Article: Twins To Sign RH RP Matt Belisle

[Platoon]

Yeah, I like riding my bike. It's been a little tough the last couple years though because my kids are old enough to bike, but to young to bike far. It's kind of hard to tell my kids I'm going out to ride my bike without them.

I know how you feel. Whenever I told my wife I was going out without her I was never quite sure how she felt about it? Last week when I came back my clothes were scattered all over a snow bank. I think she was sending me a subliminal message.

[Platoon]

Watching The Wire, while reading TD, and about to play OOTP. But the gif. This post doesn't add to the board, but had to post that after the gif.

The Wire is one of the best series ever! Thanks for reminding me, I think that's one I could revisit.

[Vanimal46]

Watching The Wire, while reading TD, and about to play OOTP. But the gif. This post doesn't add to the board, but had to post that after the gif.

The Wire is my latest binge show! It wasn't on my radar while it was on live TV... Loving it so far through S1:E8!

[tarheeltwinsfan]

So he did well for the Cards and the Nationals the last 2 years. I wonder how the Twins' infield defense compares to the Cards and the Nationals' infield defenses, particularly on the left side?

[Richie the Rally Goat]

As someone basically the same age as Belisle, the way my body feels after some pickup basketball definitely makes me realize I'm approaching 40.

me too!

[Richie the Rally Goat]

And that is the reason I would not be too quick to throw Tonkin under a Greyhound! Molitor abused him at times last year. I had issues with Gardy, but at least his BP had a rough idea of what was expected.

I'm with you. Not sure what to think of Tonkin. Willing to give him a longer leash

[jimmer]

 

me too!

I never felt like I was getting old until right around the time turned 45.

[drjim]

I never felt like I was getting old until right around the time turned 45.

Something to look forward to!

[Riverbrian]

 

So he did well for the Cards and the Nationals the last 2 years. I wonder how the Twins' infield defense compares to the Cards and the Nationals' infield defenses, particularly on the left side?

 

I believe that Peralta and Carpenter are comparable to what most fear Sano and Polanco will be. 

 

 

 

 

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I never felt like I was getting old until right around the time turned 45.

If my joints start barking louder between now and 45, I'm in trouble

[Twinsbar107]

 

The Wire is one of the best series ever! Thanks for reminding me, I think that's one I could revisit.

It is worth re-watching, you pick up new things each time you watch.

[Twinsbar107]

 

The Wire is my latest binge show! It wasn't on my radar while it was on live TV... Loving it so far through S1:E8!

Yeah, it's pretty great. Sounds like you have a lot left to enjoy!

[HitInAPinch]

 

Also, in fairness, I'm sure there are posters on here in their mid-30s that wouldn't like being described as approaching 40. Hell, I'm 26, and if someone described me as a 30 year washout, I'd do this:
 

I'm 58.  If someone said I look like I was approaching 40, I'd be doing this: 

 

[HitInAPinch]

The signing of Belisle is part of Falvey's plan to slow down the promotions of MiLB relievers.  Promotions due to desperation.  And, as promised, Falvey signed Belisle a 1yr contract, only.  I like the thought process.

 

Michael Tonkin:  71.2  innings, 80 H's, 24 BB's, and 13 HR's.  Tonkin's 95 MPH fastball is flat, straight and very hit-able.  Really no loss in losing him.

[USAFChief]

I'm 58.  If someone said I look like I was approaching 40, I'd be doing this: 

 

I'm approaching 40.

 

In dog years.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

The signing of Belisle is part of Falvey's plan to slow down the promotions of MiLB relievers.  Promotions due to desperation.  And, as promised, Falvey signed Belisle a 1yr contract, only.  I like the thought process.

 

Michael Tonkin:  71.2  innings, 80 H's, 24 BB's, and 13 HR's.  Tonkin's 95 MPH fastball is flat, straight and very hit-able.  Really no loss in losing him.

