Article: Twins vs. Orioles, 07-18-2012, 7:10pm

[Bark's Lounge]

Liriano is not helping his trade value by giving up 2 runs in the 1st. Is he focusing too much on striking people out?

No, I don't think he is focusing on serving up K's. If I am correct, I believe that MLB has mandated a new rule for the Twins that they have to give up no less than 2 HRs a game. My thinking is he is trying to get the Home Runs out the way - that way he can focus on his game plan.

[glunn]

No, I don't think he is focusing on serving up K's. If I am correct, I believe that MLB has mandated a new rule for the Twins that they have to give up no less than 2 HRs a game. My thinking is he is trying to get the Home Runs out the way - that way he can focus on his game plan.

I wish that he would give up the home runs when there is no one on base.

[GCTF]

The Cult of Liriano.

lulz.

[Bark's Lounge]

I wish that he would give up the home runs when there is no one on base.

I get you. I don't think he has a filter in his thought process to weed those kind of things out.

[JB_Iowa]

I get you. I don't think he has a filter in his thought process to weed those kind of things out.

Maybe he got the memo confused and thought he could just give up a 2-run HR instead of 2 HR.

[Bark's Lounge]

Maybe he got the memo confused and thought he could just give up a 2-run HR instead of 2 HR.

Good point. You might be on to something.

[Top Gun]

According to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com, the Angels are willing to offer outfielder Peter Bourjos for "the right reliever."

Knobler hears the Angels had interest in Matt Capps (shoulder) before he hit the DL and could have interest in Jonathan Broxton. Of course, Bourjos would be quite a price to pay for either reliever, so they are likely aiming higher. With that in mind, Knobler hears that the Angels have had discussions with the Nationals. The Angels are also on the lookout for rotation help and have suggested to teams that Kendrys Morales and Garrett Richards could be available in potential deals.

[glunn]

The Cult of Liriano scores games differently. It's currently 2-2. Liriano's Ks-Runs Scored Against. You're not properly valuing our stud frontliner.

If I were a member of the Cult, we would now be winning this game. Please pass the Kool-Ade.

[sbknudson]

Liriano is starting to pitch behind in the count - not a good sign. Hopefully he can hold it together a couple more innings.

[JB_Iowa]

Spammers are busy tonight out on the other threads.

[TheLeviathan]

Effectively wild tonight, but probably still enough to build some more trade value.

[JB_Iowa]

And RCP must be knocking them out.

[sbknudson]

So does he go out for the seventh? 100 pitches, but if you're trying to generate trade value you need to show he can go 7-8 innings. I bet they send him out, but on a short leash.

With the exception of that first inning, he's done well - one base runner per inning, and no real scoring threats. Too bad we haven't put up any run support. Let's see if we can get a couple now to get Frankie the win.

[Badsmerf]

I think Plouffe is now my favorite player. Can't help but pull for the guy. Seems to take things seriously and keeps getting better. I'm more impressed with how well he's played on defense and his continual growth than anything.

[Jocko87]

Agreed, he seems to be very comfortable even when he isn't hitting home runs. He gave Willingham quite a bit of credit on MLB TV last night for helping him with his approach.

[USAFChief]

6 IP 2 ER. Clearly the anti Liriano crowd is onto something. No room for that on this staff .

[JB_Iowa]

Per Bollinger on Twitter: Rhett Bollinger ‏@RhettBollingerLiriano in 10 starts since returning to rotation on May 30: 2.84 ERA with 77 K, 28 BB and 3 HR in 63 1/3 IP. #

[snepp]

6 IP 2 ER. Clearly the anti Liriano crowd is onto something. No room for that on this staff .

Cultist.

[Badsmerf]

6 IP 2 ER. Clearly the anti Liriano crowd is onto something. No room for that on this staff .

He is striking too many people out. He needs to get a few more ground balls and let his fielders do the work.

[TheLeviathan]

Per Bollinger on Twitter: Rhett Bollinger ‏@RhettBollingerLiriano in 10 starts since returning to rotation on May 30: 2.84 ERA with 77 K, 28 BB and 3 HR in 63 1/3 IP. #

Great trade value if we can get some GMs to join the cult. Those numbers look a lot like the last time he "turned the corner" in 2010. Then 2011 happened.