'Lights Out' Ready for a 2008 return

I knew that this Francisco Liriano was something something special when I saw him throw for a spell in 2005. Then, he burst on the scene in 2006 winning 12 games and having a sparkling 2.16 ERA with 144 K’s in 121 innings.

Then he got hurt.

Now, this guy is ready to resume a career at 23-years old that just might make Johann Santana expendable. He’s that friggin’ good.

Just a little over a year removed from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, Liriano was on hand this weekend for the club’s annual TwinsFest. And he said Saturday that he’ll be ready to go for the start of Spring Training.

“Everything feels good –no pain, no soreness,” Liriano said. “Now I’m just waiting to get started.”

I’ll be interested to see what Liriano is doing in the middle of the 2009 season. They say it takes 2 full years to come back from Tommy John. It’s been one. I think by the time this guy is 26, 27 years old, he’s going to be one of the finest young pitchers in baseball; and better than Johann Santana. You heard me. He was on his way before the injury. Stay tuned.