Four Answers to the Minnesota Twins Bullpen Questions

(Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)

With just over one-third of the 2009 season gone, the Twins have already used 11 relievers and still lack a stable bridge from their rotation to closer Joe Nathan.

Brian Duensing barely got his feet wet before returning to AAA. Philip Humber was the first regular to go, but his replacement, Juan Morillo, didn't last much longer.

Craig Breslow got his walking papers in mid-May, and Jesse Crain was designated for assignment after melting down in Wrigley.

Even with the turnover, the Twins still just have three non-Nathan relievers that inspire any confidence: Matt Guerrier, Jose Miajres, and R.A. Dickey.

Because Ron Gardenhire cannot pitch the same reliever on consecutive games, this isn't enough to keep the Twins from using the likes of Sean Henn and Louis Ayala.

Already today, Louis Ayala joined the list of players either optioned or assigned to Rochester.  Bobby Keppel will meet the team in Milwaukee tomorrow to take his place.

This is likely to be the first of a few moves as the Twins try to find relief from their bullpen problems.

The question is: Which of the potential call-ups is likely to stick?

Bobby Keppel

Keppel's call-up was met with a certain amount of skepticism.

Like Philip Humber, Keppel was a high draft pick of the Mets that simply hasn't been worth the pick.

Until last season, Keppel was a starter in the minors who made a major league roster only twice. His 0-4 record and career 6.10 ERA don't inspire much confidence.

What gives this move a chance of succeeding is Keppel's improvement since being converted to a reliever (though his last three appearances were starts). Keppel boasts a 1.15 WHIP and a 2.15 K/BB ratio in AAA this year, while holding opposing hitters to a .242 BAA.

He induces a fair number of groundballs at Rochester and continuing to do so will be the key to his success. He's got a reputation for being a hard thrower and a tenacious competitor, both of which will help him in his transition to the majors.

Keppel's stuff isn't overwhelming, but he's got as good a chance as anyone of actually getting hitters out in low leverage situations.

Armando Gabino

Already on the 40-man roster, Gabino has shown the ability to go multiple innings in an appearance, something few of the Twins' current relievers can do.

While Gabino has yet to be linked with the Twins, Sean Henn's days are almost certainly numbered and Gabino costs nothing to call-up.

Like Keppel, he's mostly minor league filler, but could be an innings eater if the need arises. His WHIP is down to 1.03 this season, his best mark since he made it out of A-ball, and is holding hitters to .200 BAA.

Both he and Keppel are perfectly able to pitch better than Ayala and Henn have, but the question is if they will.

The move from Ayala to Keppel and the potential move from Henn to Gabino are lateral moves, but if new blood helps the Twins win more games, then that's what needs to be done.

It isn't as though the Twins are completely devoid of relief help in the minors, both Anthony Slama and Rob Delaney are legitimate prospects that could help the Twins right now.

Rob Delaney

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