Thursday, June 2, 2005
MAY GRADES
Good morning everybody! Thank you, as always, for stopping by the site and please feel free to tell as many sports and baseball fans as you know about it! No, I'm not against shameless self-promotion in any way! I hope that you find it informative but also fun. Today, we're going back to school again, and I get to be the teacher. OK, I get to be the guy who gives out grades. The Twins went 14-13 in May, which is not too shabby, but all of the players need to be graded. Just a quick look at some team stats The team ERA was just 3.22 which is incredible. The Twins have a number of pitchers who let the batter make contact, so they average just 5.32 strikeouts per nine innings. But when you consider that as a staff, they walked just 49 hitters all month, it is incredible. It is less than two per nine innings. It is also impressive because, if you look simply at ERA, the worst two pitchers in May (out of 12 who threw pitches in a Twins uniform) were Johan Santana and Joe Nathan. And we all know they'll be just fine!
So, let's take a look at the players and see how they did in the season's second month and please feel free to comment, even disagree:
PITCHERS
THE STARTERS
KYLE LOHSE
(4 starts (5 games), 27.1 Innings, 3-1 with a 2.30 ERA, 6 walks, 9 strikeouts, 1.21 WHIP, .265 Opponent Average, 2.96 K/9)
A month ago, even two weeks ago, fans throughout Twins Territory were in discussions about what to do with Kyle Lohse. Should he be relegated to the bullpen? Should the team try to send him down to AAA and fear losing him? Would we even care if he was lost? Well, the best way to respond to such things is to put up a month of numbers like Lohse did. He was moved to the #5 spot in the rotation and because of it missed a start. But something clicked mid-month and he has been very good since then. He has thrown less pitches and tried to get less strickouts and more grounders. It is working so far. Gardy has been pretty smart about getting him out of the game before anything too bad happens, so I do have to give some credit to both Gardy and Rick Anderson. Now, hopefully his mound confidence stays high and he continues to improve as the summer progresses.
May Grade: A-
JOE MAYS
(6 Starts, 40.1 Innings, 2-2 with a 3.12 ERA, 7 walks, 14 strikeouts, 1.26 WHIP, .278 Opponent Average, 3.12 K/9)
The highlight of the month was Mays' complete game shutout against the Blue Jays. Since then, he has been very good. His numbers certainly attest to that. I am impressed by his WHIP in May because he does give up so many singles. The fact that he doesn't walk anyone certainly helps. He is yet another example that there is more than one way to get a hitter out than just striking him out. It is fun to discuss the pitching performances of Joe Mays now without constantly saying "considering his arm." Now his performances are judged on good or bad and his past injury is forgotten. That is a very good thing.
May Grade: B
BRAD RADKE
(5 Starts, 34 Innings, 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA, 2 walk, 21 strikeouts, 1.18 WHIP, .275 Opponent Average, 5.56 K/9)
His walk rate is absolutely incredible. Again, just two on the month. He still isn't striking out many, but it is working. Radke's first May start was a complete game three hitter against the Indians. He went at least six innings in each of his May starts. Radke is the guy who was able to stop team slumps in May a couple of times.
May Grade: B+
JOHAN SANTANA
(6 Starts, 42.1 Innings, 2-2 with a 3.55 ERA, 7 walks, 46 strikeouts, 0.99 WHIP, .222 Opponent Average, 9.78 K/9)
A bad month for Santana still produced a better-than-league-average ERA. He still allowed less than a base runner per inning. Santana really had just one terrible start. He gave up seven runs in 5 1/3 innings to the Blue Jays. If you take that game out of the data, his ERA for the month would have been 2.68. Santana still leads the big leagues in strikeouts. He hasn't seemed like himself, yet he is still incredible.
May Grade: B
CARLOS SILVA
(6 Starts, 46 Innings Pitched, 1-3 with a 3.13 ERA. 2 walk, 12 strikeouts, 1.13 WHIP, .282 Opponent Average, 2.35 K/9)
Speaking of something that is incredible, how can Silva continue to perform this well when he only strikes out about two batters a game. He walks no one. His lone problem seems to be when he gets his sinker ball up in the zone, which resulted in five home run balls in May. His 74 pitch complete game win against the Brewers was amazing. He went eight innings his next start and threw just 87 pitches. He is fun to watch and probably to play defense behind. Again, Silva has subscribe (and survived) with a 'Bend but don't Break' situation. He will give up a lot of hits, but to this point, he hasn't broken.
May Grade: B+
THE BULLPEN
SCOTT BAKER
(1 Game, 1 Inning, 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts, 1.00 WHIP, Opponent Average .250, 0.0 K/9)
Just one outing, but I will give Baker an A. Not everyone throws a shutout inning in their big league debut. Baker was called up when Rincon served his suspension. There was a chance he was going to make a start in place of Lohse, but Lohse proved healthy enough, so Baker was in the bullpen. I think that if the Twins had known that was the case, they may have called Bowyer up instead. Baker was then sent down and has been really strong at Rochester.
