Duffey to stay in Rotation, May to bullpen

[Danchat]

The Twins will keep Tyler Duffey in the rotation after a successful outing against the Indians today. May will return to the bullpen to help make up for Boyer's absence. The Twins also optioned Tonkin back to AAA - poor guy, I wish he could get a longer opportunity to make the roster. We'll see him in September at the latest, though.

 

And if you were wondering, Milone is being activated in Tonkin's spot so he can start on Sunday.

[Dr. Evil]

Hope Tonkin gets fed up and breaks through soon.

[DaveW]

He made a major league paycheck for a day, I'm sure he isn't too heartbroken

[nicksaviking]

I want May in the rotation, but nothing but good can come from Tyler Duffey pitching adaquetly at the MLB level. He would make a perfect trade piece this offseason, assuming there's no room for him in 2016.

[Twins7]

quote name="nicksaviking" post="387737" timestamp="1439699610"]I want May in the rotation, but nothing but good can come from Tyler Duffey pitching adaquetly at the MLB level. He would make a perfect trade piece this offseason, assuming there's no room for him in 2016.

 

Well, he can provide depth next year without having an obligation to get him ML innings. If we don't have pelfrey and milone next year, that'll leave us with Hughes, Gibson, nolasco, Santana and May, with Berrios waiting in the wings. Duffy would probably be needed for at least a few starts, given the nature of the SP position.

[Thegrin]

lets hope for 10 more games like last night. 

[h2oface]

All Tonkin needs to do is perform, and not give up all the runs he does when he gets the opportunity. It is on him. He has had so many chances and can't seem to duplicate his success in AAA ball. Any jitters should be over.

[SwainZag]

 

quote name="nicksaviking" post="387737" timestamp="1439699610"]I want May in the rotation, but nothing but good can come from Tyler Duffey pitching adaquetly at the MLB level. He would make a perfect trade piece this offseason, assuming there's no room for him in 2016.

 

Well, he can provide depth next year without having an obligation to get him ML innings. If we don't have pelfrey and milone next year, that'll leave us with Hughes, Gibson, nolasco, Santana and May, with Berrios waiting in the wings. Duffy would probably be needed for at least a few starts, given the nature of the SP position.

 

Where's Millone going?

[diehardtwinsfan]

Duffey can be the one phone call away guy for next year with Berrios, which from a depth standpoint is a good thing.  I just want to know that TR is able to unload either Nolsaco or Millone so as to let May be the rotation next year too.  It will be a waste of his talent if he's in the pen.

[Clyde123]

Maybe he is better and/or cheaper than some of our current starters (e.g., Pelfrey, Nolasco, post PED Santana, Milone)?  Guy just threw a six inning one-hitter while being so nervous he didn't know whether he should pitch from the stretch or the wind-up.  The best thing for the Twins would be that he stays in the rotation long-term and his stuff allows him to put up similar numbers in the show compared to his AA and AAA numbers this year.

[mikelink45]

It is not Duffey blocking Berrios - it is all the old guys and their contracts, but most of all it is TR.  I do not think that they like a kid that has his confidence.  Most teams would have gotten some MLB wins out of JO by now.  What I am not convinced of, at this point, is that TR will not resign Pelfrey.  TR likes vets - look at how he has provided for our bullpen.  

[Richie the Rally Goat]

 

Well, he can provide depth next year without having an obligation to get him ML innings. If we don't have pelfrey and milone next year, that'll leave us with Hughes, Gibson, nolasco, Santana and May, with Berrios waiting in the wings. Duffy would probably be needed for at least a few starts, given the nature of the SP position.

Where's Millone going?

Arbitration elligible for 2016. so not technically signed, but probably will be, knowing TR

[Ncgo4]

Hughes, Nolasco & Milone shouldn't block anyone. Especially not just because we owe them money. TC has committed us to many puzzling longer term contracts. While we may have to pay them we don't have to, for instance, start Nolasco ahead of Berrios

[nicksaviking]

Duffey can be the one phone call away guy for next year with Berrios, which from a depth standpoint is a good thing. I just want to know that TR is able to unload either Nolsaco or Millone so as to let May be the rotation next year too. It will be a waste of his talent if he's in the pen.

I guess I'm of the opinion that if Duffey pitches well enough the rest of the year and shows he's a MLB capable pitcher (big hypothetical) I don't think he should be squirreled away in AAA as the backup backup. I'd prefer All of Duffey, May, Berrios and Gibson in the rotation with all but one of the vets getting moved but that won't and probably can't happen.

