Berardino: Graham hoping less is more in '16

[Seth Stohs]

Mike Berardino caught up with Twins RP JR Graham. Graham lost 40 pounds in the offseason, falling from 210 to 170. According to the article he is now at 175 pounds and feels really good about it. 

 

 

“I feel great,” he said. “I hit triple digits at this weight (with the Braves).”

 

I have to say that seeing Graham at Twins Fest was shocking. Hopefully this is a good move for him and he is able to maintain the fastball he showed in 2014. If so he's got big potential yet. He hit 99 on multiple occasions last year. 

 

Then again, I remember hearing Ryan (I think) talking about how they asked Boof Bonser to loose weight one year and he did, lost a bunch, and he wasn't as good a pitcher. So, we'll see.

[h2oface]

I always have to laugh when folks think that one would perform better if they are in worse condition. It is even more comical if that person is thinking that about himself. Congrats to Graham. No need ever to carry a bunch of extra fat around if you can get rid of it.

[jorgenswest]

I hope the Twins give Graham an opportunity to start at AAA this year and begin planning for that in the spring. After being drafted in 2011, he made it to AA in 2012 and was successful. His injury in 2013 certainly derailed his career. It is possible that enough time has passed and he can find the form that made him a top prospect. He has an option. I hope the Twins will utilize that option to see if he can regain his form as a starter. Perhaps coming to camp in great shape is the first step in that process.