Joe Mays Topic Page

This is a continuation of the 2008 player projections series. We're currently working through the pitchers and today we find ourselves looking at Francisco Liriano who is working his way back onto the Twins roster after missing all of 2007 rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

After losing 4 straight the Twins now have a winning streak started after beating Seattle on Tuesday night and Kansas City on Wednesday night. The Twins have also finally found a cure for Brad Radke's early inning struggles -- the Kansas City Royals. Radke gave up just 3 hits, no walks and no runs through the first 6 innings of the game. He did finally surrender a solo homerun to Matt Stairs in the 7th (it's not a true Radke start without a homerun allowed). By that time the Twins already had a comfortable 6 run lead. Fransisco Liriano came in to finish the came and after being a little roughed up in his last outing, he was back to his old ways Wednesday night, striking out 3 and allowing just 1 hit in 2 innings.

The biggest issue facing the Twins in 2006 isn't necessarily whether they have improved or retreated from their 2005 team, but rather how much better the White Sox and Indians will be in 2006. The Twins are going to have some tough competition this season and the AL Central may become one of the stronger divisions in baseball. Nevertheless, it's worth discussing how the Twins have changed in each area from 2005 to 2006.