Friday, January 19, 2007

TWINS PITCHING STATUS / LIRIANO OUT

The latest news on SI.com is that Liriano won't be in the Twins rotation this year. Liriano said, "I won't start to throw until two months from now, and I'll do my first bullpen work six months later." That means the Twins will have to manage through 2007 without him )-:

The Twins Bullpen will need to be a top notch priority at Spring Training (like it always is, I guess.) The Twins are considering adding former Nationals right-hander Ramon Ortiz to the team. The deal, which the Star-Tribune is reporting would be a one-year pact worth $3.1 million, is not complete, but Ortiz would certainly bring experience to the rotation. Ortiz went 11-16 with a 5.57 ERA for the Nationals last season and he holds a 79-76 career record and 4.85 career ERA since breaking into the Majors in 1999.

The addition of Ortiz could add some serious veteran presence to the Twins rotation. We have so many newbies! The Twins only two returning starters with more than a year's experience in the big leagues are Johan Santana and Carlos Silva. My bot, Boof Bonser is also expected to be a part of the rotation with Matt Garza, Glen Perkins, Scott Baker and Sidney Ponson likely competing for the final spot. The Twins signed Ponson to a Minor League deal earlier this month.

Twins pitchers and catchers will report to Fort Myers, Fla. for the start of Spring Training on Feb. 18. It's coming up fast! Twins fans will need to keep their eyes and ears open as the Twins make key moves to get the right guys in the right spots!

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