Trevor May...what would you do?

[FormerMinnasotan]

With arguably the worst rotation in the AL (and perhaps all of baseball), wouldn't be hard to find a person May could replace.

That's true if there are two spots available because with Berrios on an absolute tear in AAA ball will (and should) be the next man in the rotation. If another spot opens up May should have the opportunity to show if he can be "that guy" in the rotation. Again just my opinion.

[gunnarthor]

 

that's a fair question:

 

May

Berrios

Gibson

Nolasco

Duffey

 

Anyone I missed?

Did the Twins trade Santana in that equation?  

[FormerMinnasotan]

You listed 3 pitchers you want in the rotation instead of May and concluded that there wasn't room for him. One of which has a 5.59 ERA, which includes his 8 inning masterpiece.

 

The rotation consists of 5 pitchers.

Well, I see Berrios taking back Milone's spot IMO. I just don't see the Twins pulling Duffey from the rotation, trading Ervin Santana, Rickey Nolasco, or Kyle Gibson. That said IF another spot does open up in the rotation I believe May has earned the chance to take it. Sorry if I caused any confusion as to why I posted what I did.

[FormerMinnasotan]

At the very worst May should be in the rotation come September before the likes of Pat Dean, Jason Wheeler, or Logan Darnell gets a chance to start.

[Dr. Evil]

I think they have May and Meyer ass-backwards. May should already be in the rotation and Meyer should be learning to be in the pen. I just don't see Meyer ever maintaining his control over multiple innings. I could however see him focusing on 2 lights out pitches and dominating for an inning at a time. To me, that's a more reasonable goal for him. As for May, I like his 4 pitch mix and feel he could become a horse of a starter.

[Vanimal46]

I think they have May and Meyer ass-backwards. May should already be in the rotation and Meyer should be learning to be in the pen. I just don't see Meyer ever maintaining his control over multiple innings. I could however see him focusing on 2 lights out pitches and dominating for an inning at a time. To me, that's a more reasonable goal for him. As for May, I like his 4 pitch mix and feel he could become a horse of a starter.

Spot on. I agree 100%.

[Jham]

My sneaking suspicion is that May is an average to above average bull pen guy.  A good 7th - 8th inning type, but not a lights out closer.

 

I have real doubts about his ability to be a serviceable starter.  He's like a more wild version of Scott Baker.  Walks aren't the only issue, hittability is a big problem when he misses his spots.

That said, I would like to give May one more chance at starting.  I'm not committed to that position for all of 2016 and 17 like many posters seem to be.  For instance, I wouldn't feel comfortable trading Santana or not picking up Millone's option in order to bank on May's health and success.  And Santana and Millone aren't great.

I have never heard of anyone blaming going to the bullpen for an injury.   If May is blaming the short turn arounds, he either lacks durability, is lacking in preparation and recovery work, or has poor trainers.  Perk's labrum aside, there doesn't seem to be an issue with training.  I think it's pretty universally accepted that starting is more strenuous on the body and arm than pitching out of the pen, so I don't buy that excuse for poor performance.

[Kwak]

May in the rotation?   Hmm? What is this based on? May's putrid 2014 (and so far 2016)? An underwhelming stint in the rotation in 2015 followed by success in the pen? Oh, you say he is complaining of a bad back--now there's a vote of confidence! By the way, how many youngish starters in the Twins organization are ahead of him on the "prospect list for starting pitchers"? If the Twins actually think he is a prospect for the rotation for 2017 let him prove himself this summer (now through Labor Day plus any playoffs for the 'wings). If he indicates "success" then give him a couple of spot starts in September. If "not successful"--well...

[Mike Sixel]

 

Did the Twins trade Santana in that equation?  

 

Dangit, I knew I forgot someone! ummmm....thinking.....

 

May (assuming he looks good in a couple rochester starts)
Berrios (I'd have him up in another start or two, I'd guess they use the artifical date of the ASG)
Gibson (can't give up on him)
Nolasco (unless traded, which seems unlikely)
Duffey (move him to the bullpen)

Santana

 

I'd want to see what May can do. I get some don't agree, hence the question and request for a discussion. 

