Pirates sign free-agent starting pitcher Francisco Liriano

It is being reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed pitcher Francisco Liriano to a two year deal worth $14 million. The deal depends on a physical and the Pirates have not confirmed the deal.

Sep 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (58) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Liriano, 29, appeared in 34 games last year – including 28 starts – going 6-12 with a 5.34 earned run average pitching for the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox.

His best season came in 2006 with the Twins. During that year Liriano was an all-star going 12-3 with a 2.14 era. One could say that Liriano might have beaten out teammate Johan Santana for the Cy Young Award had it not been for an unfortunate injury, a torn elbow ligament that caused him to miss the rest of the 2006 season and all of 2007 season.

In 2010, Liriano was named the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year. On May 3, 2011, he threw a no-hitter during a 1-0 victory against the White Sox.

In 168 career games, Liriano is 53-54 with a 4.40 ERA. Liriano will join A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez and James McDonald in Pittsburgh’s rotation. Pitching coach Ray Searage has done some amazing things with this pitching staff, so what is to say that he wouldn’t be able to turn Liriano back into his 2006 form?