The Twins are 25 games into the season so I figured it was time to throw up some thoughts about how I think things are going.
Starting Pitching: This was expected to be a place where we would struggle and what do you know, it was true. Livan Hernandez was signed to be an innings eater. He has done that pretty well until this past Sunday. Scott Baker has done ok. He hasn’t been spectacular nor has he been terrible. I expect him to do better as he gets more confidence in his changeup. Boof Bonser has been killing us. He deserves more time, no doubt. I just worry he is still not in shape enough to be an effective pitcher. Nick Blackburn win/loss doesn’t look great but he has been pitching very well. Kevin Slowey got hurt nearly right away so he can’t really be evaluated. However, his replacement, Francisco Liriano has been a disaster so far. He clearly needs more time to develop his fastball and slider. He has been shelled nearly every time out there. The young pitchers are proving that they are young. I see them getting better but not dominating
Batting: If you look straight at runs produced we are not doing great. Morneau is off to a pretty fast start-6 homeruns, 21 RBIs and batting around .275. Mauer hasn’t shown any power yet and had a small slump but he is staying consistent. Carlos Gomez has been laying down bunts and infield hits while leading the AL in steals. Delmon Young hasn’t really show his power yet but has been solid. We need more RBIs from him. Jason Kubel has been tearing it up at the DH/right field spot. He is finally hitting for power like we need him to. Adam Everett has basically done nothing. Brendan Harris has been a little bit of surprise to me. He has been rocking some nice at-bats. The bench has been solid but not spectacular. Of coure Punto hits for nothing. Craig Monroe has been ok. Nothing great. We need to go out and get a real DH though. Cuddyer has been hurt most of the time so I he gets a pass so far.
Relief Pitching: OVerall these guys have been awesome. Pretty much every game I have watched them in, the bullpen has been dynamite. Joe Nathan is rocking of course. He is 7 for 7 in save opportunities and until SUnday hadn’t allowed a run. Pat Neshek has been good as the setup man. His delivery still seems to confound hitters. Juan RIncon(aka juiced up freak) has been solid. Jesse Crain seems to be fully healed from his surgery. I like the movement on his fastball. The only guy I worry about is Dennys Reyes. So far he has been lights out but I worry about fatigue with him. He is our only left hander in the bullpen. I think eventually we need to bring someone up to help out(Glen Perkins?)
The Twins are right about where I thought they would be. I seem them finishing in third with a sub .500 record. The pitching will improve. Clearly they will be a better team next year. I am glad they have locked up Morneay, Cuddy, Golden Child, Nathan, etc.
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