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After struggling as a starter and missing almost all of 2010, Glen Perkins came back in 2011 with a new role and, seemingly, a new arm. His added velocity from pitching out of the bullpen helped his slider become a wicked, plus pitch. Now he's one of only a few proven relievers coming out of the bullpen this year. His surprising performance last year brings up a good question:
Who could be the Glen Perkins of 2012?
Alex Burnett or Terry Doyle, but I really liked what I saw from Matt Maloney today.
Burnett's a nice choice. And I think Capps will do well in the closer role (not sure if he counts though).
I like the idea of 3 lefties in the bullpen. It also might be nice that all three are potentially able to be used as more than a loogy, even multiple innings. Obviously Maloney has not made the team yet, but a good first impression, I guess. I still think Burnett may begin the year in AAA, just to gain more experience in back of the bullpen roles and maybe to enhance his confidence. I hope Oliveras has a good spring, he might have the most potential as a set up/ 8th inning guy.
My vote is for Burnett but I said the same thing last year and he didn't produce. Maybe this is the year...
Both Maloney and Doyle fit Perkins' path, but I wonder if they can flip so quickly. It took Perky a little time to really get comfortable in that reliever role.
However, I truly hope we can look back 5 months from now and say that the turnaround surprise comes from Capps.
Gutierrez isn't following that same path, but I'd love to see him turn the corner. If so, he could be the breakout guy. Jared Burton is another promising name.
OOH! How about Jeff Manship? That's my pick. Based on nothing at all. I'm going with Manship.
I like Jared Burton. But I would really like it to be Carlos Gutierrez.
I really hope Glen Perkins can repeat what Glen Perkins did last year... his spring training thus far is looking very good.
For me, it's Anthony Swarzak. I know he can work his fastball up to 95 MPH out of the 'pen and I don't really see the need to send him down the same path as Duensing, where he flashed some back-end starter potential and was given a shot, only to have his deficiencies surface. Twins already have Marquis, Blackburn, Hendriks, Diamond, and Duensing to fill out the back-end of a rotation if needed, so let him fling it out of the 'pen for good and see if he can capitalize on it like Perkins did.
I'd also really like to see Gutierrez take a step forward, the Twins almost need him to develop into at least a good setup man.
Agreed, I'd go Swarzak.
I really liked what I saw of Maloney yesterday.
I like what I've seen from Maloney thus far (granted it's early), so it would be nice to see him step up. That being said, what about Duensing? I know one of our starters are bound to get hurt and then Duensing will be in the rotation, but it's possible he steps up like Perk did last year.
Maloney has a good chance. I'm thinking its going to be either Doyle or Burton.
For my money, it's Duensing. Now that he's shifted back into the reliever role, he will likely be situated in favorable match-ups against more left-handed hitters. He's got an outstanding slider that will play well.
isn't it funny that four days ago, no one thought Maloney should be on the 40 man roster much less in the Twins organization, and now a whole bunch of people are hoping that he will be the Twins 3rd lefty in the bullpen. It could happen, no doubt. But, it's funny how seeing a couple of good games from the guy has changed opinion.
I say that, and I will now choose Carlos Gutierrez. I really think he took Gardy's bashing last Thursday to heart and showed in his next outing (monday night) what he can do and what he can be when he just throws strikes and is aggressive. I really hope that something clicked and his immense potential will show through.
Note - I also like Manship and Waldrop and Burton and Wise... and believe in Burnett and Oliveros as well. Oh, and Slama and Bromberg shouldn't be forgotten either, even if they're not in camp.
The Twins are going to need more than one Perkins-like turnaround. I'm in the camp that believes Capps will be better and I've got high (if not altogether realistic) expectations for Duensing, Swarzak and, to a lesser degree, Gutierrez. In Gutierrez's case, it may not quite be an "expectation" as a "hope."