Can Liriano be fixed?

[StopitLeo]

I think we are all optimistic that Liriano can regain his form from the previous two seasons, perhaps fueled by partnering up with Russ Martin again. I was doing some reading about Liriano and came across an interesting article from fangraphs that looked at the possible reasons for his struggles this season. I haven't seen this on the board so hopefully it isn't a repost:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/a-status-update-on-the-francisco-liriano-experience/

[BigLeagueChew]

At first glance he's been using his fastball more this year than any year with the Pirates. 2016 - %51 2015- %%47 2014- %43 2013-%32 and at the same time his use of the changeup has decreased 2016 %18 2015- %21 2014- %25. Meanwhile the use of his slider has been fairly steady.

Sometimes a few more changeups here and there can make your fastball look much better.

[BigLeagueChew]

Liriano's first start, %57 fastballs, %29 sliders, %13 changeups. So my more changeup theory has been saved for a later start

Good first start though.

[CrookedJ]

How did his location look yesterday? Was he hitting his spots? Im at the cottage so just had the game on the radio.

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[BigLeagueChew]

How did his location look yesterday? Was he hitting his spots? Im at the cottage so just had the game on the radio.

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Generally yes and missing in good spots too. Here are some heat maps just for last night's start.

fastball:
http://www.fangraphs.com/zonegrid.aspx?playerid=3201&position=P&ss=2016-08-05&se=2016-08-05&type=0&hand=all&count=all&blur=1&grid=10&view=pit&pitch=FT&season=all

slider: http://www.fangraphs.com/zonegrid.aspx?playerid=3201&position=P&ss=2016-08-05&se=2016-08-05&type=0&hand=all&count=all&blur=1&grid=10&view=pit&pitch=SL&season=all

changeup: http://www.fangraphs.com/zonegrid.aspx?playerid=3201&position=P&ss=2016-08-05&se=2016-08-05&type=0&hand=all&count=all&blur=1&grid=10&view=pit&pitch=CH&season=all

[North_of_Border]

Liriano was reportedly willing to come out of the Bullpen if that's what works best for the team. He's a team player. Good character vet.

If he keeps pitching like last start, I wouldn't be surprised if he is our new swing man in the pen. An expensive one though... Feldman would be the 6th starter, since that's what the Jays invisioned in him when they dealt for him.

Thoughts?

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[The_Hater]

I think they should use Liriano out of the pen. We need another lefty down there and that might be the tonic he needs to get fixed. If a starter goes down they can always flip him back to the rotation.

[StopitLeo]

So his fastball control was again better last night than it had been with the Pirates. The problems he had were when he missed with his slider and change, leaving both right down the middle.