2015 Twins: The Aces Of The Staff
We have taken a look at who should be expected to lead the Twins in home runs, who will record the most hits, and which players will steal the most bases in 2015. Now it’s time to shift focus to the mound and take a look at which Twins pitchers can be counted upon to win the most games in 2015.
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To be fair, wins are one of the least important pitching statistics available. With that being said, a starting rotation chalking up wins as a whole generally results in the betterment of the team as well. While suggesting the following pitchers may lead the club in wins doesn’t mean they will be the most impressive or vital, expect them to anchor a rotation that should be much improved over 2014.
Minnesota has addressed rotational issues as they enter 2015, and because of the focus on pitching, the returns should be plentiful. A year ago the Twins had just two pitchers record double-digit wins, I think that total doubles. Let’s take a look at your 2015 Twins to projected wins earners.
Nov 2, 2013; Surprise, AZ, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher Alex Meyer against the East during the Fall Stars Game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
5. Alex Meyer
Maybe somewhat of a reach, I expect Meyer to finish amongst the top five in wins for Twins pitchers this season despite the belief that he will not begin the year in the rotation. With Tommy Milone likely slated for the 5th spot, Meyer will more than likely be slated for Triple-A Rochester to start the year.
While the belief should be that Milone is capable of holding a rotation spot, a shift will likely be induced from the bullpen at some point. If Mike Pelfrey struggles with the transition to a bullpen role, Milone could slide over as a relief type. Milone is going to need to be sharp to hold of Meyer, who possesses more upside. At any rate, and no matter how it takes place, I think Meyer gets around 20 starts for the Twins this season.
Whenever the call happens, expect Meyer to take it and run with it. Already over-powering at the Triple-A level, Meyer will excel at the next level as long as he can sharpen up his command to a certain extent. Expect to see him strike out batters at a decent clip, and record right around eight wins for the Twins in 2015.
Sep 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco (47) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
A season after being nothing short of a train wreck for the Twins, 2015 should be a strong bounce back year for Nolasco. He has had bad seasons previously, and knows how to mentally rebound. Pitching through injury in 2014 did him no favors, and it also shouldn’t be a worry going forward.
Nolasco will likely occupy the third slot in the starting rotation. With a career ERA in the upper 4’s, he’s a pitcher that should be expected to keep you in a game, and every once in a while, spin a gem of his own. With an improved lineup supporting him, and a fresh start with the Twins, you can expect to see a new pitcher this time around.
An innings eater, Nolasco is never going to be a dominant pitcher in any one facet of the game. I’d look for him to flip the script on his record of 2014 however. After going 6-12 a season ago, expecting Nolasco to win somewhere between 10-12 games this season is very realistic.
Sep 11, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kyle Gibson (44) delivers in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
3. Kyle Gibson
2014 saw some of the most drastic splits a Twins pitcher has posted in a very long time from Gibson. With an ERA south of 1.00 in wins, and north of 12.00 in losses, the overall numbers were very mediocre for the Twins former first rounder. Gibson was Terry Ryan’s pick to have a standout 2015, and it appears to be with good reason.
Another season away from Tommy John surgery, Gibson should be able to get more movement on his pitches, and hold a stronger command of the zone. While he wasn’t terrible in 2014, a 4.47 ERA and 13-12 record is nothing to write home about.
Expect the steps forward to take a big leap for Gibson in 2015. The ERA should rest somewhere in the high 3’s or low 4’s, with the wins being of a higher weight. Gibson should be able to record somewhere around 15 wins this season with the Twins.
Sep 13, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning in game one of a doubleheader at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
2. Phil Hughes
There isn’t much to say about the season that Phil Hughes posted in 2014 outside of it being absolutely fantastic. A major league record strikeout to walk ratio, a 16 game winner, and a very respectable 3.52 ERA, Hughes looked the part of a Cy Young candidate at points throughout the season.
He is going to have a hard time following up that kind of performance in 2015. The ratios are likely going to change, but it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Hughes had a handful of blowup outings in 2014, that if they can be thrown away going forward, makes him an even more dominant pitcher.
There should be no reason why Hughes can’t be expected to at least hit his win total of 16 from 2014, with the outside chance of bumping it up to as high as 18 or so. Hughes will be the Twins Opening Day starter, and can once again be regarded as the staff ace.
Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals in the second inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
In his career, Ervin Santana has never won more than 17 games, that came back in 2010 with the Los Angeles Angels. Last season for the Atlanta Braves, and his first venture into the National League, the hurler won 14 games. Now back to the AL Central, Ervin Santana sets his sights even higher.
Having settled for one year deals the past two season, Santana finally cashed in on two solid seasons. After pitching with the Royals in the AL Central during the 2013 season, he comes back with an understanding of the talent he will be facing. Expect him to bolster a Twins staff that will need to lean on him for leadership.
Known as an innings guy, expect Santana to make a splash in his first season with the Twins. Not only should he surpass the 200 inning plateau, but he should contend for a career high in wins. Look for him to rival Phil Hughes for the team lead, and end the season right around 18 wins.
Minnesota has put themselves in a much better position in 2015 than they found themselves in at any point in the 2014 season. Quality starting pitching is apparent, and the lineup should again produce plenty of run support.
Expect the Twins to turn some heads in the American League, and it to come on the backs of their pitching staff.
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