Positional Battles: Who’s Fighting For The Twins Rotation?
The Minnesota Twins are just weeks away from Spring Training, and with much certainty surrounding the roster this season, there is also a level of uncertainty when it comes to the starting rotation. While Phil Hughes, Ervin Santana, Ricky Nolasco, and Kyle Gibson are locks for the Twins, the fifth and final spot remains up for grabs.
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With Paul Molitor and Neil Allen now the chief decision makers when it comes to filling out their squad, the final rotation spot will likely be determined over the course of Spring Training. For the first time in a while, the Twins have a plethora of options, but it will be on one of those players to emerge and take hold of the role.
Let’s take a look at the candidates…
Aug 11, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Tommy Milone (49) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Twins acquired Milone a season ago in what I still contend was one of the greatest Terry Ryan trades ever orchestrated. Sure, Sam Fuld and Milone aren’t big name players by any means, and the assets weren’t monumental, but the process was. Ryan turned a waiver claim in Fuld, from outfield depth, to a quality starting pitching option in sending him back to his original team a few months later.
Entering this season, Milone should be clear of the injury issues that plagued him down the stretch a season ago. With the Athletics, Milone proved he was a quality major league caliber starter, and can be relied upon as a back-end of the rotation guy for the Twins.
His career 3.98 is balooned by the rough ending to the season he has with the Twins last year. Prior to coming over from the Athletics, Milone pitched to the tune of a 3.55 ERA and a 1.215 WHIP across 16 games. His 2.4 BB/9 was also a mark that the Twins could put to good use.
Heading into Spring Training, Milone has to be viewed as the front-runner for the final rotation spot, and it will be his to lose.
Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; USA pitcher Alex Meyer throws a pitch during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Arguably the most exciting option to join the Twins rotation, Alex Meyer is still awaiting his turn after being brought into the fold in exchange for Denard Span. Plagued by control issues in his time down on the farm, Meyer has been denied his opportunity at Target Field. As Spring Training kicks off, it will be on him to push the envelope.
While the control issues are apparent (4.4 BB/9), Meyer is now 25 years old and teetering on staying down too long. His 10.6 K/9 ratio is something the Twins desperately need, and his effectiveness against major league hitters is something that has yet to be determined. Across three minor league seasons, Meyer has posted a 3.15 ERA and the Twins are still hoping he can become the top of the rotation guy he was once billed to be.
As far as viability for the rotation goes, it will be based on a couple of things for Meyer. Not only will the control issues have to be somewhat nullified during the spring, but he will also need a window from Milone to open. Although he could debut in the bullpen, the Twins have added enough relievers this offseason to make that scenario appear less than likely.
Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Trevor May (65) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
He got his cup of coffee at the end of the 2014 season, and then went on to spill it all over his lap. While May showed glimpses of the solid project the Twins were hoping they got in return for Ben Revere, it was more often bad than good.
After posting a 2.84 ERA with New Britain last season, the Twins gave May his chance. He went on to compile a 7.88 ERA over the course of nine starts, while walking 4.3 batters per nine innings. His 8.7 K/9 tally was respectable, but all to often he found himself having to work out of jams he had earlier placed himself in.
Coming into 2015, May will have to return to his minor league self. Likely a distant afterthought for the rotation during Spring Training, it will be about May getting himself right for the length of the season. If Trevor May can start strong in the spring, and carry the new-found success into the minor league season, he could once again become a quick option for the Twins to call upon.
Apr 10, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
It may slip your memory that in fact, Pelfrey is a member of the Twins. Having dealt with injuries for the greater portion of the two years he has spent with the Twins, Pelfrey has been all but forgettable. He is however, still owed $5.5 million this season, and that number alone will likely help him figure his way into the Twins plans.
After pitching in only five games last season, and to the tune of a 7.99 ERA, Pelfrey has a lot to prove in what will likely be his final year with the Twins. Just 31 years old, Pelfrey will be out to prove he is worthy of another major league contract from someone.
Although he has pitched as a starter for the entirety of his career, it seems as though Pelfrey’s shot to stick with the Twins will be through the bullpen. During Spring Training, Minnesota will predictably give him the opportunity to start, and it will be on Mike to make the most of it. If he can prove to limit walks and attack hitters, he could slot nicely into a long relief role out of the pen. For the Twins, the best case scenario would be for the transition to play out similarly to Kansas City’s Wade Davis.
It’s more than fair to assume the final rotation spot is truly up in the air heading into Spring Training. With both Molitor and Allen being essentially new eyes, the Twins may decide to shake things up to a certain extent. In hopes of finding the guy to fill out what should be an improved rotation, each of the pitchers mentioned will be worth keeping an eye on in Fort Myers.
Make sure to check back for the final breakdown of the Twins Positional Battles series.
Next: Positional Battles: What Happens In The Twins Outfield?