[...] bathia (21-7, 3.18 ERA) against Minnesota’s Francisco Liriano (14-10, 3.62 ERA). New York (95-67) finished a game ahead of Minnesota (94-68) record-wise, but they’re the wild-card team on the road. The Yanks eliminated Minny in the 2003, 2004 and 2009 playoffs and first baseman Justin Morneau (concussion) is out of the playoffs. Still, this is a scrappier Twins team than in previou [...]

[...] ould be a breakout season for him. 3: Will SP Francisco Liriano be able to return to his 2006 form? Francisco Liriano was a revelation during the 2006 season. Pitching in 28 games with 16 starts, Liriano finished 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 Ks in just 121 innings. Unfortunately, he was plagued with arm problems the second half of the season and had to undergo Tommy John Surgery, ending his br [...]

[...] into the later innings. The big question mark is Francisco Liriano and whether the lefty can regain his form of two seasons ago. Joe Nathan is the lone notable in the bullpen, unless reliever Jose Mijares can pick up where he left off in 2008. Cleveland, much like Minnesota, will rely on familiar bats in 2009 and they enter the season as +145 favorites to win the division. Sluggers Victor Mart [...]

[...] ill have Scott Baker on the mound for the finale. Francisco Liriano will open the series on Friday, going for his seventh straight win. The Royals have been playing for pride, but the Twins are playing for their playoff lives, which is more powerful at this time of season. The Twins are getting hot at the right time, so watch their MLB playoff odds rise. Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox &nd [...]

[...] a Twins at Kansas City Royals – 7:10 PM ET Francisco Liriano (1-3, 7.16) made his first start for the Twins since April 24th, when he was shelled by light-hitting Oakland before he was sent to the minors to work on his technique. Liriano tossed a three-hitter over six innings, along with five strikeouts and three walks in a 6-2 win at home over Cleveland. The 24-year-old southpaw had to go [...]

[...] e should be part of a solid starting staff led by Francisco Liriano. The lineup has a hole in the middle until Justin Morneau proves he can come back from his concussion. Joe Nathan (elbow) is trying to reclaim his closer’s role after missing last year. Overall, the Twins are a decent bet for the Central, but they’ve lost in the first round the last five times they’ve made th [...]