It's set high enough. The way a team improves is by getting better. We will be better next season.

 

The Twins only need an average rotation to have an above average pitching staff as the bullpen is pretty good.

 

so do we get a 5th starter? I dont see why not. Also dont forget Johnson. TR has said that he is a better Diamond so he probably has more potential. THe other question is will the offense improve enough with just the incomming internal improvements or should we go out and get 1 bat. More specifically will Doumit provide enough offense this year as he was terrible last year and doesn't look like a catcher going forward. and if he is not enough who do we get to replace him in the line up?

"Twins Finally Assembling Starting Pitching Depth"

 

But is it good depth?

 

Disclaimer: if you really don't like ERA+ skip the rest!

 

Career era+ for a potential starting rotation:

 

Hughes-95

Nolasco-94

Pelfrey-90

Diamond-92

Deduno-101

Corriea-89

 

Looks like a rotation of a lot of mediocre at best starters. It might be better than last year but that bar isn't set very high is it?

 

You're right, it's going to be a mediocre MLB rotation, and that's probably regardless of whatever additional FA moves Ryan makes, including Garza.

 

 

But really, what should we have expected? I'm frankly thrilled with a mediocre rotation for 2014 of Nolasco, Hughes, Deduno, Correia and say, Pelfry. But I'm even MORE thrilled that the injury replacements aren't a bunch of #7-8 starters like DeVries, Hernandez and Walters. Instead, we have a deep selection of #5-6 guys (or maybe much better) in Worley, Gibson, Diamond, Hendriks, Albers, Meyers, and maybe even May, Johnson, Wimmers, and Darnell. Not a very high ceiling for the big club, but a much more solid floor in 2014.

You can't really expect the Twins to have a high-caliber rotation next year. That kind of reversal was never realistic. The goal is to get some decent/average pitchers in place and hope that Gibson/Meyer etc. can step in and make a positive impact to take them to the next level. My problem was surrounding those kids with utter slop with little upside, and the Twins finally seem to to be moving away from that.

I think that Anthony Swarzak has more upside for that 5th starter spot than Pelfrey' date=' or the list above. Terry Ryan has told Swarzak to prepare to start, and his 2013 numbers are intriguing. Swarzak was very effective in long relief last year, posting a 2.91 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 96 innings.[/quote']

 

I wholeheartedly agree with giving Swarzak a full try in ST. He's earned it, and he could be the surprise of the staff.

You're right, it's going to be a mediocre MLB rotation, and that's probably regardless of whatever additional FA moves Ryan makes, including Garza.

 

 

But really, what should we have expected? I'm frankly thrilled with a mediocre rotation for 2014 of Nolasco, Hughes, Deduno, Correia and say, Pelfry. But I'm even MORE thrilled that the injury replacements aren't a bunch of #7-8 starters like DeVries, Hernandez and Walters. Instead, we have a deep selection of #5-6 guys (or maybe much better) in Worley, Gibson, Diamond, Hendriks, Albers, Meyers, and maybe even May, Johnson, Wimmers, and Darnell. Not a very high ceiling for the big club, but a much more solid floor in 2014.

 

Yup.

 

You and I have had a running conversation for 2 years now, Bird. This is all I've asked of TR since he came on board, and I'm similarly thrilled with the upgrades thus far......even if Ryan had to be dragged kicking and screaming to finally pull the trigger already.....makes me tend to think that all those "woe is me" crocodile tears and "Nobody wants to play in Minnesota" huffing was all just a maudlin facade.....

 

And still, I'm more than willing to forgive and forget, especially f TR continues at the major league level in acquring steak and potatoes talent over the frivolous froufrou he perpetrated on us the previous 2 offseasons.

 

It feels good to finally be on the same page with you, Bird.

Edited December 4, 201312 yr by jokin

With NPB's new regulations on the posting coming out, is it realistic for the Twins to make a serious move at signing Tanaka? If they would this be a long term deal as Tanaka is still fairly young? How much of an impact would you say he would have on the rotation?

 

The max posting bid has been set at 20 million, and there are two accounts floating around now as to how a tie breaker would work. First is that the team with the worst winning percentage would take priority, the second is that the player would decide.

I wouldn't mind a signing like Suk Yin Moon. Something risky, but potentially very rewarding is what we can afford to do with a somewhat consistent group of pitchers.

Bullpen for Worley and Diamond, Trade Hendriks. The rest can wait for injuries. I don't agree with Pelf but his last two months brings pause. Can we talk about a bat now.

I don't think anyone could expect a turnaround in one year. I just hope that the signings are enough to provide some significant improvement in the pitching staff. Maybe from last in mlb to 20th-24th. I'm not expecting miracles but I hope that the improvement attributable to free agents is enough to encourage the Twins to keep working all possibilities for improving this team.

 

Derek Wetmore did a pretty good job of putting Nolasco's signing in perspective vis a vis other AL Central teams: http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/Where_would_Twins_ace_Ricky_Nolasco_be_in_other_AL_Central_rotations120313

 

I don't expect a one-year turnaround. I just felt like the 2012-2013 offseason was basically wasted.

Yup this is very realistic and fair. Ryan did all you could hope for. This also puts to rest a lot of silly justifications that were thrown around for last years failures. We at least have some stability now to bring up younger starters to complement. And, most importantly, Ryan has finally shown a penchant for opening up the payroll for significant signings. That's two huge wins right there.

I really hope they don't rush Meyer. I've never seen him pitch but from what I've read his control is still inconsistent and his secondary pitches need work. Why oh why would you promote him before he's ready? The team isn't going anywhere anyway. It seems more likely to derail his development than accelerate it. And you start his service time early. Learn the lesson of Aaron Hicks.