I am not sure how the bullpen stacked up last year. I would think the poor starting rotation led to a higher ratio of innings by the less talented relievers skewing any team data. Teams with starting pitching going late in games would have a greater ratio of innings pitched by their better relievers. Conclusions can't be drawn by looking at team date without doing something to balance the ratio of innings pitched by the better relievers.

 

It doesn't really matter anyway. Last year is gone and using those number to project next year's numbers in a pen isn't very reliable. There is reason to be concerned after Perkins. Burton had a drop off last year. Fien hasn't done it long enough to reliably count on him repeating. The guys in the rest of the bullpen probably could not make the roster on a team with a pen like Kansas City.

 

Fortunately, the depth of the starting pitching will flow into the pen. Swarzak will be pushed by Worley, Deduno and hopefully Correia. Duensing and Thielbar by Diamond. The pitching staff will be better next year.

I think it's between Diamond and Duensing for the last starting spot. IMO the Twins will not open the season with five right-handed starters.

I think it's between Diamond and Duensing for the last starting spot. IMO the Twins will not open the season with five right-handed starters.

 

It's possible but it's a mistake. The Twins need to put their five best starters in the rotation, not their four best righties and their best lefty.

If both Deduno and Worley have a good spring, I would look to deal Correia. He might have some value. Gibson can go to AAA, and we can only hope Diamond gets claimed.

Oh to dream!

 

Gibson ready to take no prisoners and a healthy Deduno pitching like he did last year healthy, granting us the ability to trade Correia and move forward. (I'd even be happy if it took a month or so for all of that to transpire)

 

And somebody keeping a seat warm until Myer is ready.

 

And it's not even far-fetched as a possibility!