One local columnist is straight up calling Franciso Liriano mentally weak for what happened to the Minnesota Twins on Friday night, when Liriano recorded an astonishing career-high of 15 strikeouts in eight innings, but also gave up the grand slam that costed Minnesota the win.
Not that his point is lacking substance, but do Liriano's teammates get any blame for not being able to support the pitcher with enough runs to bail him out? Nevermind this being a contract year for Liriano, and contract years being known for performance enhancement.
This game in particular is one in which Liriano was the single reason the Twins were in the game, since he did retire a total of five innings BY HIMSELF.
Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan below the jump:
Friday, he again faced adversity and cringed.
That is why contenders should be wary about trading for him. That is why those who have reacted to Liriano's recent success with suggestions that the Twins should sign him to a contract extension should go back to fantasizing about Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin winning championships.
Read more on the Twins at Twinkie Town and SB Nation Minnesota.