Front Page: Damage Control: Pitching is Minnesota's Primary Advantage in ALDS

[insagt1]

Everyone spouts the cliche that hitters will be stopped in post season because the pitching is so much better. Don't count on that in this series. I can envision a lot of very high scoring football scores because both staffs are very shaky. Using pitching regular season stats now don't paint accurate pictures because many of the pitchers that formed those stats either aren't playing or have had their problems second half. So they are pretty meaningless. If a player stunk for most the season but then caught fire in the final weeks...he becomes a real threat in post season.

 

Dobnak could be the ace of our staff in post season. Or, he could get lost in the moment and flame out early. Who knows? What I want from these guys, collectively, is for them to throw strikes. Once they start going deep into counts, by nibbling or trying to be too fine, bad things will happen.

[KirbyDome89]

 

I’m going to have to go with Nick on this one. I won’t deny that severino has talent, he does and (when healthy) has the makings of a quality arm. However, Dobnak has more talent and better “stuff” than many give him credit for. At most, this is a push and right now has the benefit of a full season and a hot hand under his belt.

Severino is a 2X AS and according to both him and his team he's healthy. That simply is a quality arm. I'm not sure how a guy with 28 career Major League innings can be that underrated but regardless of where you feel he his, it isn't anywhere near Severino; this isn't a push. 

[DocBauer]

Honestly, I think rotation and pen are no worse than a push either way, regardless of how you tilt the table in comparison.

 

It does feel the Yankees have more of the "been there" and that can absolutely be a factor.

 

While we can't be sure how Berrios is going to perform, we know what he can do, has done before, and he has absolutely looked much better as of late.

 

I'm with Brock that my biggest concern is the offense limping in to this series. Even if close to 100%, how rusty are Kepler and Marwin? And is the ankle good enough for Arraez to be himself?

[jkcarew]

 

It's about stamina and length. Dobnak threw 135 (dominant) innings in the minors this year in addition to his 28 with MIN. Severino has literally thrown 13 innings all year, total, and he hasn't been stretched out past 80 pitches in an outing. 

About those 80 pitches: 5 innings, 3 hits, 9K, 0BB

 

I'm hoping Odorizzi has the 'stamina and length' to do that with 130 pitches.

[jkcarew]

If you absolutely ignore Severino...which this article basically does, yes, the Twins might have an advantage in the starting pitching.

 

Severino first pitched in a competitive game back on Sept 1. Five weeks ago. I'm guessing he worked out once or twice beyond the game action he's seen. Can the Twins get to him? Of course. But, they'll have to deal with him and I'm sure he'll be ready to go as deep as any Twins pitcher (other than Berrios) has a reasonable chance of going.

[Amonahan]

I like where the numbers put us in comparison, but the playoffs are a different animal. We have a lot of first timers. It's up to Rocco to try and get everyone a successful first taste of life in the playoffs (easier said than done). You can see people rapidly unravel, deflate, etc., in these games. Here's hoping our guys can close out innings and pass the baton with empty bases, so everyone has a chance to start off right. 

[MN_ExPat]

Severino is a 2X AS and according to both him and his team he's healthy. That simply is a quality arm. I'm not sure how a guy with 28 career Major League innings can be that underrated but regardless of where you feel he his, it isn't anywhere near Severino; this isn't a push.

 

Then we agree to disagree. But don’t feel bad about being wrong, I still like you . Edited October 4, 2019 by MN_ExPat

[USAFChief]

I blame Nick.

[Battle ur tail off]

 

I blame Nick.

 

Haha. This was reaching at best anyway. We all know the Twins pitching is suspect. Even more so when your manager decides he wants the game in the hands of the bottom of your bullpen rather than your top. 

 

I like Rocco, but he made more than 1 poor decision last night. If we are going to lose to the Yankees, lose with your best. You don't need to save guys arms right now it is do or die. The guys he brought in last night besides Duffey, should only be used in games that are already over. 

[Linus]

This story didn’t age well.