May Grade: A
JESSE CRAIN
(12 Games, 10.2 Innings, 4-0 with a 1.69 ERA, 2 walks, 7 strikeouts, 0.84 WHIP, Opponent Average .175, 5.91 K/9)
Crain is taking over the "Vulture" role with all the wins. It is like the Twins get into a tie game in the late innings and put in Crain as a good luck charm. He has given up just two earned runs all season (in 23 games). He had the one game against the Brewers where he gave up two runs without getting an out. So, to some degree, Crain has been successful in 22 of 23 outings this year. I would still like to see his strikeout rate increase.
May Grade: A
MATT GUERRIER
(6 Games, 6.1 Innings, 0-1 with a 2.84 ERA, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts, 1.42 WHIP, .250 Opponent Average, 2.84 K/9)
I was impressed with Guerrier in April and thought he deserved a lot of credit. Surprisingly because of more games and the Rincon suspension, Guerrier actually threw less in May. But he was still successful, especially considering his role and lack of consistent outings. He stuff is great. Joe Mauer says that he has the best curveball on the team.
May Grade: B
TERRY MULHOLLAND
(9 Games, 9.2 Innings, 0-0 with a 2.79 ERA, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, 0.83 WHIP, .171 Opponent Average, 3.72 K/9)
Another guy the fans like to hate because of his age. But now that Mulholland is being used in more lefty-friendly situations, he has really come through well. May was a great month for the 42 year old. Few strikeouts, but not many baserunners either. What he is doing is allowing the likes of Travis Bowyer, JD Durbin and Scott Baker remain at Rochester. There is value in the veteran lefty.
May Grade: A-
JOE NATHAN
(11 Games, 11 Innings, 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA, 7 Saves, 6 walks, 13 strikeouts, 1.82 WHIP, .298 Opponent Average, 10.64 K/9)
It was a rough, and yet still successful month for Nathan. He walked a bunch more than usual. He gave up more hits than usual. But he still got strikeouts and he still closed out games, well 10 of 11! That 5.73 ERA is about triple what we are accustomed to seeing from Nathan, so I am in no way worried. He has been as good as any closer in baseball the past two seasons.
May Grade: C-
JUAN RINCON
(10 Games, 10 Innings, 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 4 walks, 11 strikeouts, 1.20 WHIP, .211 Opponent Average, 9.90 K/9)
Rincon was suspended for 10 games for violating baseball's steroid program. That automatically dropped him one full grade. However, he still got into ten games in the month and still struck out a lot of hitters without giving up many hits.
May Grade: C+
JC ROMERO
(12 Games, 10 Innings, 0-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 8 walks, 8 strikeouts, 1.40 WHIP, .176 Opponent Average, 7.20 K/9)
JC Romero is quality when he comes in at the beginning of an innings. Where he struggles is when he comes in with runners on base. His stuff is clearly still there. Maybe he needs to get back to his arrogant self. He also needs to walk less and pitch from ahead in the count more.
May Grade: B
HITTERS
JASON BARTLETT
(9 Games, 5-22, .227/.346/.364, 0-2B, 0-3B, 1-HR, 4 RBI, 1/1 SB, 3 BB, 7 K)
Well, the Twins weren't happy with what they were getting from Bartlett. His defense was fine, but a bad error got him benched before his demotion. But again, his numbers were not that bad. Sure, he wasn't getting a lot of hits, but he was getting on base. Look at his Isolated Patience of .119. That's great! Bartlett does have so much potential and will be back.
May Grade: C
MICHAEL CUDDYER
(24 Games, 27-87, .310/.365/.437, 8-2B, 1-HR, 10-RBI, 1/2 SB, 7 BB, 18 K)
Cuddyer was the most disappointing player in April May was an excellent month for him. He had a 13 game hitting streak at one point. He batted over .310 for the month. He showed some patience. He also had all the doubles. Twins fans are still waiting for the power to arrive soon in the form of home runs. It will happen in time and Cuddyer tied for the team lead with eight May doubles. The defense at 3B for Cuddyer also improved in May.
May Grade: A-
JUAN CASTRO
(22 Games, 17-62, .274/.308/.468, 3-2B, 3-HR, 9-RBI, 0/0 SB, 3 BB, 10 K)
Part of this grade may simply be because I certainly do not expect much offensively from Castro. If he were to put up numbers even close to these for the entire season, the Twins and their fans should be thrilled. He showed a little bit of power and drove in some runs. He has some bad at bats where he swings at everything. However, I also have to say that if a runner needs advancing or some situational hitting is needed, Castro does do it. And, his defense is every bit as good as advertise.
