Pitching Perspectives (3/17-3/23)
By Wally Fish
The Twins finished the week with a 3-3 record.
Scott Baker pitched on Tuesday against Boston and Sunday against Toronto. In his 2 starts combined he pitched 7.2 innings while allowing 16 hits, 8 runs, 1 walk and struck out 7. He has now had three rough starts in a row.
Francisco Liriano pitched on Wednesday against Pittsburgh and Monday against Baltimore. In his two starts this week he threw 9.0 innings while allowing 5 hits, 4 earned runs, 6 walks and 7 strike outs. Opposing batters are clearly having a tough time hitting him. In his last 5 starts and 19.1 innings pitched he has given up only 10 hits. If he can keep from issuing walks, we could be in line for a truly special season from the 25 year old lefty.
Kevin Slowey did not pitch last week in major league camp, but did pitch today against the Marlins.
Nick Blackburn did not pitch last week in major league camp. He is scheduled to pitch on Thursday against the Reds.
Glen Perkins pitched Friday against the Yankees and threw a gem. In 5.0 innings of work he allowed 4 hits, no runs, one walk and recorded one strikeout. It is good to see him have a good outing after two shaky ones last week.
The Twins followed up an excellent 1st week in which they posted a 3.46 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP with an even more impressive 2nd week. Week 2 they posted a 1.11 ERA and 0.78 WHIP in 24.1 innings of work. Week 3 was the worst of the bunch with a 4.43 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. Week 4 got even worse for the rotation:
Minnesota
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
HR
ERA
WHIP
3/17-3/23 Starters
21.2
25
13
12
8
15
3
4.98
1.52
Below is the performance of the rest of the pitchers in camp:
Minnesota
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
HR
ERA
WHIP
Luis Ayala (R)
2.0
1
2
0
0
2
1
0.00
0.50
Craig Breslow (L)
2.0
1
1
1
2
1
0
4.50
1.50
Jesse Crain (R)
3.0
2
1
1
0
3
0
3.00
0.67
R.A. Dickey (R)
4.0
2
0
0
1
5
0
0.00
0.75
Brian Duensing (L)
4.0
2
0
0
0
2
0
0.00
0.50
Mike Gosling (L)
1.0
1
1
1
1
0
0
9.00
2.00
Matt Guerrier (R)
2.0
4
4
4
0
1
2
18.00
2.00
Sean Henn (L)
1.1
3
0
0
0
2
0
0.00
2.26
Philip Humber (R)
2.0
3
1
1
0
0
1
4.50
1.50
Jason Jones (R)
1.0
1
1
1
0
0
1
9.00
1.00
Bobby Keppel (R)
2.1
3
0
0
1
2
0
0.00
1.72
Jose Mijares (L)
2.2
6
5
5
2
2
1
16.85
3.00
Kevin Mulvey (R)
2.0
3
1
1
0
2
0
4.50
1.50
Joe Nathan (R)
2.0
1
1
1
0
1
1
4.50
0.50
The Bad: Jose Mijares (again) & Matt Guerrier
The Good: R.A. Dickey & Brian Duensing
Last week in assembling my projected bullpen I forgot about Luis Ayala who will most likely make the team. To make room for him I have chosen to bump Sean Henn and carry only one lefty in Craig Breslow. That being said, Brian Duensing is really pitching well this spring and is pushing for a spot, which may result in Jason Jones being offered back to the Yankees since he was a rule 5 pick this year.