Front Page: Michael Pineda Will Play a Huge Role During This Division Race

[Vanimal46]

It will be very interesting to see how we tackle SP this offseason. I don't think it's a conincidence that our level of play has dropped off significantly with our starters being less effective. Perez, Odorizzi, and Gibson have all turned back into pumpkins. Pineda is looking more like his old self. I definitely agree with the sentiment that you keep someone around, and that the moment, that someone is Pineda. I'm not sure I'd even consider QOing the others at this point. They've all been pretty bad as the season has worn on.

 

The problem is what to do next. That's 2 starters for 5 spots. I could see leaving one spot to Thorpe/Smeltzer to see who emerges victorious (with the other being a depth piece for 2020)... but going with both would not be wise IMO.

 

Free agency doesn't look all that good with really only one or two starters worth giving money to... I still think they end up trading for someone.

 

I'm still shocked the Twins didn't try and beat the offer for Gallen... They certainly could have. Then again, I'm still shocked that the Marlins traded him.

I agree that QOs shouldn't be offered to Odorizzi or Gibson. Given how the last couple of winters have gone, they would be crazy not to accept it. Unless they want to wait around until June like Keuchel and Kimbrel did...

 

The free agent starting pitchers are a little more attractive than the last couple of years. Gerrit Cole will be the prize everyone wants... I doubt the Twins will even get a return phone call.

 

However, there's MadBum, Zach Wheeler, Ryu, Porcello... Maybe a couple of surprises like Archer, Kluber, and Teheran.

[Mr. Brooks]

It will be very interesting to see how we tackle SP this offseason. I don't think it's a conincidence that our level of play has dropped off significantly with our starters being less effective. Perez, Odorizzi, and Gibson have all turned back into pumpkins. Pineda is looking more like his old self. I definitely agree with the sentiment that you keep someone around, and that the moment, that someone is Pineda. I'm not sure I'd even consider QOing the others at this point. They've all been pretty bad as the season has worn on.

 

The problem is what to do next. That's 2 starters for 5 spots. I could see leaving one spot to Thorpe/Smeltzer to see who emerges victorious (with the other being a depth piece for 2020)... but going with both would not be wise IMO.

 

Free agency doesn't look all that good with really only one or two starters worth giving money to... I still think they end up trading for someone.

 

I'm still shocked the Twins didn't try and beat the offer for Gallen... They certainly could have. Then again, I'm still shocked that the Marlins traded him.

Miami got back the #58 prospect in return for Gallen.

If they weren't picky about position, then Graterol would have been comparable (#57).

However, if they were looking to get a position player back, only Lewis or Kirilloff would likely be enough to top what they got.

[John Kelsey]

Sounds like Pineda will be starting tonight. 

[SF Twins Fan]

 

The bullpen will be fine. A back end trio of Rogers-Romo-Dyson with a mid tier of May-Duffey-Littell is not bad. The starters have to get to the sixth inning and beyond for the bullpen to succeed.

It's not good either though and that's the problem.

[Linus]

I like that Big Mike throws it over. I’m tired of watching pitchers that need 90 pitches to get to the 5th

[yarnivek1972]

I think the Twins need to make a push to sign all three of their free agent pitchers. IMHO, Perez would be better suited for a BP role or SP option as part of 6 guys who can fill that role. This year, like nearly every year previously, has proven a major league team needs more than 5 starters. Other than Brusder and Smeltzer, I don;t see a lot of major league ready starting pitching in the minors.

Nothing about Perez’s 2019 performance suggests he would do well in the pen. The first inning is one of his poorer innings. Not the worst, but far from the best.

 

Also, the Twins aren’t going to pay him $7.5 mil to be their second (or third if Smeltzer or Thorpe sticks in the role) lefty.

[ashbury]

Nothing about Perez’s 2019 performance suggests he would do well in the pen. The first inning is one of his poorer innings. Not the worst, but far from the best.

Unless he can do things, knowing he will only pitch one inning, that he can't pace himself to do when going for five or more.

[jkcarew]

This much I know for sure....

