MLB in the News

The Twins' Francisco Liriano had two solid outings this past week. He went 1-0 in a combined 9IP, allowing 3 hits, 1 run & 4 BB with 12 K's. Despite these impressive showings, he'll be starting the season in the minors. After missing the entire '07 season, undergoing Tommy John surgery during his rookie season in '06, the Twins have decided to bring Liriano along slowly - which is probably a good idea. Minnesota needs to think about what's best long-term for their 24-year-old star pitcher, especially with the loss of their former ace, Johan Santana.

Liriano's top two rookie cards are his 02 Bowman Chrome & Bowman's Best Auto. His BC has been selling for around $30 TAC over the past week. His BC Ref #'d 500 can be found in the $55-70 range. His BB Auto RC (his only rookie Auto), has been selling in the $80-90 range. When searching for his 02 BC RC, be careful which card you buy. There's a Bowman Chrome #174 and a Bowman Chrome Draft #BDP147. The one that's considered his "True" rookie card is the BC #174. (some collectors don't care which one they get, since both are technically his "rookie" year issues). On ESPN, it was reported that Liriano will get at least two starts in the minors to "improve his conditioning and his fastball" before they consider calling him back up to the majors.

Milwaukee's young starter, Yovani Gallardo, had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on 2/19. Then, on Friday, it was reported that he was being placed on the 15-day DL, due to a "torn lateral meniscus in his left knee". Hopefully that knee of his isn't becoming one of those chronic ailments that prevents him from reaching his full potential. Gallardo had a break-out rookie season in '07, going 9-5 with a 3.67 ERA & 8.2 K's/9IP, in 17 starts.

Gallardo's only two base Auto rookies have been solid sellers since last season. His 04 Donruss Elite EE Auto #'d 803 peaked at around $60 TAC last June, then fell to a low of $36 in December, and has since risen back up to the $50 range in recent. His 04 SP Prospects Auto #'d 400 has been a really tough find over the last 6 months. I saw one sell in December for $119.65 TAC, and another for $109.88 in September. Before that, this card was selling in the $165-185 range, during the '07 regular season.

Liriano & Gallardo have potential to be stars, both on the field and in the hobby. Now might be a good time to invest, while both of them deal with their temporary set-backs on the way to their 2nd seasons in the majors.