IIRC, he's seen quite a bit of improvement since the begining of the year and his glide path (stuffy military terminology) is trending upward (era down month-to-month, etc). Someone with that info readily handy can elaborate...I'm a little too lazy.

Edited July 16, 201313 yr by TNTwinsFan

I'm not sure McCarthy was a smarter bet based upon known medical concerns going into the year.

 

And Harden has little to do with this. He was a minor league flyer.

 

I don't think I was clear. The two risk signings by the Twins (as mentioned by Psuedo above) were Pelfrey and Harden.

 

I'd argue McCarthy was a much smarter bet than those two. As were most any other starter available quite frankly.

Who was the big addition brought in to help the rotation THIS year?

IIRC he's (Pelfrey) improved since the begining of the year. His performance is trending upward and has been making steady progress. Someone with the time and energy can elaborate with things called facts and statistics (more facts, thus redundant). I'm too lazy and would rather live in The World of Generalities...I feel safe there....:shoot::s-instagib:

Thanks. Saved me the trouble. There are some good names there. No aces, per se. But a lot of solid mid-rotation guys. My sense is it is much deeper than 2012. Between Santana, Garza and Hughes, the Twins could have a shot at a guy who would be a number 3 on most teams but would be our ace.

 

I know the Twins will be on a low budget (duh!). The likelihood that Morneau, Blackburn, and Pelfrey will be off next year's payroll (likely others--but these will suffice for my point) The opens enough salary (may I include that "unused part the Pohlad's claim existed for 2013?) to very aggressively seek Matt Garza who not only has the combonation of appropriate age and skills but also a fire/grit in him to warrant (the dreaded swear word--overpay) as the primary pitcher to add to the rotation--with the plan to keep him long-term rather than the placeholders signed last year. There would still be enough to a sign a Baker to a 1 year deal (or 2 if he wants) as a second FA pitcher with an eye as another placeholder-type--unless of course his performance warrants a longer contract (after 2014). There is still money left over.

IIRC he's (Pelfrey) improved since the begining of the year. His performance is trending upward and has been making steady progress. Someone with the time and energy can elaborate with things called facts and statistics (more facts, thus redundant). I'm too lazy and would rather live in The World of Generalities...I feel safe there....:shoot::s-instagib:

 

You are correct and if the Twins had signed him with a team option year I think that would have been really wise. As is, he isn't really peaking until after it becomes of value to the team.

Well, it might have something to do with him actually being a native Minnesotan? Also, I think it is a feel good story. It is easy to cheer for a guy who went to high school in the area. You feel connected to him. People want to connect with the players, and a person being from Minnesota is one way the player is "one of us."

 

Plus it will make Sid Hartman really, really happy.