March 28, 201214 yr With the bullpen coming in to focus, and pitching roles taking shape, one major role remains unsettled -- the right-handed setup pitcher. This role was Zumaya's to lose coming into spring training, but with his injury and a disheveled bullpen coming into '12, it remains a question -- and great concern in my opinion -- who will lock down the 8th inning with LH counterpart Perkins and create the bridge to Capps. Normally you want a guy who can miss bats and blow hitters away in the 8th and 9th. Who will it be this year? In my opinion, Jared Burton leaves spring training as the RH setup. Could it be Swarzak, Gray, Burnett?
March 28, 201214 yr Gray has been impressive, but Burton has exceeded expectations and been an above-average relief pitcher this spring. Burnett needs some time to develop in AAA, and Swarzak, while he is a lock to make the team, is more of the long relief/ spot starter guy.
March 28, 201214 yr The way things look right now, Swarzak will probably start the season in the rotation in place of either Baker or Marquis. It's hard to see any way both of those guys will be ready with the way spring has gone for them.
March 29, 201214 yr The way things look right now, Swarzak will probably start the season in the rotation in place of either Baker or Marquis.I agree. It is looking more and more like the Twins might have to patch together the back end of the rotation to start the year.
March 29, 201214 yr Billy Bullock? Oh, that's right...Yes it's a bad trade, but even in our org. he wouldn't be on the roster right now.
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