New Twins General Manager Bill Smith said Friday that he expects lefthander Francisco Liriano to contribute next season, based on his successful rehabilitation in Fort Myers, following Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery. Smith this week watched Liriano throw a bullpen session and came away thinking that Liriano, barring any setbacks, is ready.
"He is healthy and he is strong," Smith said. "He has been given the go-ahead to prepare for spring training as he normally would."
Liriano, who turns 24 this month, was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA for the Twins in 2006 before damaging his left elbow late in the season. Liriano spent most of the year rehabbing in Fort Myers under the watch of Twins rehabilitation coordinator Lanning Tucker. Smith said Liriano has gone home to the Dominican Republic for the offseason but will return to Fort Myers in January and will work out with staff ace Johan Santana in preparation for Twins spring training.
This Minnesota Twins fan is looking forward to seeing the number 47 jersey of Francisco Liriano back on the mound.
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