Neal: Deduno firmly in mix for rotation spot

[3up3down]

There is no way possible anyone could like Hendriks over Deduno, if you watched tonight Deduno showed you exactly what Hendriks don't have...a out pitch... Every time he got behind in the count or in a jam he went to the slider...I still believe he should be in the pen because I just don't see his FB commnd improving...but I was impressed tonight...

[Linus]

He is one of those rare pitchers who actuallly have a better chance of throwing a strike with his breaking ball. I agree that he doesn't need AAA - the question is throwing it over, not if his stuff is good enough. I think Hendriks will make it but it is going to take a year or two of getting beat up a little. Due to his mediocre stuff, he has to be nearly perfect with his speeds and locations and that will take some time to fine tune to a big league level

[Brad Swanson]

I absolutely like Hendriks more than Deduno. 13 exhibition innings doesn't sway me enough to like a wild, 29-year-old with no track record over a 24-year-old with an impressive climb through the farm system. I'd much rather see what Hendriks does with a season's worth of starts.

[Riverbrian]

To me it's not a question of liking one over the other. I have high hopes for Hendriks but Deduno looks good to go right now.

 

No it wasn't an all star lineup but he was causing problems for guys who can hit. 4 batters total got good wood on him... 4 batters that's it... My favorite moment was his last out... Pena walks out to talk with him and you could see Deduno point to his own chest... Saying I got it and he finished with a K.

 

It wasn't a slider that was his only out pitch... Tonight it was that change up that breaks down and in on lefties. Against Team USA it was that back door spinner against the lefties.

 

Out pitch(s)... Make it plural.

 

Its a small sample size but there is no doubt that the Twins brass were watching. This ain't the same guy who was throwing last August. He was spotting some stuff.

 

I'm on board... Get him back to Fort Myers quickly... Cram footwork and mechanics at him and give him the ball when his turn comes up. I think we got something here.

[TNTwinsFan]

Deduno's Line for this WBC Championship Win: 5 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 5K, 76 Pitches thrown, 46 for strikes.....Any of our current starters have a similar line this spring? On an equivalent stage? Methinks he looks like our #1 Starter right now. Maybe he settles in as our #2 or #3 by the end of ST? Congrats to him, his fellow Dominican teammates and his countrymen! Great win for them!

[TNTwinsFan]

By the way, just to give some perspective into my ability to project winners: after tonight's first two NCAA Final Four Tournament games, I am......0-2......Luckily the rest of my bracket looks good as I had none of the winners/losers of these matchups making past the next round....Whatever, I'm a baseball fan through and through! March Madness bridges the gap to Opening Day!

[Physics Guy]

I know this is a Deduno thread, but we've been talking Hendriks also. Souhan had an interesting take (I know, I was surprised also) regarding Hendriks on 1500 last week with Reusse. His impression was that at AAA he commands the outside corner (actually just off it), causing guys to swing at pitches just outside the zone. He tries to do the same thing with major leaguers who have more patience and has no success. IMO, until he can command inside the zone at the MLB level he won't take that next step. I for one, certainly hope he does. Also, kudos to Deduno for picking up the W tonight.

[jokin]

Deduno's Line for this WBC Championship Win: 5 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 5K, 76 Pitches thrown, 46 for strikes.....Any of our current starters have a similar line this spring? On an equivalent stage? Methinks he looks like our #1 Starter right now. Maybe he settles in as our #2 or #3 by the end of ST? Congrats to him, his fellow Dominican teammates and his countrymen! Great win for them!

 

Dominican Winter League Stats for Deduno in 25.2IP and 5 starts:

 

0.35ERA/1.13WHIP/11.2K*9

 

The Twins now have a viable pitching candidate for inclusion onto the roster. I'm sure they're sweating out how/whether to clear a roster space for him and to decide whether or not to "risk" putting him in the starting rotation or making him a set-up man. Gardy and Ryan also must have been quite concerned about Deduno showing too much emotion out there, Butera will have to be his calming caddy.

 

I hope they realize they have the chance to build good-will in the Caribbean by maximizing his exposure with the big club while he's such a hot commodity.

[DaveW]

I hope they realize they have the chance to build good-will in the Caribbean by maximizing his exposure with the big club while he's such a hot commodity.

Dude what? Good Will? You know what builds good will in the Caribbean? Paying the most money for the top prospects.

 

I agree he should get his shot at the major league rotation off the bat (esp with Gibson not in the hunt) but come on....that is just silly.

[DaveW]

Deduno's Line for this WBC Championship Win: 5 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 5K, 76 Pitches thrown, 46 for strikes.....Any of our current starters have a similar line this spring? On an equivalent stage? Methinks he looks like our #1 Starter right now. Maybe he settles in as our #2 or #3 by the end of ST? Congrats to him, his fellow Dominican teammates and his countrymen! Great win for them!

