Pirates sign Liriano 2/14

[toonsterwu]

I'm in the boat that thinks this is a good gamble. It's not that I have any sort of particular faith in Liriano these days, but what's the worst case here? His velocity was fine last year, so worst case (in terms of ineffectiveness, and not injury) seems to be that he gets pushed to the pen, where he'd have a shot to be a late inning arm. Furthermore, maybe he can pump it up another tick or two out of the pen.

 

They are obviously hoping for more, but that'd be a passable pen contract. The best thing is, it's 2 years. I just don't see a big deal with this. We can debate the merits of this deal in regards to what the Cubs did, but all in all, I don't see an issue with the Pirates gamble here.

[Clem Fandango]

I have an irrational affinity for Francisco Liriano, and would've loved to see him on the Cubs, but I completely understand if people do not want him. He's had 5 years to live up to the potential he showed his rookie year and he's been pretty bad most of the time. His 2010 was remarkable though.

[Warpticon]

It basically comes down to his walk rate. If it's reasonable, he's good, if it's not, he's bad.

[Jake]

Lirano is hurt.

 

Non throwing arm.

 

Deal in jeopardy, though not dead yet.

[mookie]

That's a bummer. I would have to think it could still get done if it is his non throwing arm though.