Brett Lee

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett C. Lee is my "adopt a prospect". I have always been fascinated by that unique human species called lefty reliever. It goes back to the 1970s and Tug McGraw (father of country singer Tim). The Twins have had their share of crazy southpaws in the pen from Jesse Orosco to Everyday Eddie to JC Romero.

 

Will Brett join them??? It is too early to tell...and then last night he gets a start--first of the year...fifth of his career...he pitched 6 shut out innings for Cedar Rapids and picked up his 2nd win of the young season.

 

Brett's bio per the Twins: He was born on Sept. 20, 1990 (so he is 22 will turn 23 post season) in Pensacola Fla. He went to St. Petersburg Junior College where he was drafted by the Twins (in 2011 in 10th round). In 2012 he made 16 appearances for Etown in the Appy League. 4 were starts. He had no saves or complete games. His 2012 stats are good 2.68 ERA, in 43 and 2/3 IP he gave up less than a hit per inning (39) and struck out more than one per inning (48). He did walk 12 which works out to slightly more than 2 per 9 innings. I like the high number of Ks.

 

Last night was Brett's first start of the 2013 season and his 3rd appearance. He got his 2nd win. He has pitched a total of 8 innings--his K numbers still good (7). His walks are down--ZERO so far. Hits are up--8--1 per inning.

 

It will be interesting to see how he is used by Jake Mauer and the Cedar Rapids staff. I think his future with the Twins is in the pen...but he may start most of the year...--

[jokin]

Brett C. Lee is my "adopt a prospect". I have always been fascinated by that unique human species called lefty reliever. It goes back to the 1970s and Tug McGraw (father of country singer Tim). The Twins have had their share of crazy southpaws in the pen from Jesse Orosco to Everyday Eddie to JC Romero.

 

Will Brett join them??? It is too early to tell...and then last night he gets a start--first of the year...fifth of his career...he pitched 6 shut out innings for Cedar Rapids and picked up his 2nd win of the young season.

 

Brett's bio per the Twins: He was born on Sept. 20, 1990 (so he is 22 will turn 23 post season) in Pensacola Fla. He went to St. Petersburg Junior College where he was drafted by the Twins (in 2011 in 10th round). In 2012 he made 16 appearances for Etown in the Appy League. 4 were starts. He had no saves or complete games. His 2012 stats are good 2.68 ERA, in 43 and 2/3 IP he gave up less than a hit per inning (39) and struck out more than one per inning (48). He did walk 12 which works out to slightly more than 2 per 9 innings. I like the high number of Ks.

Last night was Brett's first start of the 2013 season and his 3rd appearance. He got his 2nd win. He has pitched a total of 8 innings--his K numbers still good (7). His walks are down--ZERO so far. Hits are up--8--1 per inning.

 

It will be interesting to see how he is used by Jake Mauer and the Cedar Rapids staff. I think his future with the Twins is in the pen...but he may start most of the year...--

 

Career K/BB ratio is terrific! It's about 4.60! I asked Seth for info on what he throws and at what velocity- perhaps you might know some more? As he's relatively unheralded- pfft ..... off the radar, and you and I are about the only people that talk about him- I'm guessing that his stuff is the key to how far he can go.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Jokin:

 

I am still learning about him...I hope to post here after each of his starts (assuming he stays in rotation)...and add stuff I learn after each post. I agree his K numbers are outstanding as is his K/BB ratio. Twins need pitchers who can ring up the Ks--as Hawk says--he gone...

[Steven Buhr]

Lee and pitching coach Gary Lucas were both pleased with his two-seem fastball last night. On Monday, the Rattlers ripped CR pitching when they went inside. Lee kept his fastball away. He ended up with something like 10 ground outs and I want to say just 3 or so fly ball outs. In fact, I think through about 4 innings every out was a K or GO. Lee also thought his changeup was working very well.

 

He topped out about 89 on the stadium radar gun (on a cold damp night), but at this point, I'm not sure how reliable that reading is. Historically, we've been told it's about 2 mph slow, but this week we heard of scouts saying the Wisconsin pitcher's readings Monday night (up to 99 mph on the board) were faster than anything the scouts were getting on their guns. So who knows?

 

With Berrios arriving, you kind of figure Lee may head to the bullpen. Over the course of a full-season summer, though, a lot of guys will see time in both roles and I expect he will be one of those guys.

