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I hope so much that they do turn aggressive to the remaining free agent pitchers. The two trades were so positive because they not only showed recognition that they were at a crisis level with pitching, but also showed a continuation toward power pitchers like we saw in the draft. Then the crushingly disappointing Correia signing. it seems to take us back to a feeling that they don't care. i desparately hope that the next move shows that they do - especially because they have the funding that they didn't have last year.

I believe that longevity needs to play into this decision which is why I was happy to see Dave Goltz so high on your list. Knoblauch, Tapani, and Brunansky because of their World Series wins connected with the numbers, and Dave Boswell for his success in that era. Let's have a big class.

Alexi had a WAR of 4.2 - maybe we'll miss him more than we think. This is a nice history. I feel bad that we need to wait 88 years for the next one.

I no sooner post an update and Seth posts his relievers of month for May, and Blake is number 6! Seth makes the same point regarding the control issue, but also notes the 10 strikeouts in 11 innings.

Almost 6 innings in the past two weeks, and only one earned run, dropping his ERA to an excellent 2.50. He struck out 4 in those six innings which is a couple less than optimal, but only walked two and gave up no dingers. I know one needs to be careful in looking at wins, but I will certainly note that he won two of the outings. Decent couple of weeks.

Been a quiet week for Blake. He has thrown 2 and a third in his last two outings without giving up a run and striking out 3. That strikeout rate remains good. More to come as it happens.

Since the April 27 blowup, Blake Martin has made three appearances totalling 3 and one third innings. In those outings he has not given up a run, struck out 5, and allowed just one hit. Two walks shows that his command is still troubling him, but the end result of these outings is good.

Very interesting to hear about this arrangement. Is there any compensation for these families or are they doing it at their own expense just to help young players?

As tempting as it is to just ignore his performance tonight it is worth noting because it shows the odd nature of baseball stats. A walk, hit and two earned runs in 1/3 of an inning and he was credited with a hold.

No slight correction allowed - you messed up your chance to make your point by leaving out the details. You're out of the lineup tonight.

I wanted to make sure that the pitch to contact theory was added, but a couple have already beat me to it. And I have no issues with Mauer and Morneau's contracts or toughness. I want to have some stars to cheer for and they need to be paid for. I also have no issue with public financing of the stadium. Just like state parks and well stocked lakes - if we want nice things we need to pay for them. I guess I'm not much of a complainer. Except for the lack of hard throwing strikeout pitchers.

Mike wants wins makes the exact same point I would - if you don't take a chance on a strikeout pitcher because it may be risky then you will never have any. Based on where the current strategy for building a pitching staff has gotten them, I so hope that they not only pick a hard throwing starter with number 2 but that they pick several more. And then do the same every year.

And Blake Martin - 2 strikeouts in 1 and a third. Another damn walk though.

Position: LH Reliever Age: 25 Born: Gadsden, AL College: LSU Drafted: 17th round 2008 Currently with the Rock Cats A strikeout pitcher, averaged a strikeout per inning in the lower levels and has 7 k's in 6.2 innings this year. A 2.70 era and .217 opponent batting average are also very good, and his challenge will be to lower the 4 walks that he has given up. Once that is ironed out I expect that he'll move up to Rochester. 4/27/12: hasn't pitched since this string was started, so I added the picture. Over the weekend I'm sure.