The Bullpen without Perkins

[jorgenswest]

The Twins need to build a bullpen for next year and most of that building needs to come from outside the organization.

 

The Twins can not plan on Perkins making any contribution next year. With the loss of Perkins, they have to be careful not to commit to current relievers.

 

Jepsen - will be a free agent. Let him go.

Abad- under control through next year(age 31). Don't extend him.

Kintzler- under control through next year(age 32). Don't extend him. Consider not tendering.

 

The rest of the bullpen members are still early in their contracts with several years of team control. If they pitch well, there will be a spot.

 

Is there anyone on the current roster that they should plan on being reliable late in games next year? Do they need to fill those top 3 spots in the bullpen through trade and free agency?

[bluechipper]

I've really been impressed with Ryan Pressly, and I'm hoping he can become a 7th/8th inning guy. He's been effective throwing 98 and with a cutter and a good curveball.

 

Even Michael Tonkin has finally shown that he might be an option late in games. Probably not really a setup guy in the 8th, but can be trusted to hold a lead in the 6th/7th.

[Thrylos]

If Ryan is still the GM, he will plan to bring back Perkins as his closer for 2017.  He has done it for 2016, after miserable performances in the second half and during ST with a clear and measurable loss in velocity.  Why should he change in 2017?

 

Ryan the GM, the plan is Perkins will be the closer, and when he cannot, let's say April 10th, the Twins will figure some thing out.

 

We have seen this show.  2017 will be a re-run, if the same characters are around.

[jorgenswest]

Instead of predicting what Ryan will do, let's discuss what he should do to build the pen.

 

What spots in the 2017 should he write in now?

 

How should he use the rest of this season with the current staff? Who can they reasonably pursue in trade? Who can they reasonably pursue in free agency?

 

Bluechipper has Pressly and Tonkin somewhere in the pen. Anyone else?

[Everyday Eddy]

Hughes and Nolasco should be in the pen if they aren't traded.  

[DocBauer]

OK, let's concentrate on the SHOULD part.

 

IMO, I would bring back Abad for another year or two for a fair contract. If demands are high, then no. We have some quality LHRP options coming, but not ready yet. Rogers and Abad form our LH side.

 

Pressly and Tonkin are 2 of 4 RHRP. There is still a very strong case to be made for Chargois being up later this year and assuming a spot next year. That's 3 of 4.

 

I believe the Twins SHOULD sign one solid veteran RHRP, whether a closer or not, to solidify the pen. Whatever leads the team has in 2017 should be protected by a better bullpen. The team can afford one solid FA without throwing off any financial dymanic. The team should be moving on from at least a couple players, so the money is there. Further, said FA might be a flip candidate.

 

That's 6 spots filled. The 7th spot is open audition between all other RH and LH candidates, starter or otherwise, at AAA and AA.

[bluechipper]

 

OK, let's concentrate on the SHOULD part.

IMO, I would bring back Abad for another year or two for a fair contract. If demands are high, then no. We have some quality LHRP options coming, but not ready yet. Rogers and Abad form our LH side.

Pressly and Tonkin are 2 of 4 RHRP. There is still a very strong case to be made for Chargois being up later this year and assuming a spot next year. That's 3 of 4.

I believe the Twins SHOULD sign one solid veteran RHRP, whether a closer or not, to solidify the pen. Whatever leads the team has in 2017 should be protected by a better bullpen. The team can afford one solid FA without throwing off any financial dymanic. The team should be moving on from at least a couple players, so the money is there. Further, said FA might be a flip candidate.

That's 6 spots filled. The 7th spot is open audition between all other RH and LH candidates, starter or otherwise, at AAA and AA.

I'm pretty sure Abad has one more arbitration year left.

 

Also, Chargois and Nick Burdi should definitely open the 2017 season with the Twins. Taylor Rogers has looked pretty good so far too and should probably be a part of next year's bullpen.

[SirLoin]

I wouldn't be surprised if Abad is traded by the deadline.  

