Reason #1,034 to fire Rick Anderson: Francisco Liriano

[Chris Schad]

Ok, maybe I'm counting a little high and I'm sure this renaissance from Liriano has spurned multiple topics regarding why to fire Rick Anderson, but I think this is the biggest.

 

Y! SPORTS

 

As shown in the article, the Pirates are letting Liriano use his slider to get players out rather than his fastball. In return, his numbers look a lot like 2006 rather than 2011 and '12.

 

It should be simple for a good coach to play to their player's strengths. However, Anderson has been hard-nosed about making his players pitch to contact (unless you're Sam Deduno, I guess.)

 

Once again, let the debate begin.

[twinsnorth49]

This has been discussed ad naseum, yes Liriano is having some success, he had success under Anderson as well. Let's keep in perspective that he's pitched 76 innings in the National League, we'll see what happen after another trip or two around the league.

 

It was also noted by another poster that the over reliance on the slider led to Liriano's previous arm problems. I'm no Anderson fan by any means but this one isn't on him IMHO.

[Willihammer]

How much of the Twins pitch selection is being determined at a high level, and how much of it is left up to Mauer's discretion?

 

I would ask the same about the Pirates.

 

Maybe its just throwing to Martin instead of Mauer, his game calling, getting the low strikes that maybe he didn't get throwing to Mauer. And the abandonment of the 4 seemer (he didn't throw a single one last night).

[DaveW]

We have seen these bursts from Liriano before..

[Benchwarmerjim]

should Don Cooper be fired because he couldnt get anything out of Liriano ?

[Joe A. Preusser]

We have seen these bursts from Liriano before..

 

He had an All-star caliber stretch right up until 2 starts before he was traded last year, right?

[Seth Stohs]

Yeah, I often think that Rick Anderson is overrated as a pitching coach. He was credited with improving Guardado and Hawkins... and he deserves some credit for Deduno. He helped Liriano in his good stretches. Liriano being good elsewhere should surprise no one. Certainly not a reason for firing.

[Thrylos]

Yeah, I often think that Rick Anderson is overrated as a pitching coach. He was credited with improving Guardado and Hawkins... and he deserves some credit for Deduno. He helped Liriano in his good stretches. Liriano being good elsewhere should surprise no one. Certainly not a reason for firing.

 

Agreed. But being the pitching coach of a team that has been in the bottom 2 (or 3) in ERA for 3 season in a row, it is reason to fire him, because Stelly's firing did not improve the pitching staff. So it was not Stelly's fault, despite what Ryan thought.

[Marta Shearing]

Im not gonna entirely blame Anderson. The problem is the pitching philosophy of the organization as a whole. The way they've drafted. How they develop prospects. Anderson is only half the problem.

[Badsmerf]

Anderson's time has passed. So has Gardy's and Ryan's IMO. I'm not going to point at the curious case of Liriano as my breaking point. I'm going to suggest the game has passed them all by. To Ryan's credit, he has the best farm system in baseball right now looking to bring the team back to credibility. Say what you want about where responsibilities fall, but this season has been a complete disappointment. I wont be surprised either way Ryan decides to go with the coaching staff. I'd like a change, many others would like a change, it all just depends on if Ryan wants one too.

[70charger]

There is no possible way that this could ever blow up in a team's face. They should definitely sign him to a 12 year deal because he's pitched well for part of a season.

 

Better yet, the Tigers or White Sox should sign him. What could go wrong?

[chopper0080]

This entire coaching staff;s tie is up IMO as well as Ryan's but it is due to accountability more than anything else. How can you hold players accountable when your are having a third straight terrible season?

[Pius Jefferson]

Depending on the truth to the rumors. The only fireable offense related to Liriano is Anderson giving up on him.