Notebook: Kenta Continues Dominating Spring

[Ted Schwerzler]

In what will likely be his second-to-last outing of the spring, Kenta Maeda again looked very sharp for the Twins. He did finally allow a run, however.Final: Braves 4, Twins 2

Box Score | Savant

Twins Takeaways

Standout Pitcher: Kenta Maeda (5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K)

Standout Hitter: Nelson Cruz (1-3, RBI)

 

Maeda Misses Bats

 

If there’s been a noteworthy arm this spring it’s been Kenta Maeda for the Twins. Their Opening Day arm, and Cy Young runner up in 2020, has looked nothing short of untouchable. He did finally cede a run tonight, a homer to Postseason hero Mike Brosseau, but he racked up six strikeouts in just 5 1/3 innings. Maeda was lifted after reaching the 75-pitch mark, having to work a bit extra as Rays hitters forced deeper counts. He’ll have one more tune-up prior to things counting against the Brewers in Milwaukee.

 

Waddell Waiting in Relief

 

 

The Twins spent a good deal of roster space this offseason targeting different relief arms. Some of them were waiver claims while some were acquired through trade. Brandon Waddell is among those, and Wes Johnson noted that Minnesota has some future plans for him. Sliders have been something that this organization has branded itself on in recent seasons, and it’s a pitch Waddell is clearly looking to utilize. Tonight, he worked two innings of relief allowing no hits and fanning five. On the 13 sliders that were swung at by Rays hitters, nine of them were whiffed on.

 

 

Saints Show Off the Goods

 

Many Minnesota Twins fans have expressed excitement over the new affiliation with the crosstown Saint Paul Saints. Among the ways to show that excitement is by donning a fresh new cap. Zephyr was the previous apparel provider when the Saints were a part of Independent Baseball. Now as a Minor League entity, Saint Paul has rebranded with New Era, the official cap of Major and Minor League Baseball. Fans have been clamoring for the new caps since the partnership was announced. Today we got a first look at the navy colorway. Not yet on sale but expect that to change soon.

 

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[Tom Froemming]

Kenta mixed in a new pitch today and had a laugh about it

[Dman]

I don't have much to say about Maeda can't really think of anything to criticize him about.  He has looked good all Spring.

 

So the only outing I saw Waddell was when he got lit up so thanks for tonight's video Tom!  I wanted to see what I was missing as he had 5 K's in two innings of work.  HIs slider really seems tough for hitters to lay off of.  He was dominant tonight.

 

After watching his debut this spring I was pretty much ready to write him off as needing more AAA work.  I was thinking at the time his stat line was similar to Smeltzer but watching him pitch Waddell looks like he has more deception.  I guess I don't know how hard he throws but if he keeps pitching like this The Twins might have stolen a very good pitcher and a lefty to boot.

 

Speaking of strike outs what is up with Luke Ferrell.  He is one of my sire of Fort Meyers guys and I haven't seen him in a while now.  Is he injured?  The race for Sire is tightening there are still several candidates that could pull it off.  Not much time left I wonder who it is going to be?

 

Man Rooker and Garlick are in a major battle to one up each other.  They are both having really nice springs.  It really hurts that they are not going to have AAA start right away as it could kill some of the momentum the guys that are not going to make the 26 man might have.

 

Here's hoping everyone stays healthy and is ready for the regular season..

[Tom Froemming]

 

 

Speaking of strike outs what is up with Luke Ferrell.  He is one of my sire of Fort Meyers guys and I haven't seen him in a while now.  Is he injured?  The race for Sire is tightening there are still several candidates that could pull it off.  Not much time left I wonder who it is going to be?

As far as I know Farrell is healthy. He hasn't pitched since Monday and tomorrow it'll have been a week since Ian Hamilton appeared in a game. With these starters stretching out there are fewer opportunities to go around. I'll be focusing on another right-handed reliever in my Sire of Fort Myers update later tomorrow morning

[Eephus]

45 strikeouts combined for Twins and opponents in the last 2 games.

[terrydactyls]

45 strikeouts combined for Twins and opponents in the last 2 games.

 

No wonder I fell asleep watching the game.

[jkcarew]

Isn’t it interesting that nobody seems concerned with Maeda adding a couple of ticks of VELO to his 90 MPH fastball? Weird.