Well, this could get interesting.
A pair of sources are now saying that the Minnesota Twins may consider trading left handed starting pitcher Francisco Liriano. Joe Christensen of the Minnesota Star Tribune wrote that the Twins are "open" to dealing Liriano.
With six pitchers vying for five spots in the Twins starting rotation, one possible solution is trading Francisco Liriano. Speaking to team officials recently, I've been surprised how open they are to this possibility, but the logic makes sense.
Liriano, 27, can become a free agent after the 2012 season. Coming off a resurgent year, he might never have a higher trade value.
One thing is clear: The Twins don't plan to sign him long term. Last weekend, they avoided arbitration with a one-year, $4.3 million deal. From what I've heard, their long-term talks went nowhere, with Liriano's camp hinting it wanted a three-year, $39 million contract.
More after the jump.
Following up on this report, Tom Pelissero of ESPN Radio in Minnesota did some "digging," citing the report as truth and that both the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers are possibilities for Liriano. The Yankees will certainly have a higher sense of desperation following Andy Pettitte's retirement, so New York should make a harder push for him.
If for nothing else, I'd like to see Texas trade for Liriano to block the Yankees from trading for a left handed top-of-the-rotation pitcher two years in a row. Greatness.
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