 

Given he struck out 10 batters per 9 innings last season, I've got to think his problem isn't a flat fastball, otherwise, batters would just sit on that. He was pretty good in the minors, and I think you have to give him another shot yet this year. I'd dump a guy like Boshers long before I sent Tonkin packing.

 

Honestly, what we are really doing is waiting for Chargois, Melotakis, Burdi, Reed, and Hildenberger to force it. I'm hoping at least 2 of those guys really establish themselves this year with others forcing the issue, thus giving us the ability to trade off guys like Kintzler or Belisle as the deadline approaches.

 

[drjim]

 

Given he struck out 10 batters per 9 innings last season, I've got to think his problem isn't a flat fastball, otherwise, batters would just sit on that. He was pretty good in the minors, and I think you have to give him another shot yet this year. I'd dump a guy like Boshers long before I sent Tonkin packing.

 

Honestly, what we are really doing is waiting for Chargois, Melotakis, Burdi, Reed, and Hildenberger to force it. I'm hoping at least 2 of those guys really establish themselves this year with others forcing the issue, thus giving us the ability to trade off guys like Kintzler or Belisle as the deadline approaches.

 

I always thought his "problem" was arm slot. LHs beat him up pretty good, but he does a pretty solid job against RHs. If he was used correctly he would potentially be a weapon, especially with short benches.

[HitInAPinch]

 

Given he struck out 10 batters per 9 innings last season, I've got to think his problem isn't a flat fastball, otherwise, batters would just sit on that. He was pretty good in the minors, and I think you have to give him another shot yet this year. I'd dump a guy like Boshers long before I sent Tonkin packing.

 

Honestly, what we are really doing is waiting for Chargois, Melotakis, Burdi, Reed, and Hildenberger to force it. I'm hoping at least 2 of those guys really establish themselves this year with others forcing the issue, thus giving us the ability to trade off guys like Kintzler or Belisle as the deadline approaches.

 

 

The signing of Belisle is part of Falvey's plan to slow down the promotions of MiLB relievers.  Promotions due to desperation.  And, as promised, Falvey signed Belisle a 1yr contract, only.  I like the thought process.

 

Michael Tonkin:  71.2  innings, 80 H's, 24 BB's, and 13 HR's.  Tonkin's 95 MPH fastball is flat, straight and very hit-able.  Really no loss in losing him.

I, too, want to see the young relievers step up.  There's a decent amount of talent there.  And I believe both Tonkin and Boshers [along with Belisle] are just spot-holders until those young guys are ready.  I do believe that the Twins over used Tonkin, by a lot.  But stats don't lie. 

 

I'd be looking more towards maximizing innings for the Chargois', Melotakis's, Burdi's, Reed's, and Hildenberger's of the world before overusing Tonkin again. 

[Mike Sixel]

 

The signing of Belisle is part of Falvey's plan to slow down the promotions of MiLB relievers.  Promotions due to desperation.  And, as promised, Falvey signed Belisle a 1yr contract, only.  I like the thought process.

 

Michael Tonkin:  71.2  innings, 80 H's, 24 BB's, and 13 HR's.  Tonkin's 95 MPH fastball is flat, straight and very hit-able.  Really no loss in losing him.

 

who, exactly, have they promoted too quickly that is a RP? And why do stupid teams like the Cardinals keep promoting young pitchers to be RPs?

[HitInAPinch]

 

who, exactly, have they promoted too quickly that is a RP? And why do stupid teams like the Cardinals keep promoting young pitchers to be RPs?

You'll have to ask Falvey.

[Doomtints]

Tonkin wasn't overworked. He had a good April and the rest of the year was pointless (or worse).

 

He put up his best pitching numbers with 0 days off and worst numbers with 2-5 days off.  

 

The most telling split for Tonkin is that he pitched well against teams with a sub-.500 record and was terrible against teams with a .500 record or more. He is still young and will adjust if he deserves to be in the majors.  

Edited February 6, 2017 by Doomtints