[jokin]

Thanks and shout out to both DC and SD(JC)! Good background info about a guy I have decided to get on board with and see how it plays out. I too, as a fellow lefty, like to see those LHPs that defy the odds and break the mold.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update #1:

 

I guess this is how you do it...but this is my DAM blog...so I will do it my way until told otherwise. This is also my first blog...I wish I was as good a writer as Seth and Nick and JC who regularly post here...then I could aspire to be as good as Jonah Keri (my son's favorite baseball blogger) or my favorite (the legendary) BatGirl who I miss from the Twins Blogosphere.

 

I will admit, I was a little perturbed when Seth didnt include Brett in his list of top 30 prospects--I do respect him when it comes to Twins minor leaguers. So I did a little more research to see if I could understand why. It didnt take long. Brett was originally (in 2009) the 40th round pick of the Dodgers (my first favorite team--I am lucky enough to be able to say I attended a game at Ebbets Field as a kid--of course when O'Malley broke the heart of Brooklyn they weren't my favorite team any more). Being the 40th pick meant Brett was the 1200th pick overall out of high school (give or take).

 

Further research gave me Brett's 2011 statistics at St. Petersburg JC...the good news he had 75Ks in 80 innings while walking only 25...the Twins need pitchers who have that kind of K/BB ratio. The bad news...the rest of Brett's stats that year...a 5.06 ERA to go along with a 4-8 record (on a mediocre team that went 18-31). Brett pitched in 19 games so basically averaged 4+ innings per game--from that I guess he was both starter and reliever--he had NO saves.

 

Now tonights game--a game that probably means little since it was his first appearance in 9 days!!!! Brett started and went 4 and 2/3 innings. He was not involved in the decision. The game was a wild one--the Kernels won 16-7. Brett's numbers--4.2IP, 4 Runs allowed (3 earned), only 1K and 3BB (the only ones he has allowed in 4 appearances--total of 12 innings). Not good but understandable.

 

So where does he stand. In my humble opinion--nothing's changed cause of the layoff. I still think Brett has a shot (as a lefty reliever--remember they get 9 lives just like cats--see Romero, JC and Orosco, Jesse) to move up and maybe make spring training in 2015. On the other hand, a few more performances like tonight will mean he washes out of the Twins system before 2015. Given his K/BB ratio--still 8 to 3, I vote for a lefty reliever on the Twins within 2 or 3 years.

 

p.s. dont be offended by the DAM--those are my real initials.

[Seth Stohs]

Your writing is just fine. Make your postings how you want them, make them yours.

 

As for Lee, I will say that he's got a chance. I question if he'll be a starter still and that's a big factor in him not being in my top 30 (though I don't think he'd crack my top 50 either). He's got talent. There is upside there. Just a lot of uncertainty too.

 

Also, I always encourage people to put together their own personal Top 10s, Top 30, top 50, or whatever they like. Prospect lists should vary. There should be differing opinions. That's what makes them fun. There are prospects I'm much higher on than other people are, and vice versa. That gives us something to discuss. And, I"m going to be right on some, and wrong on some, and that's good.

 

I appreciate your contributions!

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update #2

 

Brett made his 3rd start for the Kernels tonight. They were on the road and staked Brett to a 2 run lead in the first inning. (Then the hot Kernels offense went cold). Brett made a quality start (2 runs thru 6 innings). Thru 5.2 innings he pitched well enough to hold the lead. (With 2 out in the bottom of the 6th it was 2-1 Cedar Rapids). Then West Mich. tied it up on a passed ball. So thru 6--Brett did well--he threw 74 pitches--49 were strikes--a 2-1 ratio--good. 6IP, 6H, 1 BB, 2Ks. A quality start 2 runs allowed only 1 earned.

 

For some reason--remember I think Brett's future is in the pen--and even in college he was a part-time reliever--Brett came out to pitch the bottom of the 7th with the game still tied 2-2. Didnt work. He gave up a single and HR. Then the Kernels brought in the pen, but the damage was done. (The pen didnt do well Kernels lost 7-2.)

 

Brett's final numbers 6+ IP, 4 Runs (3 earned), 2Ks, 1 BB, and 8Hits. As his prospect adapter, I prefer to ignore the 7th when it comes time to evaluate--he should have never come out to pitch. (His opponent didnt). Reminds me of the Corriea game.

