Positional Battles: Who’s Fighting For The Twins Rotation?
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?