[nokomismod]

I agree with the sentiment of seeing what he can do as a starter. If Nolasco and next year Hughes need to be in the bullpen to add value, then so be it.

[Lonestar]

 

May in the rotation?   Hmm? What is this based on? May's putrid 2014 (and so far 2016)? An underwhelming stint in the rotation in 2015 followed by success in the pen? Oh, you say he is complaining of a bad back--now there's a vote of confidence! By the way, how many youngish starters in the Twins organization are ahead of him on the "prospect list for starting pitchers"? If the Twins actually think he is a prospect for the rotation for 2017 let him prove himself this summer (now through Labor Day plus any playoffs for the 'wings). If he indicates "success" then give him a couple of spot starts in September. If "not successful"--well...

I get most of this, except the attitude.

May is not blocking anyone. He is needed in the rotation.

Start by eliminating pitchers who are not young: Santana, Hughes, Nolasco, and Milone

I would keep Gibson, because we need 5 starters

So next April (in no particular order) we would have Gibson, Berrios, Duffey, and May. That's 4

No one's blocked.

Jay might join mid-season.

Gonsalves might replace whoever is hurt and/or ineffective. It could be May or any of the others.

 

[nicksaviking]

 

May in the rotation?   Hmm? What is this based on? May's putrid 2014 (and so far 2016)? An underwhelming stint in the rotation in 2015 followed by success in the pen? Oh, you say he is complaining of a bad back--now there's a vote of confidence! By the way, how many youngish starters in the Twins organization are ahead of him on the "prospect list for starting pitchers"? If the Twins actually think he is a prospect for the rotation for 2017 let him prove himself this summer (now through Labor Day plus any playoffs for the 'wings). If he indicates "success" then give him a couple of spot starts in September. If "not successful"--well...

 

May's numbers as a starter in 2015 were better than every pitcher who has started for the Twins in 2016.

 

Seriously, his ERA and WHIP were better than everyone who has toed the mound for the opening pitch this year and his K/9 was better than everyone but (SSS) Berrios and Meyer in 2016.

 

And he was improving before the demotion.

[Kwak]

 

May's numbers as a starter in 2015 were better than every pitcher who has started for the Twins in 2016.

 

Seriously, his ERA and WHIP were better than everyone who has toed the mound for the opening pitch this year and his K/9 was better than everyone but (SSS) Berrios and Meyer in 2016.

 

And he was improving before the demotion.

You "may" just as well quote Hughes' 2014 stats as Mays' 2015 stats--past tense! This year--sure they have all "underwhelmed", the comparison is pointless--because May stunk even worse for his (very) short stints! May needs to prove himself again--in Rochester. You named some names--and there are even more, and they have surpassed May on "the list". May needs to re-establish himself and out-pitch these other guys.

[TheLeviathan]

May didn't stink.  He was a young pitcher learning his craft and was improving.

 

The vast majority of players go through a learning transition to the big leagues, for god's sake let them breathe before you write them off.

[laloesch]

 

You "may" just as well quote Hughes' 2014 stats as Mays' 2015 stats--past tense! This year--sure they have all "underwhelmed", the comparison is pointless--because May stunk even worse for his (very) short stints! May needs to prove himself again--in Rochester. You named some names--and there are even more, and they have surpassed May on "the list". May needs to re-establish himself and out-pitch these other guys.

 

 

What do you mean "stunk even worse for his (very) short stints"?  Are you referring to his 2016 BP appearances? or his 2015 starts? 

[nicksaviking]

 

You "may" just as well quote Hughes' 2014 stats as Mays' 2015 stats--past tense! This year--sure they have all "underwhelmed", the comparison is pointless--because May stunk even worse for his (very) short stints! May needs to prove himself again--in Rochester. You named some names--and there are even more, and they have surpassed May on "the list". May needs to re-establish himself and out-pitch these other guys.

 

Out-pitch whom? The rotation is awful. May didn't deserve his demotion last year, it happened because he was young and the rotation was full.

 

He has better stuff than everyone in the current rotation, why make him prove himself in Rochester when he showed in 2015 that he was just fine as a starter?

[Kwak]

Just Fine?

 

SP numbers only for 2015.