 

Brett's YTD numbers:

 

5 appearances--last 3 as starter. 18.2 IP, 10Ks vs 4BB (though last 2 games are 2Ks and 4BB) 15H (OK for 18.2 IP), and 8 Runs (6 Earned). His ERA is 2.89...would be about 1.89 if he didnt come out for the 7th inning tonight. Opponents are batting about .280 against him (not so good).

 

Will be interesting to see if he moves to the pen soon and what he does there.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update #3

 

Brett made his second consecutive quality start tonight. I call his last start a quality start because he shouldn't have come out in the 7th. Like last start, Brett had minimal offensive support--a HR by DJ Hicks in the 5th was the only run the Kernels scored while Brett was on the mound. Like his last start, Brett picked up the loss--he is 2-2 with an ERA of 2.92.

 

Brett's numbers on the night--6IP, 4 hits, 3 Runs (2 earned) 3Ks and 2BB. Not the dominant number of K's I was hoping for so Seth would have to include him on his prospect list. But decent numbers.

 

For the year, Brett is 2-2 with the ERA of 2.92 I stated above. He has allowed 27 hits including 2 HRs, 11 runs (only 8 earned) in 24.2 IP. (take away the 2 H and 2 runs allowed in 0 IP last game when he should have been pulled--the numbers are pretty DAM good 25 hits in 24.2 IP (only 1 HR) and only 6 earned runs. 13Ks to 6 BB--in all honesty that ratio has gone down in his last 3 starts--since I adapted him for what that is worth. Still a healthy ratio. His WHIP (if my math is correct) is 1.28 not counting the extra inning he shouldn't have pitched.

 

Additional research on Brett--he didnt pitch in the GCL Twins rookie team in 2011--most of his Kernel mates did--cause he signed late. He did pitch at a Junior College in 2010--Bishop State (in Alabama)--only stat I could find was almost meaningless--a 7-6 record no ERA given. Weird that he switched JCs after his freshman year. His overall JC record is 11-14. Dont know anything about Bishop State. Do know his sophomore team was 18-31 so you would expect a record like the 4-8 he had. Numbers that do not lead to prospect star status.

 

Bottom line--if he gets his K/BB ratio back up--Brett is still a Twins bullpen prospect (as a lefty) for 2016 or so.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update number 4

 

Brett made his biggest push yet to be added to Seths top 30 prospect list. He made his 3rd consecutive quality start (according to me--cause I dont count what he did in the 7th inning two starts ago). Once again he was pitching with minimal offensive support. There is ZERO chance the Kernels would score 23 runs when Brett is given the start. After a 5 inning pitchers duel against the Burlington Bees--(0-0), the Kernels offense came alive and gave Brett more than he needed in the 6th--4 runs. All he needed was one.

 

Brett was just dominant (I may be bragging). He pitched 7 innings. He had a bit of trouble in the 7th and gave up 2 runs--but ZERO earned runs. He walked only one and had 10Ks--once again adding to his dominant K to BB ratio. He scattered (maybe a stretch) 8 hits. He picked up his 3rd win (now 3-2). His ERA is a stellar 2.27 (artificially inflated by 2 runs he gave up in the 7th while getting no outs when he should have never come out). It would be about 1.75 otherwise. His K/BB ratio for the year is 23/7 (over 3/1). One more stat--out of 27 outs only one was afand fly ball out--10Ks and 10 grounders. IMHO--a real potential Twins reliever in 2015 or 6.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

OOPS--that should have been 21 outs...shouldnt do this at 1AM--especially true for an old guy (I go on Medicare in two weeks (:-)...)

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update #5

 

For once Brett was the beneficiary of Kernels offensive support. But most of it happened in the later innings--after he was out of the game. At least Brett avoided the loss. Brett's numbers for the night--in a word--pretty much sucked. 5 IP, 6 Runs (all earned), 8 hits, 4BB, 5Ks. He even had a balk. Last start he had 10 groundouts (along with 10Ks and only 1 fly out). Tonight only 5Ks, and 2 ground outs along with 4 fly outs. Obviously, Brett didnt have his A game tonight--or even his B game.

