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It was a big night in the Midwest League for the players of the Cedar Rapids Kernels, as they got the opportunity to play on the “Field of Dreams” in Iowa, made famous by a movie that came out well before any of them were ever born. Besides that spectacle, there was a career best outing from a starting pitcher, and a three-hit night that brought one prospect’s average to nearly .300 on the season, complimenting his well-over .400 on-base-percentage that is begging for a promotion. TRANSACTIONS In Triple-A, RHP Ben Heller was transferred to the Development List. Wichita released C/1B Dennis Ortega. 2022 2nd round draft pick SS Tanner Schobel, and 6th rounder 2B Jorel Ortega, were promoted to Fort Myers from the FCL. Also in Fort Myers, CF Zach Huffins was transferred to the 60-day IL. SAINTS SENTINEL Columbus 6, St. Paul 0 Box Score Clippers starter Xzavion Curry actually had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning, before Mark Contreras finally put a notch up on the scoreboard with a one-out single. Matt Wallner followed later in the inning with a single of his own, but that was all the Saints got on the night, even after Curry’s outing came to an end after six innings. Aaron Sanchez, in his first start back with the Saints after making a spot start with the Twins, made it into the fifth inning for the home team. In 4 1/3 innings, Sanchez surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hits, three walks, and struck out three. Jovani Moran finished the fifth, allowing a run of his own, and got the first two outs in the sixth, allowing two hits and striking out three in 1 1/3 innings. Daniel Gossett got the final out in the sixth and allowed a hit. Jharel Cotton (IP, K), Drew Strotman (IP, H, K), and Michael Feliz (IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 K) finished off the final three innings for the pitching staff. While only Contreras and Wallner collected hits, first baseman Roy Morales did draw three walks. As a team the Saints drew five walks, struck out thirteen times, and were 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, leaving six men on base. WIND SURGE WISDOM Corpus Christi 2, Wichita 9 Box Score The Wind Surge laid waste to the Hooks in this one, outhitting the visiting team 14-to-5 on the game, en-route to a big win in the ICT. Edouard Julien led the way with three hits in four at-bats, including a triple. He also drew a walk and scored a run out of the leadoff spot. Joining him with multiple hits on the game were Yunior Severino (2-for-5, 2 R, RBI, 2 K), Chris Williams (2-for-5, 2 R, RBI, K), Cole Sturgeon (2-for-4, R, 2 RBI, K), and Anthony Prato (2-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K). The only hitter not to collect a hit on the game was catcher Andrew Bechtold, but he also chipped in two walks and scored two runs. Jair Camargo provided the only extra-base-hit besides Julien’s, with an RBI double in the fifth. Since 12 of their hits were singles along with four walks, they had a lot of opportunities with runners in scoring position, going 7-for-16 as a team in those situations. Kody Funderburk made the start for Wichita and went the first 2 2/3 innings. The Hooks actually took the first lead of the game in the third inning, chasing Funderburk after a pair of singles and three walks had led to the first two runs of the game. In total, the left-hander gave up three hits, three walks, and struck out two. Denny Bentley got credited with his fifth win of the season pitching the next 2 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed one hit, one walk, and struck out five. Alex Phillips (1 2/3 IP, H, BB, 2 K), Bryan Sammons (1 1/3 IP, 3 K), and Steven Cruz (1 IP, 2 BB, 2 K) finished the final four scoreless innings as their lineup pulled away to seal the win. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 2, Quad Cities 7 Box Score The Cedar Rapids "Bunnies" and Davenport "Blue Sox" faced off on Tuesday in the #MiLBatFieldofDreams game on Tuesday night, and what an experience it had to be for the Twins and Royals farmhands to kick off their series. As just under 100 miles separate both Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities, Iowa, with Dyersville and the Field of Dreams site about an hour and a half away from each, their selection to play in the game was more than fitting. For Cedar Rapids pitcher Matt Mullenbach, it was perhaps even more memorable as he grew up near Des Moines, even though he had never actually been there before (Don't worry, he grew up a Twins fan and his middle name is Kirby, and his parents got engaged at the Field of Dreams, and...). “Bunnies” manager Brian Dinkelman even had nothing but good things to say about the experience, equating the venue to a “Major League Field just stuck in