A healthy Lariano pitching behind Johan Santana would be a very formidable one-two punch, maybe the best in all of baseball. Many in Twins management believe Boof Bonser could also develop into a star and of course they have Nathan closing. Of course, the Twins also have the proven talent of Mauer, Cuddyer, and Morneau and they now also believe the two Jason's, Kubel and Bartlett have a good future ahead of them. What should we, as fans, make of all of this? Are the Twins going to be good enough to get to the playoffs in 2008 and if they do how good would they be with a healthy Lariano and Santana. Also, would this give added insentive for the Twins to sign Santana before he becomes a free agent after the 2008 season?
2007-11-26 00:49:31 · 8 answers · asked by Frizzer 7 in Sports ➔ Baseball
Santana and Liriano definitely supply a nice one-two pop in that rotation however I don't think it will help the Twins overtake either Detroit or Cleveland. Things are still in limbo with Santana and technically, he isn't a free agent yet.
If something doesn't happen involving the loss of Santana, then they could possibly sneak in as the wild card. Detroit would have to fall apart though, and somehow I think the Tigers will be duking it out all year with Cleveland.
That and don't forget how cheap Minnesota ownership is. They're not as apt to throw big bucks at Santana to keep him if he decides to test the waters of free agency.
2008 AL Central finish ---
Cleveland
Detroit
Minnesota
Chicago
Kansas City (what's new?)
2007-11-26 01:06:06 · answer #1 · answered by no1nyyfan55 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Forget about Boof. He won't even be in the rotation unless there is an injury. It's going to be Santana, Baker, Liriano, Garza, Slowey. Glenn Perkins should be healthy to compete for the 5th spot in the rotation as well. As long as Mauer, Cuddyer, and Morneau produce like they should, I don't see why the Twins won't win the division. Hunter made high light catches, that's it. His arm isn't that strong or accurate, his lifetime average of .270 won't be missed by me. His plate discipline was horrible, I'm fine with the fact I won't see him play in a Twins uniform next year, the Twins will be fine with out him, especially when Denard Spann gets called up to patrol center.
2007-11-26 12:53:54 · answer #2 · answered by Lets get Denarded in here! 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have Liriano on my fantasy team as a keeper so I investigated his injury. While it is true that a pitcher may return to form, it usually does not occur right away. Liriano may not come close to resembling the hurler he was prior to his injury, at least not in 2008. Also - it was the way he was pitching that helped generate the injury so he may have to alter his pitches so it should be interesting. If he reverts to preinjury form, the typical time frame is in the second year of the pitchers return. Keep in mind that he has to get his arm strength back, he may be tentative and his delivery may have to be altered to prevent similiar injury. That being said, no I do not believe the Twins will overpower Cleveland or Detroit.
2007-11-26 09:49:35 · answer #3 · answered by alomew_rocks 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
With the Twins centerfielder gone and Johan Santana being dangled for a trade, having a healthy Liriano will only help the Twins win 15-20 more games next year.
2007-11-26 09:09:05 · answer #4 · answered by Oz 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
better question, will the twins send out a health Lariano?
He's a seriously good pitcher, but it's tough to bounce back from a surgery like that and be absolutely on top of your game.
The Santana era of dominance is coming to a close, as we saw last year with his 33(??) homeruns allowed.
I think they'll be great as a one, two punch, don't get me wrong... but the twinkies will need a lot more than those two.
And, lol, Boof Bonser. His name is Boof.
2007-11-26 09:33:44 · answer #5 · answered by hoop_t_star 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
absolutly not. the teins had their year, and what did they do with it?? nothing. They would have gotten my respect if they would have won it all. as far as 2008 goes, dont count on them making it to the series. Playoffs maby- series no. The American League is just too strong for them, i think its going to take more than just a few good players to take them to the top. I will admit though... they were good last year, 2008 however- no. sorry to burst ur bubble.
2007-11-26 09:55:29 · answer #6 · answered by Dobe777 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Not without Hunter and Santana
2007-11-26 09:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
He pitched part of one year. That was it. I need to see a lot more of him (especially coming off a very bad injury) to say he is a premier pitcher in the league. He showed he had good stuff. Does he still have it?
2007-11-26 10:54:21 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