It's Time to Stop Messing Around in the Bullpen

[Cody Pirkl]

The Twins didn’t add to the bullpen in the offseason and barely did so at the deadline. Left with only in-house options at this point, it’s time for them to start pressing some buttons and making adjustments to try to make up for it.

Image courtesy of Jonathan Dyer, USA TODAY Sports

The Twins seem to find themselves backing into comfort zones when it comes to roster decisions on occasion. Sometimes it’s because of veteran status or it’s a player they personally like. Sometimes they’re just being overly protective of depth. Whatever the reason is currently, it simply isn’t justifiable to continue with how they’ve managed the bottom half of the bullpen.

The middle of the Twins bullpen has picked up a lot of slack recently between Emilio Pagán and Caleb Thielbar. Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran have been struggling, which is bound to happen to even the best relievers in baseball. It’s also expected that the bottom part of a bullpen shouldn’t exactly be rock solid. After all, that’s why they’re at the bottom. The way the Twins are using the low-leverage parts of their bullpen simply makes no sense as we approach September.

The team has been adamant in regards to keeping a long reliever on the roster. So much so, in fact, that coming out of spring training, it cost them several high-leverage relievers such as Danny Coulombe (2.77 ERA in 39 IP) and Jeff Hoffman (2.86 ERA in 34 2/3 IP) who both looked great in the spring. If having a long reliever really is that important to them, that’s fine. Minor league relievers being cut loose and going on to success can be overlooked. The Twins are taking it to another level though, and completely wasting opportunities and at least one roster spot.

By currently rostering Cole Sands and Josh Winder, the Twins are playing with a hand tied behind their back when it comes to the bullpen, and it’s completely self-inflicted.

Let’s start with Cole Sands. He’s actually been electric in St. Paul with a 1.64 ERA and near 40% K rate. In his time bouncing up and down with the Twins, he’s barely pitched. In fact, despite being completely healthy, he’s made three appearances, all with the Saints, since July 20th. He’s thrown only 4 1/3 innings in just under a month. 

In Wednesday’s game when the Twins were down four runs, they needed an inning filled. Instead of going to Sands who hadn’t pitched in over a week and actually has promising numbers in St. Paul, they went to supposed long reliever Josh Winder, who allowed a run that put Detroit over the edge to eventually win 8-7. Sands’ lack of usage is puzzling. If they aren’t going to let him pitch, why is he here? The easier question to ask has more to do with Josh Winder.

At this point, it’s becoming time to wonder why Winder is an option in the MLB bullpen at all. He had an ERA over 6.00 in Triple-A and an ERA over 5.00 in the big leagues. In 11 appearances with the Twins this season, he’s only held the opposing team scoreless three times. There’s a difference between rostering a long reliever/mop-up man and continuing to give opportunities to pitchers who should be working on things in the minors. Winder is a former top prospect who still has hopes of recapturing the pedigree. He should be focusing on making adjustments against lower competition.

Whatever the reason behind the Twins continuing to give Winder these chances, it's time to try something else. Perhaps they see something in him long-term, but there’s zero reason to let him try to find it in the big leagues at this point. At the very least, when a one-inning opportunity comes up, they should be giving it to Sands who has at least been able to get minor-league hitters out this year. Another usable middle-reliever developing would be a big boost down the stretch, and that’s not going to happen by giving opportunities to arms who are struggling so mightily.

At this point, the Twins should be looking for upside in the lowest leverage rungs of the bullpen ladder. At the very least they shouldn’t be allocating those spots to players they’re never going to let pitch. A recent hot stretch by Ronny Henriquez should make him an option to get some runway in the majors. It shouldn’t be a problem to add Kody Funderburk to the 40-man, who has dominated Triple-A all season since his promotion just two weeks into the season.

The Twins seem intent on making things as difficult as possible when it comes to the bullpen. It almost seems like they’re trying to show the world just how unimportant the bullpen is. It’s time they try to make improvements for the first time all year and give some different names an opportunity. What they’re doing right now isn’t helping anybody.

