscover his command and velocity while working back from Tommy John surgery over the past two seasons, I have consistently preached patience to frustrated fans, reminding them what Liriano is capable of when completely healthy and noting that it's not uncommon for pitchers to hit some potholes on the road to recovery from a major arm operation.
Given my commitment to his cause, you can imagine my excitement as I read glowing report after glowing report on Liriano's work in the Dominican Winter League. That excitement only grew as Liriano carried his confidence north to Florida, dominating Grapefruit League hitters and easily securing the fifth spot in the Twins rotation. Now, after a pedestrian first outing, Liriano is coming off a dominant performance in his most recent start against the Red Sox, and tonight he'll face an Indians lineup that was very swing-happy against Kevin Slowey last night, a trait which could play directly to Liriano's strengths if it continues.
As I perused Twitter today, I noticed several people including the #HappyFbombDay hashtag on their tweets. It brings me back to 2006. Hopefully Liriano's start tonight will do the same.
Pitcher profiles and lineups are below the fold. Enjoy the game.
