100 Days, 100 Reasons to visit Target Field. Reasons # 93, 94 Maturation and Recovery

100 Days, 100 Reasons to visit Target Field. Reasons # 94-90 Pitching, Pitching and more Pitching.

My apologies to those that have been following “100 Days, 100 Reasons” I had to take a small break to complete some things around the house. I also needed sometime to further map out this countdown.

Ok, now down to business. Anyone that knows baseball, knows that pitching wins championships. Especially here in Minnesota where two key pitchers, Frank Viola and Jack Morris played major parts in the two championships for the Twins. Today I will focus on the ball club’s 2010 rotation and try to figure out if they are championship ready.

Reason #94 – The Maturation of Scott Baker

Most championship teams rely on their ace to stop losing streaks, win key games, and to bring some leadership to the rotation. Unless the Twins pullout a miraculous trade prior to spring training, the duties of being an ace will fall to Scott Baker.

The 28 year old seems poised to fill the role nicely. He ended the second half of 2009 strong, going 9-1 with a 3.66 ERA. With only a low 90s fastball, Baker relies on a variety of pitches for outs. He has shown great command of his changeup, curveball and slider. When asked about Baker’s stuff manager Ron Gardenhire responded, “Young Scott Baker (is) out there facing a lineup that can just eat you alive. But he had enough deception. He can add and subtract very well.”

Yes, he shows lots of promise, but I just don’t know if he can hang with aces like CC Sabathia, Josh Beckett and Zach Greinke. I believe he is a great number two pitcher but with a stingy Twins front office not willing to acquire an ace, Baker will have to step up huge for the fans at Target Field.

Reason # 93: The Recovery of Kevin Slowey

In 2008, Kevin Slowey won 12 games, had a 3.99 ERA, struck out 123 batters in 160 innings while only walking 23. Pretty damn good for his first full year. The belief around town was that he would contend for “Ace” status in 2009. By late June of last season, he was 7^th in the AL with 10 wins. However, Slowey was battling pain in his wrist due to bone chips. On July 3^rd, the Twins medical staff shut him down. His season ending wrist surgery ruined what would’ve been a break out season.

Fast forward to winter 2010, hopes are high for the young 25 year old. He is expected to have fully recovered from surgery. Rehab has been going flawlessly and he is expected to report to spring training a month earlier to focus on strength training. Slowey is known for his amazing control and an above average strikeout to walk ratio. A rate that have improved since year one and is one of the best in the majors. In 2009, only Joel Pinero and super ace Roy Halliday were better.

Manager, Ron Gardenhire, expects Slowey to have the green light by the start of Spring Training. He will become part of the young but promising Twins staff, possibly as the number 2 or 3 starter. If continues his dominance he could possibly ended up surpassing Scott Baker as the ace. That is why he is my reason # 93 for visiting Target Field.

Check back in later today for reasons #92-90: The rest of the rotation, thanks.

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