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[Karbo]

You hit it right on the nose. Winder has real potential, but he needs to find his ceiling at AAA. There are other relievers in St. Paul and probably even in Wichita that should get a look at in the show. The only guys that are trusted with a late inning role are Pagan, Thielbar, Jax, and Duran. By my count that leaves 4 other spots that just don't get used much. When using at least 3 relievers per game, somebody gets over used. OK, so the FO seems to have dropped the ball at the deadline, don't compound the problem by standing pat with what they know.

[mikelink45]

I can only add that you are very accurate and if they are hesitating because there might be a question who to drop from the 40 man it is really short sighted.  We need to prepare for the post season. 

[Fatbat]

MLB literally sets it up so we could shuffle AAA into the lineup at any time for anyone on the 40man and has options. The use and mgmnt of our bullpen has been borderline criminal. 

[stringer bell]

I pointed out on another thread that Sands has faced ZERO batters in high leverage situations. I don't know the exact number of days he has been on the active roster, but this is astonishing. Winder has faced five batters in medium leverage (none in high leverage) and a third "long reliever",  Bret Headrick, has faced two batters in high leverage and eight in medium leverage. The Twins' starters have given the front office a gift in minimizing the workload for the bullpen and the front office has squandered that gift. 

[Boswell]

“Messing Around” = Lollygagging… the hallmark of our 2023 Twins.  
 

Coasting to a title at 83-79.  Wonderful. 

[Dave Lemke]

Other than the possibility of moving Alcala to 60 day IL what other possible openings do you make on the 40 man roster. Letting Gallo go is a possibility I guess, but FO doesn't seem inclined to do that. Who else gets exposed to waivers?

 

[stringer bell]

16 minutes ago, Dave Lemke said:

Other than the possibility of moving Alcala to 60 day IL what other possible openings do you make on the 40 man roster. Letting Gallo go is a possibility I guess, but FO doesn't seem inclined to do that. Who else gets exposed to waivers?

 

Depending on Ryan’s recovery and Keuchel’s next outing, Dallas Keuchel would be a prime candidate for DFA. If Austin Martin is clearly restored as a prospect, I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a DFA for Gilberto Celestino. 

[Dave Lemke]

It is sometimes frustrating to listen to the calls for players who can help from the minors. Lately that has been Funderburk, Lee, Martin, Stevenson, Williams, Camargo and Prato aming others. Each of these players could maybe help. But eveyone of them is not on the 40 man. Hence someone needs to be removed from the 40 man to make room. Some people just don't seem to get that! Also the calls to trade Buxton even though he has a no trade clause, but that is a different gripe!

 

 

 

 

[DocBauer]

Winder has potential still. Too soon to just give up on him. But he's nit throwing well at all. Why isn't he in St Paul working on his stuff?

Sands has a great breaking ball and OK velocity that should uptick some as a reliever. He's been mediocre with the Twins, in SSS, but good at AAA. But HE'S the one sitting on the bench NOT pitching while Winder is used? Makes ZERO sense!

With a really good starting staff the Twins have seldom needed a long man this year, unlike last year. And they have the ability to bring someone up at any time if a bad day happens and they have to overuse an arm. So they are literally wasting a roster spot. 

And all the while, Funderburk isn't getting an opportunity when he's doing a great job for the Saints and might give us another usable LH pen arm. 

NONE of this makes any sense to me at all. If someone isn't doing the job, give someone else a shot. If someone has potential, then use them. 

[HokieRif]

No more Balazovic please

[stringer bell]

38 games to go. I think it is time for a true bullpen reorg. First of all, the starters (not counting Dallas Keuchel) have established they can give a decent start almost every time out. Yes, Joe Ryan will be treated carefully when he returns, but it is doubtful there will be a four-alarm fire started by someone in the rotation. What the Twins need is guys to pitch one or two innings every other day to set up what has become a thin and precarious back of the bullpen. We'll call the back end Jax, Pagán, Thielbar and Duran. 

Floro is just a guy. He gives up base runners, doesn't get a lot of strikeouts and struggles getting left handed hitters out. He is not going to give up big numbers too often, but also isn't the guy you want to shut down a budding rally. He should be the six to eighth guy in an eight-man bullpen. Balozavic has some potential. The fastball isn't dominating, but it is okay when well-placed. The league seems to be catching up to him right now. Send him down. Sands and Winder aren't trusted in any kind of leverage situations. The Twins don't need innings unless they are well-pitched innings. Send them down.

