Twins Preview 2009: Starting Pitchers

Twins Preview 09

The starting pitching has become the backbone of the Twins organization. Guys like Brad Radke, Carlos Silva (for a two year stretch), Kyle Lohse, Joe Mays, and who can forget Johan Santana. The only star of the players just mentioned is obviously Santana (he could end up as one of the premier lefties of all time) but the rest were solid pitchers that attack the strike zone and put the pressure on the hitters. In the case of Silva, the hitters won more then he did. Anyway, this years group could go down as one of the better starting staffs that Rick Anderson has had in his years as the Twins pitching coach. Without further a due, here is your 2009 Starting rotation...(Stat Line: Wins, ERA, WHIP, K)

Scott Baker - RHP
Baker has been around for long time it seems but he is entering his 3rd season as a regular starter for the Twins as is becoming the pitcher that the Twins always thought he could be. Baker is a solid pitcher that attacks the zone and because of this doesn't walk too many batters. He is not a typical #1 guy because his stuff is not #1 material but he is a hard worker and is very mentally tough, there is not a lot of things that will rattle him. Relies more on location then velocity to get the batter out and tends to be a fly ball pitcher which can get him into trouble. I expect a lot from him this year and I think he will deliver.
Stat Line: 15 / 3.42 / 1.13 / 150

Francisco Liriano - LHP
Liriano is the heir apparent to take over the Twins staff after Johan was traded. After Tommy John surgery after the 2006 season, Liriano was on the DL for the entire 2007 season. Last year Francisco came back but it looks as if he came back too soon as he stumbled out of the gate and was send down to Rochester to get stronger and to get his slider back. After a stretch of 10 straight wins in the minors Liriano was called up and looked great. He has a devastating slider but he tends to lean on it and throw it too often allowing hitters to recognize it coming. If he can get his fastball back up in the 95-96 MPH range watch out for Francisco this season.
Stat Line: 18 / 3.12 / 1.21 / 187

Kevin Slowey - RHP
Sloweyano is primed for a breakout year. Slowey has some filthy breaking stuff and sneaks the fastball by more then his share of hitters. The mold of how Rick Anderson wants his pitchers to be. Slowey will probably only walk 3 guys this year so as a hitter you have to be ready every time you step up to the plate. He will pick up a good share of wins this year because he will be pitching out of the 3-4 spot most of the year and I believe that he is one of the better #3 guys in the majors.
Stat Line: 16 / 3.31 / 1.08 / 168

Nick Blackburn - RHP
Blackburn is the perfect Brad Radke mold. He is a steady pitcher that attacks the zone, doesn't walk a lot of guys, and does not have overpowering stuff. Blacky will use his accuracy to paint the black of the plate and pick his spots. Will get into trouble at times and struggles with runners on base because of his lack of a go to pitch to get batters out.
Stat Line: 12 / 3.75 / 1.28 / 115

Glen Perkins - LHP
Perkins is a local boy from the Twin Cities Metro Area and I'm sure it is a dream of his to play for the hometown Twins. Perkins is a solid pitcher, and perfectly suited for the 5th slot in the starting rotation. It is like beating a dead horse but here is another guy that attacks the strike zone without overpowering stuff. He just goes on the mound and gets the job done. Like Blackburn, he does get into trouble and his average fastball and breaking stuff leads to crooked numbers. Would it surprise you that Perkins was 12-4 last year?
Stat Line: 13 / 3.97 / 1.31 / 95