 

For the year--Brett is 3-2 with an ERA of 3.27 (not too shabby and inflated by pitching the 7th inning 3 starts ago he shouldnt have--gave up 2 runs--it would be about 2.75 otherwise). Brett has pitched 36.2 innings given up 43 hits, (about 1.2 per inning). His K to BB ratio is still good (but not as good) 28Ks to 11BB.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update #6

 

When I started in this adopt a prospect forum, Seth said writers are supposed to brag about their prospect. In that spirit, here are the positives from his start today vs Burlington Bees. He didnt give up a Homer--he has given up only 2 in 40.2 IP. He continued his good K/BB ratio--5 Ks and only 1 BB (we will ignore the two batters he hit).

Thats it...

 

Brett got hammered today by the Bees. He pitched 4 innings plus--faced 22 batters to get 12 outs. He retired 5 by strike out, 5 on the ground and 1 fly--no clue on the 12th. He was charged with 6 runs (5 earned) on 6 hits...for those calculating ERA--his game ERA was 11.25 OUCH. Nothing more to say.

 

For the year--Brett has pitched 40.2 innings, in 9 appearances (7 starts), given up 2HR, struck out 33 while walking 12 (almost 3/1 good ratio) and given up 43 hits (so WHIP is 1.375 I think). He has a 4.20 ERA after today to go with a 3-3 record.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update #7

 

Brett got the benefit of the vaunted Kernels offense today--Kernels scored 12 while Brett was on the mound starting with 3 in the top of the first before he even took the mound. Brett coasted to his 4th victory of the season. It appears that he was not at his best--he only had 4Ks--but he didn't have to be.

 

Brett pitched 7 innings--walking 2 while giving up 7 hits and allowing only 2 runs (1 earned). He also hit a batter (his 4th HBP in last 3 starts). The K/BB ratio of 2/1 is low for him--but he didn't need to be striking out guys with a big lead. He did have 11 ground outs to 4 fly outs (almost 3/1) again at his best he gets that ratio to 4/1 or better--but he didn't need to be at his best with a big lead. Still a good start after 3 bad ones.

 

Brett's numbers for the year: 4-3 record with an ERA of 3.78 (inflated by staying on too long in one game earlier in the year and his last very very bad start--discounting those it would be about 2.80). He has struck out 37 while walking only 14. He has given up 50 hits in 47.2 innings pitched so his WHIP is 1.345 (assuming my math is correct).

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update #8

 

Brett may have made his last start before the minor league AS break--I hope not--this was not one that helps his chances of promotion or making one of Seth's lists. I expect that Brett will be in the pen during the second half--where I think his future lies anyway.

 

The only good news about tonight's game is that Brett (for the first time in 3 games) did not hit a batter. (He did throw a WP).

 

Brett pitched 4 innings. He needed 23 batters to get 12 outs. He gave up 3HRs (he had only given up 2 all year)...he gave up 11 hits and allowed 8 runs (all earned)...he even put a serious dent in his outstanding K/BB ratio--by walking 2 and striking out 2. One more stat--his ERA for tonight's game is 18.00 (YIKES). There is no getting around it, Brett pretty much sucked tonight (but it happens even to the Justin Verlanders and CC Sabathias).

 

For the year--Brett is now 4-4 with an ERA of 4.88. He has struck out 39 and walked 16 (still a good ratio). He has given up 61 hits in 51.2 innings so his WHIP is now 1.49. All of these numbers are in a downward spiral over his last 3 starts--2 of which have been horrid.

[deanlambrecht]

The way the rotation moves Brett should be pitching on Friday. There's a 60% chance I'm heading down to that game, so if I do, and if he's pitching, I'll provide my impression here (for whatever it's worth).

 

Thanks for all great info you're providing on Brett. I really wanted to see Berrios pitch, so was disappointed in how the rotation was unfolding. But reading your thread on Brett makes it much more compelling for me to check this guy out. While Buxton is of course the top attraction in Cedar Rapids, I'm always more interested in watching pitchers, so this is great info for me...

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

The way the rotation moves Brett should be pitching on Friday. There's a 60% chance I'm heading down to that game, so if I do, and if he's pitching, I'll provide my impression here (for whatever it's worth).

 

Thanks for all great info you're providing on Brett. I really wanted to see Berrios pitch, so was disappointed in how the rotation was unfolding. But reading your thread on Brett makes it much more compelling for me to check this guy out. While Buxton is of course the top attraction in Cedar Rapids, I'm always more interested in watching pitchers, so this is great info for me...

