A man of too few words?

Francisco Liriano hasn't been communicative enough about his health or plans, the manager says.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III , Star Tribune

Last update: March 23, 2008 - 12:43 AM

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JUPITER, FLA. — Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said on Saturday that a key to pitcher Francisco Liriano's return to the majors will be his willingness to be more forthcoming with information.

"Our communication has been a little bit out of whack,'' Gardenhire said. "We want to make sure he's really feeling good.''

It's a problem that goes back to 2006, when Liriano told the club he was feeling fine before eventually being shut down in September and having Tommy John surgery in November.

When asked if there's a language barrier that needs to be broached, Gardenhire said the club has coaches who speak Spanish but in Liriano's case, the Twins sent staff ace Johan Santana to speak with him.

Santana told the coaching staff that Liriano felt fine.

"The next thing we hear is that he's been hurting the whole time,'' Gardenhire said.

The issue popped up again last October when Liriano worked out in front of Gardenhire and Anderson during instructional league.

"There was 10 days left, probably a couple more bullpen sessions and then an evaluation at the end,'' Gardenhire said. "He didn't do anything wrong, but he was still 10 days away and he told us on the mound he will stay ... and he was gone the next day.''

Liriano had been in Fort Myers for 10 months and left to complete his rehab in Miami. Liriano wasn't required to stay in Fort Myers but might not have properly handled the situation.

"That makes me leery,'' Gardenhire said. "That's where we are. He has to prove himself.''

Liriano wasn't available to comment Saturday. Greg Genske, Liriano's agent, said Saturday that there isn't a communication problem between his client and the club.

"Francisco is feeling 100 percent and is looking forward to the season,'' Genske said. "He can't wait for the opportunity to pitch again and will cooperate fully with whatever program they have for him.''

Gardenhire said today's start is crucial as the team evaluates Liriano's return from surgery. Liriano has to prove he's not reluctant to throw all his pitches hard and convince the staff that, physically, he's feeling fine.

If Liriano needs more time to get ready, he could start the season at Class AAA Rochester, remain in Florida at extended spring training or even play for Class A Fort Myers if weather is an issue.