May Grade: A-
LEW FORD
(24 Games, 24-93, .258/.346/.366, 8-2B, 1-3B, 0-HR, 7-RBI, 2/2 SB, 10 BB, 12 K)
Ford slid into the 3 spot in the Twins lineup late in the month. He is still yet to find his groove, but he's closer. The patience at the plate is very good. He walked more and struck out less in May than April. I like all the doubles. It would be nice to see more of Ford in the outfield, but he is doing alright DHing as well.
May Grade: B-
TORII HUNTER
(24 Games, 23-98, .235/.276/.357, 6-2B, 2-HR, 9-RBI, 2/3 SB, 6 BB, 13 K)
No one really expects Torii Hunter to hit much. Sure, we all wish he would, but no one really expects it. So, when he hits .235 in a month, we aren't surprised. But May was a bad month for Torii. His .633 OPS was awful as he didn't draw walks and didn't hit for power (but he is doing well in June so far!). Considering Gardy keeps hitting him fifth in the lineup, nine RBI is not good. Surprisingly, Hunter's defense has also fallen backwards.
May Grade: D
JACQUE JONES
(25 Games, 20-90, .222/.286/.300, 1-2B, 2-HR, 6-RBI, 2/2 SB, 7 BB, 26K)
Everyone talked about how poorly Hunter played in May. Well, Jacque Jones was far worse. He didn't get hits, didn't take walks and didn't hit for power. He had an OPS of just .586. He struck out 26 times. It was just a bad month for Jones, but his defense keeps him with the same grade as Torii.
May Grade: D
MATTHEW LECROY
(15 Games, 8-40, .200/.289/.350, 0-2B, 2-HR, 4-RBI, 0/0 SB, 5 BB, 9 K)
WIth Morneau back, LeCroy did not receive as many at bats in May, and it showed. He just didn't hit as well. He still walked at a good rate, but he struck out a lot too. His defense was bad as ever. LeCroy needs some consistent playing time, and won't get it with the Twins.
May Grade: D+
JOE MAUER
(18 Games, 21-68, .309/.368/.426, 2-2B, 2-HR, 10-RBI, 1/1 SB, 7 BB, 6 K)
There has been just one thing wrong with Mauer in his brief big league career. The only problem has been injuries, and Mauer missed time in April with the sore groin. But, for the month, he again hit over .300. However, I think that his walks were a little disappointing, although he still had more walks than strikeouts. Also, he has not hit for much power yet this year. I am not worried about home runs, but would like to see more doubles from him. It will happen. He's doing great behind the plate.
May Grade: B+
JUSTIN MORNEAU
(26 Games, 20-90, .222/.301/.456, 4-2B, 1-3B, 5-HR, 19-RBI, 0/0 SB, 11 BB, 21 K)
It is interesting to look and see that both Jacque Jones and Justin Morneau were 20-90 for the month, with the same .222 batting average. It is interesting because Jones had a bad month, and although Morneau is certainly capable of more, he still stayed productive. He led the team in walks. He hit five homers and drove in 19 runs. And that was in a bad month. Has to make you excited about what he can do in a good month. His defense continues to impress me.
May Grade: B
NICK PUNTO
(21 Games, 24-79, .304/.329/.418, 7-2B, 1-3B, 0-HR, 3-RBI, 4/5 SB, 3 BB, 19 K)
Punto emerged and finally took over the reigns as the every day second baseman over Luis Rivas. Punto not only played great defense, but he swung the bat a little, hitting over .300. I was a bit surprised at his walks and strikeouts. He does put together what seem to be good at bats, but they didn't turn into walks last month. He also strikes out far too much for a small, contact-type hitter. His only problem has been the minor injuries.
May Grade: A-
MIKE REDMOND
(11 Games, 9-37, .243/.300/.270, 1-2B, 0-HR, 5-RBI, 2 BB, 2 K)
What do you want from a backup catcher? To call a smart game and be able to give the starter time off. Redmond calls a good game and seems to have the confidence of his pitchers. He also, despite very mediocre offensive numbers last month, certainly never looks overmatched at the plate. He is an excellent backup and was even able to start five straight games last weekend when Mauer was sidelined.
May Grade: C+
LUIS RIVAS
(15 Games, 6-28, .214/.267/.214, 0-2B, 0-3B, 0-HR, 2-RBI, 1/1 SB, 2 BB, 2 K)
Rivas Riegn over 2B may be over. May was another poor month for Rivas. He didn't hit, he didn't walk, he had no extra-base hits and was unable to use his speed. Punto took over as the regular second baseman. Rivas can only hope to get some occasional playing time and that is fine with me! He went on the disabled list after the last game of May and who knows how long he'll be on that.
