Twins deal Francisco Liriano to division rival
A few seasons ago, the Minnesota Twins would have never imagined trading one
Well, a few things have changed and the Twins find themselves 14 games back in the American League Central, while the White Sox hold a 2.5 game lead over the Tigers for first place.
The Chicago White Sox announced that they have acquired pitcher Francisco Liriano from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for infielder Eduardo Escobar and left-handed pitcher Pedro Hernandez.
"He just has to come here and be solid," Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko said. "He doesn't have to throw shutouts. He just has to give us a chance to win. That's all we're looking for."
The 28-year-old left-handed Liriano is 3-10 on the season with a 5.31 ERA in 17 starts for the Twins.
In 2006, Liriano had his best season as a big leaguer. The rookie went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and was named to the AL All-Star team. The Tommy John surgery that ended his '06 campaign has somewhat derailed Liriano's career. He's gone just 38-49 since the surgery. While he has shown signs of his former self, he's struggled to stay consistent.
"Hopefully the change of scenery will help," White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn said. "If he'll buy in to what we're doing over here, he can get back to what we know he's capable of doing."
On May 3, 2011, Liriano pitched a no-hitter against the White Sox.
Escobar, 23, is batting .207 this season with the White Sox in 36 games. The switch-hitting rookie was drafted as a shortstop, but has also seen time at third base, second base and in left field this season. According to Future Sox prospect rankings, Escobar was ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the team's organization before the season started.
Hernandez, also 23, is 8-2 with a 2.94 ERA in 15 appearances between Class AA and Class AAA this season. He was ranked as the No. 17 prospect in the organization before the 2012 season started.
Liriano was scheduled to start for the Twins on Sunday.
A few seasons ago, the Minnesota Twins would have never imagined trading one
Well, a few things have changed and the Twins find themselves 14 games back in the American League Central, while the White Sox hold a 2.5 game lead over the Tigers for first place.
The Chicago White Sox announced that they have acquired pitcher Francisco Liriano from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for infielder Eduardo Escobar and left-handed pitcher Pedro Hernandez.
"He just has to come here and be solid," Chicago first baseman Paul Konerko said. "He doesn't have to throw shutouts. He just has to give us a chance to win. That's all we're looking for."
The 28-year-old left-handed Liriano is 3-10 on the season with a 5.31 ERA in 17 starts for the Twins.
In 2006, Liriano had his best season as a big leaguer. The rookie went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and was named to the AL All-Star team. The Tommy John surgery that ended his '06 campaign has somewhat derailed Liriano's career. He's gone just 38-49 since the surgery. While he has shown signs of his former self, he's struggled to stay consistent.
"Hopefully the change of scenery will help," White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn said. "If he'll buy in to what we're doing over here, he can get back to what we know he's capable of doing."
On May 3, 2011, Liriano pitched a no-hitter against the White Sox.
Escobar, 23, is batting .207 this season with the White Sox in 36 games. The switch-hitting rookie was drafted as a shortstop, but has also seen time at third base, second base and in left field this season. According to Future Sox prospect rankings, Escobar was ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the team's organization before the season started.
Hernandez, also 23, is 8-2 with a 2.94 ERA in 15 appearances between Class AA and Class AAA this season. He was ranked as the No. 17 prospect in the organization before the 2012 season started.
Liriano was scheduled to start for the Twins on Sunday.