Who to recall? I'd give Funderburk a look. He has good numbers with the Saints and he is a breathing left handed relief pitcher. I'd try Oliver Ortega again. His worst outing was pitching multiple innings in a back-to-back situation. His overall numbers were passable and he has been one of St. Paul's best relievers. The eighth guy in the 'pen could be Headrick or Henriquez and maybe Stewart will be back in September to take a spot in the bullpen. Only one 40-man spot would be needed and Alcalá has already been on the IL for more than 60 days, so he could be moved. 

Eight bullpen guys won't be needed for October. Challenging everybody in the bullpen is something that needs to be done. The team has six weeks to sort it out. They are fortunate to have enough of a cushion to make such moves if they see fit.

[TWTwinsFan]

FO：what ? we have minor league teams?

[rv78]

Great article. Just another mistake being made by this FO and their Manager. Not using your best players is a common one they seem to embrace. The only thing I see is that they probably figure it won't matter this year since they have no competition within the division. Or they see a guy like Pagan last year, that everyone was calling for a dismissal in any way shape or form is now one of their better options, so they will do the same this year with others. It is their way. It really shouldn't be a surprise anymore.

[JD-TWINS]

Seems Funderburk & Ortega for Winder & ?????, maybe Balazovic would be a potential shot in the arm for the pen.

Funderburk on 40 man by moving Alcala seems easy enough.

This makes Floro #7 guy and Sands remains as #8.

Let’s do it!

[JD-TWINS]

With Kuechel going today, Sands might be used for 4 innings and thus burned up for 4-5 days……..When do we tap into Louie’s talent and availability??

Need some solutions in the Pen.

[TopGunn#22]

I have been confounded by the Twins BP strategy all season.  In fact, pretty much since the beginning of the Rocco era and by extension the FO.  Why Funderberk hasn't been brought up is beyond a mystery.  I have said and will continue to maintain, that Rocco's biggest failing as a manager is his bullpen strategy (or what seems to be a woeful LACK of a strategy).  Winder was a trade piece that could have been used to bring back something of value for the BP at the trade deadline.  Having Sands on the roster is baffling when you consider his lack of usage.

There is no question the FO and manager know more than we do.  Yet some of their moves (Gallo instead of Duval) or lack of moves (Funderberk, Henriquez) just leave me shaking my head.

[miller761]

All good points. When the playoffs start it is the beginning of a tournament. Should we not have the best players possible on the team at that time? What I saw last night come out of the pen not only cost us the game but is not the best bullpen we can form. Loyalty and faith in a player can only last for so long. Results matter. We have the good fortune to experiment with our pen for a month to find the best pitchers. Why don't we do that?

[saviking]

Spot on. With our starting pitching staff going longer into games and being so constant, there is no need for a long reliever. And if we make the playoffs one or two of our starters will fill that role. Too bad it caused us to lose two solid relievers before the season started. Those guys would have been a god send.

[JD-TWINS]

15 hours ago, stringer bell said:

38 games to go. I think it is time for a true bullpen reorg. First of all, the starters (not counting Dallas Keuchel) have established they can give a decent start almost every time out. Yes, Joe Ryan will be treated carefully when he returns, but it is doubtful there will be a four-alarm fire started by someone in the rotation. What the Twins need is guys to pitch one or two innings every other day to set up what has become a thin and precarious back of the bullpen. We'll call the back end Jax, Pagán, Thielbar and Duran. 

Floro is just a guy. He gives up base runners, doesn't get a lot of strikeouts and struggles getting left handed hitters out. He is not going to give up big numbers too often, but also isn't the guy you want to shut down a budding rally. He should be the six to eighth guy in an eight-man bullpen. Balozavic has some potential. The fastball isn't dominating, but it is okay when well-placed. The league seems to be catching up to him right now. Send him down. Sands and Winder aren't trusted in any kind of leverage situations. The Twins don't need innings unless they are well-pitched innings. Send them down.

