Man, Internet Access is a Great Thing! If you're away from it for a couple consecutive days, it's amazing how much you miss! I was just reviewing minor league box scores from the weekend and saw that righty Yohan Pino threw a seven inning, complete game no-hitter against St. Lucie on Saturday night! It is usually surprising for a control pitcher to throw a no-hitter.

 

Reports on Pino that I have received or read told me that Pino may or may not touch 88 mph on his fastball. Known for his control, it was a bit surprising that Pino actually walked four in his seven innings. Although Pino has just a 3-3 record for the Miracle, he has an incredible ERA of 1.55 on the season. In 63.2 innings, Pino has given up just 43 hits. He has walked 17 and he has struck out 59. He has allowed just two home runs. In his last three starts, he is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA. He has allowed 10 hits, four walks and struck out twenty.

 

I am perplexed on Pino. He has done nothing but win throughout the Twins system, back to his days in the Venezuelan summer league. He doesn't throw hard. What do the Twins think of him? I really don't get it. The last two years, Pino has started the season in his team's bullpen (last year at Beloit, this year at Ft. Myers). Then over time, he just does well and gets into the rotation where he is terrific. He is a very small guy, not tall and very skinny. Maybe they feel he just can't start for a full season?

 

My assumption is that he will move up to New Britain at some point. Will he join their rotation or be in their bullpen? Any thoughts?

 

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