Bullpen

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I felt like bringing life back to this thread again after the past few games and some reflection.

 

There is NO QUESTION the Twins need to make some moves/additions here. And that is NOT in debate. Nor is it debatable that a few plans the FO had in mind, Romero, Mejia, haven't materialized as hoped.

 

What I find so damn frustrating and even confusing is SSS examples of what could be! Duffey is actually showing signs of MAYBE being what we hoped he'd be. Bang on Harper if you want, but the guy has been pretty surprising and consistent. Magill teases, but he throws some nasty stuff. Lately, Littell looks like a completely different pitcher who could make a difference with a change in his role. Poppen comes up, with nerves dancing, and shows real ability, flash and potential for 2 IP before "taking one for the team" in a 3rd IP. Stewart comes up today and pitches 4 nice innings.

 

This wonderful team, even a little disoriented at the moment, is a wonderful club and a potential serious contender. And the pen is still the Achilles heel. Moves have to be made, and almost assuredly will be made. But what is so frustrating is it seems we may have at least a few arms...not even including May looking better all the time...that just may be about ready to really contribute going forward.

 

I feel the pen is stuck between a rock and a hard place. They have done enough to assist to one of the best records in all of MLB. There are signs of potential help. But is there enough time in the next 2-4 weeks to find 1 or 2 guys who we could actually trust? Do we still have to bring in at least 2 "proven" arms? And if so, are we potentially building a really nice pen for 2020?

 

Just re-opening this thread for thoughts and opinions.

Twins need to find 2 “trustworthy” late innings relievers to complement Rogers.

 

2 of Morin, Magill, Parker and Stewart need to be improved upon. Can’t have 4 guys you don’t trust for 7/8/9.

 

Duffey and Littell are showing promise for late innings but aren’t there yet.

 

You still gotta go get two high leverage relievers. Probably should find a starter and move Perez to the pen too.

 

Parker and Morin are my first two candidates to be improved upon. Low WPA, especially crucial for Parker is getting those two axed. Third up is Magill, if you can get three moves done.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Reusse is not concerned:

 

"So-called pitching crisis with Twins bullpen greatly exaggerated"

 

http://www.startribune.com/so-called-pitching-crisis-with-twins-bullpen-greatly-exaggerated/511547552/

 

He goes beyond just the bullpen too: "Sorry to disappoint the Twins’ budget-blasters, but there is no pitching crisis here as long as reasonable health continues."

[Vanimal46]

Reusse is not concerned:

 

"So-called pitching crisis with Twins bullpen greatly exaggerated"

 

http://www.startribune.com/so-called-pitching-crisis-with-twins-bullpen-greatly-exaggerated/511547552/

 

He goes beyond just the bullpen too: "Sorry to disappoint the Twins’ budget-blasters, but there is no pitching crisis here as long as reasonable health continues."

Twins Budget Blasters... Lol. When did this become a thing?

[jorgenswest]

Without the bullpen stepping up this week it could be a six game losing streak.

[Riverbrian]

 

Reusse is not concerned:

 

"So-called pitching crisis with Twins bullpen greatly exaggerated"

 

http://www.startribune.com/so-called-pitching-crisis-with-twins-bullpen-greatly-exaggerated/511547552/

 

He goes beyond just the bullpen too: "Sorry to disappoint the Twins’ budget-blasters, but there is no pitching crisis here as long as reasonable health continues."

 

 

When has reasonable health ever continued? 

[Linus]

When has reasonable health ever continued?

There you have it. RB is on the hook for the inevitable injury!

[notoriousgod71]

 

Reusse is not concerned:

 

"So-called pitching crisis with Twins bullpen greatly exaggerated"

 

http://www.startribune.com/so-called-pitching-crisis-with-twins-bullpen-greatly-exaggerated/511547552/

 

He goes beyond just the bullpen too: "Sorry to disappoint the Twins’ budget-blasters, but there is no pitching crisis here as long as reasonable health continues."

 

 

What's not to like about this Twins team?

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

When has reasonable health ever continued? 

 

yeah, it's late June. They should be stocking up right now. They have luxury of thinking of playoff rosters and not 5th starters... go spend the capital and get them.

[Riverbrian]

 

yeah, it's late June. They should be stocking up right now. They have luxury of thinking of playoff rosters and not 5th starters... go spend the capital and get them.

 

The offense will ebb and flow but it is basically bulletproof at the moment. We can lose 3 or 4 players at a time and keep ticking. 

 

On the mound... We've done well but you don't have to look very hard to see how it can change quickly on you. Especially when you consider that the rotation has been eating more than it's share of innings. If we lose that, we gotta use the bullpen to replace those innings. 

 

More bullpen use will tell us if we have a bullpen or not. We are all suspicious that we don't. 

 

We need a starter first and foremost (For this year and next year). And then we need a couple of bullpen arms at least... and we need it because of the offense is ready for the support. 

[Thegrin]

Duffy looked good. Kohl Stewart was a surprise.  Rogers looks like a real deal fireman/closer.  We are not yet into July.  There will be lots of interesting games to come. 

[Vanimal46]

https://twitter.com/AaronGleeman/status/1142468906977615872?s=19

 

I'd like someone a little more, established, in that #2 spot.

[nicksaviking]

Reusse is not concerned:

 

"So-called pitching crisis with Twins bullpen greatly exaggerated"

 

http://www.startribune.com/so-called-pitching-crisis-with-twins-bullpen-greatly-exaggerated/511547552/

 

He goes beyond just the bullpen too: "Sorry to disappoint the Twins’ budget-blasters, but there is no pitching crisis here as long as reasonable health continues."

I agree the bullpen isn’t as bad as some make it out to be, but this level of condescension is pretty off putting.

 

But even if the bullpen is satisfactory, there’s never been a rule you can’t try to make the it exemplary.

[stringer bell]

Using Rogers for two innings might work because of Rogers' durability and physiology (Rocco seems to think he has special bounceback powers), but they need at least one, if not two, bullpen arms for late-inning high-leverage situations. Having another lefty is important (IMO), that's why I'd really like to see Will Smith. I don't think Parker can be trusted at all. 

[DocBauer]

The offense will ebb and flow but it is basically bulletproof at the moment. We can lose 3 or 4 players at a time and keep ticking.

 

On the mound... We've done well but you don't have to look very hard to see how it can change quickly on you. Especially when you consider that the rotation has been eating more than it's share of innings. If we lose that, we gotta use the bullpen to replace those innings.

 

More bullpen use will tell us if we have a bullpen or not. We are all suspicious that we don't.

 

We need a starter first and foremost (For this year and next year). And then we need a couple of bullpen arms at least... and we need it because of the offense is ready for the support.

Only my opinion, Gibson and Odorizzi will both re-sign. Great park, great offense backing them up, great pitching coach, large window of winning opportunity, and if the market doesn't suddenly inflate there should be $ available for both.

 

Perez can be brought back fairly cheaply, if I remember correctly. Not sure yet if that is good or bad.

 

Will state again I'm OK with another SP if he's a difference maker. A #1-2 type. Otherwise, I think I wait to address that next offseason.

 

Two quality BP arms are my focus right now. Technically 5 weeks until the trade window closes this year. Need those additions! But really hoping the early returns on Duffey and Littell are real. Talking some real depth if at least one of those guys can really earn his spot.