you think should round out the back
end of Minnesota’s rotation?"The Twins probably have three starting pitchers
written in ink before spring training even starts. Jose Berrios
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Kyle Gibson, and Jake Odorizzi will likely fill the first three spots in some
order. Michael Pineda has the inside track for the fourth spot, depending on his
recovery from various injuries. That leaves just one likely opening for the
remaining starter options — and boy do the Twins have options.Reportedly the
Twins view recently-signed Martin Perez as a starter candidate. He joins a group
of prospects in the competition for that last spot. Stephen Gonsalves, Fernando
Romero, Adalberto Mejia, Kohl Stewart, Zack Littell, and probably a few other
guys will all likely pitch innings for the Twins this season. With that many
players in the mix, someone is going to have to shine early and oftendown in
Florida to stake his claim on the fifth spot in the rotation.Gonsalves and
Romero are the highest rated prospects of the group, and both got a taste of the
major leagues last season. Gonsalves pitched to a two and two record in seven
appearances, and racked up 24.2 innings with a 6.57 ERA. FIP suggests he was a
little better, but still not the savior the Twins need. Romero got a little more
experience, with a three and three record in eleven games, and just under 56
innings pitched. Both his ERA and FIP were hovering around the mid-four range.
This includes a couple of lights-out performances during his first call-up in
May, as well as some solid starts later in the season. I would expect either of
them to need a fantastic performance this spring to break camp with the Twins,
but neither are far from the majors.Kohl Stewart is perhaps a more interesting
case. Stewart was a highly-touted prospect
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Cruz Jersey , but slid down the rankings as he struggled in the
minors. Still, he pitched well after being promoted to Triple-A last season, and
even better when called up to the Twins. Across 36 innings, he put up a 3.68 ERA
facing MLB hitters. At 23 years old, he doesn’t have a lot left to prove in the
minors, but also may be the victim of a roster crunch. Littell is the wildest
card of the bunch. He was acquired from the Yankees in the Jamie Garcia trade a
couple years ago, and pitched well in the minors. He started a couple games last
season for the Twins, but chiefly used as a “primary” pitcher that came on after
an opener. His ERA wasn’t great, but if he can strike out a few more and walk a
few less, that will change drastically. He’s likely near the end of the line in
this group, but could be called up at any time as well.Of the returning Twins,
Adalberto Mejia has the most MLB experience. He was the return from the Giants
for Eduardo Nunez, and started 21 games in 2017, working to a 4.50 ERA. He was a
perfectly serviceable fifth starter that season, but was nothing spectacular,
and the Twins went with other options in 2018
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Still, if the Twins want a left-handed option in the rotation, he is probably
one of their best choices at this time.The other left-handed option is newcomer
Martin Perez. Due to the fact Perez was signed on an MLB deal, I suspect he is
the leader going into spring training, but his deal is just one year and one
million dollars, so he could be cut if others outperform him. The seven-year
veteran has pitched to a total ERA of 4.63 in 761 innings with the Rangers, his
only previous team. He’s been a ten-game winner three times, and collected 13
“W’s” in his best season. 2018 was his worst campaign, so the Twins are likely
hoping he can bounce back. He was once a promising pitcher, with a Rookie of the
Month award on his shelf from August of 2013, and Rookie of the Year votes
garnered that season, and is only 27 years old, so the Twins may have some
backing to that belief.Of course all of this may be moot. With the frequency of
early season off-days and weather incidents — especially with a heavy home
schedule — the Twins may just start the season with four starters, and an extra
man on the bench. If they do go with five though, it will be an interesting
competition. Still trying to recover from the Matt Harvey signing, the baseball
world is quiet."We are coming up on DIY Links
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as family is coming to town and I am moving into full Christmas Mode. We
shouldn’t miss much, as the entire country is still trying to recover from the
Matt Harvey signing and hasn’t the energy for a next major event.Do yourself a
favor and warm yourself over these Last-Minute-HaloLinks:A Little Bit Of Angels
NewsLet FanGraphs dive deep into what Matt Harvey used to be, and what he
is..........There was a day when Matt Harvey was supposed to be one of the
anchors in the megatron 2018-2019 Free Agent class. But, baseball
happens............Beware Rhys Hopkins..........Everywhere In BaseballIt turns
out that the story from yesterday about the Marlins ex-president mocking the
taxpayers of Miami as being losers was merely a birthday skit. I am certain that
makes the taxpayers feel a LOT better, being the butt of a joke about their
being victimized, instead of just being the the victim............The Addison
Russell details are disturbing. Not the best look for the Cubs.........The
modern gambit of The Opener might end up having a real impact on player
compensation. Something for the MLBPA to think about..........Uh, hang on a
second. You mean to tell me that money is going to be moving from one party, to
another party? Yes, please, Uncle Sam will be a part of that..........Meanwhile,
sports media is jumping into sports betting with both feet, a torso, and half an
arm. (meaning, they will keep just enough above water so that they can shame you
for your evil gambling habits.).........I’ll follow up on my snark from
yesterday. The Cubs made a nice upgrade for themselves. For a couple million
more, they upgraded their utility position from Tommy LaStella to Daniel
Descalso AND snagged LHP prospect Conor Lillis-White...........If you are gonna
suck, you might as well try to be fun to watch. This appears to be the Kansas
City Royals approach..........MLB is opening up a direct pipeline into Cuba. It
requires government approval
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which is a main reason why this was not possible a decade or two ago, when it
was really needed.TheRinger agrees with me. Ignoring CTE, Kyler Murray is
probably better off financially jumping into the NFL. With his luck, he will get
drafted by the Raiders.........The Cubs are making strides in their effort to
launch their own RSN. This is getting confusing, and I don’t even live in
Chicago.............Hot StoveTroy Tulowitzki did his thing in Long Beach and 11
teams showed up to watch. The Giants led all with the largest contingent, but
Billy Eppler was there with his clan...........The good news: we have yet to
trade away any prospect of cosmic significance..........The Duffle BagTony Gwynn
stat, and how the game has changed. For the worst, I regret............We got
our wish. The Mariners will be playing in a
Mobile Park...........Job
postings: software dev in the Giants’ analytics department, and an R&D slot
with Driveline, which has the best applicant profile I ever read: “...the best
candidates to come through...have a varied and colorful history with a portfolio
of failed, half-completed, and blocked sports projects of all types.
Self-starters, initiative-takers, and those with a healthy skepticism of
authority...”..........Beast Mode advocating for a new stadium in
Oakland..........Holiday Cheer..........
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