 

But I don't think it's fair to the game or the player to keep multiple MLB level talents in AAA for a rainy day.

[nicksaviking]

It is not Duffey blocking Berrios - it is all the old guys and their contracts, but most of all it is TR.  I do not think that they like a kid that has his confidence.  Most teams would have gotten some MLB wins out of JO by now.  What I am not convinced of, at this point, is that TR will not resign Pelfrey.  TR likes vets - look at how he has provided for our bullpen.

 

I agree all the vet contracts are causing and will continue to cause developmental issues.

 

I do not agree that the front office doesn't like Berrios. In fact I think they love the guy. I've been critical of the front office about many things, but Berrios is a pitcher with nice control and a strong work ethic, this is a Twins kind of guy. They may not like arrogance, but they certainly want guys with confidence. Don't mistake what appears to be a fairly strict adherence to promotion by seniority for dislike. Also, while some teams would have had Berrios up, not all would, last I heard he was still the youngest pitcher in the International League. Most teams like the 2015 Twins with a large quantity (not necessarily quality) of starting options wouldn't call him up.

[KGB]

Hughes, Nolasco & Milone shouldn't block anyone. Especially not just because we owe them money. TC has committed us to many puzzling longer term contracts. While we may have to pay them we don't have to, for instance, start Nolasco ahead of Berrios

But they will block players. The Twins don't cut guaranteed contracts

[DaveW]

IMO by mid next season TR needs to get rid of 2 of the 3 of Nolasco, Milone and Santana.

[stringer bell]

I'm mildly surprised that the Twins are keeping May in the 'pen. Duffey's line yesterday was interesting, because although he walked five, he only threw 90-some pitches in six innings. In watching him for more than a couple of pitches for the first time, he seems to sling the ball. The breaking ball is effective, but he needs to get ahead of counts.

 

Is it possible that the Twins are auditioning May to be a permanent member of the bullpen? The velo went up, he has the ability to miss bats, and he's young and under team control for several years.

 

On another tangent, let's not sell Milone short. He been a very decent left handed starter, despite not having a great fastball. The Twins can control him for the next three seasons and having a lefty in the rotation is a plus.

[DaveW]

Milone has been fine, no doubt and is a nice current asset. But he shouldn't be blocking guys like Berrios in the future. Plus he actually might have trade value which could help in other areas?

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

I guess I'm of the opinion that if Duffey pitches well enough the rest of the year and shows he's a MLB capable pitcher (big hypothetical) I don't think he should be squirreled away in AAA as the backup backup. I'd prefer All of Duffey, May, Berrios and Gibson in the rotation with all but one of the vets getting moved but that won't and probably can't happen.

But I don't think it's fair to the game or the player to keep multiple MLB level talents in AAA for a rainy day.

 

While I tend to agree, I don't see the Twins simply eating Nolasco's contract or being able to trade him.  That's the first problem.  While TR could definitely flip Milone this offseason for something, even after doing so, that leaves one of Duffey/May out, as well as Berrios.  I think having that extra guy in AAA is a part of any ML team from the standpoint that everyone needs one that can come up in a pinch b/c someone always has to come up.  Duffey is that guy for me at least for 2016, and I could see Berrios filling that role nicely in 2016/17.

 

That said, moving May to the pen to me screams poor use of resources (as does leaving Berrios in an AAA/MLB shuttle for an extended period of time if he's doing well).  I think as a ceiling May is easily a top half of the rotation starter and as a floor he's already in that mid-rotation territory.  While I'm not against a temp move, the idea of him being there for 2016 is a really bad idea (unless by chance this is what May wants).  I get that the pen is a need right now, but those 3 large contracts are going to be a problem, especially with 2 deserving guys in AAA and one more in MLB... and that assumes that guys like Meyer, Rodgers, Dean, etc. don't suddenly take big steps forward. 

[Danchat]

How I see the 2016 Rotation

 

Santana - locked

Hughes - locked

Gibson - locked

May - nearly a lock

 

Candidates for the final spot:
Milone - not bad for a #5 pitcher

Nolasco - doesn't really deserve it, though he looked OK in his few starts this season. Might be let go in a salary dump trade

Berrios - the guy I want in the rotation. Just like any rookie starter, the first few goes might be tough but Berrios has some serious potential

Duffey - not an awful #5, but I'd rather keep him at AAA for depth purposes.

 

The way I see it, either Milone or Nolasco should be moved. I'd opt for Nolasco.

