Minnesota Twins Pitching Predictions That Are Sure To Be Wrong

Sep 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins (15) delivers against the Chicago White Sox in the ninth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Perkins Will Lead the AL in Saves

Last season the Minnesota Twins’ closer notched 34 saves which was good for sixth in the American League. That number will go up in 2015. The Twins will be better giving Glen Perkins even more chances to notch saves. Last season’s leader was Fernando Rodney of Seattle at 48, which is a lot, but we might as well shoot for the stars.

Sep 24, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) pitches in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Hughes Will Notch 200+ Strikeouts

Sure, he’s never done it. Sure, it’s tough, but I believe in Phil Hughes. Hughes was only 14 strikeouts away from the plateau in 2014, so it’s not too far out of reach. It’ll be hard for Hughes to better his first season with the Twins, but it might just happen.

My co-editor doesn’t think it will be Hughes leading the way with strikeouts. It’s probably someone you won’t expect.

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

Nolasco Bounces Back

Ricky Nolasco had the worst year of his MLB career last season. Nolasco’s ERA jumped up 1.68 between 2013 and 2014. It might be tougher to pitch in the American League compared to the National League, the league Nolasco called home for his entire career before coming to Minnesota. It’s not a huge prediction to say Nolasco will be better, but all Minnesota Twins fans should be hoping so. A third pitcher is crucial to success.

Apr 4, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey (37) walks off the field after he was taken out of the game in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Pelfrey Thrives In Bullpen Role

I am putting the cart in front of the horse here a little bit, but so be it. Pelfrey will enter Spring Training as a contender for the fifth spot in the rotation, but if that doesn’t go to Alex Meyer or Trevor May we probably should be concerned. Pelfrey will go to the bullpen and he will thrive. He will do better in the ˜pen for Minnesota than he ever has in the starting rotation.

Sep 9, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Ervin Santana (30) pitches during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Washington Nationals defeated against the Atlanta Braves 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Santana Notches All-Star Bid

Ervin Santana is the new shiny toy for the Minnesota Twins and I expect great things from the former Kansas City Royal. Santana will be one of the Twins heading to Cincinnati to participate in the 2015 All-Star Game.

Next: Six Steps To Minnesota Twins Success

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