| The Minnesota Twins are going through a tough time | | | | the team to a higher level within the competitive |
| due to the loss of part of their team, including the | | | | American League Central Division. |
| great Johan Santana, but despite the current situation | | | | Santana was not the only opener that left; also |
| the panorama does not look so devastating due to | | | | Venezuelan Carlos Silva signed as free agent with |
| Francisco Liriano who is back after an elbow surgery, | | | | Seattle and Matt Garza transferred to Tampa Bay. |
| which took place 17 months ago. | | | | Even with Liriano healthy, the openers rotation |
| Some of his teammates consider that the presence | | | | generates questioning especially by players of little |
| of the left-handed Dominican will ease the exit of the | | | | experience, as is the case of Scott Baker (9-9, 4,26 |
| Venezuelan Santana, who won in two occasions the | | | | of effectiveness), Boof Bonser (8-12, 5,10) and Kevin |
| Cy Young trophy and was transferred to the New | | | | Slowey (4-1, 4.73). The veteran of the group is the |
| York Mets. | | | | right-handed Livan Hernandez (11-11 and 4,93 of |
| Presently, Liriano faces the challenge to ensure | | | | effectiveness with Arizona). The bullpen Joe Nathan |
| everyone he is completely healthy and he can repeat | | | | has a record of 4-2, 1,88 and 37 rescues. |
| the impressive performance he showed when first | | | | As Nathan is in his last year of contract it would not |
| stepped into the major leagues in 2006, launching | | | | be a surprise the Twins decide to end his services. |
| even better than Santana. | | | | Pat Neshek (7-2, 2,94) and Matt Guerrier (2-4, 2,35) |
| The Twins don't want take risks with Liriano's health | | | | rounded their group of collaborators; they expect |
| and they are treating him skillfully, recalling the | | | | that the Venezuelan Juan Rincon to light up after a |
| experience of his debut. Francisco Liriano initiated in | | | | year in which his effectiveness rose to 5,13 with |
| the major leagues with a record of 13-3 and 2,16 of | | | | regardless of the 2,91 of the previous year. |
| effectiveness until he began to feel pain in the elbow. | | | | The Twins did not only lose pitchers, but also their |
| After some rest his return barely lasted two innings; | | | | central gardener Torii Hunter, who signed as a free |
| Liriano was rushed to the operation room, being | | | | agent with Los Angeles Angels. But in the exchange |
| submitted to an elbow reconstruction and losing | | | | they got a player that could be very helpful in the |
| completely the 2007 season. | | | | long run left gardener Delmon Young (.288, 13 home |
| The Minnesota Twins stated they feel confident | | | | runs and 93 races). |
| Liriano can recover completely the powerful left-hand; | | | | Additionally, if receiver Joe Mauer (.293, 7, 60 in 109 |
| a very valuable piece for the rotation. Although; | | | | games) manages to avoid wounds and Justin |
| Liriano affirms his arm is well he thinks he took a lot | | | | Morneau (.271, 31, 111) avoids the decrease of his |
| of percussions to avoid any inconveniences. | | | | numbers then they would be able to surpass the 718 |
| The return of the 24-years-old pitcher is of great | | | | races from last year. |
| importance for the Twins. In fact, he hopes to take | | | | |