 

I hope you made it to the game--it looks like Brett had one of his best starts of the season. Too bad the Kernels lost. My update follows.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

The Cedar Rapids Kernels went into tonight's game knowing a win would get them closer to a first half pennant. Brett Lee got the start. He did his job. He saved the best for last--by pitching possibly his best game in his last first half start. I am hoping he moves to the pen for the second half because I believe that is where his future lies. He probably does not agree. We will see what Jake Mauer and the Twins brass think in the second half.

 

Back to the game--I said it was his best (possibly) start in a very big game. The vaunted Kernels offense vanished...Brett was on the wrong end of a 1-0 pitchers duel. He made one mistake--gave up a HR to Patrick Wisdom...he scattered 7 singles in 7 innings. Kept up his good K/BB ratio by striking out 5 while walking 2. He didn't hit a batter--he went thru a stretch where he did that too frequently--he did throw a WP. He also built up his good groundball to flyball ratio (12-2) what you want in a southpaw RP. He chalked up another quality start. All of this was not enough for the Kernels who tied it up after Brett left the game--and then the pen got hammered in the 10th inning so the Kernels lost.

 

Final first half Brett Lee stats: 4-4 with an ERA of 4.44. By my count he has 5 quality starts (out of 10--he also appeared in relief twice during the inclement weather start of the half). He has struck out 44 while walking 18. (a ratio of 2.44) He has given up 68 hits in 58.2 IP producing a WHIP of 1.47. Looking forward to the second half.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Does anyone know how to edit a post--I tried and it wouldn't save...

 

First edit--I would love to hear from Dean or anybody else who was at game and what their impressions were...

 

Second edit--I did compare final first half numbers with Brett's numbers from E-Town last year and they are down a bit which I guess shows that if you are not Buxton or Sano it is tougher each level...also Brett pitched more from the pen last year and only made 4 starts out of 16 appearances...he increased his IP by a third which probably helped put the numbers down and shows me his Twins future is as a southpaw reliever...

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update Number 10

 

Two things surprised me about tonight's box score for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. First Buxton led off--I am shocked he is not playing in Ft. Myers--he has nothing to prove in Cedar Rapids. Second, Brett got the start, I was sure he would be in the pen for the second half.

 

Brett got a win in his first appearance in his third half season in the Twins org. (2012 second half at ETown, 2013 first half in Cedar Rapids). Brett ended the first half with a bang, but prior to that had been in a downward trend. Tonight's start was OK not great. He got the benefit of Buxton and the vaunted Kernels offense by having 3 runs on the board before he threw a pitch...he needed those runs. The good news is Brett continued his good K/BB ratio--3 strikeouts and one walk; and his good groundball/fly ratio (8-2). But not a great start--5IP, 5hits, 3 runs (2 earned). He threw 68 pitches in 5 innings which isn't bad. His WHIP for the game is 1.2--pretty good.

 

I will be traveling for a couple of weeks, not sure about web access, I will update when I can for all starts. If Brett as expected heads for the pen, I will try to update once a week. I am keeping split half stats--so I can have comparison for the three halves. For the year, Brett is 5-4 with an ERA of 4.38.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update #11

 

Sorry for the delay--I am traveling--I didn't have web access for 3 days--cause I refuse to pay $12 a day...

 

Brett started Saturday and pitched arguably his best game of the year. With Atholton starting Sunday there is a chance Brett could go to the pen for the rest of the season. Brett went 8 innings--I believe his longest stint yet. The vaunted Kernels offense didn't show so Brett didn't get the win even though he didn't give up an earned run. (He did give up an unearned run). The vaunted Kernels offense (less vaunted now of course without Buxton) did show up eventually and the Kernels won in 10 on a walk-off WP of all things.

 

Brett continued to build up his good ratios--4 hits in 8 innings--NO WALKS--9 Ks. 13 ground outs to only 4 fly outs. An OUTSTANDING performance. For the year Brett is 5-4 with an ERA of 3.89. Again take out the start where he was left in too long and a couple of other things and his ERA would be about 3.33 (you could say that about all pitchers).

 

Brett's second half stats--12Ks to 1BB; 21grounders to 6 flyouts. His second half WHIP is 0.77--outstanding--assuming my math is good.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee update 12

 

Brett celebrated being on Seth's Minor League pitcher of the month list by having a mediocre game...he did receive the benefit of the vaunted Kernels offense and left with a lead. The Kernels pen had a bad night and the Kernels lost--so Brett did not get a decision.

