Article: Twins 2018 Position Analysis: Relief Pitcher

[DocBauer]

I'm wondering if, at some point, Trevor May doesn't make an Aquilera-like transition to be the closer. He seemed to do well, mentally, in high-leverage situations out of the pen two years ago, and his fastball is plus, especially if he doesn't have to pace himself as a starter. I suppose if it gets to that point, though, something in the Falvine plan has gone very wrong.

You have a valid point here. I'd think his previous back concerns would make him a better closer, potentially, than trying to pitch a couple of innings. Still, there could be concern about back to back days.

 

I really think he has the stuff to be a solid rotation piece. His injury last season may have been the single biggest "bummer" on an otherwise very nice 2017 season. He looked really good in ST and seemed poised to be part of the rotation.

[Darius]

It'll be interesting to see who goes in a few weeks when they no longer cannot get by on the 4-man rotation. They'll certainly need that long man at some point.

 

I am so damn happy baseball is back again. It's going to be a fun year. The team hasn't had offensive, defensive, and pitching depth like this in decades. Even back when they were an above average team in a bad division in the 00s, they seemed to be a little more top heavy, carried by the likes of Santana, Liriano, Hunter, Mauer, and Morneau. This year, there's no bonifide superstar (yet), but there's no glaring weakness, and there are a few guys in the minors that could come up and fill in without a drastic drop-off.

[Darius]

I'm wondering if, at some point, Trevor May doesn't make an Aquilera-like transition to be the closer. He seemed to do well, mentally, in high-leverage situations out of the pen two years ago, and his fastball is plus, especially if he doesn't have to pace himself as a starter. I suppose if it gets to that point, though, something in the Falvine plan has gone very wrong.

He seemed to do well mentally? One of the first things that comes to mind for me when thinking about May is the tirades he would throw on the mound after giving something up, which was followed by an unraveling much more often than is preferred.

 

Sure, if the inning was clean he'd be happy as a clam. But, you could see the stress on his face with every additional baserunner. If, heaven forbid, a run crossed the plate he'd scream into his glove and stomp around like a child.

 

Hopefully he's worked some of that out as he's matured, but I recall it being rather embarrassing at times.

[Buddy Holly]

The weather and schedule is going to have a big influence on this relief staff. With snow storms and rain in the forecasted for the weekend and next week. The cold weather and rain delays will effect the length starts, putting more work on the relief staff. Who schedules this many games in Minnesota in April? The second thing that will effect this relief staff is Baltimore, New York, Houston, Seattle and Toronto on the schedule in first 30 games. These teams have a lot of big hitters that can mess up a relief staff. My bet is that several changes will be made in the first month. I don't think we are going to get a clear idea of this relief core until well into May. When a staff is built in 80 degree Fort Meyers in March and plays in 30 degree Minnesota to start the season. 

[jud6312]

Yeah, you're right. I've probably got nothing to worry about with Rodney. Definitely doesn't have issues with the long ball.

[Twins33]

Yeah, you're right. I've probably got nothing to worry about with Rodney. Definitely doesn't have issues with the long ball.

oddly enough, I don't expect him to give up many. He's only given up 62 in 800 some innings. Five-ish HR per 162 games seems low to me but I have nothing to back that up.

 

I worry more about the walking a hits/walks parade tightrope every appearance.

[jud6312]

 

oddly enough, I don't expect him to give up many. He's only given up 62 in 800 some innings. Five-ish HR per 162 games seems low to me but I have nothing to back that up.

I worry more about the walking a hits/walks parade tightrope every appearance.

 

I think we're all a little right to worry. Even before today. The end for most older pitchers doesn't come gradually.

[TheLeviathan]

Chargois had a nice day today.

 

*Ducks*