Setting the Twins' Bullpen Pecking Order for 2020

So, we're assuming Dobnak is #5 starter? (Gulp) . A FA or trade brings #4?  Seems like a solid, not spectacular, bullpen.  

It's almost Jan. 1, to early to panic.  WAY too early.  But I'm getting nervous that at least 2 of Smeltzer, Dobnak, Thorpe will be in the rotation on Opening Day.

I do think at least two of Smeltzer, Dobnak, Thorpe or Graterol will be in the early-April five (maybe you were already assuming Brusdar). But I do think there will be one more add in a high-ceiling trade or a couple of fliers - Walker plus one (Wood, Jimmy Nelson?).

I also believe they trust Romo and Clippard over May (and equal with Duffey).

Good to have 5 guys that can be trusted in the 7th or later, I think Littell will step up and I am hoping on Romero’s upside at some point in the first half.

Am i wrong, or does Romero need to make the roster out of Spring Training, aren't all of his options up?

Am i wrong, or does Romero need to make the roster out of Spring Training, aren't all of his options up?

I think it was reported on TD that he is in line for a 4th option.

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins/the-hazy-future-of-fernando-romero-r8320

I think you need to go down to comments and maybe another link.

I think it was reported on TD that he is in line for a 4th option.

 

http://twinsdaily.com/_/minnesota-twins-news/minnesota-twins/the-hazy-future-of-fernando-romero-r8320

 

I think you need to go down to comments and maybe another link.

Thanks

Romero's oddly disastrous season has to be a fluke, doesn't it? How can a guy come up and dominate as a starter for 5 starts one year then he can't even find the plate the next? You gotta think a guy like him with his talent picks it up a bit this year. Romero along with Alcala give us some potential bullpen depth with big talent. Looking forward to watching it play out.

Please, could we get to the point where we never see Ryne Harper on a list for the Twins?

My only quibble with your order is that I would flip-flop Clippard and Romo.  The thing that is so encouraging to me is that Trevor May FINALLY started to look like the guy I felt he could be and when I watched Duffy throw, I thought he was a right-handed version of Taylor Rogers without the control.  BAM !!!  Last year his fastball and curveball just SNAPPED.  I know bullpens can be kind of tricky from year to year but this bullpen looks to be what truly separates the Twins from the Indians and White Sox in the division.

Please, could we get to the point where we never see Ryne Harper on a list for the Twins?

Hey, baby steps.  We crossed the threshold of never seeing Hildenberger on lists anymore. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Glad for the optimism, but Duffey and May do not present the level I would like to see in the get the game to Rogers scenario.  Two old guys with wit, but not great stuff make it on the margin - Clippard and Romo - and a little slip makes them fail.  There is a lot to be concerned about in this mix. 

I'm hopeful that you will have more faith in Duffey and May a couple months into the season. Both pitchers have electric fastballs and they can control it. 

Trevor May really took a step forward after that mid-season rough-up when he kept throwing that curveball that wasn't fooling anyone.  Take a look at his season trajectory after giving up his fourth curveball home run - a three-run 0-2 shot to Dominic Smith on 7/17.  He was lights out, except for a bad day against Chicago, in August and September (34K/6BB).  

Tyler Duffey has worked to use his pitches more effectively.  This is probably the best article that I have read about it.  The improvements have made him a real weapon.  

They both have to come back and do it again in 2020, but I like their chances.

Please, could we get to the point where we never see Ryne Harper on a list for the Twins?

Be careful what you wish for.   You just may get it.

Please, could we get to the point where we never see Ryne Harper on a list for the Twins?

We're probably five bullpen injuries away from seeing him pitch. That's good enough for me. In addition to Matthew's Honorable Mentions list. we might see any of Jovani Moran, Edwar Colina, Graterol, or Duran before we see Ryne Harper again. Pretty decent buffer, I'd say.

Romero's oddly disastrous season has to be a fluke, doesn't it? How can a guy come up and dominate as a starter for 5 starts one year then he can't even find the plate the next? You gotta think a guy like him with his talent picks it up a bit this year. Romero along with Alcala give us some potential bullpen depth with big talent. Looking forward to watching it play out.

Wes the pitching guru needs to make fixing Romero one of his main projects this spring.

This is fun to discuss. Lots of 'pen depth, which can't be anything but a good thing. 

I think May, Duffey and Rogers will all be elite again. Their stuff is just too good. Once Duffey started throwing his curve harder instead of throwing a slow big hook it was extremely effective at fooling hitters. May needs to keep throwing his best pitch more than half the time- his fastball. 

I would still like to see a bonifide closer signed.

No to Wisler and Harper. If either start the year in the pen the FO has failed

Nothing electric, but I really enjoyed watching Cody Stashek pitch. With an exception or two, he looked to be in control of the at bats. I hope he improves and makes the trip north from Florida on the opening day team.

No to Wisler and Harper. If either start the year in the pen the FO has failed

I will be surprised if Ryne Harper starts the year in MLB pen, unless a barrage of injuries hits.  He was effective in the first half, but he appeared to get figured out in the second half. The numbers and usage support this.  If Sam Dyson hadn't been injured, I doubt he would have collected the 17 innings that he did late in the year.

It's way too early the throw Wisler under the bus.  Sure he's a failed starter and the ERA doesn't look good, but he has improved since moving to a bullpen roll at least on the peripherals.  A quick glance makes him look to be more of a fly ball pitcher which didn't bode well in San Diego and Seattle with the all the defensively challenged corner outfielders being trotted out to play each day.  Healthy years from the trio of Buxton, Kepler and Rosario could make him look like a steal at $900K or whatever they ended up paying him.  I wouldn't be surprised to see him used as an opener either.

• Of Wisler, Stashak and Littell, which pitcher do you think has the best chance of moving into a consistent high leverage role in 2020?
• Of May, Duffey and Rogers, which pitcher do you think has the best chance of taking a step backwards and moving down into a consistent low leverage role in 2020

Littell is my pick to gain more high leverage. With the way the pitching staff is shaping up, I'm expecting to see him a lot in the 6th and 7th inning this season.  Mostly the 6th, but he could get the 7th if a couple guys aren't available. I think he's ready.

The second point kind of makes be short circuit. What?! Steps back!? How could you even suggest it?!  I'll bite though and go with Trevor May.  The only reason being that I think he is more inclined to get wrong between the ears from time to time.  Maybe it's just that tendency to talk to himself on the mound after bad things happen. 

That often empty "connected" word is still being used with the Twins and Will Harris.

I'm not sure if that is interest is still there or if an offer still exists, especially now that Romo and Clippard are in the fold.

If a Harris union occurs, I wonder where he would fit in this pecking order.  Is he in the May/Duffey section or the Romo/Clippard section (his age would place him there, if that matters).  

Talk about bullpen depth!  I'd guess Stashak would be ticketed for Rochester in that scenario.  The popular take might be to just cut Wisler, but I think that idea is probably only popular outside the walls of the FO.