Blackburn's historically poor start

If cats have nine lives, Nick Blackburn must be a tiger, having now notched eleven poor starts in twelve appearances. In fact, his start to the 2012 season is beginning to range on a historically poor level, on par with infamously awful years by Jim Deshaies (1994, 7.39 ERA), Scott Aldred (1997, 7.68 ERA) and LaTroy Hawkins' "summer of the beast" (1999, 6.66 ERA over 33 starts). 


Only the mythical Sean Bergman produced notably worse numbers (2000, 9.66 ERA, 14 starts).

Excluding Jason Marquis’ 8.47 ERA in seven starts this year, you need to go back to the dreadful 1999-2000 years to find comparisons. That 1999 pitching staff, coached by Dick Such, produced only two pitchers with over 50 IP and ERA’s under 4.00, Brad Radke (3.75 ERA, 218.2 IP) and Bob Wells (3.81 ERA, 87.1 IP).

Here’s a look at the Twins all-time worst starting pitching performances from the past two decades, with over ten starts:

Nick Blackburn (2012) 4-5, 12 starts, 7.74 ERA, 59.1 IP, 82 hits, .323 BA

Scott Baker (2006) 5-8, 16 starts, 6.37 ERA, 83.1 IP, 114 hits, .324 BA

Joe Mays (2003) 8-8, 21 starts, 6.30 ERA, 130 IP, 159 hits, .302 BA

Sean Bergman (2000) 4-5, 14 starts, 9.66 ERA, 68 IP, 111 hits, .374 BA

JC Romero (2000) 2-7, 11 starts, 7.02 ERA, 57.2 IP, 72 hits, .312 BA

Mike Lincoln (1999) 3-10, 15 starts, 6.84 ERA, 76.1 IP, 102 hits, .330 BA

LaTroy Hawkins (1999) 10-14, 33 starts, 6.66 ERA, 174.1 IP, 238 hits, .323

Dan Perkins (1999) 1-7, 12 starts, 6.54 ERA, 86.2 IP, 117 hits, .326 BA

Frankie Rodriguez (1998) 4-6, 11 starts, 6.56 ERA, 70 IP, 88 hits, .303 BA

Scott Aldred (1997) 2-10, 15 starts, 7.68 ERA, 77.1 IP, 102 hits, .323 BA

Jose Parra (1995) 1-5, 12 starts, 7.59 ERA, 61.2 IP, 83 hits, .312 BA

Jim Deshaies (1994) 6-12, 25 starts, 7.39 ERA, 130.1 IP, 170 hits, .321 BA

Blackburn owns respectable stats over his career, 4.75 ERA over 779.1 IP, but it seems his time in the rotation must be nearing an end. However, with Carl Pavano and PJ Walters still disabled, he may get one last opportunity due to a shorthanded staff. 

Sinkerballers are known for inconsistency, and perhaps a stint in the bullpen or minor leagues could help revamp his year. With Jason Marquis excelling in San Diego, with a 2.05 ERA over 4 starts and 26.1 IP, the Twins may be hesitant to outright release the veteran pitcher.

Plouffe, Revere step up

While the Twins were ridden with disasters to start the year, they finally swept through with changes and adjustments that are reaping rewards. 

Thinking that Ben Revere wasn’t a proper fit for right field, the team sent him to AAA where he tore up minor league pitching, and a merry-go-round of journeyman outfielders struggled to stake a claim. Upon return, he has jump-started team offense at the top of the order, while his outstanding range in right has saved numerous runs on defense.

Trevor Plouffe, like several other young players, flopped to start the year. A decent on-base percentage gave the team hope enough to keep him in the lineup, eventually taking over primary third base duties. A torrid June has raised his average over .100 points, while he suddenly has taken over the team lead with 14 home runs and become one of the most feared hitters in the lineup. 

First base, third base and right field were the team’s major holes at the start of the year. With Justin Morneau back at first, the team amazingly has all three holes covered and are scoring runs and producing at all positions. Additionally, Jamey Carroll, Darin Mastroianni, Chris Parmalee and Drew Butera as third catcher give the team an outstanding bench full of speed and good defense. 

As long as no player enters a prolonged slump or someone blows up AAA, is seems the Twins finally have a well-balanced an effective roster of position players together, and can slow down the revolving door.

Starting pitching is now the key to success, but remains a question mark. Scott Diamond has “sparkled” with a 5-2 record and 2.13 ERA in eight starts, and while unlikely to maintain that pace, he appears to have the poise and maturity to stay successful. Francisco Liriano is back in the rotation, and improving with every start. Beyond that, the best hope is to get three pitchers who can provide mediocre starts on a consistent basis. 

Liam Hendricks dominated AAA, with a 1.94 ERA in seven starts, and will get every opportunity to stay in the rotation. P.J. Walters had some nice moments, but inconsistency and a bum shoulder put him in doubt. Nick Blackburn has remained awful, but is a veteran who could rebound. Carl Pavano is on the disabled list, and who knows how he’ll return. If all fails, Cole DeVries proved in three spot starts that he can battle and at least keep the team in the game for 5-6 innings, while sitting in the wings at AAA.

Bottom line, things are looking up and team depth is improving. As long as the lineup stays relatively healthy and the rotation keeps plugging along, there’s hope that a .500 record could be in reach.