the middle of corn” (which I hope someone pointed out the obvious there, haha). Being the former Minnesota “Town Team” player that I was, Iowa baseball historian John Liepa’s look back on the significance of the “Bunnies” and “Blue Sox” names chosen for this game was a fascinating read in anticipation of the game as well. As for the game, the “Blue Sox” went to work quickly, scoring two runs off “Bunnies” starter Aaron Rozek in the first inning thanks to a two-run homer from Juan Carlos Negret. They chased Rozek in the third after another home run, double, walk and a single around a groundout and an error led to three more runs. In his 2 1/3 innings, Rozek was charged with five runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks, while striking out two. Derek Molina got them through the fourth with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, facing five hitters and retiring them all. Mullenbach then got the fifth inning in his home state, delivering a scoreless frame of his own, working around a single and a walk while striking out one. Tyler Palm was summoned for the sixth, and the “Blue Sox” added on a couple more runs with an RBI double and single before he a pair of flyouts. In the top of the seventh inning, the “Bunnies” finally broke through against their opposing starter, when Jake Rucker led off the frame with a double (that landed between three fielders), and came around to score their first run of the game on an RBI single from Kyler Fedko. Later in the inning, Fedko scored to close the deficit to five on a sacrifice fly from Jeferson Morales, but that would be as close as they got. Miguel Rodriguez (IP, K) and Hunter McMahon (IP, K) finished the game with a pair of scoreless innings. Although the “Bunnies” were only outhit 8-to-7 by the “Blue Sox,” it was the latter that got the big blasts in the form of two home runs, and two RBI doubles. Rucker finished 2-for-3 with the double and a run scored to lead the Kernels. Alerick Soularie and Will Holland also added doubles to the effort. Fedko scored one run, drove in one, and stole a base in his three at-bats. MUSSEL MATTERS Fort Myers 3, Jupiter 0 Box Score The Mighty Mussels got six far-better-than-quality innings out of left-hander Jaylen Nowlin, who picked up his fourth win of the season with a scoreless outing. He allowed the Hammerheads just four hits, while striking out eight, all on just 63 pitches (45 for strikes). Included in those strikes, were 10 of the swinging variety and in just two innings did he throw more than 10 pitches. It was an absolutely dominant and efficient outing from the young hurler. His lineup put him in front before he ever took the mound, and who knows, that might have helped him mow through Jupiter hitters with extra confidence. To lead off the game, singles from Misael Urbina and Tanner Schobel, and a walk from Noah Cardenas loaded the bases for Jorel Ortega, before he drove in two of them with a single that put them in front for good at 2-0. They added an insurance run in the seventh thanks to a Carlos Aguiar ground-rule double to drive in Keoni Cavaco, who had singled earlier in the inning. Relievers Jackson Hicks (2 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K) and Niklas Rimmel (IP, H, K) completed the shutout for the pitching staff, with Rimmel picking up his second save of the season. COMPLEX CHRONICLES FCL Twins 2, FCL Rays 1 (6 innings) Box Score The FCL Twins tied the game at one in the fifth inning, when first baseman Breilin Ramirez hit his second home run of the season. They took the lead 2-1 in the sixth when the rehabbing Alex Isola scored from third on a wild pitch after leading off the inning with a walk. The Rays outhit the Twins 3-to-2 in the game, but since hits were so hard to come by that means Twins pitchers also were fantastic on Tuesday. Ryan Horstman made the start and struck out two in his two innings, allowing the Rays lone run on two hits. Pierce Banks (2 IP, H, K) and Cole Bellair (2 IP, 2 K) chipped in two scoreless innings apiece, giving the Twins a chance. Bellair picked up his first professional win in the process. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day - Edouard Julien, Wichita Wind Surge (3-for-4, R, 3B, BB, K) Hitter of the Day - Jaylen Nowlin, Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (W, 6 IP, 4 H, 8 K) PROSPECT SUMMARY #7 - Noah Miller (Fort Myers) - 0-for-2, 2 BB, K #9 - Matt Wallner (St. Paul) - 1-for-4, K #14 - Edouard Julien (Wichita) - 3-for-4, R, BB, K #18 - Tanner Schobel (Fort Myers) - 1-for-4, R, K #19 - Alerick Soularie (Cedar Rapids) - 1-for-4, 2B, K #20 - Kala’i Rosario (Fort Myers) - 0-for-3, BB, K WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Columbus @ St. Paul (1:07 PM CDT) - RHP Dereck Rodriguez (6-4, 4.28 ERA) Corpus Christi @ Wichita (7:05 PM CDT) - TBD Cedar Rapids @ Quad Cities (6:30 PM CDT) - TBD Fort Myers @ Jupiter (5:30 PM CDT) - LHP Jordan Carr (4-0, 3.22 ERA) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! View full article
