First, let me state that I fully understand there is a good deal of speculation in regard to Hughes as it relates to his surgery and recovery. I have stated repeatedly that I would approach 2017 without planning for him in any way, shape or form. However, I have yet to hear anything that suggests his career is over in any way, and his injury/surgery would seem to be far less worrisome or invasive than Perkins's.

 

So healthy, is Hughes ready for ST and the season? Don't know. I don't think any of us knows. Not sure anyone with the Twins knows. Were I a betting man, I'd say we're talking EST and June or July.

 

Regardless, where does he fit. Us it even possible he could come back all the way to his 2014 self? Close? Is that even possible? Yes, but not in one year? Should he be an expensive RP who can concentrate on just an inning or two as he rehabs? Is that a better spot for him going forward or temporarily?

 

Just wondering what you all think. A healthy Hughes, on the comeback trail, when will he be ready and where does he fit?

Late night from Mike Berardino:

 

http://www.twincities.com/2016/10/01/minnesota-twins-phil-hughes-glen-perkins-working-back-from-surgeries/

 

Hughes:  progressed out to 120 feet while playing catch during the last homestand.

Perkins:  major surgery on June 23 to reattach a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. The success rate for such procedures can be as low as 10 percent, which puts the three-time all-star’s career in jeopardy.

I couldn't agree more about how to approach the season with Hughes. As for where he fits, that is a more difficult question. I don't see a return to 2014, especially after a significant injury but he certainly could be an effective starter again. Given the state of the rotation I think he should have every opportunity to prove he cannot start before he is sent to the pen. However, even if he becomes nothing more than an expensive bullpen piece I'm still hopeful he's productive in that role. The Twins just need decent pitching, whether in the rotation or bullpen, and I think Hughes can give them that if he recovers. 

 

Unfortunately I have little confidence that we'll see Perkins pitch at a high level again. Hopefully I'm proven wrong, but as someone has had surgery to repair a torn labrum I can attest to how difficult it is just to get back to throwing again. 

If Hughes can show up to spring training with his old velocity back, give him a shot at the rotation.  If not, try to let him air it out an inning at a time in the bullpen.  Too many holes in both the rotation and bullpen to not put a guy in the place he's most likely to succeed in.  As for Perkins, it would be surprising to see him come back, but who knows.  I just don't want to see him come back with an 89 mph fastball and the Twins try to throw him out there based off of who he used to be.  

And to think Hughes could be back on the highway with no cost without the genius of Terry Ryan. Hughes is cooked. Waiting will be a waste of time.

If I recall correctly, I believe it was Thrylos who suggested Hughes's best roll would be that of closer. And that could be smart. On the other hand, if recovered and strong, Hughes probably does deserve the chance to start again. Further, would you want to look at Hughes as your closer for 2017, or, as I've maintained, go get one to augment the back of the pen and let guys like Chargois and maybe Pressly Pitch the 7th and 8 innings and be groomed for a closer spot?

I don't think we'll have any real idea of where a lot of players and coaches fit in until the new President of Baseball Operations and new General Manager are hired.

 

I think (okay, maybe hope) the off-season is interesting.

Hughes and Perkins should not be considered pieces in the 2017 team.

 

If they surprise and return strong, yay! Err on the side of caution and pretend they don't exist going into the offseason.

 

Hughes and Perkins should not be considered pieces in the 2017 team.

 

If they surprise and return strong, yay! Err on the side of caution and pretend they don't exist going into the offseason.

This is exactly how Falvey and Co. needs to operate as they're planning for the off-season. Let's assume they'll pitch a total of 0 innings next year and plan accordingly. 

If either/or do come back, I'd be very conservative with their rehab.. Let them get their bearings back in AAA until June/July-ish. 

 

Hughes and Perkins should not be considered pieces in the 2017 team.

 

If they surprise and return strong, yay! Err on the side of caution and pretend they don't exist going into the offseason.

 

This is how I feel. Neither should be counted on for any role at all.

 

If they do provide value, awesome!

I think the likelihood that Hughes comes back to pitch effectively is far higher than Perk. That said Phil should be in the same boat as all starters not named Ervin: earn your spot in the rotation.

Both Perkins and Hughes belong in the Brad Radke hall of broken dreams. I think both will eventually provided with (more than) sufficient number of appearances to "prove themselves", but will ultimately fail. It's very sad, of course, but these things happen.

 

This is exactly how Falvey and Co. needs to operate as they're planning for the off-season. Let's assume they'll pitch a total of 0 innings next year and plan accordingly. 

If either/or do come back, I'd be very conservative with their rehab.. Let them get their bearings back in AAA until June/July-ish. 

Agree. If this is the way we go, we absolutely need to sign/trade for other starting pitchers this offseason. Sign Hellickson and see if Dozier can get us another solid option? Free agent market looks mostly bleak What do you guys think are realistic options?

 

Let them get their bearings back in AAA until June/July-ish. 

 

The maximum time they can be in the minors on a rehab assignment is 30 days.  

I think the likelihood that Hughes comes back to pitch effectively is far higher than Perk. That said Phil should be in the same boat as all starters not named Ervin: earn your spot in the rotation.

More optimistic about Hughes than Perkins. Hughes should start in the bullpen. Particular role is hazy to forecast for at least six months.

 

More optimistic about Hughes than Perkins. Hughes should start in the bullpen. Particular role is hazy to forecast for at least six months.

I don't remember where I heard this.... maybe Gleeman and the Geek? That the success rate of Perkins' surgery is 10% for him to return to pitching. 

Either way, good luck to both of them. In baseball and life.

I don't remember where I heard this.... maybe Gleeman and the Geek? That the success rate of Perkins' surgery is 10% for him to return to pitching.

 

Have to admit to a negative bias regarding the Twins' medical staff. They seem to have a lower than average number of successes with pitchers.

Have to admit to a negative bias regarding the Twins' medical staff. They seem to have a lower than average number of successes with pitchers.

They don't do the procedures so that doesn't pertain.

Hopefully he doesn't.  I think he might be done as a starter.