Article: No Relief

[Nick Nelson]

It comes as no real surprise that the bullpen has developed into a weakness for the Minnesota Twins. That much was easy enough to foresee in spring training. After some surprising early success gave way, we've reached a point where Paul Molitor has basically one reliever he can trust.

 

That one reliever happens to be quite possibly the best in the game at what he does, but Glen Perkins needs some help if the Twins want to hang on as contenders in the AL Central.

 

Before the season started, it appeared that the organization might have plenty of options for late-inning reinforcements around this point in the summer. But those options have dried up in shocking fashion over the first half, helping illustrate the volatility of relief prospects in general.No player exemplifies this better than Nick Burdi. He was perhaps the most dominant college closer in the country with Louisville before being drafted 46th overall last year, and had all the looks of an MLB-ready arm while mowing through the low minors in July and August. Between two levels of A-ball, he struck out 38 hitters in 20 innings. No one stood a chance.

 

Burdi opened this season at Double-A, and got on track after a rough first month, rattling off shutdown appearances for five weeks from May into June. Then the wheels fell off, leading to a demotion to back to Single-A. Suddenly, the idea of Burdi helping this year seems far-fetched.

 

He's not the only fast-rising arm to stall out at Chattanooga this year. Jake Reed, another 2014 pick who blew through the low levels after being drafted out of college, has been knocked around by Double-A hitters for a 5.40 ERA and 1.48 WHIP. Fellow fireballer Zack Jones landed on the disabled list last week following a trainwreck outing in which he walked four and allowed four runs.

 

These are the big power arms that were viewed as potential wild cards coming into the season. They're not going to help, and it doesn't look like the Twins are going find a difference-maker at Triple-A either. Michael Tonkin has been ineffective in a few stints with Minnesota, Lester Oliveros is injured, and Alex Meyer... yikes.

 

A.J. Achter has put up dazzling numbers, and got a bit of big-league experience last September, but as was the case with Anthony Slama, there clearly is skepticism about how his stuff will play in the majors. Despite already being on the 40-man roster and posting otherworldly numbers at Triple-A (he has a 0.80 WHIP, and that's after giving up four runs in his last outing), he has been bypassed for promotions by Ryan Pressly, Meyer, and Tonkin twice.

 

Almost everywhere you look, things are going awry for the numerous prospects that Minnesota hoped might provide a midseason bullpen jolt. The few that are healthy and performing are evidently not trusted. So if the Twins want an impactful upgrade, they will need to look externally to the trade market.

 

We'll explore the options there, and the merits of making a move, on Friday.

 

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[diehardtwinsfan]

I think Tonkin just needs time.  Problem is that this is the one thing he doesn't get.  I don't understand why he cannot occupy a roster spot in favor of some of the lower ceiling guys who really aren't getting the job done either.

[HitInAPinch]

I'm wondering if those young pitchers are feeling the weight of over-expectations and simply overthrowing.

The Twins should keep the auditions rolling so we really know what they've got.

 

 

Upon further review just ran across and interesting [and old] name:  LaTroy Hawkins.  What about it?  At 42 he may have a little gas left in the tank.

 

Edited July 8, 2015 by HitInAPinch

[Vanimal46]

As a fan I'm a little tired of the Tonkin experiment. If he hasn't stuck the previous 12 times he's been called up, what makes it different the next time he gets the call?

 

I still have faith in Burdi making an impact at some point since he's only 22. The others like Jones and Reed are getting to that age 24-25 where you question how much longer are they considered prospects for the future.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Upon further review just ran across and interesting [and old] name:  LaTroy Hawkins.  What about it?  At 42 he may have a little gas left in the tank.

 

I'd be completely on board with that!!

[Nick Nelson]

 

I still have faith in Burdi making an impact at some point since he's only 22. The others like Jones and Reed are getting to that age 24-25 where you question how much longer are they considered prospects for the future.

Reed is actually the same age as Burdi. Jones was drafted only three years ago, but his lingering control problems are worrisome.

 

 

Upon further review just ran across and interesting [and old] name:  LaTroy Hawkins.  What about it?  At 42 he may have a little gas left in the tank.

Hawkins and Guardado reunited. That'd be something!

[DaveW]

 

 

 

Hawkins and Guardado reunited. That'd be something!

They can all meet at Frankie Rodriguezs bar for a drink.

[Loosey]

 

Reed is actually the same age as Burdi. Jones was drafted only three years ago, but his lingering control problems are worrisome.

 

 

Hawkins and Guardado reunited. That'd be something!

May as well trade for Pierzynski too to upgrade the catcher spot while we are putting the band back together!

[mickeymental]

 

May as well trade for Pierzynski too to upgrade the catcher spot while we are putting the band back together!

don't forget punto to do some soloing ...

[ben]

Why limit internal options to minor league bullpen pitchers?

[nicksaviking]

Tonkin should get another shot as should Oliveros.

 

However baring those guys, try out Duffy, Berrios and Wimmers.  Control doesn't seem to be a big issue with these guys and any current deficencies they have likely would be minimized by never facing a batter more than once.  We already know Duffy has a big heater coming in from relief, at least he did in college. 

 

If there are concerns with making space on the 40-man, well there shouldn't be.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Upon further review just ran across and interesting [and old] name:  LaTroy Hawkins.  What about it?  At 42 he may have a little gas left in the tank.

The Eddie Guardado reunion in 2008 didn't go so well, although admittedly it didn't cost much (Mark Hamburger).

[Linus]

The biggest improvement we could make is to determine if May or Pelfrey are better suited to pitching multiple days in a row and roll the dice making them the next most important bullpen member after Perkins and Fien.

 

While I hope Tonkin makes it, I think he doesn't have the required stuff.

 

One reason why we should have all been pulling for Nolasco is that he could have been added to the pen as well.  While not great, it would be a credible arm to go to.

[Willihammer]

I'd take a look at Duffey and Meyer first, then explore trade options if necessary.

[HitInAPinch]

 

I'd be completely on board with that!!

 

5 hours later and I haven't see a better answer. 

Rockies are in 5th place with a 35-48 record.  Hawkins had a good year last year as their closer and frankly the Rockies are using younger pitchers this year.

 

A deal could probably be made for very little.  If nothing else, it buys some development time for those who have tried and were sent back down.

[TheLeviathan]

With the kind of contact guys have been getting off of Fien lately, we may have even more problems ahead.

[Otto von Ballpark]

So, who would Hawkins replace?

[Eephus]

And what's up with new phenom Tyler Jay? Uff dah!

[DocBauer]

Pressly being hurt doesn't help as he was actually pitching fairly well. Graham has been a huge surprise to me! Aren't you being blind, short- sighted or borderline stupid not to give Duffy a shot in the pen. He can always move back to a starting role later. (Same with Meyer naturally) I haven't always been on board with this idea, but I've come around on it.

 

I like the Hawkins idea. I like giving Joba Chamberlain a shot. But I'm not in favor of trading for anyone, this season, unless they can realistically be expected to be part of the tea for at least a few years.

[curt1965]

I don't get the love for other team's discards! And expect them to be serviceable for the Twins?

Now I could understand Duffy or Wimmers.

But not Meyer! He can't get anyone out at Rochester right now. How about sending him down to Chattanooga (like Vargas) to get some confidence?