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Dreams are all about manifestation. Whether or not we are aware of it, we are always manifesting our paths in life. Our attitudes about our goals and how we position ourselves to achieve those goals all play into the big picture. When baseball was put on hold in 2020 while the world sorted out the pandemic and how we would move forward, fans took to social media in the form of TikTok to talk about their favorite teams, players and drama unfolding. It was a way to stay connected to the game we all love and see things in "real-time." Yes, I am an avid Twins fan, but really, I am a baseball fan. When baseball almost disappeared in 2020 and threatened to not happen this season, I wanted to focus on the positive things about baseball and that's what I found in fan bases of all teams on Tik Tok. Social media creates connections, business relationships, and friendships that we need during a dark time in life, work, and sports. Content creators took advantage of the opportunity to teach us parts of the game, involve us in their lives, and show their "fandom" and why their team is "the best," in some cases, even when the team is terrible, fans stay loyal. That's precisely what Julie is, loyal. As a Red fan her whole life, her loyalty can't be questioned. She is a fan of almost all Ohio sports, but baseball is her lifeline and bread and butter of her content. Her content is a massive hit on Reds baseball social media. She's traveled three-plus hours to see her teams, and in snow storms to watch playoff games. To say she is die-hard is an understatement. Her claim to fame is the sign she brought to the Cincinnati Reds v. Cleveland Guardians (though under their previous name) game on August 9, 2021: "I just hope both teams have fun." She affectionately became known as "Sign Girl" at her college. Her dedication to her craft and content gained her followers and people who would tune in for her Reds post-game recaps, which most are of her frowning, crying, or being overly dramatic about the loss, but no one cheers louder for her 45-and-70 team than Julie. More and more people took notice of her passion and loyalty to the Reds fan base and the organization. Because of her dedication to the team, people who work for the Reds organization eventually followed her goofy antics, loud cheers, and videos about her Outfits of the Day that she would wear to each game. Her dry sense of humor and passion for her team not only brought people laughter but made them follow the Reds so that they could see what "Jules would do" next. Julie created friendships with people at Great American Ballpark, and when they had extra tickets, they would give them to her so she could come and experience the game in person. When she didn't receive tickets from Reds workers, the social media manager and creator would use her hard-working dollar for a media company she works with to buy tickets. Her constant presence on the field set her apart from many other fans. She films every game she is at and acts like each game is a playoff game, no matter how unfortunate the outcome. And yes, she was at the game when the Reds lost on a no-hitter to the Pirates. Jules is just the kind of fan that every MLB team needs. That one person goes out and brings the heat and the energy to every game. Her energy is what landed her on the Reds mound on July 30th. A worker at Great American reached out to her on social media and said, "hey, I get to pick the first pitch Saturday, and I want it to be you." Because everything can change at the drop of a hat with first pitches, Julie spent 72 hours praying that no celebrity or local well-known would get the offer, and her manifestation paid off. Julie stepped onto the field right before the game and got to throw the baseball to anyone she wanted, and she chose her dad. "My dad and I bonded over baseball," Julie says, "I couldn't imagine throwing to anyone but him. He has always been there for me, got me interested in baseball, got me passionate about the game, and I have him to thank for my obsession." She said it was the best day of her life, this far anyway. "I would never have been able to do it if it weren't for Tik Tok," she says, "Tik Tok has done so much for me." She also went to school for graphic design and social media marketing, so using that certainly has helped. I asked her if she had goals in working in sports, and she told me she did. "I have social media experience, and it's what I went to college for." She works a full-time job in the marketing department right now, but when she is not there, she attends Reds games and knows how to work