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Minnesota Twins: Four Potential All-Stars for the Twins

By Carl Vagle

Apr 11, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; A general view of the MLB All-Star game logo inside Marlins Park prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; A general view of the MLB All-Star game logo inside Marlins Park prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 19, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA;Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler (27) delivers a pitch during the tenth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA;Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler (27) delivers a pitch during the tenth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Brandon Kintzler – CP (16 saves, 3.08 ERA)

With Glen Perkins out for the past year the Twins have looked to Kintzler to anchor the bullpen; and that is exactly what he has done. This season has been no different as he leads the AL in games finished (23) and is third in saves.

Kintzler isn’t a closer like Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman, or Ken Giles who is going to blow pitches by you in the upper 90’s. He isn’t known for striking out the side in the ninth inning to secure a win. Brandon is consistent, he is going to throw strikes and trust the defense behind him.

He had never been a closer before taking over for the Twins last season and went 17 for 20 in save opportunities. Being a closer is a lot of pressure and even when Kintzler has blown a save he has come out strong in his next appearance.

Kintzler is a long shot to make the All-Star roster as he has to show he is more deserving than players with flashier numbers. Kimbrel leads the AL with eighteen saves and consistently gets multiple strikeouts every outing. Kintzler isn’t anywhere near the player Kimbrel is but is the most consistent arm in the Twins bullpen.

Next: Twins Can Keep Up With Cleveland

There are lots of players throughout the AL that deserve to make the All-Star Game in Miami. The Twins have shown they are ready to play with the best teams in the MLB and that is thanks to several players. The Twins deserve to have at least two players make the All-Star Game and Sano should be the headliner.

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