Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Time Can Now Wait…
I’m sure you’ve read it now,
but Ken Rosenthal
is reporting that the agent of Francisco
Liriano has filed a grievance with the Players
Union against the Twins, saying that they are keeping him in the minor leagues
for too long.
I think those of you who read
this site most frequently know that I’m pretty laid back,
nothing really excites or bothers me. But I have to admit, this one absolutely
upsets me. About a week ago, I wrote that The Time Has
Come, that Francisco Liriano was ready for the big leagues and that he could
come up any time. Now this happens, and I am fine with the Twins keeping him
down for another month. This is arguably the most ridiculous thing I have read
in a long time. A player filing a grievance against his big
league club saying that they need to call him up. Are you kidding me?
The Twins, hopefully, are
just sitting back and laughing. The Twins have been wise about keeping him in
the minor leagues. Many wanted him up a couple of months ago, right after he
stopped walking so many people. The fact is, he still wasn’t throwing a lot of
strikes, and he wasn’t showing what he was capable of. The Twins wanted him to
dominate. In his last three starts, he has done that… So, three starts means a big league promotion?
Who are the Twins going to
remove from the rotation? Livan? Sure, but he’s owed a bunch of money and has that W-L
record that many like and think is important. He can’t move. The four young
starters have all done very well and at this time, there is no need to take
them out of the rotation. What does this grievance say to the likes of Glen Perkins, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey and Nick
Blackburn? You guys are pitching great, but I’m The Franchise, you shall
all bow down to me? Nice!
Blame the agent if you want,
but agents are paid by the player. This one is on Liriano.
How selfish? How stupid?
In my mind, there is
absolutely nothing positive that can come out of this situation for the Twins
or for Francisco Liriano.
Update - Joe
Christensen just made a tremendous point on his blog… compare how Denard Span handled his demotions to
Rochester with this… More proof that Denard Span is
true class.
Thoughts?