with a crowd, the team, and the players. She has tons of TikToks holding a sign asking former Timberwolves All Star Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers to wave at her, and this past 2021 season, he saw the sign and waved to her during a game as he headed down the tunnel and in real-time as someone filmed, she melted. Getting attention is easy for her. She is a real fan, stacked with personality, a gorgeous smile, knowledge of the game, and the Reds of anyone I've ever met. She also is followed by Richard Jefferson and Myles Straw. Authenticity and being true to who you are is the name of the game in social media. She's as genuine as Joey Votto and as down-to-earth as Ken Griffey Jr. Her friends that don't always like baseball, or get it, go to the game with her to be in her presence because she makes baseball fun. Jules is to Tik Tok as Joey Votto is to Reds baseball (but also to TikTok now too!). They both make the team exciting and relevant, and it doesn't matter their record because they both want to have fun enjoying the game they grew up in. Baseball is a timeless game, a family tradition, and the dreams change when players find out they have to hang up their bats. Few are lucky enough to continue working in baseball, let alone make it a career, but that's what happened to Ryan Ellingson. Find out in the following article how Ryan's career in baseball took a different path after hanging up his bat, and now is a Twins TikTok Social media influencer. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Tik Tok at NotSoCoolJules to follow all her baseball adventures View full article
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TRANSACTIONS In Triple-A, RHP Ben Heller was transferred to the Development List. Wichita released C/1B Dennis Ortega. 2022 2nd round draft pick SS Tanner Schobel, and 6th rounder 2B Jorel Ortega, were promoted to Fort Myers from the FCL. Also in Fort Myers, CF Zach Huffins was transferred to the 60-day IL. SAINTS SENTINEL Columbus 6, St. Paul 0 Box Score Clippers starter Xzavion Curry actually had a no-hitter going into the sixth inning, before Mark Contreras finally put a notch up on the scoreboard with a one-out single. Matt Wallner followed later in the inning with a single of his own, but that was all the Saints got on the night, even after Curry’s outing came to an end after six innings. Aaron Sanchez, in his first start back with the Saints after making a spot start with the Twins, made it into the fifth inning for the home team. In 4 1/3 innings, Sanchez surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hits, three walks, and struck out three. Jovani Moran finished the fifth, allowing a run of his own, and got the first two outs in the sixth, allowing two hits and striking out three in 1 1/3 innings. Daniel Gossett got the final out in the sixth and allowed a hit. Jharel Cotton (IP, K), Drew Strotman (IP, H, K), and Michael Feliz (IP, 2 H, 2 ER, BB, 2 K) finished off the final three innings for the pitching staff. While only Contreras and Wallner collected hits, first baseman Roy Morales did draw three walks. As a team the Saints drew five walks, struck out thirteen times, and were 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, leaving six men on base. WIND SURGE WISDOM Corpus Christi 2, Wichita 9 Box Score The Wind Surge laid waste to the Hooks in this one, outhitting the visiting team 14-to-5 on the game, en-route to a big win in the ICT. Edouard Julien led the way with three hits in four at-bats, including a triple. He also drew a walk and scored a run out of the leadoff spot. Joining him with multiple hits on the game were Yunior Severino (2-for-5, 2 R, RBI, 2 K), Chris Williams (2-for-5, 2 R, RBI, K), Cole Sturgeon (2-for-4, R, 2 RBI, K), and Anthony Prato (2-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K). The only hitter not to collect a hit on the game was catcher Andrew Bechtold, but he also chipped in two walks and scored two runs. Jair Camargo provided the only extra-base-hit besides Julien’s, with an RBI double in the fifth. Since 12 of their hits were singles along with four walks, they had a lot of opportunities with runners in scoring position, going 7-for-16 as a team in those situations. Kody Funderburk made the start for Wichita and went the first 2 2/3 innings. The Hooks actually took the first lead of the game in the third inning, chasing Funderburk after a pair of singles and three walks had led to the first two runs of the game. In total, the left-hander gave up three hits, three walks, and struck out two. Denny Bentley got credited with his fifth win of the season pitching the next 2 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed one hit, one walk, and struck out five. Alex Phillips (1 2/3 IP, H, BB, 2 K), Bryan Sammons (1 1/3 IP, 3 K), and Steven Cruz (1 IP, 2 BB, 2 K) finished the final four scoreless innings as their lineup pulled away to seal the win. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 2, Quad Cities 7 Box Score The Cedar Rapids "Bunnies" and Davenport "Blue Sox" faced off on Tuesday in the #MiLBatFieldofDreams game on Tuesday night, and what an experience it had to be for the Twins and Royals farmhands to kick off their series. As just under 100 miles separate both Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities, Iowa, with Dyersville and the Field of Dreams site about an hour and a half away from each, their selection to play in the game was more than fitting. For Cedar Rapids pitcher Matt Mullenbach, it was perhaps even more memorable as he grew up near Des Moines, even though he had never actually been there before (Don't worry, he grew up a Twins fan and his middle name is Kirby, and his parents got engaged at the Field of Dreams, and...). “Bunnies” manager Brian Dinkelman even had nothing but good things to say about the experience, equating the venue to a “Major League Field just stuck in the middle of corn” (which I hope someone pointed out the obvious there, haha). Being the former Minnesota “Town Team” player that I was, Iowa baseball historian John Liepa’s look back on the significance of the “Bunnies” and “Blue Sox” names chosen for this game was a fascinating read in anticipation of the game as well. As for the game, the “Blue Sox” went to work quickly, scoring two runs off “Bunnies” starter Aaron Rozek in the first inning thanks to a two-run homer from Juan Carlos Negret. They chased Rozek in the third after another home run, double, walk and a single around a groundout and an error led to three more runs. In his 2 1/3 innings, Rozek was charged with five runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks, while striking out two. Derek Molina got them through the fourth with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, facing five hitters and retiring them all. Mullenbach then got the fifth inning in his home state, delivering a scoreless frame of his own, working around a single and a walk while striking out one. Tyler Palm was summoned for the sixth, and the “Blue Sox” added on a couple more runs with an RBI double and single before he a pair of flyouts. In the top of the seventh inning, the “Bunnies” finally broke through against their opposing starter, when Jake Rucker led off the frame with a double (that landed between three fielders), and came around to score their first run of the game on an RBI single from Kyler Fedko. Later in the inning, Fedko scored to close the deficit to five on a sacrifice fly from Jeferson Morales, but that would be as close as they got. Miguel Rodriguez (IP, K) and Hunter McMahon (IP, K) finished the game with a pair of scoreless innings. Although the “Bunnies” were only outhit 8-to-7 by the “Blue Sox,” it was the latter that got the big blasts in the form of two home runs, and two RBI doubles. Rucker finished 2-for-3 with the double and a run scored to lead the Kernels. Alerick Soularie and Will Holland also added doubles to the effort. Fedko scored one run, drove in one, and stole a base in his three at-bats. MUSSEL MATTERS Fort Myers 3, Jupiter 0 Box Score The Mighty Mussels got six far-better-than-quality innings out of left-hander Jaylen Nowlin, who picked up his fourth win of the season with a scoreless outing. He allowed the Hammerheads just four hits, while striking out eight, all on just 63 pitches (45 for strikes). Included in those strikes, were 10 of the swinging variety and in just two innings did he throw more than 10 pitches. It was an absolutely dominant and efficient outing from the young hurler. His lineup put him in front before he ever took the mound, and who knows, that might have helped him mow through Jupiter hitters with extra confidence. To lead off the game, singles from Misael Urbina and Tanner Schobel, and a walk from Noah Cardenas loaded the bases for Jorel Ortega, before he drove in two of them with a single that put them in front for good at 2-0. They added an insurance run in the seventh thanks to a Carlos Aguiar ground-rule double to drive in Keoni Cavaco, who had singled earlier in the inning. Relievers Jackson Hicks (2 IP, 2 H, BB, 3 K) and Niklas Rimmel (IP, H, K) completed the shutout for the pitching staff, with Rimmel picking up his second save of the season. COMPLEX CHRONICLES FCL Twins 2, FCL Rays 1 (6 innings) Box Score The FCL Twins tied the game at one in the fifth inning, when first baseman Breilin Ramirez hit his second home run of the season. They took the lead 2-1 in the sixth when the rehabbing Alex Isola scored from third on a wild pitch after leading off the inning with a walk. The Rays outhit the Twins 3-to-2 in the game, but since hits were so hard to come by that means Twins pitchers also were fantastic on Tuesday. Ryan Horstman made the start and struck out two in his two innings, allowing the Rays lone run on two hits. Pierce Banks (2 IP, H, K) and Cole Bellair (2 IP, 2 K) chipped in two scoreless innings apiece, giving the Twins a chance. Bellair picked up his first professional win in the process. