Section 219: Liriano, one definition of insanity and an idea

Nobody knows who was the first to say that the definition of insanity is to be the same thing over and over and expect different results.

But it's time to wonder whether those words apply to the Twins and Francisco Liriano.

Four times he's started this year and four times he's been terrible. The Twins managed to win one of those games, rallying to beat the Angels 10-9 even though he gave up six runs (five earned) that afternoon at Target Field.

How bad has it been?

So bad that Liriano has an 11.02 ERA through four starts during he's lasted only 16 1/3 innings.

So bad that Liriano has put 39 batters on base in those innings.

And it gets worse.

I challenge you to find another pitcher who has put together such an abysmal stretch, even in such a small sample size.

As one of my friends commented on Facebook: "He's been consistent this year. He was so much better last year when he was inconsistent."

On their weekly radio show/podcast Sunday, bloggers John Bonnes and Aaron Gleeman noted that the Twins have few available options in the minor leagues, although Scott Diamond (who spent some time with the Twins last season) has gotten off to an excellent start at Rochester. The guys said they were almost embarrassed to be comparing Liriano to Diamond for a spot in the rotation, but it's become that bad.

Could the Twins do any worse by liberating Brian Duensing or Matt Maloney from the bullpen and expecting five reasonable innings from them?

Liriano has earned a spot as the 12th man on a 12-man staff, if that.

That was Roy Halladay, who was optioned from the Blue Jays to Class A in 2001, where he started a half-season journey through the minors and changed his entire style before returning to Toronto at midseason.

Halladay won 19 games in 2002 and has been one of baseball's dominant pitchers ever since.

At this point, the Twins have little to lose by trying something similar. Given that Liriano will be a free agent after this season, he has little to lose. He has no trade value and minimal offseason value on the open market beyond a contract with a small guarantee and lots of incentives. (Lefthanded + pulse = someone takes a chance.)

Under the union contract, Liriano could refuse the demotion because he has more than five years of major league service -- and the Twins would have to keep him or cut him loose.