Perkins looks good
Posted on May 21st, 2008 – 11:51 AMBy La Velle
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Glen Perkins had his best changeup of his three starts on Tuesday as he navigated through a pretty good Rangers lineup.
What impressed me was that Perkins changed speeds from the first batter of the game until he was removed with one out in the seventh inning to rousing applause. He moved the ball around the plate, and Gardenhire was very pleased that Perkins pitched inside to keep hitters honest.
Perkins has pitched 23 games out of the bullpen since debuting in 2006, but in his three appearances as a starter we’re getting a better idea of what he can do - and Twins fans have to be encouraged that Perkins looks focused and determined to establish himself. The Twins have had many internal debates about Perkins and if he’s a starter or a reliever - and there are varying opinions.
Last year was really a lost season for him because of the muscle problem near his shoulder. Perkins talked at length during spring training about how he wouldn’t mind being in the bullpen, where he could impact a game more often. I think he just really wanted to break camp with the team and was willing to take on any role.
He took it hard when the Twins cut him from camp, reasoning that he deserved to start more minor league games. But he really needed to face batters and get sharp after pitching just 28 innings last season.
“I think they had a plan,” Perkins said. “They laid it out for me when I was there (spring training) and I didn’t really believe them. I didn’t want to believe them. It’s nice to be and be helping out the team.”
I think Perkins should be a starter. He’s got three pitches and there’s something deceptive about his delivery - the Twins compare him to Jarrod Washburn. Perkins agrees. He used a late-game encounter with Michael Young as an example.
Perkins threw a first pitch fastball right down the middle of the plate - not where he wanted - but Young could only foul it off.
“It gives you confidence when you can throw a pitch not where you want to and a good hitter like that - an All-Star hitter - fouls it off,” Perkins said. “You know you are doing something right, that you are getting that movement or deception.”
Perk as a reliever? Not on it. Let’s see what he can do as a starter first.
Span update: The Twins now hope Denard Span will miss just three weeks after he suffered a broken finger on his left hand on Tuesday when he was hit with a pitch while trying to bunt in the ninth inning. Span eventually lined out in the at-bat but came out of the game because his finger was bleeding.
Champions League: I have Chelsea over Man U in today’s final. What say you?
Joe C.: Joe will handle the team over the next few days while I head to Chicago to attend my sister’s college graduation. I see the Angels are in town to play the White Sox. May have to stop by….
92 Responses to "Perkins looks good"
LaVelle,
Man Utd v. Chelsea.
I’m invested in No goal scorer. aka, penalty kicks.
Regards,
Perkins looked good last night. What I liked about what he was doing was him challenging the hitters and trusting in his stuff. Especially when you’ve got a lead like he had. La Velle, who do you think will be taken out of the rotation onec Baker is healthy?
Man. U. Chelsea was lucky to get past Liverpool.
“who do you think will be taken out of the rotation onec Baker is healthy?”
Candidates are Slowey and Bonser.
If Liriano returns, hopefully both.
I agree with Perkins staying a starter, I’m glad that he’s doing well now. He just got kind of stuck in the bullpen, because he’s good enough to pitch here but there haven’t been any spots.
Perkins needs to remain in the rotation because he’s the only LHP. Having 5 RHP’s is not good.
Hey LaVelle,
Do you have some sort of press pass that would allow you to attend the Angles/ChiSox games and sit in the pressbox or do your credentials only pertain to Twins games?
I suck. Send me to AA.
Man U. - this is their season.
Under normal circumstances I would pick Man U. But the game is being played in Moscow, and I imagine Abramovich will have some thugs there to offer some positive reinforcement for the referees. I’m predicting Ronaldo gets sent off early on for diving in the box, but it still takes PKs for Chelsea to pull off the victory.
“Candidates are Slowey and Bonser.
If Liriano returns, hopefully both.”
One or both of them could do well in the bullpen, if not on another team *coughgogetAtkinssomehowcough*
Though at this point I admit it’s mostly because Rincon has hit a point where he reminds me of Eddie Guardado more than he reminds me of…well…pre-juice Rincon.
Kevin Slowey says:
May 21st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I suck. Send me to AA.
Kevin Slowey imposter,
Go back to homeroom and quit sneaking out of middle school to post on the blog or the jocks will push your face in the toilet bowl again.