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day - Edouard Julien, Wichita Wind Surge (3-for-4, R, 3B, BB, K) Hitter of the Day - Jaylen Nowlin, Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (W, 6 IP, 4 H, 8 K) PROSPECT SUMMARY #7 - Noah Miller (Fort Myers) - 0-for-2, 2 BB, K #9 - Matt Wallner (St. Paul) - 1-for-4, K #14 - Edouard Julien (Wichita) - 3-for-4, R, BB, K #18 - Tanner Schobel (Fort Myers) - 1-for-4, R, K #19 - Alerick Soularie (Cedar Rapids) - 1-for-4, 2B, K #20 - Kala’i Rosario (Fort Myers) - 0-for-3, BB, K WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Columbus @ St. Paul (1:07 PM CDT) - RHP Dereck Rodriguez (6-4, 4.28 ERA) Corpus Christi @ Wichita (7:05 PM CDT) - TBD Cedar Rapids @ Quad Cities (6:30 PM CDT) - TBD Fort Myers @ Jupiter (5:30 PM CDT) - LHP Jordan Carr (4-0, 3.22 ERA) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! -
Agree w/both of your comments, and recall the 2015 Royals. 3 lockdown bullpen guys took them to a title. The 2015 Royals were nearly untouchable after the 6th. We have the makings of a very solid starting staff this year as it stands. How many more games do we win if we can lock it down nearly every game after the 6th?
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Jhoan Duran is not only the best reliever the Twins have had since Joe Nathan; he is the most talented pitcher they have had since Johan Santana/2006 Francisco Liriano. There have certainly been talented players throughout that timespan, even an all-star or two, but no one has had the absolute shutdown stuff this guy possesses. If he is remotely near the zone, opposing hitters have little to zero chance of doing anything. So why not try him in the rotation? Twins fans have been begging for an ace since Santana's departure following the 2007 season. The closest we have come was probably Ervin Santana or Jose Berrios. Instead, we have been treated to the likes of Scott Baker, Carl Pavano, Kyle Gibson, Lance Lynn, and Jake Odorizzi. They were not bad pitchers, but they were not aces. Don't get me started on the likes of Samuel Deduno, Ricky Nolasco, Scott Diamond, or Hector Santiago. Feel free to add some more of your favorite lukewarm bowls of mashed potatoes to this list. I'm sure I left off some true gems. So again, why not try Duran in the rotation? The whispers have already begun. He has starting experience (though with a bit of injury history). He's 6'5", 230lbs, and his body can take the innings. He has four pitches (4SFB, splinker, curveball, slider/cutter), a trait uncommon for relievers but usually necessary for starters. All the signs point to him being rotation capable, especially if he were to add a change-up. It wouldn't even have to be that good, and he would have an insane makeup as a starter. The temptation is palpable, and I have had these thoughts in the back of my head since the first time I watched this guy unleash the nastiest repertoire I have ever seen. It's not just the velocity and the movement, but the command. It is unique from others that possess stuff approaching the filth he brings. All this being said, the answer is to resist the temptation. As tantalizing a notion as it would be, knowing every fifth day you get to watch this magnificent beast bring triple digits and then make hitters look foolish as they flail over the top of a mid-upper 80s hammer, we must resist. Look at his numbers, folks. It's upsetting how good he was, especially in the second half when he really found his mojo. He was a man who was never rattled, never deterred. He knew he was better than anyone stepping into that box, and yes, I mean ANYONE, and it showed. Confidence and mental state are crucial to all aspects of baseball, but especially to pitching. To a certain degree, to be a true stud on the mound, you have to have the mindset that you are the biggest and baddest motherf----- in the land. No one can beat you. That mindset comes from confidence, which comes from success. Putting Duran in the rotation risks that success. Duran just turned 25 this month; messing with a young player who has already achieved that mindset is dangerous. You risk getting the yips after a few bad starts and then not being able to return to form in the pen. The yips are real and can happen. Anyone who has pitched knows this to be a harsh reality. It is just not worth it. Yes, we may never know if we have a true ace amongst us here and now, but we have the baddest mofo we could ever ask for, and that needs to be enough.
