Liriano ascending quickly

BY JASON WILLIAMS
Pioneer Press

Fitting that the Twins would promote hot pitching prospect Francisco Liriano one step below the majors during a week the San Francisco Giants were playing at the Metrodome for the first time.

Liriano, promoted from Class AA New Britain to Class AAA Rochester on Thursday, could keep Giants fans thinking "what if" for years.

Giants general manager Brian Sabean has taken heat for misreading Joe Nathan's potential before San Francisco shipped Nathan, Liriano and Boof Bonser (now in Rochester) to Minnesota in exchange for all-star catcher A.J. Pierzynski and cash considerations in November 2003. Nathan, a set-up man in San Francisco, developed into an all-star closer in 2004. Pierzynski, meanwhile, was labeled a clubhouse "cancer" by some teammates in San Francisco, and the Giants released him after last season.

In discussing the deal with the Pioneer Press last week, Ryan said unprompted: "Let's not forget the other guys. They are legitimate prospects."

Liriano, who has drawn comparisons from some in the Twins organization to Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, has ascended through the Twins' system quickly, especially considering the left-hander is only 21 years old. He started last season with Class A Fort Myers and was promoted to New Britain in August.

Liriano was 3-5 with a 3.64 earned-run average in 13 starts for New Britain this season. He recorded 92 strikeouts in 76 2/3 innings, but walked 26 batters. Gaining better command of his fastball is the big obstacle between Liriano and the majors.

"We're thinking that he'll take it to the next level (at Rochester) and make those adjustments," said Jim Rantz, the Twins' minor league director.

Bartlett update

The Twins' shortstop of the future, Jason Bartlett of Rochester, continues to improve at the plate this week. Through Thursday, he had raised his average more than 60 points in two weeks to .310 with two home runs and five doubles.

The Twins like Bartlett's progress, but he's not ready to return to the majors.

"I still think it might be a little too soon," Rantz said. "We need him to get into a little more of a groove."

Of course, there is the chance Bartlett could return soon with all the injuries the Twins have incurred in the middle infield. Starting shortstop Juan Castro (bruised ankle) was day to day Friday, and if he were to go on the disabled list, Bartlett likely would be recalled.

Power surge

Rochester slugger Garrett Jones launched a mammoth, walk-off home run in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Indianapolis at Rochester's Frontier Field. The ball sailed over a billboard in right field and eventually onto railroad tracks. It was his team-high 12th homer. Think the Twins could use this kind of power off their bench?

Of course, the Twins could do without another impatient hitter. Jones has struck out 58 times in 61 games.

Briefly

The Fort Myers Miracle sent three players to the Florida State League all-star game, which was to be played Saturday in Clearwater. Center fielder Denard Span, third baseman Matt Moses and right-handed pitcher Nick Blackburn made the all-star team.