[markos]

Hughes was already mentioned, but he definitely needs to be considered for the bullpen next year.

 

Additionally, I would scour the waiver-wire and minor league free agents for 1 or 2 failed AA or AAA starters and see what they could do in the bullpen. 

[wsnydes]

 

I wouldn't be surprised if Abad is traded by the deadline.  

I'd like that very much actually.  Then again, I basically want everything that isn't nailed down to be traded.  Start working towards the future by trading veterans that can bring something back and free up space for the guys that are in the long term picture.

[Dr. Evil]

Not that it won't be already but this year will be a total waste if we don't give guys like Chargois more than an inning.

[DocBauer]

 

Hughes was already mentioned, but he definitely needs to be considered for the bullpen next year.

 

Additionally, I would scour the waiver-wire and minor league free agents for 1 or 2 failed AA or AAA starters and see what they could do in the bullpen. 

I'm not including Hughes in any of my 2017 plans simply because he's such a dark horse at this time. Could he be healthy and rebound fully to be a solid rotation candiate? Maybe. Could he be a healthy option for the bullpen? Maybe. But a rash of injuries and lack of velocity makes me wonder if we don't have another Perkins situation on our hands. So to me, I'm not penciling him anywhere at this time.

[gunnarthor]

I think they'll trade Abad.  Frankly, it's been a tough year for their relievers.  May has sucked but will be there next year.  Chargois should be penciled in but Burdi has been hurt.  Meyer's having another lost season but he'll probably be moved to teh pen.  I'd like to see Mason Melotakis at some point but there is no need to rush him.  I do like Pressley.  I also think Duffey would be pretty good in the pen if they give up on him starting.

[HitInAPinch]

Gut feeling:  nobody in the MiLB will be ready for the competition, so a few 30+ guys will be signed short term.  I'd audition as many of the prospects this year as I could.

 

Trevor May:  maybe there is a thing that throwing much harder as a reliever is causing him back problems.  Starter.  Why even take the risk?

 

As has been said, Pressly and Tonkin are looking better.  I don't know if Pressly's long delivery is conducive to closing.  Tonkin still needs to be more aggressive, like at the end of Spring Training this year when his job was in jeopardy.  

 

Taylor Rogers didn't look all that good last night, but showing some talent. 

Last time I saw Chargois and Nick Burdi was in Spring Training.  From that I would say:  A little less emphasis on how hard they can through the ball and more on throwing strikes.

 

I, too, would speculate the Abad will be traded to a contending team before the deadline.

 

Moving Hughes or any other starter to the bullpen:  No.  With multi-years on the contracts, I don't think I'd be willing to delay the inevitable.

[70charger]

 

Then again, I basically want everything that isn't nailed down to be traded.  

 

Oh Jesus, what a metaphor.

[jorgenswest]

Focusing on the should rather than trying to predict...

 

Should the Twins plan a spot for Hughes and Nolasco?

 

Should the Twins keep or trade Abad for his last year of team control?

 

My thoughts...

 

I would keep Abad. I don't think I can replace him in the winter at the same cost. I like the 1 year commitment the Twins will have with him next year. No extensions.

 

The problem with Hughes and Nolasco is they have Pressly, Tonkin, Burdi, Chargois and other younger harder throwing options. Add two lefties and a closer. The bullpen is full. If Nolasco and Hughes come to spring with their old velocity and command, they are starters. If they can't win a job in the starting rotation, I don't want to dump them in the bullpen.

[Taildragger8791]

 

Also, Chargois and Nick Burdi should definitely open the 2017 season with the Twins. Taylor Rogers has looked pretty good so far too and should probably be a part of next year's bullpen.

 

Not sure why Burdi is on your list. He hasn't proven any success above A+ ball and hasn't been able to stay healthy. The Twins shouldn't be counting on him for anything and should build a bullpen as if he isn't available. If he forces his way onto the roster then wonderful! We could use the surplus for a change.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

OK, let's concentrate on the SHOULD part.

