Positional Battles: Who’s In The Pen For The Twins
To wrap up our Positional Battles series, we want to take a look at where the Twins may have the hottest competition down in Fort Myers. Having added a couple of relievers with major league track records, as well as having plenty of in-house options. Neil Allen, Paul Molitor, and the Twins will have plenty to sort through.
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Although fans may be hoping for a different scenario, the Twins will look to use bullpen spots for those guys who are going to be put in the best position to not only help the club, but to succeed in the role long-term as well. Alex Meyer could conceivably get a crack at the pen, but his role of starter won’t be diminished through a forced relief addition.
Operating under the belief that Glen Perkins, Casey Fien, and Brian Duensing there’s likely just four open spots left in the seven man bullpen.
Now, who lays claim to them?
Jul 9, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Caleb Thielbar (56) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Of the options, Thielbar brings the most relative track record to the bullpen. Having pitched out of the Twins bullpen each of the last two seasons, he took somewhat of a step back last season. Seeing his ERA rise from 1.76 in 2012 to 3.40 in 2014, Thielbar will need to get back to his former self.
The downturn can be attributed to a higher amount of walks, as well as a decreased amount of strikeouts per nine innings. Although he gave up less home runs in 2014, Thielbar was responsible for 18 earned runs, doubling his 2013 mark.
With organizational familiarity, Thielbar is in a good spot. He is going to need to make sure he cements himself amongst the Twins plans with a good spring.
Feb 24, 2014; Lake Buena Vistas, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher J.R. Graham (72) poses for a picture at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After being selected by the Twins in the Rule 5 Draft from the Atlanta Braves organization, Graham also has set himself into the Top 20 Twins prospects according to MLB.com
Once a flame throwing pitcher, Graham has watched his career be somewhat derailed by injury. With the ability to push the radar gun and blow the ball past hitters, the Twins could definitely find use for the hard throwing right-hander. Graham owns a 3.37 minor league ERA and it will be put to the test for the Twins this season.
Unless the Twins want to offer Graham back to the Braves, he will need to be on the 25 man roster for the duration of the 2015 season. Look for Graham to make himself worthy of the selection, and find himself right in the middle of the competition.
Jun 8, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres reliever Tim Stauffer (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park. The Nationals defeated the Padres 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Stauffer is a seasoned veteran by major league standards. With nine seasons with the San Diego Padres under his belt, Stauffer offers some flexibility for the Twins. Having appeared in 73 games as a starter, he has the ability to pitch out of the bullpen, and in spot start situations.
A career 3.87 ERA is buoyed by a 3.50 ERA last season. His 9.4 K/9 ratio last season was the best in his career. Should Stauffer be able to build upon the strong season he had in the National League a season ago, he could be one of the key pickups for the Twins this offseason. Despite Terry Ryan saying Stauffer would get a chance to prove himself worthy of a rotation spot, the bullpen looks like the most likely landing spot.
When it comes to veteran relievers, the Twins could do a lot worse than Stauffer. His big league experience should help him significantly in trying to secure a spot on the Twins active roster.
Jul 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Blaine Boyer (58) pitches during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Like Stauffer, Blaine Boyer comes to the Twins from the San Diego Padres. Signed to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite, both Boyer and the Twins have little to lose. He has bounced around the National League for parts of eight major league seasons, and this is his first trip to the American League.
Last season, Boyer pitched to a 3.57 ERA across 32 games for the Padres. His 1.8 BB/9 ratio is something that any team would be more than willing to welcome into their bullpen. He’s given up more than three home runs in a season just once in his career, and he should be a guy the Twins can count on to come on and get out.
Boyer will need to separate himself from some of the other competition if he hopes to make the bullpen this spring. With a lesser upside than some of the other options, and at 33 years old, it would appear the deck may be stacked against him.
Jul 9, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Stephen Pryor (46) throws against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
After being acquired by the Twins in exchange for Kendrys Morales, Pryor found himself pitching out of the Triple-A Rochester bullpen in 2014. This season will be his first Spring Training with the Twins, and it will be a big opportunity to prove he belongs.
At just 25 years old, Pryor has plenty of upside as well as time on his side. He only appeared in 14 games for the Red Wings last season, but he was lights out with 0.89 ERA across just over 20 innings. At the major league level, Pryor owns a 2.81 ERA across 34 games all with the Seattle Mariners.
During Spring Training, Pryor will likely be given a realistic look for a shot at a relief role. With little to lose, look for him to take the opportunity and run with it.
Now being able to count the days until Spring Training kicks off, make sure to keep an eye on each positional battle to see how things play out.
Next: Positional Battles: Who's Fighting For The Twins Rotation?