 

Again not to take away from him, but he got a lot of borderline calls from what I saw and quite a few ugly/early spring swings as well. I think he deserves his shot, I am just not going to get all hot and bothered and call him a #1/#2/#3 until he shows some good games in the majors this year.

 

I mean keep in mind this was the same tournament that Punto had a .400+ BA and .900+ OPS in....

[DaveW]

There is no way possible anyone could like Hendriks over Deduno, ....I still believe he should be in the pen because I just don't see his FB commnd improving...

 

You more or less just contradicted yourself with those two statements, unless you think an erratic guy in the pen (as you call him yourself) is somehow more valuable then a guy who can stick in the rotation as a #4 or so.

[stringer bell]

I'll throw a little lukewarm water on the heat over Deduno. It's too early to judge much of anything, but his performance at the WBC was encouraging. Samuel will be 30 this season, so the time is now for him. Let's see what he does in his appearances with the Twins as soon as he returns. Players and teams will be serious from now 'til Opening Days.

[Mr. Brooks]

You more or less just contradicted yourself with those two statements, unless you think an erratic guy in the pen (as you call him yourself) is somehow more valuable then a guy who can stick in the rotation as a #4 or so.

 

I think the point is that if Deduno is too erratic to efficiently complete 6+ innings every 5 days, you really have no choice. Its not fair on the bullpen to keep running a guy out that cant get through 4 or 5 innings, even if he's pitching fairly well.

[jokin]

Dude what? Good Will? You know what builds good will in the Caribbean? Paying the most money for the top prospects.

 

I agree he should get his shot at the major league rotation off the bat (esp with Gibson not in the hunt) but come on....that is just silly.

 

Actually, it's not silly at all. I'm sure you know how marketing works. They have control of a guy who will be on the front page of every electronic medium in the Caribbean tomorrow morning. In the DR, they will directly be able to associate Deduno with the MN Twins, the team that gave him a chance to realize every DR kid's dream. It should help to open doors for good intel to the scouting staff and make Deduno a real-life at-large ambassador to the concept of playing in MN. Moving Sano right up the line won't hurt, either. Obviously, we agree that they have to be willing to pony up for the right guys, this just helps get in front of them earlier in the process.

[DaveW]

Actually, it's not silly at all. I'm sure you know how marketing works. They have control of a guy who will be on the front page of every electronic medium in the Caribbean tomorrow morning. In the DR, they will directly be able to associate Deduno with the MN Twins, the team that gave him a chance to realize every DR kid's dream. It should help to open doors for good intel to the scouting staff and make Deduno a real-life at-large ambassador to the concept of playing in MN. Moving Sano right up the line won't hurt, either. Obviously, we agree that they have to be willing to pony up for the right guys, this just helps get in front of them earlier in the process.

That is a pretty large stretch, national hero or not for the moment that doesn't mean he is suddenly the "star" of the entire Dominican Republic a country which currently makes up 10% of the MLB rosters and 20% of the minor league rosters. Sure, if he continues to kick ass and it continues at the major league level that is accurate, but if he struggles and bounces between AAA and the majors as a #5/#6 type guy (not saying he will do that but it is likely) then are they really going to see him as the sports ambassador to them? Especially when there are about 60 other players in the majors from the DR who are prob better than him and another 300+ on their ways?

 

I mean Mike Eruzione was a great story for this country and even a "hero" in a "tournament" but did he really do much for the NHL in general?

[jokin]

I'll throw a little lukewarm water on the heat over Deduno. It's too early to judge much of anything, but his performance at the WBC was encouraging. Samuel will be 30 this season, so the time is now for him. Let's see what he does in his appearances with the Twins as soon as he returns. Players and teams will be serious from now 'til Opening Days.

 

The tepid water-throwing is well-placed. The main appeal to watching Deduno perform is the Perils of Pauline act, a guy with electric stuff and the FB command of a knuckleballer.

[DaveW]

I think the point is that if Deduno is too erratic to efficiently complete 6+ innings every 5 days, you really have no choice. Its not fair on the bullpen to keep running a guy out that cant get through 4 or 5 innings, even if he's pitching fairly well.

I agree with you on that, I am just saying how does that make anyone "more into Hendriks" wrong? I mean at this point like I mentioned before I would be thrilled if DeDuno could be a back end guy for us for a couple seasons (by no means ideal) and if he becomes a solid bullpen guy that is ok as well. But Hendriks has the potential and track record that shows he could be a mid rotation guy for a very long time, I don't see why everyone soured over him so much due to a poor start in the majors at age 23.

