Martin Perez: Stick a Fork in Him!

[Vanimal46]

He's done. Barely #5 starter material since June 1. I'm not sure I want him in the bullpen either if the cutter isn't working.

[jz7233]

 

He's done. Barely #5 starter material since June 1. I'm not sure I want him in the bullpen either if the cutter isn't working.

Send him to IL.

[Mike Sixel]

I'd cut him. But we all know that isn't happening.

[ashbury]

I'd cut him. But we all know that isn't happening.

They cut Addison Reed. So they've shown a willingness to ignore sunk costs, if that is what you are getting at.

 

If they are pretty certain they aren't going to pick up the 2020 option year, it becomes a question of whether he's blocking someone on the 25-man or on the 40-, and as soon as the answer becomes yes, I think he could be let go. But, for the very short term, I expect they will try to see whether he can contribute in the pen - a reliever who comes out and gives up runs in the first inning of work like today won't be of use, so max effort, or begone.

 

A secondary issue, which none of us can guess until an overt move is made, would be whether he becomes a distraction in the clubhouse, in a role he didn't want.

[Riverbrian]

I'd start with a reduction in innings pitched. 

 

Meaning, put him in the bullpen and let's see if he can hang some zeroes in shorter stints. 

 

If he can't... Yeah... He will have to be released. 

 

We still have bullpen questions marks. So, I'd like to see this tried. 

 

However, there should be no question about Smeltzer replacing him in the rotation.

 

I would have made that switch immediately after the trade deadline passed. 2 Perez starts later... I think it really can't be argued anymore. We gotta see if Smeltzer can be better. 

[nicksaviking]

He's done. Barely #5 starter material since June 1. I'm not sure I want him in the bullpen either if the cutter isn't working.

I think the cutter is working but he doesn’t throw it very hard, only 88mph. It’s barely distinguishable from his change up and two seemer. His three main pitches, sinker, cutter, change, have become virtually identical in their vertical movement the last three months and there’s not much velocity difference:

 

I’d like to move him to the pen, have him increase the four seamer or curve usage and drop the change or two seamer.

[Mike Sixel]

It's not like he was good in relief last year either, but sure, try it and see if it works. I have doubts.

[nicksaviking]

It's not like he was good in relief last year either, but sure, try it and see if it works. I have doubts.

I have plenty of doubts but he’s got a 13% whiff percentage on the new found cutter. That’s pretty good, I just think it’s too much like his other offerings. I’d think if the Twins don’t find the best compliment of pitches for him, his next pitching coach might.

 

But yeah, if the team isn’t going to tinker, I don’t want this version of him.

[Dman]

Yeah I think Thorpe or Smeltzer can't be much worse than Perez and they are younger with a chance for growth and greater upside.  He hasn't looked very good for Quite a while now.  The FO said they needed to trust the guys they have to get the job done so prove it and see if the young guys can step up.  Perez has had his chance and he doesn't appear to be getting any better.