Who to recall? I'd give Funderburk a look. He has good numbers with the Saints and he is a breathing left handed relief pitcher. I'd try Oliver Ortega again. His worst outing was pitching multiple innings in a back-to-back situation. His overall numbers were passable and he has been one of St. Paul's best relievers. The eighth guy in the 'pen could be Headrick or Henriquez and maybe Stewart will be back in September to take a spot in the bullpen. Only one 40-man spot would be needed and Alcalá has already been on the IL for more than 60 days, so he could be moved. 

Eight bullpen guys won't be needed for October. Challenging everybody in the bullpen is something that needs to be done. The team has six weeks to sort it out. They are fortunate to have enough of a cushion to make such moves if they see fit.

I assumed we would carry 4 starters & 8 relievers in October……..giving us an extra bat on roster.

Never thought we might carry one less reliever as well. I gotta think the fact that the team could potentially use 4 guys in a game would mean they would carry 8 guys in the Pen - right? ALL managers have a quicker hook in the playoffs.

Playoff Pen:

Ryan - Varland - Kuechel 

Duran - Thielbar - Jax - Pagan - Funderburk 

[stringer bell]

Ortega for Balazovic. That’s a start, but it does not address the underuse of Sands/Winder/Headrick. 

[miller761]

Today's starter would look good in our bullpen!

[Fred]

20 hours ago, TopGunn#22 said:

I have been confounded by the Twins BP strategy all season.  In fact, pretty much since the beginning of the Rocco era and by extension the FO.  Why Funderberk hasn't been brought up is beyond a mystery.  I have said and will continue to maintain, that Rocco's biggest failing as a manager is his bullpen strategy (or what seems to be a woeful LACK of a strategy).  Winder was a trade piece that could have been used to bring back something of value for the BP at the trade deadline.  Having Sands on the roster is baffling when you consider his lack of usage.

There is no question the FO and manager know more than we do.  Yet some of their moves (Gallo instead of Duval) or lack of moves (Funderberk, Henriquez) just leave me shaking my head.

It's easy to be unhappy if you concentrate on mistakes, but, in fairness, the FO added Solano, Farmer, Castro, Taylor, and Gallo along with setting up arguably the best starting pitcher rotation in MLB. I haven't been a big supporter of the FO, but I'm inclined to cut them a little slack, and forgive them for a mistake or two.

[NotAboutWinning]

7 minutes ago, Fred said:

It's easy to be unhappy if you concentrate on mistakes, but, in fairness, the FO added Solano, Farmer, Castro, Taylor, and Gallo along with setting up arguably the best starting pitcher rotation in MLB. I haven't been a big supporter of the FO, but I'm inclined to cut them a little slack, and forgive them for a mistake or two.

So you're saying they are pretty good Target shoppers, but tend to lose their minds at the Dior store 🤣🤣 JK

[Major League Ready]

17 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

I assumed we would carry 4 starters & 8 relievers in October……..giving us an extra bat on roster.

Never thought we might carry one less reliever as well. I gotta think the fact that the team could potentially use 4 guys in a game would mean they would carry 8 guys in the Pen - right? ALL managers have a quicker hook in the playoffs.

Playoff Pen:

Ryan - Varland - Kuechel 

Duran - Thielbar - Jax - Pagan - Funderburk 

I am hoping Paddack is back and pitching well enough to take one of those spots.  Regardless, this is still a good illustration of the playoff roster.  There simply won't be room on the playoff roster for the other arms people are mentioning, especially if Stewart and/or Paddack are back.  Our playoff BP would look pretty darn good with Ryan/Paddack/Stewart and perhaps Kuechel added.  

[Major League Ready]

1 hour ago, NotAboutWinning said:

So you're saying they are pretty good Target shoppers, but tend to lose their minds at the Dior store 🤣🤣 JK

A 1yr / $11M contract is a long way from the Dior store.  It's a short blip with modest consequence.  Spending $160M on Rodon to be injured has consequences.  If Correa/Buxton do not bounce back and produce for a few years, that has serious consequences.  Those signing were absolutely insisted upon by the majority here.