http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Mackey_Twins_catch_a_glimpse_of_future_starting_pitching_rotation022413

 

Phil Mackey got to Ft. Myers in time to watch the Twins inter-squad game on Sunday morning. He was able to see Alex Meyer, Trevor May, BJ Hermsen and JO Berrios. The article has lots about the young Twins pitchers. The page also shows video of Alex Meyer pitching to Danny Santana.

Can't see much from the video but the ball gets in there quick.

Two years for Barrios to reach the majors? I like the optimism but I have a hard time believing the Twins would promote a 20-year-old pitcher to the 25-man roster. No matter what his numbers are, I'd be surprised if he gets out of the Midwest League this year.

Yes, that 'two years' comment caught my attention, too.

I'm all for having him appear with the Twins as soon as he's ready, but 2016 or 2017 I suspect is a more realistic expectation.

He'd probably have to Maintain an ERA around 2.50 or better with lots of K's and few walks if he is to move that fast. Possible, but not likely.

May, Meyer, Barios plus Gibson and Worley. Is everyone's mouth watering? That's got to be the best Twins rotation - EVER - if they all live up to the hype (and I hope they do!)

May, Meyer, Barios plus Gibson and Worley. Is everyone's mouth watering? That's got to be the best Twins rotation - EVER - if they all live up to the hype (and I hope they do!)

 

Yes. And I know that it's foolish to get over-hyped--the odds are that not all of them will pan out--but imagine if you include the #4 pick in the 2013 draft in there, assuming it's a pitcher. Appel or Manaea would fit in there nicely.

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but between 2006 and 2008, BA had Liriano ranked 6th, Garza 21st, Glen Perkins 66th, Slowey ranked 71st, and Blackburn ranked 56th. I think their rankings are better these days because they seem to value strikeout potential much more than in the past, and the young Twins arms have that ability, but it gets dangerous to pin all our hope on that much unproven talent.

While I agree that we shouldn't crown this group the best twins starting staff ever, this is a great group of arms. I would argue that it is more talented than the 2006-2008 group you listed. Heck, even if this group turns out like the 2006-2008 group would it be so bad? Ace starter who gets derailed by injuries, a solid #2, two back end starters, and a great bull pen arm ain't bad. Actually..... That sounds like a very reasonable outcome.

It's a very nice group of arms.. stastically speaking though, half of them will not make it. It would be nice for luck to be on our side for a change and see all of them hit their ceilings, but odds are good when they are ready, we will still want pitching.

 

TINSTAAPP

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but between 2006 and 2008, BA had Liriano ranked 6th, Garza 21st, Glen Perkins 66th, Slowey ranked 71st, and Blackburn ranked 56th. I think their rankings are better these days because they seem to value strikeout potential much more than in the past, and the young Twins arms have that ability, but it gets dangerous to pin all our hope on that much unproven talent.

 

Well what should we pin our hope on? The Twins using free agency to get better?

Well what should we pin our hope on? The Twins using free agency to get better?

 

He's just expecting a dose of reality. Perkins turned out OK as a relief pitcher even though for a while he was the worst of the bunch. Garza has been pretty decent too, but injury killed Slowey and Liriano... and then there's Blackburn...

 

It's the injury that really bites. I'm pretty convinced that we'd have different opionions of both Slowey and Liriano had they never gotten hurt.

The only reason the Twins obtained Liarano in the deal was because of arm issues. He had already been shut down once for the Giants. You can always hope there will not be injuries, but more pitchers seem to have them these days.