Twins trade Liriano

The Minnesota Twins have completed a trade that will send left-handed pitcher Francisco Liriano to the Chicago White Sox for pitching prospect Pedro Hernandez and infielder Eduardo Escobar.

Trading Liriano, a potential free agent, does not come as a surprise. Although many wondered why on earth the Twins didn’t receive more bang for their buck, the answer is quite simple. In what was a down year for Liriano, he finished the 2012 season with the Twins with a 3-10 record and a 5.21 ERA and an expiring contract that essentially made him a rental player. Instead of locking themselves into a 1 year $8 million dollar extension, a contract far exceeding his market value, Terry Ryan wisely chose to take the bset deal available as the Twins attempt to reinvent their farm syste. Liriano 28, leaves the Twins with a 50-52 career record and a 4.33 ERA.

Hernandez, 23, was part of a trade last December that involved Carlos Quentin going to the Padres. The lefty from Venezuela made one start for the White Sox this year, giving up eight runs in four innings at Boston on July 18.

In 15 appearances between Class AA and Class AAA, including 14 starts, Hernandez went 8-2 with a 2.94 ERA.