Twin's Bullpen Analysis

The AL Central couldn't be decided in 162 games so there will be a playoff in the South side of Chicago on the last day of September. The Twins have been known for quite some time as having one of the better bullpens in baseball. Well this year has been a little different with the pen struggling for a team that need(ed)(s) a strong bullpen. The worst of the bullpen problems has occurred in the 8th inning, with set up man Pat Neshek out for the year with a torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament. No one has really stepped up to take this job.

Let's start with Joe Nathan. Joe is one of the games best closers. Joe has 39 saves in 45 opportunites, but those 6 blown saves tie a career record for blown saves. He is 1-2 with a 1.34 ERA in 67 games this year and is a huge reason the Twins are playing their 163rd game.

Next Boof Bonser. Boof got moved to the bullpen this year after 12 starts. He has struggled to get men out consistently leaving some pitches up and poor location. He is fairly successful when brought in for a longer period of time, he gets to settle in and he was a starter however for the most part he has not been what the Twins were hoping for out of the bullpen with a 5.93 record in 47 appearances.

Craig Breslow has had a decent season thus far for the Twins, he is 0-2 with a 1.91 ERA in 49 appearances. However like the entire Twins team he has been much more solid at home with a 1.19 ERA at home compared to 2.59 on the road. He has helped stabilize the Twins bullpen and has been able to hold quite a few ballgames.

Dennys Reyes has been the Twins left hand specialist this year and has done a pretty good job with lefties hitting an cold .202 off him. Reyes comes in gets outs and the Twins out of jams. He is 2-0 with a 2.33 ERA in 75 games this year.

Jesse Crain has had a typical year with the Twins he is 5-4 with a 3.59 ERA in 66 games. Crain relies on his fastball, alot sometimes too much. Also his control hurt him a little this year with 24 walks compared to 50 punch outs. Jesse can be very effective but he is not consistent.

While the Twins still have a decent bullpen the addition of Pat Neshek for Opening Day next year will definitely help solidify this bullpen as top 10 in the majors.

Tomorrow night should be an excellent game and an early start to the playoffs.

All statistics are from mlb.com