 

14 GS   8 QS   74.1 IP (average length of start 5.1 IP)  39 R 38earned 4.6 ERA (starter)

 

May also had the good fortune of pitching the entire month of May when the Twins were playing "over there head".  Compare May's 2015 numbers to the rest of the staff, ahe only out-pitched Nolasco. True, he didn't stink in 2015 (I didn't say he did--that was 2014 and 2016) but hose stats don't scream jump May past the rest of the bunch!

[TheLeviathan]

What "bunch" are we missing out on?

[jimmer]

Best FIP in the rotation when he was demoted, best K/9IP when demoted,  2nd best BB/9 when demoted, 2nd best xFIP when demoted. Most WAR when demoted.  3rd most WAR as a starter for the whole season even though he only started 15 games.

 

All that while having a .344 BABIP against (.300 is average).  Meaning that was due to regress (we all got a taste of regression with Santana) which helps the other numbers.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Out-pitch whom? The rotation is awful. May didn't deserve his demotion last year, it happened because he was young and the rotation was full.

 

He has better stuff than everyone in the current rotation, why make him prove himself in Rochester when he showed in 2015 that he was just fine as a starter?

well, if he were to start, he'd need to get stretched out anyways. It wouldn't hurt to fine tune his approach in triple a before bringing him up. He should still be starting full time tine the bigs Aug 1 til the end of the season, and if he shows what I think he should, he would lock down a rotation spot for 17 as well

[DocBauer]

May's numbers as a starter in 2015 were better than every pitcher who has started for the Twins in 2016.

 

Seriously, his ERA and WHIP were better than everyone who has toed the mound for the opening pitch this year and his K/9 was better than everyone but (SSS) Berrios and Meyer in 2016.

 

And he was improving before the demotion.

This pretty well sums it up I think. And even with these numbers, he was showing improvement and flashes before being moved to the bullpen. As requested, not going to linger in the past, but I have to wonder how solid he'd be in the rotation this year, if Pelfrey had been moved to the pen instead, and he had been allowed to gain additional seasoning in the rotation.

 

You absolutely can't count on Hughes for next season. Santana may be traded. If that happens, the Twins may have to sign or trade for another veteran to fill the rotation as I'd still get rid of Nolasco any way possible.

 

In no particular order:

 

Santana or another veteran

Gibson

Duffey

Berrios

May

 

Wheeler is next in line at this point. Dean might still be a fill in option. And I know it sounds like a broken record...but...if Meyer can finish the season at Rochester in the rotation....

[Blake]

 

I REALLY don't want a bunch of bickering about what the Twins have done.....we all know that......

 

but, I'm curious...what would you do with May now?

 

Me?

 

I'd stretch him out in Rochester, and let him start the rest of the year in MN. This seems like a good year to see what they have. I would not pull him for any reason other than injury, and would let him play it out.

DFA. DFA 'em all and bring up the Triple A club.

[Rosterman]

May is wasted as a middle relief specialist. 

 

He either pitches long and starts every 4-5 days.

 

Or he closes, but has to be able to pitch back-to-back-to-back effectively in this most stressful situation.

 

I say run him out one more round as a starter. Not sure how long it will take to get him to 60-70 pitches, and then 90-100 pitches. Maybe after the All-Star game? But let him work thru it, please, at Rochester.

 

And let us hope Meyer comes back and gets some innings in this season at Rochester and can be put into a rotation come September. I would not be adverse, if the need is there, to have a six man rotation the final few weeks of the season, just we can can get a good luck at what we have going into 2017.

 

If we aren't winning games, we don't need a topflight closer. If we have an abundance of starters and May is the lessor one come next spring, then back to the bullpen. But by going into the rotation, he will be forced to have three strong pitches and maybe develop a fourth which, if he has the stamina, will make him a top flight closer if the situation would arise.

[stringer bell]

I think both Milone and Duffey are still on the edge, that is a bad performance or two and they're out. I'd love to see the Twins part company with at least one of the two veterans--Santana and Nolasco--and make room for May. Gibson, Berrios, May, and survivors of Duffey Milone, Santana and Nolasco.

[alarp33]

 

Just Fine?

