The Francisco Liriano era is officially over in Minnesota. The lefthander has agreed to a two year, $14 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to a source. The deal will be finalized once Liriano passes a physical.

Liriano was one of three pitchers the Twins received in exchange for catcher A.J. Pierzynski in 2003. Liriano reached the majors in 2005. but it was 2006 when he electrified Twins fans with a 12-3, 2.16 season. That season was cut short by a torn elbow ligament and, while he seemed to regain almost all his stuff from that injury, he couldn't become a top pitcher.

(What if moment: What if Liriano could have pitched in the postseason that year with Johan Santana?)

Liriano was 3-10 last season with a 5.31 ERA before being traded to the White Sox. The Twins discussed re-signing Liriano a few weeks ago but talks stalled.

The Twins have moved on, signing Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey. They are interested in Joe Saunders and Rich Harden, but I've heard that a couple other teams have stepped up their pursuit of Saunders. Stay tuned.