Small market teams don't trade away a player that they control with two years to go before free agency. Most teams would try to get the most out of him before trading such a player away.
Which leaves me to the Twins floating around Francisco Liriano's name out in trade winds and more than likely trading him away this season.
Francisco Liriano is a solid pitcher. His stats in 2010 were 14-10 with an ERA of 3.62, throwing 191.2 innings and striking out 201 in 31 starts. Also impressive was his 0.4 HR/9 innings which led all of baseball.
With all those great stats, why would the Twins be ready to unload such a talented pitcher so fast?
The Twins are the defending Central Division champions and are probably one of the favorites to win the division again.
With a lineup that includes Morneau, Mauer, Thome, Cuddyer, and Dimitri Young and a solid rotation that includes Carl Pavano, Brian Duensing, Kevin Slowey and the returning Joe Nathan, it makes no sense to trade away such a talented pitcher.
Something doesn't add up here.
Liriano is a player who already has driven the Twins nuts because of his conditioning to the point where his own pitching coach called him out. The alleged staff ace lost his Opening Day start to Carl Pavano because of his weight.
The last time most Yankee fans saw Francisco Liriano pitch, he was blowing a 3-0 lead in Game 1 of the 2010 Division Series as he grew tired in the top of the sixth inning. Not something that makes you want to add such "ace" to your staff.
There is no need to make a rush decision for a starter especially since we haven't even played a game yet.
Ian Nova is still only 24 years old and has gradually moved up the Yankees system to the majors. Nova did a decent job in his seven starts in late August and September. While his numbers didn't overwhelm most, he did keep his team in the game and give them a chance to win.
The rumors are the Yankees will deal Joba, Nova and another prospect for Liriano.
I hope the Yankees don't pull the the trigger and get another team's problem. We have all seen what happens to head cases in NY. The Yankees already have their own problem in AJ Burnett and we're going to add Liriano to this mix.
I hope the Yankees just say NO. Wait until May before you need to make a move. Maybe you catch lightning in a bottle with Nova or Garcia.
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