[Mr. Brooks]

That is a pretty large stretch, national hero or not for the moment that doesn't mean he is suddenly the "star" of the entire Dominican Republic a country which currently makes up 10% of the MLB rosters and 20% of the minor league rosters. Sure, if he continues to kick ass and it continues at the major league level that is accurate, but if he struggles and bounces between AAA and the majors as a #5/#6 type guy (not saying he will do that but it is likely) then are they really going to see him as the sports ambassador to them? Especially when there are about 60 other players in the majors from the DR who are prob better than him and another 300+ on their ways?

 

I mean Mike Eruzione was a great story for this country and even a "hero" in a "tournament" but did he really do much for the NHL in general?

 

Exactly. This guy is from the DR, there are tons of better baseball players for those youngsters to look up to, other than Sam Deduno. Its not like he's from Belguim or France, or somewhere where he is THE guy who has made it to the MLB.

[TNTwinsFan]

Again not to take away from him, but he got a lot of borderline calls from what I saw and quite a few ugly/early spring swings as well. I think he deserves his shot, I am just not going to get all hot and bothered and call him a #1/#2/#3 until he shows some good games in the majors this year.

 

I mean keep in mind this was the same tournament that Punto had a .400+ BA and .900+ OPS in....

 

Dave (and others), I only express optimism driven by almost 6 months of a lack of MLB. That, and the fact that as a red-blooded-'Merican I am compelled and almost feel it my duty to root for the underdog at every possible opportunity. Is Deduno a late bloomer with a #3 ceiling? Is a set up man in the 'pen? Does he completely blow up in the next 2 weeks and we all then reminisce about his amazing performance in the 2013 WBC while continue to debate whether or not he can tighten up his pitches around the strike zone and have someone somewhere work some magic with his "crazy fastball"? I don't want to crown him as the Ace of our staff yet. I just had a brief moment where I think pixie dust was sprinkled into mine eyes and I began flying towards some strange, beautiful star in the night sky...And when I arrived on that star, it wasn't a star at all! It was March in Florida, except EVERY DAY was March in Florida! And all the Twins Starting Pitchers were making each and every batter they faced take a few ugly/early Florida Spring swings! And it was MAGICAL!

[Mr. Brooks]

I agree with you on that, I am just saying how does that make anyone "more into Hendriks" wrong? I mean at this point like I mentioned before I would be thrilled if DeDuno could be a back end guy for us for a couple seasons (by no means ideal) and if he becomes a solid bullpen guy that is ok as well. But Hendriks has the potential and track record that shows he could be a mid rotation guy for a very long time, I don't see why everyone soured over him so much due to a poor start in the majors at age 23.

 

No I didnt mean to address the Hendriks v. Deduno aspect of it. I misread his original statement, I didnt realize that was what he was getting at.

I like Hendriks over Deduno. I dont view Deduno as a legit long term starter (sorry, I dont!! I know everyone loves him right now!), and I think Hendriks could be.

That said, give Deduno his shot, its not like we are loaded with better options right now, but give both of them a spot.

[TNTwinsFan]

Dave (and others), I only express optimism driven by almost 6 months of a lack of MLB. That, and the fact that as a red-blooded-'Merican I am compelled and almost feel it my duty to root for the underdog at every possible opportunity. Is Deduno a late bloomer with a #3 ceiling? Is a set up man in the 'pen? Does he completely blow up in the next 2 weeks and we all then reminisce about his amazing performance in the 2013 WBC while continue to debate whether or not he can tighten up his pitches around the strike zone and have someone somewhere work some magic with his "crazy fastball"? I don't want to crown him as the Ace of our staff yet. I just had a brief moment where I think pixie dust was sprinkled into mine eyes and I began flying towards some strange, beautiful star in the night sky...And when I arrived on that star, it wasn't a star at all! It was March in Florida, except EVERY DAY was March in Florida! And all the Twins Starting Pitchers were making each and every batter they faced take a few ugly/early Florida Spring swings! And it was MAGICAL!

 

Sorry everyone....that little episode was the product of a Disney World hangover....Please, everyone continue.

[kab21]

I'm also lukewarm on Deduno but unless Hendriks shows something Deduno should be ahead of him. Unfortunately with Diamond needing extra time Deduno is only the #4 and the Twins still need 1 more starter although that guy can get skipped once or twice in the first month.

 

Even worse is that Correia is the guy ahead of deduno...

 

If Pelfrey also needs more time then it's really scary.

[Badsmerf]

This whole thread makes me want to slam my head against a wall. Deduno is 28 and has been in professional baseball for 8 years!​ Sure, he looked alright against guys flailing away and getting him out of trouble for a few starts. This is nonsense that he suddenly found "it" and will turn his career around. Reasonable expectations. Maybe he did find a little control, lets see him do it for a little while longer before handing him a starting job. If he was taking the place of Correia I would have no problem with it lol...

