Liriano’s Fall a Curious One

As I watched Francisco Liriano toe the rubber for another start, I wondered to myself “which Francisco Liriano is going to show up tonight”? For many Twins fans, this question has been burning in their minds for most of the 2011 season.

Francisco Liriano, one of the upcoming young pitchers in the game back in 2006, has become one of the biggest disappointments of a season filled with many. Many experts were expecting him to have a big year, after a 2010 season that landed him the American League Comeback Player of the year award, but Liriano has taken several steps backward this year.

Aside from the no-hitter he threw earlier this year, Liriano has just seemed disinterested when he is out on the mound. His strikeouts are down, his walk rate is way up, and he is currently sporting an ERA of 5.00.

At this point, I think it would have been wise if the Twins would have traded him over the offseason when his value was at its highest, because at this point, with free agency looming for Liriano, I would be surprised if anyone offers him a contract this winter. And back in 2006, the only question would have been how much money he would make.

My how things change.