The Twins have reached the point in the season where they can’t afford to wait for missing production. During the winning years of 2002-2010, numerous veterans were signed and released early into the season if production lapsed. Almost every time, the replacement would add life to the ballclub and lead to late-year success.
Perhaps the most noted example is 2006, when the Twins’ opening day lineup included three newly-signed veterans: Juan Castro at shortstop, Tony Batista at third base and Rondell White at designated hitter, as well as Ruben Sierra on the bench.
That 2006 team started terribly, and fell 12.5 games out of first place by May 24. Finally, in mid-June, the team released Tony Batista, traded Juan Castro, benched Rondell White, and eventually released Sierra. The team inserted fiery bench-player, Nick Punto at third, and brought up Jason Bartlett to play shortstop. Suddenly the team was more athletic with a fresh new outlook, finally catching the Detroit Tigers for 1st Place in the American League Central on the last day of the season.
Just two years later, the 2008 team saw an opening day roster that featured newly signed veterans, Adam Everett at shortstop, Mike Lamb at shortstop, Craig Monroe at designated hitter, Livan Hendandez as opening-day starter, and newly acquired center fielder, Carlos Gomez, batting leadoff. That year was almost deja-vu of 2006, as the team started poorly and was six games out of first place on June 10.
Then, Mike Lamb lost his starting job to Brian Buscher on June 16. Adam Everett was injury plagued, eventually losing his starting job to Nick Punto at shortstop. Craig Monroe and Livan Henandez were released before the end of the season, and Carlos Gomez lost his leadoff spot to Dernard Span. The team fought back all year, eventually losing a one-game playoff to the White Sox on the 163rd day of the season.
Fast forward to 2012, and the Twins are in a similar situation, floundering with newly-signed veterans and slumping young players. Most teams would keep the veterans due to their high contracts, but the Twins have always been a team that ignores salaries and focuses on the best winning talent available. This pridelessness is one of the major reasons for the team’s past success.
Today, May 21, 2012, the team is already nine games behind first place. They’re recently replaced it’s starting shortstop (Jamey Carroll) and third baseman (Danny Valencia), in addition to two starting pitching spots. All changes have paid dividends, and the team is an improved 6-4 over the past ten days.
Now, Jason Marquis, the 3-million dollar man, is in the spotlight. The Star Tribune reports that the Twins are expected to release the veteran pitcher after he posted an 8.47 ERA in seven starts. Veteran, Nick Blackburn, is on the disabled list but likely on the outs also, with an almost identical 8.37 ERA in seven starts. If this indeed occurs, only Carl Pavano would remain out of the five season-opening starting pitchers. It’s not even June, folks.
Surprisingly enough, however, the Twins still have a healthy depth chart in regards to starting pitching. None of them are ace pitchers, but can certainly produce an ERA under 8.00. Scott Diamond and P.J. Walters have arrived and pitched well, while Liam Hendricks is getting back on track in AAA with several solid starts. Francisco Liriano, Anthony Swarzak and Brian Duensing are all eyeing starting rotation slots from the bullpen.
Jason Marquis has always been a marginal pitcher, traditionally hovering around 4.50 ERA in the National League. He’s also prone to poor seasons, including a 6.02 ERA over 33 starts in 2006, and 6.60 ERA in 13 starts during an injury-plagued 2010.
It’s hard to dump a $3-million player, but the Twins front office has proved before that they can swallow pride for the sake of a better team. With Diamond and Walters pitching well enough to remain in the rotation, and Liam Hendricks returning to form, Marquis may be the odd man out.
Francisco Liriano and Nick Blackburn have both pitched poorly as well, but are much younger and have shown a higher upside than Marquis over their careers. Liam Hendricks or Swarzak could potential match or exceed Marquis’ career numbers, 4.63 ERA and .510 winning percentage, while Liriano and Blackburn have the potential to pitch much better down the stretch if they find their stuff.
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