Royals starter Ventura was scratched for tomorrow.  Instead, the Twins face ex-Twin Liam Hendriks, who has pitched well at the Royals AAA club in Omaha.

 

 

O boy. Cy Hendriks coming.

Here's hoping he reverts to the norm....

I always liked him and really hoped he would be kept around, but now I hope his turn-around at the MLB level starts on some time after tomorrow.

Oh boy. If Hendriks can get good again....

 

Yeah, you know what I'm going to say, we should fire Rick Anderson. But if he actually becomes something, give that team's pitching staff a complement because there isn't a ton of talent to work with.

Royals starter Ventura was scratched for tomorrow.  Instead, the Twins face ex-Twin Liam Hendriks, who has pitched well at the Royals AAA club in Omaha.

AAA has never been his problem.

After Liam Hendriks blanks the Twins I'll be calling for Rick Anderson's head on a spike.

Oh boy. If Hendriks can get good again....

 

Yeah, you know what I'm going to say, we should fire Rick Anderson. But if he actually becomes something, give that team's pitching staff a complement because there isn't a ton of talent to work with.

Yeah, 3 other teams saw fit to let Hendriks go this past year so far too (including another rebuilding club).

 

He is obviously not a point in Anderson's favor, but he is not a demerit either.

I remember noticing last year that Hendriks was the youngest starter to pitch for the Twins for like three consecutive years (Hernandez was probably younger, but whatever).  I find that to be remarkable.  For you to be not just "a youngster" but actually "the youngest" for three years.  He was the only hope for young pitching talent...which might be why the Twins are where they are.

 

It was probably time to move on, but I always figured maybe he could at least get up to Pelfrey level of ineffectiveness and prevent that signing...but I guess the FO didn't agree.

 

At least it keeps up what seems to be a trend of seeing at least one DFA'd ex-Twin every single time they play Baltimore, Toronto, or KC.

As the biggest (only?) member of the Liam Hendriks fanclub during his time with the Twins, I'm torn regarding tonight's start. I want him to succeed...but tonight I hope he gets shelled. (Sorry Liam).

 

For what it's worth, I don't think Hendriks has much to do with Rick Anderson and his struggles - he's always been a "hit his spots" "pitch to contact" guy - the issue has been that his approach hasn't worked at the higher levels. It's not a mechanical issue or tipping his pitches - it's more his stuff may just not be starter quality.

AAA has never been his problem.

Yep. Hendriks has been dominating AAA lineups for a long time now.

I predict a huge game by the Twins' hitters.

I predict a huge game by the Twins' hitters.

 Four innings in and the Twins are having a big day... 12 up, 12 down. Hendriks getting his.

I blame MIke.

Go for it. I'm tough enough to take accountability for the loss.

To be fair, had Liam consistenly had a strikezone like last night's while he was with the Twins, he would still be with the team. He's a good control pitcher, and when he gets a zone THAT wide, well...we all saw what happens.

 

His struggles with the Twins came from walks (I.E. NOT getting those out of the zone pitches) compiling with hits to make a big inning.

Y'know, if the Twins are ever going to take a shot at the playoffs, we are going to need a above-average pitching staff. Say what you want about Rick Anderson, but this is clearly not an above average pitching staff.