[jimmer]

 

How I see the 2016 Rotation

 

Santana - locked

Hughes - locked

Gibson - locked

May - nearly a lock

 

Candidates for the final spot:
Milone - not bad for a #5 pitcher

Nolasco - doesn't really deserve it, though he looked OK in his few starts this season. Might be let go in a salary dump trade

Berrios - the guy I want in the rotation. Just like any rookie starter, the first few goes might be tough but Berrios has some serious potential

Duffey - not an awful #5, but I'd rather keep him at AAA for depth purposes.

 

The way I see it, either Milone or Nolasco should be moved. I'd opt for Nolasco.

At this point, I'd be shocked if May ends up in the rotation permanently.  As dumb as that would be.

[laloesch]

 

IMO by mid next season TR needs to get rid of 2 of the 3 of Nolasco, Milone and Santana.

 

Strongly agree.  Nolasco and Milone for sure.  Santana will be difficult to move after the PED suspension and the slow start.  Unfortunately,  the Twins are not one to dump salaries, but Nolasco should be one of those guys. 

[Brock Beauchamp]

Well, here's hoping Duffey is lights-out for the remainder of the season so the Twins can trade him.

 

It'd be great to go into the offseason intent on trading Duffey or Milone for organization depth or MLB help at a position of need. Neither player would bring back a lot but they both have value.

[SwainZag]

 

Well, here's hoping Duffey is lights-out for the remainder of the season so the Twins can trade him.

 

It'd be great to go into the offseason intent on trading Duffey or Milone for organization depth or MLB help at a position of need. Neither player would bring back a lot but they both have value.

 

I would be curious to see what Millone could bring back.  Controllable left handed starter who has shown some big league success......it would have to be more than nothing.  Outside of his 3 post-AS game starts that could be attributed to injury, he has had a pretty season.

[TheLeviathan]

I hope Duffy can stay in the rotation, but if not his stuff looks good enough to make a major impact in the bullpen.

 

It'd be nice if we could start next year with Berrios, Gibson, May, and Duffy all in the rotation, but since that can't happen I'd really like to see Duffy and Milone in the bullpen long term.  (Milone has been ridiculously good against LHB this year)

 

[jimbo92107]

 

I want May in the rotation, but nothing but good can come from Tyler Duffey pitching adaquetly at the MLB level. He would make a perfect trade piece this offseason, assuming there's no room for him in 2016.

You want to trade a guy that was making half the Indians lineup whiff on his curve balls by six inches? I urge reservation of judgement. Duffey's debut against the Jays was a typical case of rookie debut nerves and over-throwing. Against the Indians he showcased a devastating curve ball / fastball combination. Let's see how his curveball fares now that the next team sees video of it. Will they be able to lay off? Does Duffey have more to show us?

[nytwinsfan]

 

How I see the 2016 Rotation

 

Santana - locked

Hughes - locked

Gibson - locked

May - nearly a lock

 

Candidates for the final spot:
Milone - not bad for a #5 pitcher

Nolasco - doesn't really deserve it, though he looked OK in his few starts this season. Might be let go in a salary dump trade

Berrios - the guy I want in the rotation. Just like any rookie starter, the first few goes might be tough but Berrios has some serious potential

Duffey - not an awful #5, but I'd rather keep him at AAA for depth purposes.

 

The way I see it, either Milone or Nolasco should be moved. I'd opt for Nolasco.

 

I agree. Why not put Duffey in the bullpen?

 

Also, May has the highest WAR among all of the Twins pitchers this year according to Fangraphs, with 2 WAR in just less than 100 innings. That is a solid # 2 pitcher.  That's awesome. That is being driven by his low FIP of 3.26.

[DocBauer]

Duffey may have a bright future in the bullpen.

 

But if May is going to be in the bullpen for the remainder of the season...(again, never should have been put there to begin with)...then I love the idea of Duffey in the rotation. It helps prepare him for next season as a fill-in SP, which is always needed at some point...or...garners him quality ML experience for a role in the '16 bullpen...or...shows him off as part of an off season trade package.

[John Bonnes]

I don't think you HAVE to trade anyone. We're seeing right now the value of depth in starting pitching. And would anyone be shocked if Duffey moved to the bullpen when Hughes gets back and kicks some butt out there for a bit? That could be valuable to have sitting in AAA, too.

 

I don't think it's wise to look at ways to improve the club by looking at who on your team to shop around. Instead, you look at who you need to get. Then fill in the blanks when you move the guy that other teams covet. For instance, if Duffey and Milone look sharp the rest of the season, that makes it a lot easier to include Gibson or May in a trade if someone is sniffing around. You might not be moving the worst player, but you're likely to get a lot better player back that way.