 

Standing in the box and looking out at that, out there on top of the mound, 60 feet six inches away....he could throw 100 90-mph fastballs over the middle of the plate and I'd never make contact. My toes would be scraping the outside of the box and I'd be bailing before his release. I guess that's why I'm a fan.

[KirbyDome89]

The Twins should want Pineda back, but IMO it needs to be in the same role he has filled this season; back end starter with front end upside. If MN goes into next season with Pineda penciled in atop the rotation they're asking for trouble, and the hunt for offseason arms went horribly wrong. 

 

I'm fine with Pineda on a 2 year deal although I agree it seems unlikely he'd sign one in MN barring another IL stint to end the season. Between him, Odorizzi, and Gibson he certainly has the most upside, but he's by far the least durable. I'd hesitate on giving him 3 years, but I could be swayed if the numbers weren't crazy. There's no way I'm handing him 4 years. 

 

 

[yarnivek1972]

The Twins should want Pineda back, but IMO it needs to be in the same role he has filled this season; back end starter with front end upside. If MN goes into next season with Pineda penciled in atop the rotation they're asking for trouble, and the hunt for offseason arms went horribly wrong.

 

I'm fine with Pineda on a 2 year deal although I agree it seems unlikely he'd sign one in MN barring another IL stint to end the season. Between him, Odorizzi, and Gibson he certainly has the most upside, but he's by far the least durable. I'd hesitate on giving him 3 years, but I could be swayed if the numbers weren't crazy. There's no way I'm handing him 4 years.

He’s almost certain to finish tonight’s start with more IP than Odorizzi. He’s 3 1/3 behind him.

[KirbyDome89]

 

He’s almost certain to finish tonight’s start with more IP than Odorizzi. He’s 3 1/3 behind him.

He's also missed 3 entire seasons and a good chunk of a 4th due to serious arm injuries....

[DocBauer]

I am a bit late but here I go.

 

1] I agree Pineda is a key. He bas been very solid and consistent. As pointed out in the OP, his ERA...not exactly the best measurement..is a bit inflated from a few bad performances. That can be said for a LOT of pitchers. He has good stuff, has had a nice career, and his biggest problem has simply been injuries that have slowed him. His signing was very smart. Coming off TJ, the Twins have handled him perfectly!

 

2] I don't know that Pineda is my #2 when playoff time comes. The problem with the rotation, right now, is NOT that anyone stinks. The problem is that everyone seems to be hitting a lull at once. Berrios bas one of the best starts of his young career followed by a bad one and then a mediocre one. Odorizzi seemed to have a recent finger issue. But I remind everyone he finished both 2017 and 2018 strong. Gibson had a STRONG year and a half coming in to this season before a rough start due to illness, missing time, etc. He hasn't been quite the same, but you still see starts where he is the same "new" pitcher he morphed in to. Usually, batters and pitchers have highs and lows in a season. Unfortunately, our rotation seems to all have had a lull recently.

 

There is still a month and a half to set things straight!

 

Before the season began, we all knew 3 pieces of our rotation were potential FA. I stated then that nobody should be surprised if Pineda turned out to be a priority when all is said and done. I think that is coming true.

 

This OK is about the post season, but we also understand the reality of tomorrow, and this thread is leaning that way. I get it. Makes sense under the circumstances. This team has truly has the ability to go deep and win it all. They could also be done 1st round. But isn't that true every year?

 

If we want to discuss next year, my personal belief is anywhere from 50-50 To 75-25 the FO makes a major move to add a major rotation piece to join Berrios. My vastly differential exists because the entire market has changed so much the past 3 years. FA options have changed so much. The first year of the new trade deadline left so many teams holding their cards thinking they had a shot. The Twins have a deep enough system to trade away 4 top 20 prospects for a quality SP without doing anything to "damage" their system.

 

Regardless, especially considering how the market has changed, I believe the Twins can, and probably will, bring back 2 of their 3 impending FA SP. The question is which 2?

 

Not necessarily a proven ACE, but a talented arm with a couple of years of control is brought in to team with Berrios. Pick your player! Between Odorizzi, Gibson and Pineda, which 2 would you choose? Because I see finances and production making cases for any of the 3.