Who will be the Twins' 5th starter?

[henks]

Pavano had a fairly decent year. With Blackburn, Slowey, and Baker solidifying the first 4 spots along with Pavano, who fills spot #5? Could be Perkins, Liriano...even Duensing or Swarzak. If you think of someone else, post and discuss.

Let's see what you think.

[redsrbetter]

What is the deal with Liriano? He was touted as a TOR type pitcher as a spect. What are they saying about him now? He is my pick just because I would like to see him do well. This choice was not based on who deserves it more. I think that decision will be made in ST.

[henks]

Obviously he hasn't been the same since the surgery. He struggled last year and if I remember right he finished the year only getting a few innings out of the bullpen. He needs to really get back to his dominant form this spring if he wants to be in the rotation I think.

[henks]

And you really need to take your high school picture out of your signature...that's a bit arrogant don't you think?

[redsrbetter]

My high school picture?

anyhow, I do hope Liriano can come back and do something big for you guys. I always thought he would be the next bigtime pitcher.

You think he could use another taste of the minor leagues? Perhaps even a rehab type assignment? Also, is he playing winter ball at all?

[henks]

We all know that's really just a high school picture of you, not Jay Bruce.

He did a rehab stint and did ok, I think he really needs to assert himself this spring and do well.

[redsrbetter]

Jarrod Washburn perhaps?

[catman]

Please, no. The Twins do not need Washburn. They can fill their 5th starter spot internally. I could see them using one or more of those guys (specifically Perkins) as trade bait to bring in either a middle infielder or 3B, possibly another outfielder.
I think Duensing or Liriano will get the spot, but, as was said, the decision will be made in spring training.
As to Liriano, he has changed his mechanics enough to have lost his explosive slider and change up. His fastball is straighter now than it was, also. I think he can get his stuff back and be the TOR pitcher the Twins wanted him to be.

[missionhockey21]

I haven't looked much at his pitch f/x or anything like that, but an easy to read fastball as you mentioned catman could explain a lot (the high H/9, HR total, etc) with Liriano. He can still find the strikeout though so something in his repertoire is still working.

[Kingdom]

Brad Radke!

[catman]

Liriano is pitching very well this winter. He needs to take some time off and get ready for spring training, though.
Here's a thought -- how about Bert Blyleven as the 5th starter (he just missed election into the HOF -- missed by 5 votes).

[Porter]

Liriano is the best among the poll you have up there.

[catman]

Here is a story about Liriano: Twins excited with Liriano's offseason | twinsbaseball.com: News