Dear opposing MLB general managers: How about that Francisco Liriano!
Hope you were watching last night because that was the REAL Frankie -- the kind of guy you want on your team for the final three months of the season as you make a push toward the postseason. Did you see his command of the strike zone? Did you see the way he set up and finished off hitters? Six and two thirds innings, one earned run, six strikeouts -- that's top-of-the-rotation stuff, right there.
Sure, sure. You're looking for a bigger sample size. We've got you covered there, too (as long as you don't look TOO far back). Since he returned to the starting rotation following, uh, a head-clearing trip to the bullpen, here are his numbers: 5 starts, 30.1 innings pitched (more than 6 per start), 9 earned runs allowed, 2.67 ERA, 12 BB, 35 Ks.
As you know, this young man's contract is expiring. But listen: He's likely itching to sign a long-term deal. That's the beauty of it. You hop on this train now and you'll have options: either a shiny three-month rental who is practically guaranteed to succeed or a guy who might just want to stay with you for the long haul. Imagine years and years of gems, examples of which you'll see all across various points of his track record.
Why not just re-sign him here? Well, it's just not in the cards. Poor timing is the best way to describe it all. But that doesn't mean he isn't a hot property. You should know there are already irons in the fire on this guy. A pitcher like Liriano won't stay on the trade market forever. So here's what you need to do: Take a good look at your minor league system. Find a guy in, say, Class AA who has a nice power arm and just might be an above average Major League starting pitcher in a year or so -- someone who might, if we're all lucky, give us the kind of consistency we've been seeing out of young Frankie. That is all it takes fellas. You are robbing us blind, and that is a guarantee. You saw the numbers. You've seen the consistency. Now it's time to act!
Signed,
Terry Ryan (possibly if he was a used car salesman, and it would help if he had a Southern accent)