 

SP numbers only for 2015.

 

14 GS   8 QS   74.1 IP (average length of start 5.1 IP)  39 R 38earned 4.6 ERA (starter)

 

 

15 GS, 80.1 IP, 39 ER, 4.37 ERA after his July 1 start when he was demoted, if we want to be exact.  

 

Also, 3.25 FIP. 71 K's, 18 BB and an unsustainable .341 BABIP

 

At the time, Pelfrey had a 4.14 FIP, 45 k's and 32 BB in 91 innings.  

 

But don't let me ruin your narrative. 

[twinsnorth49]

Just Fine?

 

SP numbers only for 2015.

 

14 GS 8 QS 74.1 IP (average length of start 5.1 IP) 39 R 38earned 4.6 ERA (starter)

 

May also had the good fortune of pitching the entire month of May when the Twins were playing "over there head". Compare May's 2015 numbers to the rest of the staff, ahe only out-pitched Nolasco. True, he didn't stink in 2015 (I didn't say he did--that was 2014 and 2016) but hose stats don't scream jump May past the rest of the bunch!

The Twins are so stacked with pitching Trevor May has to jump past a bunch of guys? When did this happen?

 

Fact is, May was pitching as well as pretty much all of the guys currently lighting it up for the team, before being deemed necessary for the pen because we were going to win the division and all of course.

 

He deserved his spot with the Twins after his 2014 season in Rochester, just like you're suggesting he do now. Was he really given a fair shake to succeed in 2015? It's not like they put him in the pen because he was failing as a starter.

[d-mac]

 

I think it is pretty clear by referendum that May should be allowed to leave the Bullopean Union. #Mexit

 

There is so much win in this post.

[d-mac]

 

My sneaking suspicion is that May is an average to above average bull pen guy.  A good 7th - 8th inning type, but not a lights out closer.

 

I have real doubts about his ability to be a serviceable starter.  He's like a more wild version of Scott Baker.  Walks aren't the only issue, hittability is a big problem when he misses his spots.

That said, I would like to give May one more chance at starting.  I'm not committed to that position for all of 2016 and 17 like many posters seem to be.  For instance, I wouldn't feel comfortable trading Santana or not picking up Millone's option in order to bank on May's health and success.  And Santana and Millone aren't great.

I have never heard of anyone blaming going to the bullpen for an injury.   If May is blaming the short turn arounds, he either lacks durability, is lacking in preparation and recovery work, or has poor trainers.  Perk's labrum aside, there doesn't seem to be an issue with training.  I think it's pretty universally accepted that starting is more strenuous on the body and arm than pitching out of the pen, so I don't buy that excuse for poor performance.

 

Bad Scott baker would be our best starter right now. Not to mention, he was really turning into a heck of pitcher before he got injured. His issue was that he was an extreme fly-ball pitcher. 

 

Between 2007-2011 he had an ERA- of 96, 80, 99, 108, 76 and an FIP- of 90, 90, 95, 96, 86. That's a high end #3, low end #2.

[jimmer]

 

The Twins are so stacked with pitching Trevor May has to jump past a bunch of guys? When did this happen?

 

We've had 9 guys start at least one game for us this year.

 

TWO of them sport an ERA under 5.00.

NONE of them sport an ERA under 4.60.

NONE of them have a FIP under 4.00.

 

Remember all the quality depth of MLB quality starters we supposedly had to start the season?  Yeah, about that: There should be a special place in hell reserved for this kind of rotation (the results/performances, not the pitchers themselves).

[laloesch]

I just wonder HOW MUCH LONGER we have to continue watching Ricky Nolasco lose start after start.  I mean it's like torture.  If the front office REALLY cares about winning they'd replace him with May (preferably) who has major league starting experience and has proven he can win games AND.........strike guys out with dominating stuff OR bite the bullet and embrace the loses while getting Berrios badly needed major league experience.  

 

I get that Ricky is still owed a lot of money, but at  what point do you just bench him and say that's it your done. He only has one year left on his deal and we all know the Twins are not resigning him.  To me this should be an easy easy easy decision. 

 

Just maddening to watch and another reason why TR needs to go.