Liriano - is he back?

[thatguy27]

I realize that after absolutely dominating minor league batters before his call-up, most thought that Liriano would be a solid fantasy play. However, most had serious doubts about his ability to rekindle the magic of his '06 campaign. I think many were looking at him as a likely solid third pitcher, but few were expecting to perform like an ace.

Is it possible that he's finally returned to his '06 form?

Aside from his K/9, his numbers in his 7 starts since being called up are actually better than those he posted in '06:

(through 7 innings tonight, assuming he gets the W)

7 Starts, 5-0, 1.23 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 38 Ks, 7.8 K/9, 2.25 BB/9

15 '06 Starts, 11-3, 1.97 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 110 Ks, 10.1 K/9, 2.6 BB/9

So, clearly his numbers have been sick, well on par with his '06 numbers save for his K/9, which has improved over his past 2 outings.

Is this the Liriano of old? Where can we expect to see him drafted next season? Has he fixed his delivery so that it makes him less prone to injury?

Also, I just looked and saw that they brought him out for the 8th and he gave up a homer, a hit, and a walk, so the numbers I posted above aren't quite as sweet... but I don't feel like going back and recalculating them.

[ataraxia]

I think he'll be highly touted and go around the 8-10th round next season.

I'm not completely sold on him fully regaining his '06 form, but he's looked great and is a fantastic pick for next year, I feel.

[matthos]

The dude can flat out pitch. He's 23. The sky is the limit. Bet

[King Tim]

The dude can flat out pitch. He's 23. The sky is the limit. Bet

Agree. Ride him the rest of this year. He's back to '06 form next April.

[MEK4178]

The only problem is that his velocity is not nearly the same as it was. His fastball is in the 89-93 range instead of 94-96 range in '06. His numbers have been great since he's been called up but i that is mostly due to the fact that his 7 or so starts have come against really poor offenses. i'm still waiting to see how he responds to some of the top AL lineups.

[sblinyy]

The only problem is that his velocity is not nearly the same as it was. His fastball is in the 89-93 range instead of 94-96 range in '06. His numbers have been great since he's been called up but i that is mostly due to the fact that his 7 or so starts have come against really poor offenses. i'm still waiting to see how he responds to some of the top AL lineups.

His velocity could be down because he has matured and is pitching smarter. Maybe he has realized that you don't have to throw 95 the whole game. As long as he is effective I don't care how low his velocity is.

[matthos]

I should have kept him over Hamels. I know to many that sound ludicrous but I bet he performs better next season.

[zhutou]

I should have kept him over Hamels. I know to many that sound ludicrous but I bet he performs better next season.

how much are you willing to bet?

[Snakes Gould]

I should have kept him over Hamels. I know to many that sound ludicrous but I bet he performs better next season.

you sir, are insane.

[matthos]

Well, I'm glad you say that because I kept Hamels. Perhaps it's only a man-crush. Liriano was sick in 06. If he get back there, he could be as good as anyone.

Hamels is sexy too.