Dobnak Extension Brings Long-term Stability to Twins Rotation

[DocBauer]

I watched Dobnak's new slider a few days ago and was as blown away by it as the batters he faced. While I can't remember which OP they were posted in, I watched a couple hilights re-posted and was again just so impressed by what I saw.

 

What we have seen thus far in his short career...77 IP...is a guy who doesn't allow many free passes, doesn't allow big 3HR mistakes, battles, and induces a lot of ground balls. These are all positives that would seem to give him a legitimate floor option as a valuable long man who can piggyback and spot start with a ceiling as a solid 5th SP who might develop/grow enough to be a decent #4 with a little more experience.

 

Now, if he can maintain any sort of consistency with that new slider...and if you haven't seen it you need to...it could be very easy to see him as a legitimate #4 rotation piece with the potential to be a #3. Crazy? Not if look at what he's accomplished so far and how devastating the early returns of his new slider have been.

 

The first few years of his contact pretty much guarantee what he could receive through arbitration as a "good" pitcher. The option years should be a great value for the Twins if he's a quality #4 and nothing better.

 

Look, I am super pumped about the arms in the system. Over the next 2yrs, Duran, Balazovic, Canterino, Enlow, Sands, Winder and maybe Chalmers are going to reach the ML level to one degree or another. (Chalmers may still end up in the pen). And I am re-engaged in my optimism regarding Thorpe. I fully believe he is going to be valuable this season in a variety or roles and could be a legitimate contender for the 2022 rotation as well.

 

I am not predicting greatness for Dobnak, but I am pretty optimistic about a young SP with a new pitch that looks that damn good so far.