Liz Latest Pirates Reclamation Project
BRADENTON (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)-The Pirates have had recent success turning around pitching careers, from Opening Day starter Francisco Liriano to Edinson Volquez to Vance Worley to – at least in the short term – John Holdzkum.
One of the latest projects is righthanded reliever Radhames Liz.
Liz resembles Steelers receiver Antonio Brown and at 6-2, 185 is built like an NFL player.
"He doesn't have a six-pack, it's more like an 18-pack," said catcher Tony Sanchez – but it's Liz' lively right arm that intrigues the Pirates.
Seven or eight years ago, Liz was considered one of the Orioles' top starting pitching prospects, but when he developed control problems, he was placed on waivers and was claimed by the Padres.
When that didn't work out, Liz pitched in Korea for three seasons before returning to North America and the Blue Jays, but bounced between Double and Triple-A.
Now the Pirates see the 31-year-old Liz as a relief pitcher and it's up to pitching coach Ray Searage to work his magic.
"I think I can handle long relief," says Liz who now realizes he doesn't have to throw 100 to be effective. "Sometimes when I throw too hard the ball moves, but not where I want it to."
If and when he comes to Pittsburgh maybe Liza – who doesn't follow the NFL - will be mistaken for Antonio Brown.