I like Perkins in the rotation so far, and he was dealing last night. But he seems to have a six inning expiration date. He’s thrown 98, 102, and 96 pitches and gone 6, 6, and 6 1/3 innings, respectively, in his three starts this year. If he can improve his efficiency a bit and go a little deeper into the game in his starts, he will increase his value to the team as a member of the rotation.
Rooney!
Ronaldo header makes it 1-0 Man U after 27′
I know it’s the most popular sport on the planet by far, but who cares about the champions cup here again? We only know Soccer for the Mom’s who drive the Minivans, not the players in the sport.
Ronaldo (scored) and Tevez (to yet score) and ManU will win 2-1
Why is it that we refuse to join the world and stick our head in the ground?
I bet Nick Punto can bend it like Beckham.
Boof and Slowey should be in a setup role. Though Boof struggles at first so I am not so sure if he would do well in this type of role. Imagine if the Twins were up by a run and Bonser comes in and gives up 2 runs right away before he setles down and by then it is to late.
BC of ND says:
May 21st, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I bet Nick Punto can bend it like Beckham.
why not? He is an awesome acrobatic fielder so I would have to agree with you. On a side note did anyone see LaPanta’s hair piece last night had eyes. He forgot to remove the eyes this time
“Why is it that we refuse to join the world and stick our head in the ground?”
Because its boring.
I would rather watch two people fish.
sid says:
May 21st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
“Why is it that we refuse to join the world and stick our head in the ground?”
Cause then I couldn’t make fun of LaPanta’s hair piece or talk with BC or Sane
I’d rather watch a WNBA game than soccer, even if it is the champions divsion or whatever it’s called. What’s so cool about 22 dudes running around for 90 minutes and nobody scores? Those countries can’t produce and baseball or football players so they resort to soccer.
LIVAN NEEDS TO BE TRADED!!!
Not because he is bad like Ortiz and other veteran pitchers like Ponson, but because the Twins young pitchers have been better than expected. The Twins should wait till the all star break, and if the young pitchers continue to be consistent, we need to trade Livan with one other young pitcher and a prospect or something and get someone that Mr. T has been high on … Atkins.
The Rockies need pitching bad, and I think they would be willing to give up Atkins if the offer is right since they have a high ceiling 3B prospect in AAA.
The reason we signed Livan was because we thought our young pitching would have some struggling moments, but they have not. So why not pair Livan with one of Perkins/Bonser/Slowly/Blackburn add a prospect and lets get Atkins!!
I do not know off the top of my head any other power hitting 3B who would possibly be traded, but I think Atkins is at the top of that list.
This is what our Starting Pitching could look like at the All Star break if Boof and Livan are traded.
1.Baker
2.Blackburn
3.Perkins
4.Slowly
5.Liriano
Not too bad and it would be worth it to get a good 3B that the Twins have been looking for since Koskie.
Not too bad, but again I would wait till the All Star break to see if the young pitchers are still consistent
I’m tired of all the Minnesota players on the Twins it’s time they go after some of my home boys. They could trade Slowey,Bonzer and Kubel for Pronk.
This is what our Starting Pitching could look like at the All Star break if Boof and Livan are traded.
1.Baker
2.Blackburn
3.Perkins
4.Slowly
5.Liriano
Slowey is over rated and Liriano is not the same pitcher after TJ Surgery
Man U over Chelski - no doubt.
A Russian squad wins the UEFA Cup in Manchester and an English club will lift the CL trophy in Moscow - classic stuff.
jimmy bee, I think you are absolutely right. Boof and Slowey would be best in the bullpen. Use Juan only to chew up innings in meaningless games. Either or both Boof or Slowey could develop into the solid, middle inning relievers the Twins need with Neshek out.
However, convert Guerrier to a starter’s role. He has developed much since being cast a few years ago as a reliever. Even then there was talk like with Perkins that he could be a starter or reliever. He could step up now - sub 4.00 ERA, 92-93 mph fastball, great curve, savvy. Over the long haul of the season, Guerrier would be much more valuable to this team as a starter and take the strain off the pen.
Twins current best starting 5:
1) Livan
2) Baker (when healthy)
3) Blackburn
4) Perkins
5) Guerrier
BC yeah Hafner hasn’t been hitting well as of late. I would agree though he would be a nice acquisition. