Front Page: Opening Thoughts: Brusdar Graterol (What Would You Do?)

[SwainZag]

I would rather have Graterol starting in AAA and working on things than pushing him North in a bullpen role.  The kid is only 21.  

[MMMordabito]

 

If the plan is for Graterol, how would that look for you? As a starter, primary or relief pitcher? Does he open here or get more time in Rochester? Do you think a pitch limit should be on this year?

Just a reminder that this thread is to discuss what role you think Graterol should/will have this season and not a general session on who the Twins didn’t get and why. There are other threads for that, so let’s keep at least one thread on track and not devolve as others have. Thanks.

 

I was just using a recent quote to support the idea that Graterol may likely be forced to participate in some type of MLB rotation duty due to the FO's apparent lack of interest in the available FA options.  However, I did mention several other player's after naming Graterol, so I could see where that would lead it off track.

[Squirrel]

Moderator reminder: This thread is about Graterol’s role next season. Please keep your comments directed that way. Thanks.

[FormerMinnasotan]

Unpopular opinion: his trade value will probably never be greater than it is right now.

I agree, especially since there’s no guarantee Graterol ever makes it in the starting rotation. There’s no guarantee he’ll be successful in the bullpen either. He could possibly be Fernando Romero 2.0. To be honest I’d rather “hold on” to Jordan Balazovic as he actually looks like a real legit starting pitching prospect overall, even more so than Graterol. Graterol’s value might be enough to be the main bargaining chip for a higher end starting pitcher.

[FormerMinnasotan]

I would trade him and make him the center piece in a trade for a more top of the rotation starter. I’m not sold that Graterol will even pan out in the rotation and I feel that Edwar Colina will end up as good in our bullpen as Graterol. Both have upper 90’s-100 mph fastballs but given Colina’s better k numbers I think his slider will play up as well if not better than Graterol’s. And I am all for trading someone who’s trade value at it highest. Plus Graterol has yet to show he can stay healthy enough to be the Ace we all want him to be.

[cmoss84]

Start him up with the Twins. Pitch any way needed. Wouldn't hurt getting a 5 inning start or two...especially when hitters timing is off...

[specialiststeve]

Plan Steve....

 

Pick up Walker as the 4th starter.. use  Dobnak as the 5th starter...

 

Keep picking up good/great relief pitchers.... and use Graterol as one of the 6th/7th inning guys to bridge the game.... ala poor mans Yankees. Will keep his innings down and will be used in important positions. Can learn some off-speed stuff in the bullpen as have a few vets that likely could teach him a thing or 2. Let him grow this year on the Big club and if all goes well let him start next year..... 

[Doctor Gast]

I have great hopes for Graterol! What we need most is starting pitching, we need him to work on what needs to be worked on thru spring training & minors until he`s ready. Then take him slow, maybe use him as an opener & gradually increase his innings. He has pretty good spin rate. Seems like most of the top pitchers both SP & RP have high spin rates. All top pitching teams are going after (Astros, Indians & Rays) high spin pitchers. Can high spin rate be taught? High strike zone pitchers like ODO do well w/ high spin rate it seems. Don`t you think that the go after high spin rate pitchers? Chris Stratton, Pirates has very high spin rates & isn`t pursued. Any issues he may have can be worked on. Anyone who knows what I`m talking about, what do you think?

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think he's first in line to start in the Pineda spot, at which point I transition him to long relief/spot start in hopes of getting him about 120 innings this year so he can be a full time starter next year... if he gets hurt again, he goes to the pen permanently. 

[howieramone2]

We can win the Central in our sleep. Every pitcher should be a starter until they're not. Start him in Rochester.

[SwainZag]

 

I think he's first in line to start in the Pineda spot, at which point I transition him to long relief/spot start in hopes of getting him about 120 innings this year so he can be a full time starter next year... if he gets hurt again, he goes to the pen permanently. 

 

I just don't see how it's advantageous having him in long relief or an occasional spot starter when he could be starting on normal rest in Rochester.  If the Twins plan on him being a long term rotation asset, let him start to get use to it now.  Send him out there every 5 days.  He's thrown less than 70 innings above A ball.  Unless he comes out in ST and just wows everyone, I don't see the point in trying to rush him up to the MLB rotation.