Betsy Helfand from the Pioneer Press wrote about lefty Martin Perez. The southpaw had a rough 2018 season which started two months late because of an arm injury caused by a bull.

 

https://www.twincities.com/2019/02/15/martin-perez-ready-to-move-forward-with-twins/ 

 

He has fit in with his teammates already and the Twins have worked with him on a few things already that he thinks can help.

 

 

The Twins help with “a couple of things that I think are going to help me this season when I make some quick adjustments on my delivery and with a couple pitches, where I need to put the ball,” he said. “I’m open to everything. I’m open-minded, and I think you learn something every day. I’m not selfish. If they tell me something that’ll be good for me and I’m going to be a better person and a better pitcher, I’m going to try it, and if I feel good, I’m going to put it in my stuff during the game.”

 

He ended last season strong, in part pitching out of the bullpen, something he doesn't think he is old enough for yet. But he's willing to work in whatever role he is given. 

Not old enough to pitch out of the bullpen?

 

What does that even mean?

 

Not old enough to pitch out of the bullpen?

What does that even mean?

Translation:

 

"I don't want to pitch out of the bullpen, despite saying the right things coming off of a terrible season."

I am encouraged by his openness to accept help and change.

 

Changing his entire approach was the only path I was at all interested in with him. We’ll have to see if he puts his money where his mouth is.

Mariano Rivera in the 1996 WS to Joe Torre:

 

"Mr. Torre, I am sorry.  I am too young to close these games"

 

I don't like those kinds of silly statements.  Don't say exactly how you feel, but at least be somewhat genuine.  To feed me a line that insults my intelligence (not that I am Bertrand Russel or anything).

 

I remember Matt Garza being interviewed after a game he'd pitched in KC late during the 2007 season, not long after that horrible trade deadline.  I think he went 7 innings, gave up a run, maybe 2 or 3 hits, threw 100 pitches or so and was taken out.  He later in front of the mic said, "I didn't do enough to help the team win the game"

 

Excuse  me?  We lost 1-0 so how in the world can anyone believe a statement like that?  Sounds strange, but I actually did not appreciate the comment because there was no way in the world he felt that way.  This was more about him doing some image control and it was totally not genuine.

 

This isn't either, but whatever.

I hope he still believes in himself as a starter and is working towards that role. Seth paraphrased the quote but might have added this bit that followed his bullpen comment.

 

“I’ll be ready to do my job in any situation and any role that they want me to be.”

I hope he still believes in himself as a starter and is working towards that role. Seth paraphrased the quote but might have added this bit that followed his bullpen comment.

 

“I’ll be ready to do my job in any situation and any role that they want me to be.”

I always think back to the scene in Bull Durham where they discuss what you say to the media, when I see a quote like this one. I'm glad he's aware enough to say it, but I don't attach any real meaning to it.

I wasn't a fan of the Perez signing, but signing him on January 30th as opposed to February 30th after camp has started is much better.