[jokin]

That is a pretty large stretch, national hero or not for the moment that doesn't mean he is suddenly the "star" of the entire Dominican Republic a country which currently makes up 10% of the MLB rosters and 20% of the minor league rosters. Sure, if he continues to kick ass and it continues at the major league level that is accurate, but if he struggles and bounces between AAA and the majors as a #5/#6 type guy (not saying he will do that but it is likely) then are they really going to see him as the sports ambassador to them? Especially when there are about 60 other players in the majors from the DR who are prob better than him and another 300+ on their ways?

 

I mean Mike Eruzione was a great story for this country and even a "hero" in a "tournament" but did he really do much for the NHL in general?

 

I didn't characterize him as the star of the DR. My thought was to capitalize now, in the moment, put him on the roster now, while he's a hot commodity. You do realize that the comparison to Eruzione is entirely incongruent, right? A microscopically tiny, baseball-centric country that wins the biggest event on the international stage is not the same as a mega-country winning it all in a niche sport. Deduno doesn't have to do another thing the rest of his life and he's still going to be legendary in his country for what was accomplished in the last couple of weeks.

[DaveW]

A microscopically tiny, baseball-centric country that wins the biggest event on the international stage is not the same as a mega-country winning it all in a niche sport.

Yes, clearly the Miracle on Ice was not a big moment for this "mega-country" what could I possibly be thinking....

 

Never-mind the fact the Americans were HUGE underdogs in the game against the Ruskies and the Dominicans were the favorite to win this tournament from the jump.... I should know I just made some money off em

[DaveW]

I'm also lukewarm on Deduno but unless Hendriks shows something Deduno should be ahead of him. Unfortunately with Diamond needing extra time Deduno is only the #4 and the Twins still need 1 more starter although that guy can get skipped once or twice in the first month.

 

Even worse is that Correia is the guy ahead of deduno...

 

If Pelfrey also needs more time then it's really scary.

I'm not saying DeDuno shouldn't be ahead of him for a spot this season out of spring training, but in general I am more "excited" about Hendriks potential for this team moving forward then DeDuno.

[stringer bell]

This whole thread makes me want to slam my head against a wall. Deduno is 28 and has been in professional baseball for 8 years!​ Sure, he looked alright against guys flailing away and getting him out of trouble for a few starts. This is nonsense that he suddenly found "it" and will turn his career around. Reasonable expectations. Maybe he did find a little control, lets see him do it for a little while longer before handing him a starting job. If he was taking the place of Correia I would have no problem with it lol...

Born in July of '83, so he'll be 30 this year.

[jokin]

I agree with you on that, I am just saying how does that make anyone "more into Hendriks" wrong? I mean at this point like I mentioned before I would be thrilled if DeDuno could be a back end guy for us for a couple seasons (by no means ideal) and if he becomes a solid bullpen guy that is ok as well. But Hendriks has the potential and track record that shows he could be a mid rotation guy for a very long time, I don't see why everyone soured over him so much due to a poor start in the majors at age 23.

 

Evidently, everyone lives in the moment. Guys without incredible stuff usually struggle, some for quite some time, before they settle in. Even Greg Maddux was horrible in his first 2 years in the majors. The panic button that some posters are placing on Hendriks' performance thus far is not well-thought out, especially for a guy coming in from another culture.

 

If the Twins get 2 years of back-end 1-2 WAR starting pitcher performance from Deduno, they should be giddy ( by comparison, Dan Haren had a 1.8 WAR in 2012, finishing 25th among AL pitchers).

[jokin]

Yes, clearly the Miracle on Ice was not a big moment for this "mega-country" what could I possibly be thinking....

 

Never-mind the fact the Americans were HUGE underdogs in the game against the Ruskies and the Dominicans were the favorite to win this tournament from the jump.... I should know I just made some money off em

 

Now you're arguing just to be arguing. The DR was eliminated in 2009 by the Netherlands in the opening round- the whole country was primed to make amends for that blunder. How did your bet go that year?

 

I'm sure you're aware that the US had won the Gold Medal in hockey before 1980. You probably also knew that our country (yes, it is a mega-country, 315.5 Million, 3rd largest in the world) has won a boatload of medals- in every significant sport- at every international event. The DR, population 10 Million? Not so much.

[Lesser Dali]

In my opinion the WBC is legit. It brings out some cool energy you do not often get to see during the MLB regular season. The Dominican Republic played with an uber amount of guts and glory and Deduno was definitely one of forefront participants.

 

I have to believe that Deduno is the leader in the mix for one of the last starting rotation spots. If he is not, that just means that the Twin's Organization was not watching.

 

A great hope of mine is that Deduno takes a good amount of his swagger from playing with the DR and brings it to the Twin's clubhouse.

 

Maybe the WBC is the infusion of good juju Deduno needs to spin his career upwards.

 

Fingers crossed