(Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
Delaney earned his call-up to AAA earlier this season in what amounts to yet another example of the Twins' cautious ways with prospects.
He looked good in the very hitter-friendly Arizona Fall League, and was the 2008 Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year after a very strong campaign with AA New Britain.
A slight uptick in his walk rate accompanied his promotion to Rochester, but his WHIP remains a stellar .89, and, once his strike out rate rises to the level it has been at all levels in the minors (that is, greater than 9.5/9), he'll drop even more.
Delaney could use more time in Rochester to truly dominate AAA competition, but that isn't what the Twins are worried about.
His stuff is good enough to play at the highest levels; "dominating" AAA is irrelevant if he can get major league hitters out, and there's no reason to believe that he'll be unable to do so.
Still, the Twins are as protective as can be and since he hasn't shown perfection yet at AAA, his call may be a ways away.
Anthony Slama
Slama burst onto the Twins' radar last year when he posted a WHIP under 1, saved 25 games, and struck out 110 hitters at High-A Ft. Myers.
Even though he was splitting time with Delaney at AA until recently, Slama has racked up 53 strike outs in 31 appearances. His 13.01 K-rate gives a pretty clear indication of what he can throw.
He took some time to adapt to AA hitters, but has given up just two runs in his last 10 outings. Slama has annihilated righties to the tune of a .155 BAA and 32 of his 53 strike outs, so his future may be as a ROOGY or late inning specialist, but one thing is certain: the man can get hitters out.
Slama isn't ready for the majors yet, but he needs to be in AAA as soon as possible.
If he can dominate lefties the way he has righties, he'll be a huge asset in September. But, even if he can't, the Twins could still use a pitcher who can come in with runners on and strand them.
The best thing the Twins can do at this point is move both Delaney and Slama up a level. Delaney would certainly benefit from the watchful eyes of Rick Anderson and even if he struggles, he can't be any worse than Henn has been.
If the Twins are serious about contending this season, they'll quit making lateral moves and hoping that a new set of eyes will solve their problems.
The pieces to a great bullpen are available to them, they only need to turn away from the career minor leaguers to find them.
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