 

Brett went 5 and 2/3 innings giving up 5 hits (one double and 4 singles) while allowing 3 runs (only 2 earned). He kept up his outstanding K/BB ratio by striking out 5 while walking only 1. He did throw a WP. He had 6 ground outs to 4 fly ball outs--below par for him...his record for the season is 5-4 with an ERA of 3.84.

 

Brett's second half stats--3 starts 18.2 IP; 14 hits allowed. His outstanding K/BB ratio is 17-2. He has 27 groundouts to 10 flyouts--still after a mediocre performance a very good close to 3.0 ratio. His second half WHIP is 0.857 (assuming my math is correct).

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update 13

 

Like my other adopt-a-prospect (Stephen Gonsalves) Brett continued his bid to move up on all of Seth's lists...He threw a complete game. Not only, was it his first complete game of the year, it was the first complete game of 2013 thrown by a Cedar Rapids pitcher.

 

Brett was the beneficiary of the vaunted Kernels offense (basically Adam Walker) that produced a 3 run first inning and coasted to a 7-1 complete game win. He gave up 5 hits in his 9 innings that produced one run. He struck out 3 and walked a batter. He got 15 guys out on grounders (including 2 DPs) and 6 on flies. All in all, a very impressive showing. If he can do this consistently, maybe 2014 will see him in New Britain and give me a chance to see him pitch live at Bowie or Harrisburg...

 

Brett's second half stats--4 starts totaling 27.2 IP which is an average of 7IP per start; In those 4 starts he has given up 19 hits, 8 runs (5 earned), struck out 20 and walked only 3. His outstanding ratios--20K/3BB almost 7-1; 42 ground outs to 15 flyouts almost 3-1. Assuming my math is correct--his WHIP is 0.795.

 

For the year Brett is 6-4 with an ERA of 3.54. He has thrown 86.1 innings which is double what he threw for E-Town in 2012--I wonder if the Twins Minor League pitching gurus will be keeping an eye on that stat.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update 14

 

For about a minute I thought about just copying the last update...but I didn't. It will be very similar because the games were similar.

 

Brett made another move (just like my other adopt-a-prospect Stephen Gonsalves) to move up on all of Seth's lists--including starting pitcher for the month of July. He made the case as well for promotion to the Miracle and (hopefully for me) 2014 to New Britain.

 

He threw his second complete game of the year--the second for the Kernels--and his second consecutive complete game. He received support from the vaunted Kernels offense (or at least Adam Walker who hit 2 HR and now has 20 for the year). This time the offense came late (5th inning). Brett went 9 innings giving up 6 hits (1 HR) which led to the only run he gave up (it was earned) while walking 1 and striking out 10!!! He continued his outstanding grounder to flyball ratio by inducing 9 groundouts and 3 flyouts.

 

His second half stats--5 appearances (all starts); 36.2 IP (an average of 7.1 IP per start) 9 runs (6 earned) (which gives a second half ERA of 1.49 if my math is good), 25 hits, 4 BB and 30Ks!!! That makes his second half K/BB ratio 10/1!! His ground/fly ratio is 51 to 18 which is a ratio of 2.83 to 1. His WHIP for the second half is 0.79. Again all of these assume my math is correct. All are truly outstanding even if my math is slightly off.

 

For the 2013 season Brett is 7-4 with an ERA of 3.30. He has pitched 95.2 innings in 2013 which is by far the most he has pitched (at least since High School).

[goulik]

I think Brett has made his case to remain a starter... Whats the change? What has his fastball been doing? You discussed it early while questioning the radar gun; has his fastball picked up some steam, has he added pitches? What is he doing to make this improvement? Love the idea of starting pitching prospect developing like this for the Twins. That doesn't seem to occur for us.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update 15

 

Well, the clock struck midnight (or insert your own cliché here)--Brett's streak of 2 complete games in a row ended. The Kernels won--but Brett didn't get the win. The vaunted Kernels offense showed up but only after Brett left (while he was in the vaunted Kernels offense got the grand total of 1 (UNO) hit).

 

Brett pitched well while he was in the game--5 IP, 2 runs (only 1 earned), 6 hits, 1 BB, 4 Ks...not sure why he was pulled after only 5 innings down only 2-0...my hunch is his innings count for the year...100!! More than he has pitched in his professional career and I think since High School.