 

IMO, I would bring back Abad for another year or two for a fair contract. If demands are high, then no. We have some quality LHRP options coming, but not ready yet. Rogers and Abad form our LH side.

 

Pressly and Tonkin are 2 of 4 RHRP. There is still a very strong case to be made for Chargois being up later this year and assuming a spot next year. That's 3 of 4.

 

I believe the Twins SHOULD sign one solid veteran RHRP, whether a closer or not, to solidify the pen. Whatever leads the team has in 2017 should be protected by a better bullpen. The team can afford one solid FA without throwing off any financial dymanic. The team should be moving on from at least a couple players, so the money is there. Further, said FA might be a flip candidate.

 

That's 6 spots filled. The 7th spot is open audition between all other RH and LH candidates, starter or otherwise, at AAA and AA.

not a lot of reliability there, and not much in the way of depth at AAA. Someone will get injured. I would go after two players from outside the org that would require a decent salary or trade chip. No issue with dumpster diving, but can't rely on it.

[DocBauer]

not a lot of reliability there, and not much in the way of depth at AAA. Someone will get injured. I would go after two players from outside the org that would require a decent salary or trade chip. No issue with dumpster diving, but can't rely on it.

You bring up an interesting and valid point in regard to depth.

 

But first, I'd like to address your comment concerning reliability. You are absolutely 100% correct that there is some concerns regarding the bullpen as I stated it. However, let me say that I'm looking for the best bullpen to be built while NOT going big in the trade or FA route. This team, due to a poor season and more and more youngsters now getting oportunities, and probably more yet before the season is done, is HOPEFULLY, FINALLY in some form of re-build and youth movement. Which is why advocate adding just 1 solid, quality FA for depth, reliability, leadership, etc, etc. Talent, milb production, potential, solid overall performance this season, I'm figuring Pressly and Tonkin, along with Rogers at this point. You keep Abad, which I would, still young 30's and a solid track record except for the one season. And Chargois SHOULD be OK, and is at the top of the chain amongst the next wave of RP prospects.

 

Again, that's 6 with 1 spot remaining to audition from everyone else available, LH and RH, for the 7th spot.

 

But in regard to depth, which is important to be sure, Rochester should be able to build a solid bullpen from O'Rourke possibly, Boshers, Melotakis,Corey Williams and Westphal from the left side, possibly with Strong and veteran Runzler, or a similar ST invite signing. From the right side, they should have Wimmers, Burdi, Reed, Hildenberger and possibly veteran Kinzler, or another similar ST invite signing. There's still a fair amount of youth there, but a ton of options and posibilities. And while your AAA club usually has a few "veteran" type players available, like the big league club, sooner or later you have to make room for the prospects there as well.

 

I think depth at Rochester would be OK.

[Otwins]

Duffey to the bullpen - I really think a two pitch pitcher has usually fared better in the bullpen. Move May back to the rotation. I hope they do not bring Nolasco back in capacity. They are stuck with Hughes because of the extension. I do not see where he can help. so I would add a starter and two relievers from free agency. Nobody long term.

 

Rotation - Santana, Gibson, May, two of Berrios, Dean, Milone or whoever emerges 

Bullpen - Pressly, Tonkin, Duffey, Taylor Rogers- long relief, Abad or replacement if traded - 

 

Need two more bullpen guys one right and one left handed - They cost about 6 million a year for anyone you would want. They won't do it.

 

We already suck for next year.

 

 

[jorgenswest]

They are not stuck with anyone due to their contract. Teams are allowed to release players. The Rockies did today. They must roster the 12 best pitchers regardless of contract.

 

This is about what they should do. If waiving Nolasco, Hughes, Perkins or Santana is what they should do, they need to do it.

[NoCal]

Duffy has had a nice run as a potential starter, but without a third pitch, his future may be in the bullpen. He did that in college, and I think that he could be an excellent reliever in the majors. But the main problem with the Twins bull pen is their starters - they simply do not go deep enough into the game and Molitor has to use 4 relievers every day just to finish a game. No bullpen can withstand that kind of grind and demand.