Twins contact Liriano

July 13, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) looks on from the dug out during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at Target Field. The Athletics won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

Practically lost in the Span/Meyer trade is the chatter that the Minnesota Twins have had conversations with Francisco Liriano‘s camp.  Liriano was traded from the Twins to the Chicago White Sox shortly before I joined Puckett’s Pond, so my assessment of the deal was on my personal blog.  “Paula’s Liriano Rule”, which I wrote/adopted early in 2011, should clearly indicate my opinion of that trade.

"Paula’s Lirano Rule: If he gives up a hit, think about pulling him.  If he gives up a run, for the love of all that is good, PULL HIM!!  There’s no stopping the train wreck."

I fully admit that I almost cried the first time I encountered rumors that the Twins had considered with any degree of seriousness trying to sign Liriano to a new contract this offseason.  I acknowledge, although I cannot recall who to credit, that immediately prior to Liriano’s trade to the White Sox, some people floated the theory that the Twins could trade him and then re-sign him at a cheaper rate when he became a free agent this offseason.  I never took that seriously, until this new Liriano talk came up, assuming the Twins front office had some wisdom. Fortunately, for those of us who have given up on the possibility of Liriano’s upside winning the battle with his very destructive downside, Twins’ GM Terry Ryan clarified that the team has not paid him any particular interest.

I for one would have been happy if the Twins would have passed over Liriano’s agent in their phone solicitation; even the Twins desperate need for pitching does not yet make them desperate enough for another round of Liriano.  So, keep calm and do not panic until the Twins make an official announcement that Liriano is returning to the Target Field home dugout.  I doubt if anyone in the Twins organization is really ready for another effectively wild game every fifth day.