Sep 16, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins (15) looks on after giving up a three run home run in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. The Twins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Bullpen
Why They’ll Be Better:
Last season, the Twins saw more individual performances out of the bullpen than they did as a whole. Guys like Casey Fien and Brian Duensing thrived while consistent players like Glen Perkins struggled. Adding a veteran like Tim Stauffer, as well as having in-house options to step up immediately makes the Twins back-end better. The emergence of Nick Burdi or Jake Reed will be a plus at some point, and a revamped rotation should provide some relief. The Twins have some very nice pieces that should fill out a solid bullpen staff.
Why They’ll Be Worse:
In 2015, should the bullpen fail, it would once again need to be turned back on the starting pitching. It would appear that the Twins have plenty of quality options, and that the biggest reason for a downfall would be in them being overworked due to short starts. Minnesota will be giving the ball to plenty of new names out of the pen in 2015, and they will be expected to go out an compete right away.
Looking back at things as a whole, I think it’s fair to say that there’s plenty more good than bad. The Twins have an opportunity to take some significant strides forward in 2015, and it will come on the heels of the team as a collective whole taking the next steps forward. We’re just a few days away from the kickoff off Spring Training. Hold on and get ready for things to get started.
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