Liriano Seeks Grievance Against Twins Over Minor League Status
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MLBPA To Investigate Whether Twins Are
Violating CBA In Keeping Liriano In Minors |
The MLBPA has agreed to "investigate whether the Twins are violating" the CBA by keeping P Francisco Liriano at the Triple-A Int’l League Rochester Red Wings, according to Liriano's agent Greg Genske cited by Ken Rosenthal of FOXSPORTS.com. Genske, who contacted the MLBPA about pursuing a grievance, said Liriano is "extremely frustrated" that he is still in the minor leagues. Liriano, recovering from Tommy John surgery, is 7-0 with a 2.73 ERA in his last nine starts with the Red Wings. Genske: "He's now dominating. The team agrees he's dominating. (The union) has determined that there is reasonable cause to open an investigation to see whether the Twins, by leaving him in the minors, are violating his rights in the [CBA]." Rosenthal noted if Liriano "filed a grievance, he could seek either a restoration of major-league service time, financial compensation or both." His "loss of major-league time already will prevent him from qualifying for salary arbitration with three years of service and almost certainly will prevent him from qualifying as a 'Super Two' player as well." The Twins, who won 21 of 28 games prior to the All-Star break, said that they "currently do not have room for Liriano in their starting rotation." Twins GM Bill Smith: "We've got a run going. Our starters are all doing the job. Certainly Francisco will be an important part of this ballclub going forward in the second half." Smith said that finances "have played no role in the decision to keep Liriano in the minors" (FOXSPORTS.com, 7/17). MLB.com's Kelly Thesier notes even if the Twins promote Liriano Friday with 73 days remaining in the MLB regular season, Liriano "would likely fall short of the Super Two mark." Missing the mark is "significant for Liriano, because gaining arbitration status would have meant a salary increase of close to $1[M] for the 2009 season" (MLB.com, 7/18).
WHO'S CALLING THE SHOTS? Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said of the situation: "No one is going to tell us who is going to be on our team. I don't know who is throwing this out there, but it is a joke." Gardenhire, referring to Double-A Eastern League New Britain Rock Cats IF Luke Hughes, who has 15 home runs this season, said, "His agent is going to start calling us. They cannot dictate what we are going to do" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 7/18). Gardenhire added, "No one is going to tell us who to put on our team, and no one on ESPN is going to tell us who should pitch for my team. They haven't been here all year" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 7/18).
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