 

This was his 6th second half appearance (all starts). He has pitched 41.2 innings (an average of virtually 7 a start). He has given up 11 runs (7 earned) and 31 hits while walking only 5 and striking out 34. His 2nd half ratios (assuming my math is correct) ERA is 1.51; K/BB is almost 7/1; ground out to fly out is 61/19 (3.21) and WHIP is 0.864. All of these are truly outstanding and bode well for a future with the Twins as either a starter or a long reliever in the Duensing role. Probably has thrown too many innings to be promoted in August (unless in a pen role) but should be in Ft. Myers or New Britain in 2014.

 

For the year, Brett is 7-4 with an ERA of 3.23. (he had a few bad starts in the first half).

[60ft6in]

Brett Lee Update 15

 

Well, the clock struck midnight (or insert your own cliché here)--Brett's streak of 2 complete games in a row ended. The Kernels won--but Brett didn't get the win. The vaunted Kernels offense showed up but only after Brett left (while he was in the vaunted Kernels offense got the grand total of 1 (UNO) hit).

 

Brett pitched well while he was in the game--5 IP, 2 runs (only 1 earned), 6 hits, 1 BB, 4 Ks...not sure why he was pulled after only 5 innings down only 2-0...my hunch is his innings count for the year...100!! More than he has pitched in his professional career and I think since High School.

 

This was his 6th second half appearance (all starts). He has pitched 41.2 innings (an average of virtually 7 a start). He has given up 11 runs (7 earned) and 31 hits while walking only 5 and striking out 34. His 2nd half ratios (assuming my math is correct) ERA is 1.51; K/BB is almost 7/1; ground out to fly out is 61/19 (3.21) and WHIP is 0.864. All of these are truly outstanding and bode well for a future with the Twins as either a starter or a long reliever in the Duensing role. Probably has thrown too many innings to be promoted in August (unless in a pen role) but should be in Ft. Myers or New Britain in 2014.

 

For the year, Brett is 7-4 with an ERA of 3.23. (he had a few bad starts in the first half).

 

Lee was on a 75 pitch limit due the 2 prior complete games. Was pulled with pitch count in 60's due to new inning.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Lee was on a 75 pitch limit due the 2 prior complete games. Was pulled with pitch count in 60's due to new inning.

 

Thanks for info...kind of what I thought

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update 16

 

Brett came off the minor league DL today and made his 7th 2nd half appearance (all starts). The vaunted Kernels offense showed up and the Kernels won 7-4. Brett didn't get the win. He left in the third inning with the Kernels winning 2-0. Obviously, on a limit coming off the DL. Nevertheless, Brett's outing was impressive. He faced 11 batters in the 3IP--did not walk anybody; did not give up a run. He allowed 2 hits while striking out 1. He had 5 groundball outs vs. 0 (none, zippo) fly outs. He looks to be fine to finish the season--though his innings count for the year is now 103.1

 

He increased all his outstanding second half ratios--in 44.2 IP he has given up 11runs (7 earned), 33 hits, 5BB and struck out 35. That makes his K/BB ratio an outstanding 7/1. His WHIP 0.85; his ground out to fly ratio almost 3.5 to 1 and his second half ERA 1.41. We should see if these numbers hold up next year at either (or both) Fort Myers and New Britain.

 

For the year, Brett is 7-4 with an ERA of 3.14.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Brett Lee Update 17

 

Brett made his 8th second half appearance tonight (all starts). He pitched 4.2 innings and did not get a decision--the game was tied 2-2 when he was lifted. The vaunted Kernels offense showed up in the 6th and 7th innings (without Adam Walker who went 0/3) and the Kernels won 6-5. Brett is now at 108 IP for the season (which is substantially more than he pitched last year) and being watched closely by the Twins pitching gurus.

 

It was an OK start--not good--not bad. He pitched 4.2 innings giving up 2 runs (both earned) on 6 hits. He walked 2 and got 4Ks. Most impressively, he got 8 ground outs to 0 flies.

 

His second half stats and ratios took a minor hit (outside of ground/fly). He has pitched 49.1 innings giving up 13 runs (9 earned), 39 hits, walked 7 and struck out 39. That makes his K/BB ratio 5.55. His WHIP is 0.94; his second half ERA 1.65 and his ground/fly ratio (74/19)3.89.

 

For the year, Brett is 7-4 with an ERA of 3.17.