Twins Interested In Jays' Relievers

Bob Elliot (Toronto Sun) notes in his article that the Minnesota Twins are interested in Blue Jays’ relievers Scott Downs and Brandon League. The Twins could make a deal for their 12-man pitching staff they plan on using after the All-Star break.

Of course, I did some research.

Scott Downs, 33, is a set-up reliever with a great ERA of 1.91 with 30 strikeouts in 28.1 innings of work. The left hander has a career ERA of 3.89 with excellent command. (Career: 385 K’s 186 walks)

Brandon League, 26, is a hard throwing middle-relief pitcher with an not-so-pretty ERA of 5.06 in 42.2 innings of work. The right hander does have a littler better career numbers, with a career ERA of 4.12.

Assuming that rumor is legitimate, let’s look at who they could possibly replace in the bullpen.

R.A. Dickey, Jose Mijares, Bobby Keppel, Matt Guerrier and of course Joe Nathan are pitching well out of the bullpen as of late. I do not anticipate seeing them losing their spot in the bullpen anytime soon.

Brian Deunsing is a lefty who had a couple good outings as well as a couple disaster outings. If the Twins were to acquire a lefty in Downs, Deunsing is the likely candidate to be sent down to the farm.

Anthony Swarzak is expected to take on a bullpen role when pitcher Kevin Slowey is activated from the disabled list, after spending most of his career as a starter.  Swarzak as found some success in the rotation, but if a good trade becomes available, look for the Twins to send Swarzak down to continue to pitch innings.

Nam Huynh also writes for Minnesota Sports Zone. (http://www.mn-sz.com)