Twins Trade Rumors: Relievers on the Move
The Minnesota Twins are going to be sellers at the deadline, and one under appreciated bright spot for the Twins has been a handful of bullpen arms. At the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, right-handed relief pitchers are easier to come by then fried foods at the State Fair, however, left-handed relievers are a different story.
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For the Twins, one name that has resonated with Twins Territory for quite some time, has been that of Brian Duensing. A 31-year-old left hander that has pitched both as a starter and reliever, could find himself bringing back value to the Twins.
After moving to a full-time relief role in 2013, Duensing has pitched to a 3.35 ERA, with a 7.4 K/9 ratio. As a left hander, who has a strong command of the strike zone, and the ability to eat up innings, he could be a strong option for the middle part of a contending team’s bullpen.
Also intriguing option for the Twins to move, Casey Fien and Caleb Thielbar. While Glen Perkins in not going to be moved for the Twins (even though he could bring back a decent haul), Fien presents an interesting option as an 8th or 9th inning guy for a contender.
A high energy guy, over three years for the Twins, Fien has compiled a 2.97 ERA with a 0.983 WHIP and 8.9 K/9 ratio. Although Fien has never been utilized as a regular 9th inning guy, he could be a closer option, without a team having to deal the farm to acquire.
Thielbar on the other hand, a good story and Minnesota kid, is a left hander that could bolster the back-end or setup role in a bullpen. While not arbitration eligible until 2017, someone could take advantage of his 2.19 ERA, 0.910 WHIP, and 7.2 K/9. He likely won’t bring back much, but he may be coveted as the deadline looms closer.
With the Twins being sellers at the deadline, and Josh Willingham being the only near lock to be moved, the bullpen would have to be a likely source of opening up options to buyers. As the deadline rolls around, the Twins are hopping the calls come fast and furious.