MLB Trade Rumors: Is Francisco Liriano a Fit for the Bronx?
July 16, 2011 · Pat Dean · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
The 
New York Yankees are searching for a solution to solve their pitching rotation cataclysm, and Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins could be the arm for the job. The Twins starter was on the mound two days ago and was closely observed by a Yankees scout.
Liriano is 6-7 with a 4.76 ERA and 76 strikeouts. Although he has struggled during the first half of the season, the 27-year-old has won his last two starts, which included a seven inning, three when performance in front of the Yankees scout.
Liriano is not the pitcher that he once was prior to Tommy John surgery. However, the Yankees may view this scenario as an imperative route to proceed with after witnessing the deplorable performances of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia in the last few days contiguous with the retrogradation taking place with Phil Hughes.
In the Yankees rotation Liriano would work as a solid No. 2 behind CC Sabathia and provide some insurance to the circuslike rotation of the defending AL East champions. The Twins would be interested in acquiring one of the Bronx Bombers’ top pitching prospects such as Manny Banuelos, a proposition that the Yankees would reject without hesitation.
The Twins may still be forced to be a seller in such a situation since they are seven games back in the AL Central race, and Liriano will become a free agent following the 2012 season.
A Liriano deal would allow the Yankees to keep pace with the Boston Red Sox for the division crown and allow them to hold off wild-card competitors such as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The Yankees currently are one game back in the loss column to the Red Sox and are up six games in the loss column on the Angels.
Pitching is the ingredient that will aid a contending team during a championship run, and the Yankees and their general manager Brian Cashman are highly aware of this attribute. The Bombers need another strong arm, and Liriano is there for the taking. Could a No. 47 pinstripes jersey be on its way to New York soon?
I’m sure Sabathia and the million of Yankees fans hope so.
Read more New York Yankees news on BleacherReport.com
Yankee Tickets
Shop Yankee