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I want to add something not mentioned. He was interviewed shortly after becoming a reliever on how it suited him. Paraphrasing here, he said he liked the role and adrenaline. He said he also liked feeling good instead of walking around sore all the time like he was as a starter. I know I read this somewhere, I did not make it up. It seems like a pretty important factor, so I'm surprised I've never seen it mentioned again. I'm sure Duran's agent has hammered at him how much more he could make starting.
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I'd probably leave him in the fireman role. Closer, wait do they still use that term? Lol. Heart of the order, high leverage is where it's at today, son. It is tempting to think of him as a starter, but when he was he pitched short outings. I'm not sure he be the same impact player as a starter.
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You're obviously not paying attention to what I've been advocating for. I don't want him anywhere near the bullpen in any role. Why save his talents for the 9th OR the 7th when we could be using him in the first 6 making yourself far less likely to be DOWN by 3 runs come the 7th or the 9th?
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Why would you want to have anybody in the 'conventional closer' role like in years past? This would mean you put him in only in the 9th. It is much more advantageous to let the closer role be fluid. Why save Duran's talents for the 9th when you're up 3 runs when you could instead use him in the 7th when we might be only up by 1? A fluid pen which allows us to put in pitchers with the best matchups is the smart way to go IMO.
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In 2000 Santana was in the bullpen because they had to keep him on the roster. The second season he was still developing as a pitcher - just like Duran was at age 22. Duran was brought up last season because his stuff was too good to leave in the minor leagues. He reached a level of success higher than Santana in 2002 - which is when they decided to try Santana in the rotation. Santana was clearly ready for the rotation in 2003 but the org brought in Kenny Rogers. Duran 2022 is very similar to Santana 2002. What Duran did in Double-A at age 21 is very similar to what Joe Ryan did in the majors last year. I think that's Duran's floor as a starting pitcher. His ceiling is a staff ace.
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it took 4 years for Santana to become a full time starter and he was in his early 20's, that would put Duran close to 30, so I don't think they are fair comparisons. Liriano would be a better comparison because of his injury at age 23, but he isn't used because that didn't turn out so well, correct?
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Because Santana is an example of a reliever to starter conversion that worked incredibly well for this franchise.
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2024 could be the year. They will lose Mahle, Maeda and Gray to free agency.
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Why are people comparing Duran to Santana? Santana was a 21 year old rule 5 guy that took 4 full years to move fully into the rotation. Duran is 25 (24 last year) coming off of an injury plagued 21 and no pitching in 20. And lets not forget not a great minor league starter (Either was Santana for that matter). If you give Duran 30 this year he going to average 4 innings per starter, because there is no chance they jump his innings from 83 to 150.
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And if they don't put him out there this year, when? And we're still looking for an ace a year from now and a year beyond that. Actually, I'd be thrilled with 25 starts at 5 innings per start. Especially if it lead to being stretched out more next year. If you need to build his innings up, fine. But you can't do that if you don't start somewhere. And like I've said before, what good is an elite high leverage guy late in the ball game if you still don't have an ace?
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He clearly has the best stuff on the team and that would probably still be the case throwing 98 instead of 102. I don't know why people are so afraid to try. Imagine what a waste of talent it would have been if the Twins had kept Johan Santana in the bullpen. Relievers get hurt all the damned time; they're not protecting his arm having him throw 102 in the bullpen. Give him 30 starts. Even if he's only "Sonny Gray" caliber he should stay in the rotation. If you get a season like 1974 Rich Gossage move him back to the bullpen.
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I guess I am missing your point, some of the pitchers you mentioned were limited do to injuries and/or building up their arm, the others were limited because of the lack of time they spent in the minors. Which I am not sure what has to do with Duran, his innings were limited because of injuries and at times just not being very good. In the majors he was switched to the bullpen and things clicked, Can/should he switched back is the question, and IMO if they want to try him as a starter they need to build his innings up, which I would do by leaving him in the pen but letting him be more of a fireman, sometimes an inning, sometimes two and sometimes three and he can do that next year they could put him in the rotation, If they just put him there this year he would be limited to around 20/25 starts at 5 innings a start and probably early in the year more like 3 or 4 innings starts, that seems like a bad way to use him, IMO.
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None of which invalidates any of my numbers.
