|
SoMnFan -> RE: Players and prospects III (4/24/2016 3:37:43 AM)
|
Berrios Can Save The Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins have stumbled out of the gate after winning 83 games in 2015. The Twins have lost 11 of their first 16 games, scoring the 7th fewest runs (53) and are middle-of-the-pack in pitching Run Expectancy Wins (0.16). In a division brimming with gifted teams, including reigning World Series champions Kansas City Royals, prolonged losing will only further ensconce the Twins in the cellar of the American League Central.
Twins’ starting pitching is not entirely to blame, however. Though far from a bastion of domination, Ervin Santana, Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes—who earn a combined $34.7 million in 2016—have performed well over 10 starts. But the Twins still presently lack a true ace.
At least, at the major league level.
Twins’ prospect Jose Berrios is one of the more electric pitchers in Triple-A. Through his first three starts, Berrios, 21, has struck out 20 batters and limited opposing hitters to a .143 batting average against. After posting a 2.62 ERA over 75.2 innings at Triple-A in ‘15, Berrios’ success this season is not unforeseen.
Berrios can dial his fastball to upwards of 96 miles per hour and boasts a “plus curveball and above-average changeup,” according to ESPN’s Keith Law (insider needed). In terms of his arsenal translating to the next level, Law said, “[Berrios] has the command and control, the secondary stuff and the poise to succeed in the majors now.”
Considering baseball is 20 days into its season, the Twins can recall the former-32nd overall pick without prematurely starting his service time clock. According to MLB rules, a player must accrue 172 service days (there are 183) in a major league season to count towards a full service year. Even if Berrios were to get the call tomorrow, the Twins have already gained an entire additional calendar year of team control by waiting more than 12 days into the ’16 season.
|
|
|
|