Tonight's performance by Swarzak is critical to another member of the Twins' 25 man roster:If Swarzak repeats his performance in Baltimore and pitches well in this start, when Marquis is activated next week, it is likely that Hendriks will be sent to Rochester (and one of their starters - DeVries?) to the Rochester pen. If Swarzak falters and Hendriks pitches well on Sunday (that's when he is scheduled), then Swarzak will be in the Twins' pen and another member of the pen will be sent to Rochester. Currently the only Twins' pen members with options are Burnett and Duesning (if I am correct - Not sure about Capps or Perkins but they stay.) Duensing stays also. So it is Ali going to Rochester or someone else (Burton?, Maloney? Gray? ) through waivers....Thoughts?

Either Hendricks goes to Triple A or Burnett... so I think we're all in agreement that Swarzak should struggle just enough tonight to make sure Hendricks stays up, and Burnett goes down.

I am in favor of any circumstance that sends burnett to AAA

I hope Swarzak is lights out and I hope Hendricks is lights out on Sunday. I hope that the decision is so tough that Liriano tries to learn a new pitch.

I'd rather see Gray sent down than Burnett, personally. I also don't think Swarzak's start tonight should have much bearing on the rotation picture -- opening should be Hendriks' to lose.

My guess would be even if it goes "Swarzak good; Hendriks bad" that the result will still be Swarzak back to 'pen and a reliever sent down. I expected that to be the case before the Baker situation became more clear, and I don't think one start for Hendriks (or two for Swarzak) will change that plan. Maybe if the good/bad levels are quite extreme it would have larger effect.

I'd rather see Gray sent down than Burnett, personally. I also don't think Swarzak's start tonight should have much bearing on the rotation picture -- opening should be Hendriks' to lose.

You'd send the league leader in wins down to the minors??!?!?!11!?

I'd rather see Gray sent down than Burnett, personally. I also don't think Swarzak's start tonight should have much bearing on the rotation picture -- opening should be Hendriks' to lose.

Not sure about that... It looks like both Swarzak and Hendriks will be in the 2013 rotation and if Swarzak pitches another good game it will make no sense to send your (gulp) best starter in the pen...

I like Swarzak in the rotation. His "bulldog" attitude (used way to often) is what this rotation lacks. Then send Hendriks down to create more depth. If Swarzak goes back to the pen, and Liam to the rotation, who do you call upon when an injury occurs? Scott Diamond? Waldrop if he is health and they decide to stretch him out?

Swarzak goes back to the pen, need him in long relief more right now, Gray goes down, although maybe Burnett. Both probably end up there if Wardrop comes back and is effective in Rochester. He would have had a spot if he didn't get injured.

Of all the bullpen pitchers that could be sent down, Burnett is the only one that can be sent down without clearing waivers first. Maloney, Capps and Burton are the only BP arms to give up runs so far.

 

Hendricks was originally intended to fill a spot until Baker and Marquis return and then be sent back to Rochester.

 

Now with Baker out for the year, they will probably give him more than 1 start, but he will probably be on a pretty short leash before the switch to Swarzak and send him down for more seasoning in AAA.

Not sure about that... It looks like both Swarzak and Hendriks will be in the 2013 rotation and if Swarzak pitches another good game it will make no sense to send your (gulp) best starter in the pen...

I have a really hard time believing the Twins would view Swarzak as their best starter even if he threw a great game. They spent Spring Training getting him ready for the 'pen and I'd bet he'll find himself there as soon as necessary.

They spent Spring Training getting him ready for the 'pen.

Actually this is not true. The latter half of Spring Training Swarzak was starting and not coming out of the pen

Ah, I didn't see that last start. Still, don't you think the Twins see him as more of a long-man? The fact that Hendriks is still on the roster must say something about how much they want him in the rotation.