Liriano's return to the rotation?

[Kingdom]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)—Francisco Liriano’s(notes) latest spring gem showed exactly why the Minnesota Twins see him as a starter and not a closer right now.

Liriano all but locked up the final spot in the Twins’ rotation on Tuesday, striking out eight in six shutout innings of Minnesota’s 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Liriano also walked three, and said after the game he’d been told he will be the Twins’ fifth starter. He was competing with Brian Duensing(notes) for the job and also was discussed as a possible replacement for injured closer Joe Nathan(notes).

Liriano looks strong for Twins vs. Pirates - MLB - Yahoo! Sports

Granted, it's against the AAA pirates, but do you guys think he's going to return to the rotation and possibly the form he once had as a rookie?

If he fails, or does not meet maybe the expectations of him, would you mind seeing him as the fill in closer?

[catman]

From what I've read about his performance this winter and spring, he should be a very good starter. If he's right, the Twins have their "ace".

[henks]

His stats are pretty good from winter ball, and he seemed to carry it over into the spring. I would really like to see him do well this year.

[mntwinsfan]

Liraino looks to be back to his old self or very close to it. I see him in the rotation for the entire season.

[Kingdom]

So what kind of expectations do you guys have, if any?

[redsrbetter]

I don't expect him to be as lights out as he was in his rookie season, but I do expect him to be much better than many have projected. Somewhere in the middle, but closer to his great form.

The dude has lights out stuff and could fill in nicely at the closer's role. Especially with Nathan out and this team at a loss as to who will close for them. But, his value is in the rotation and I think the Twins are seeing that now.

I predict his ERA to be in the low 3s, he could eclipse 200 Ks if he gets the innings. I am personally excited to see him get back to dominance.

[henks]

So what kind of expectations do you guys have, if any?

I expect him to throw balls, and strikes.

[redsrbetter]

I expect him to throw balls...

Just like we expect you to catch them....

[henks]

Just like we expect you to catch them....

You're the one who wants to have his own wiener cart.

[catman]

Personally, I see Liriano with 14-16 wins, 200 IP, 180-190 K's, and an ERA around 3.2-3.4.

[redsrbetter]

What happened with this, did he get put in the rotation? Has he got a start already?

[DirtyKash]

He's starting tomorrow Friday.

[Kingdom]

Personally, I see Liriano with 14-16 wins, 200 IP, 180-190 K's, and an ERA around 3.2-3.4.

No, not lofty at all.

[missionhockey21]

Control wasn't quite there last night, but he only allowed four hits though. For a first game back, with some talent in the opposing lineup, I think it was a solid outing.

Glad I picked him up in a few of my leagues.

[henks]

I think he'll only get better as the season progresses.