Roberto Osuna and a High A Closer for 2019

[caninatl04]

I looked up Roberto Osuna and his time with the Jays.  There are two features of his career that might be of interest when putting together a 2019 Twins bullpen.

 

First is his age

 

2015 20

2016 21

2017 22

 

Second is his pitch mix.  Actually, he really didn't have one.  Around 2/3rds of his pitches were 4 seamers.  He was less a Tom Glavine pitcher and more of a pure heat thrower.

 

So, I nominate Brusdar Graterol as opening day closer!  I just haven't figured out which year...

 

 

[Ben Noble]

Graterol is probably this org’s best shot at a true ace and he’s close to making his debut as a starter, so I want him stretched out. If anything, I’d put Brusdar in a multi-inning relief role. Now if the Twins would consistently start using their closer for more than three outs...

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'd probably let him develop in the minors. He needs more innings. He won't get that at the major league level, and as already pointed out, he's got ACE stuff. He needs to learn to command it better, and he needs to finish a season with more than the career high IP he got last year (101 innings). 

 

BTW, what is it with the desire to move starters with high potential to relief roles? I swear I've seen threads about doing that with Berrios, Romero, and now Graterol. Primary...stacker, opener, whatever... we still need guys that can be effective for a lot of innings.