Thoughts on Liriano???

[solbes]

What's everyone's thoughts on Liriano's return this year? He's had 16 months off and supposedly the surgery and recovery went well. I see today that he will be 1 week late to camp though due to a Visa problem relating to his DWI incident.

Not to put too much pressure on the kid, but we REALLY need a strong arm in that rotation. I had so much fun watching him two seasons ago. He just threw such nasty junk out there! Kind of excited to hear him coming back.

[Scott K]

I think they limit him on his innings, middle relief, or a 5th starter that only will get used when there is no days off. Then if he looks good they will move him up in the rotation later in the year. I dont think he will have his magic this year, I think it will take a year of pitching before he is back! Although I hope I am wrong. I am excited to get this season rolling, cant wait until March 31st!

[walleyes12]

I think if they take there time with the kid and let him get use to throwing again, he will be just fine! Hopefully as dominate as he was before he had the injury

[maros91]

I agree. Don't rush him back. I don't think they were planning on contending this year so don't rush him.

[DonBo]

It usually takes a full year of pitching after surgery to get the magic back. Don't think we'll be a real contender this year either, but look out for next year!

That said, I'm still pretty excited about opening day! The new season always brings hope.

Anyone else got their opening day tickets lined up?

[DinkADunk]

The old Liriano is gone, done, kaput. We have a new pitcher named Liriano. He maybe good, he maybe great, he may suck big time, only time will tell.

[Maximum12]

What DonBo said. A full year to come back all the way.

That said, if the staff doesn't work on that violent motion of his, he's going to be the next Mark Prior & spend most of his years on the DL. The human arm wasn't meant to do what Liriano is going to his forearm, elbow, & shoulder.

[zamboni]

Hopefully his Visa being held up won't take too long. I never even knew he got a DWI in '06. I got to go to one Twins game in 2006, Liriano started AND I got to see Gardenhire get tossed for arguing. And the Twins won- it was a Trifecta!

[bassNspear]

i think they need to bring him back in a slow roll, and not just throw him into the games and just have him throw. Right now, hes part of the future for the twins, and they need to make sure they take care of that, which im sure they will.

[Dahitman44]

I agree with Biff --

I think they should and will move him along slowly. I would not be surprised if he starts the season at AAA just to get his confidence and arm ready to go. I think by the mid point of the season, at least, he will be pitching well, but on a pitch count.

It will be fun to see what he can do. I am very excited by the thoughts of seeing him grow into what we all saw before the injury.

[frogtosser]

they will put him in the pen for sure, they have no team this year anyway and they need him strong for the new stadium.

[Dahitman44]

Kermit -- easy big fella -- I think the Twins have a good shot to battle for second place. The Motor City Kitties will be tough to beat and the Indians have a problem with the ship called CC. He will cause issues with his contract/trade issues for sure.

[frogtosser]

I want the Twins to win, but when you change half your roster its not gonna come together overnight. 2nd place is alittle ambitious I was thinking 3rd at best. but I am rooting for them.

[tisosy11]

Yeah, I agree on a 2nd place fight...likely 3rd place finish. This team is going to look sooo different then what we are use to. Still excited to see the final product.

As far as liriano...i don't think the plan is to put him in the pen. Anderson makes it sound as if he is a starter and he will start...this may mean AAA ball to start the year.

It would be great to see Gollardo and Liriano go head to head this year!!!

[Dahitman44]

 Originally Posted By: tisosy11

It would be great to see Gollardo and Liriano go head to head this year!!!

Do you mean that Brew-Crew guy? He just got hurt and might miss all of Spring Training.

[tisosy11]

Right...that brew crew guy...he'll miss four weeks.

We play brewers in June and it would be a great matchup...two possible future studs of the sport

[Dahitman44]

Yep got my tickets already --

I wonder how many dongs Prince will ding off of our starters -- some say he will hit 60 hrs this year --

yikes.

One can only hope he will fall in love with Little Debbie Snack Cakes like his dad did.

[The_King48]

I think he will start this year, but for sure they are going to limit his PITCHES..... He will not be the man of old, but he still could be darn good, or if his head is messed up he could be the next Joe Mays..

[frogtosser]

ewww dont say that we need a stud

[bassNspear]

i think the king it right, we have alot of holes to fill, and where going to need someone to step up and be the man when it comes to the big games. Santana is gone, and we need liriano to bring it, but they have to set him up right for the future, just not for a few games.

[MNcanepole]

I think the Twins will do just fine this year, even if they don't finish in the top spots they are still fun to watch. "GO TWINS"

[The_King48]

 Originally Posted By: MNcanepole

I think the Twins will do just fine this year, even if they don't finish in the top spots they are still fun to watch. "GO TWINS"

I agree.... I like the way the TWINS play.... They don't have to win it all for me to be a fan.... Although it doesn't hurt..

[bassNspear]

they play small ball, the way the game should be played

[frogtosser]

get them on, get them over, get them in.