In what should be a stay reminiscent of a Brazilian vacation in a two-star hotel (I know from experience), Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Francisco Liriano was demoted to the Single A Fort Myers Miracle for a start. Word out of Minnesota has the 6-foot-2, 225-pound southpaw making an additional start for Minnesota’s Triple A affiliate in Rochester as well.

I know a ton of you drafted the 24-year-old phenom in hopes that he would return to the form that saw him post a 12-3 record with 144 strikeouts, 32 walks, a 2.16 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP in 121 innings during 2006, but don’t lose hope.

He has looked spectacular in spurts during Spring Training, so with a little more fine-tuning, he should return to the form that made him a prime target in drafts.

Tommy John surgery in this era has worked miracles for many, so to expect Liriano to remain healthy and dominate isn’t far fetched. Although it may not be this season, next year should be special. In 2008, it’s safe to expect Minnesota’s ace to amass a 15-5 record with 160-plus strikeouts, a 3.10 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP in roughly 175 innings. The Twins will not push him to the edge, but maybe the brink. Stay tuned.

Rob McCarthy has played fantasy sports since the days of tediously transferring his daily points from the Boston Herald to a tattered notepad every morning. He has been featured on Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports and currently scribes for KFFL.com. In addition, Rob is an avid fan of all Boston sports.
 

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