May Grade: D-
LUIS RODRIGUEZ
(6 Games, 2-7, .286/.286/.286, 0-2B, 0-3B, 0-HR, 0-RBI, 0/0 SB, 0 BB, 1 K)
I really shouldn't even grade Rodriguez because his play has been quite limited. But in that time, he has made all the plays on defense at both SS and 2B. He got his first couple of big league hits and looked good at the plate. He'll never be a great player, but this team doesn't need him to be. He fills the role well.
May Grade: B+
SHANNON STEWART
(27 Games, 36-114, .316/.373/.518, 2-2B, 7-HR, 16-RBI, 2/3 SB, 10 BB, 11 K)
No doubt about who the teams May MVP was. Shannon Stewart led the team in just about everything. Hits, Runs, At bats, batting average, on-base percentage, OPS and even in home runs! He doesn't walk a lot for a leadoff hitter, but he finds ways to get on base. And, of his May homers, most of them came at crucial points in the game. It is impossible to quantify Stewart's value to a lineup. But look at his numbers in May and be thrilled! On defense, he's still not good, but he does show up on web gems a bit! No arm though, but that we already know and if the team actually cared about that, they could have done something.
May Grade: A
TERRY TIFFEE
(14 Games, 5-34, .147/.171/.176, 1-2B, 0-HR, 1-RBI, 0/0 SB, 1 BB, 6 K)
With Cuddyer's struggles in April, many were screaming for Terry Tiffee to get a shot at 3B. Well, after heading back to Rochester briefly, Tiffee was called back to the Twins and really was just a pinch hitter. Tiffee struggled mightily in that role and after the month was sent back down to AAA. He just didn't hit. He looked confused at the plate and didn't swing with the same aggression and confidence that he had in his previous big league stints. I certainly still think he can be a valuable part of a big league roster, but he can still get better.
May Grade: D-
So, there are my May Grades for the Minnesota Twins players. I would love to hear you thoughts or comments on any of them. Please feel free to agree or disagree and let me know why. Send me an e-mail.
He has been basically awful all season, but last night Torii Hunter had a career night, and the Twins really needed it. On the game, Hunter was 5-5 at the plate. His grand slam in the 3rd inning gave the Twins a 4-2 lead. (by the way, don't you just hate when he swings at the first pitch... unless it ends up over the fence!) His second double of the game came with the bases loaded and drove in the other two runs for the Twins (no need to mention that it really was just a lost pop up to deep shortstop, right?). It was enough for Brad Radke. Sure, Radke gave up two runs in the first inning, on a Ben Broussard home runs, but that was all he allowed in seven innings. He improves to 5-4. Lew Ford also helped a lot by going 3-5 with his 12th double. Shannon Stewart continued to be an excellent leadoff hitter by going 1-3 with two walks.
The Twins will now try to win the final game to win this series. They have the right pitching matchup to do just that (by the way, it's another Johan start that will not be televised):
Thursday - 12:10 - Johan Santana (6-2, 3.70, 0.97, .223) vs Scott Elarton (2-2, 5.77, 1.61, .314)
ROCHESTER REDWINGS
Wednesday - REDWINGS 5, Richmond 0 - A night after shutting out Richmond for 12 innings, David Gassner shut them down again. Gassner improved to 4-2 with seven one-hit innings. He walked two and struck out four. Henry Bonilla and Beau Kemp each pitched a scoreless inning as well. Glenn Williams went 2-5 with a double. Rob Bowen was 2-4. Jason Bartlett was 1-3 with a walk and a double.
NEW BRITAIN ROCKCATS
Wednesday - ROCKCATS 2, Norwich 6 - Justin Olson is going to be moved back to the bullpen (according to the Pat Neshek site), but he got another start last night. He lost his sixth game. He gave up four runs, but just one was earned, on three hits and two walks in five innings. Jan Granado gave up two runs in the sixth inning. Jim Abbott pitched two scoreless innings. The Rockcats only had five total hits, but three of them were doubles. Danny Matienzo hit his 15th. Doug Deeds hit his 14th, and James Tomlin hit his 8th.
FT MYERS MIRACLE
Wednesday - MIRACLE, Sarasota - Rained Out.
BELOIT SNAPPERS
Wednesday - SNAPPERS 4, Burlington 9 - David Shinskie got the start for the Snappers. He went the first three innings and gave up six runs (3 earned) on five hits and a walk. Evan Meek gave up two runs over the next three innings. He walked four and struck out three. John Williams pitched the final two innings and gave up a run. Trevor Plouffe went 2-5. Chris Brown went 2-5 with his fifth double and third triple.
That's it for today! As always, please feel free to e-mail me your thoughts on the Twins, the minor leagues, or anything you would like to discuss.