Minnesota Twins Bullpen Analysis

As the twins are now hopefully in the playoffs, their bullpen will be the most important aspect of the team for a deep run.  With young starting pitchers that often do not go deep into games, the bullpen is a crucial aspect for the twins this post season.  In the past few years the twins bullpen has always been one of the best in the league, but this season it has been inconsistent and has been the cause of several key losses throughout the season, including the 4-2 loss to the royals on the second to last day of the season.

Early on in the season the twins lost Pat Neshek, their side arm set up man who is the future closer for the team.  So lets take a closer look at the key relievers in the twins bullpen who will need to make big contributions if the twins have any hope in the post season.

Joe Nathan

widely regarded as one of the best closers in the league and a perennial all-star, Nathan anchors the bullpen.  Converting 39 of 45 saves this season with a low 1.34 ERA, Nathan can almost always be counted on to do his job well and close the game out. 

Jesse Crain

Not to long ago Crain was considered the heir to the closer spot in Minnesota and a valuable possible trade chip to bring in a big bat.  Crain has struggled with injuries the last few season and has not been the same either.  He is sporadic and often lets close games slip when he is called on to protect the lead or set up the game for Nathan.  When Crain is on he has a great fastball and a good slider, but when he is struggling he gives up a lot of walks and easy hits.  He has accumulated a respectable 3.59 ERA, but over the last month Crain has turned it on and had a scorching ERA of 1.08, and for the twins to has any success Crain needs to be reliable.

Dennys Reyes

At one time the twins most reliable left handed reliever, Reyes rarely comes in for more than one or two outs.  He has had an up and down season and is generally called upon to get some tough outs in big spots.  With a 2.33 ERA earned over just 46.1 innings, Reyes could see his work increase in the post season, and must be consistent.

Craig Breslow

A mid season waiver pick up from Cleveland has been a savior for the twins and has been very consistent out of the bullpen in his stay with the team.Appearing in 42 games and pitching 38.1 innings this season, Breslow has come in to games in tough spots, like on September 27th against the royals, he came into a tie game with no outs and the bases loaded, and got a strikeout to keep the game tied before turning the ball over to another reliever. With a 1.91 ERA and has not given up a run in the last month, Breslow must continue to be consistent and help anchor the bullpen.

Another pitcher to look out for is Jose Mijares, he has been great since being a september callup, and could make the playoff roster.

If the twins have any hope of a playoff run, their bullpen will be key, and these four pitchers must play extremely well and exceed expectations for the team to have success.