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You missed my points. #1 he was never close to being great in the minors as a starter. #2 he needs to be stretched out and that takes time they are not going to let him jump from 67.66 to 150+ innings, they aren't. Then you comparing him to Verlander, Cole, and Nola is absolutely crazy talk, when you pulled there minor league numbers, you left out the fact that Verlander didn't even spend a whole season in the minors and pitched more innings than Duran has. How about Cole 130 total in 11 (College), 132 in 12 (minors) and in 13 68 (minors) then 117.33 in the majors. Nola 100 in 12(College), In 13 126 in college, in 14 116.33 in college and 55.33 in the minors, the next year 109.33 in the minors and another 77.66 in the majors? As for Winder, Ober, Paddack using them to compare anybody doesn't win a discussion unless you are trying to convince somebody about injury prone.
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Not exactly sure how many conclusions I'd draw from a 16 inning season but, sure feel free to do so. Joe Ryan had ONE minor league season in which he pitched 98 innings. Pablo Lopez had one minor league season over 100 innings. Bailey Ober has never pitched over 78 innings in a minor league season. Josh Winder one year over 72 innings. Louis Varland has had one season over 115 innings in the minors. Chris Paddack never tossed more than 90 minor league innings in a season. Wanna go around the league(s)? Aaron Nola never tossed more than 110 innings in a minor league season. Gerritt Cole over 115 once. Justin Verlander hit 118. Guys throwing lots of minor league innings is not really a thing. Teams limit guys to avoid arm issues. We can do whatever you'd like with him this year. None of which is gonna get us an ace.
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The question to me is why he's dominant, and then his ability to find another way to be dominant if his current way wouldn't work in the rotation. Was he dominant in the pen because he could just let it rip for 20 or 30 pitches and his stuff was so good nothing else really mattered? If that's the case then you have to worry about him not being dominant as a starter in the minors even though he wasn't throwing a ton of innings per start. Then the question is could he improve his control, pitch sequencing, etc. to improve his numbers as a starter and become the ace we'd hope for. I don't know the answers to those questions so I don't have a real strong opinion on him being a starter or staying in the pen. I don't think him wanting to be a starter should mean the Twins put him back in the rotation, though. It's their jobs to put players in the best positions to succeed, not just put them where they want to be. You don't think most relievers want to be starters? Don't think every middle relief guy wants to be a closer? Don't think infielders all want to play SS and hit 3rd? I'd also continue to use him in the fireman role he was in last year. He'd be the guy I bring in for all the high leverage situations, and to face the heart of the other team's lineup. I think it's just as hard to find a guy who can excel in that role as it is to find a guy who can lock down the 9th in a 1 run game.
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Was it is his 5.06 ERA in AAA last year as a starter with 13 walks in 16 innings that sways you to him being a starter? Only once in his minor league career did he have an ERA below 3.25 and that was in 6 starts in A ball back in 2018. He has never pitched more than 115 innings in a season. So if the Twins wanted to make him a starter this year maybe his innings jump from 83 2/3 to 130ish? that means 25, 5 innings starts, yea. I would much rather they stretch him out to 100/110 innings this year using him as a fireman type role and if that works maybe next year give him a spot in the rotation.
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This is the most OBVIOUS issue in our bullpen. Baldelli and the FO again looking at numbers instead of looking at the mindset of pitchers and KNOWING what their roll is... Duran should be the closer... period. Then set up the RH setup guy and a LH setup guy .... next in line and so on. Guys knowing their rolls and being ready mentally and physically for the job is completely lacking at this point. WASTING a pretty good bullpen by trying to get smarter than smart. ARGH
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He should be given the opportunity to become a starter with proper individualized management. Of course it would be an experiment, But if nothing is ventured then nothing is gained. By individualized I mean that if he needs an extra day of rest between starts then he should be able to get it. It's hard to imagine that the strong arm that he has would be any more susceptible to injury than any other ace. I think that it's only a matter of proper management. Obviously I don't know his medical details, But it's not like he's a pitcher with marginal talent that's keeping him from being a starter or not, It's up to the front office, trainers and Duran to get on the same page about what's best for his career. If the issue is handled properly then everyone should be happy whether it's decided that he become a starter or not. He has a gift which he should be able to utilize so that he's happy enough with his career to stay with the Twins. He may be an exception to the rule where the front office rarely puts the long term desires of players first. Hopefully he can rise to meet the expectations that he's set for himself. If he believes in himself then the Twins should allow the switch to happen. Then if it doesn't work the Twins can then limit his to role to being a closer for a reason.
