Is Bailey Ober Sustainable?

[Rik19753]

When looking at these type of stats it's important to compare to the league average. It's to be expected that Ober is better against righties, as he is a right-handed pitcher. Likewise, every single SP is better the 1st time through. So to make an argument that Ober is not suited as a SP, you need to compare with the league-average stats to prove the point.

Also, we have to consider that Ober is still a young pitcher and far from a finished product. Even if he is bad against lefties now, he could add another pitch to his repertoire that is more effective. To suggest that a young pitcher is more suited as a RP when said pitcher is still getting the feel of the majors is premature IMO, especially when he has already proved he is competent. If we keep doing that we would not be left with any young SPs.

[saviking]

Sustainable??? Bullpen??? Moderate success???

Why does Ober get so much disrespect. He was our best pitcher in pre season if I'm remembering correctly. Yes, he got hurt last year but so did Mahle and Maeda. 

Maeda should be the one we are discussing going to the pen.

[wabene]

Knock on wood, the encouraging aspect of Ober's litany of injuries is that they haven't been arm or shoulder related. Hip, groin etc. If this guy stays healthy I see a really good starter who could keep improving. 

[Beast]

He’s been a good pitcher for a long time.  He just struggles to stay healthy.  I think that’s where the sustainability question comes in.

I was a huge proponent of piggy backing him with someone else when the consensus was “there’s no room” (which was always absurd).  Similar to the opener concept.  Let him go 4-5 innings in tandem with someone else.  Use him as a long reliever, but not a throwaway type role.  Put him into a 5-4 ball game in the fifth inning and let him bridge to Duran in the 9th.  Get creative.

The dumbest thing you can do is waste his limited innings in AAA.  That was idiotic from the beginning.  Never should’ve happened, especially when it’s for a guy like Maeda who hasn’t been healthy or good in 3 years.  Awful use of resources.

He’s a heck of a lot more sustainable than Varland, SWR, Maeda, even Mahle at this point….anything outside of Gray, Lopez, and Ryan

[JDubs]

Quote

Ober would likely struggle against heavy left-handed or switch-hitting teams (like the Guardians)

Probably should have waited a bit to post this article, because this did not hold up as an argument.

[JD-TWINS]

2 hours ago, hitterscount said:

He should have been in the rotation out of spring training, where he outpitched Maeda. 

18 IP, 16 K, 6W, 0.98 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, yeah he should stay... not that these stats are maintainable, but he has looked every bit the part when in the starting rotation the past two plus seasons. If he is going to get injured, it might as well be here.  

Exactly, can’t waste limited healthy innings at AAA. Should have been up since March 30. Maybe Maeda isn’t struggling as much with his health if we start with Ober? Anyway, we need him now & so far not only capable but dominant!……..if we can get 10 more good starts from him and we get a couple poor ones that’s great. That gets us to July & hopefully a choice between Mahle - Paddack - or somebody else from the farm……if Ober runs out of gas or good health. I hope he sticks!

[John Belinski]

Several tall pitchers have had very good records. Last night was a really well pitched game. He pitched 7 full innings and had 91 pitches with only 3 hits given up. It was one of the better pitched games this year and he was much better than the 2 pitchers we put on the IR list. Those 2 pitchers have not helped the Twins this year and I would be surprised if they come back as winning pitchers.

The only way to build a winning team is with young talent and it appears the Twins have some young players that will help them win either this year or next year. I was against signing Correa to a big long term contract since we have young players that may not be able to play since we have to play Correa due to his big contract. We now have a $200 million player batting .200 in the number 3 spot in lineup.

[wabene]

15 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Exactly, can’t waste limited healthy innings at AAA. Should have been up since March 30. Maybe Maeda isn’t struggling as much with his health if we start with Ober? Anyway, we need him now & so far not only capable but dominant!……..if we can get 10 more good starts from him and we get a couple poor ones that’s great. That gets us to July & hopefully a choice between Mahle - Paddack - or somebody else from the farm……if Ober runs out of gas or good health. I hope he sticks!

Paddack himself said he didn't expect to return this year. My guess would be if we see him at all it will be very late in the season or post-season and it will be in the pen. 

[FanOtwins]

Ober has a good head on his shoulders with a high baseball IQ. He’s proven he can handle the ups and downs (literally) and has outperformed expectations at every level. Have you seen his interviews? Team player giving credit to teammates, engaging and thoughtful.  He’s proven himself over and over again. He deserves what he’s earned and as fans, we benefit from his effort. GREAT job to Bailey for weathering adversity and doing what it takes to handle what comes your way with dignity and class. 

[roger]

Ober reminds me of a pitcher I recall was the number three starter for my Braves 65 or so years ago, Gene Conley.  Big tall kid who was a heck of a middle of the rotation starter.  Only difference I see is Bailey doesn’t play for the Boston Celtics in the off season.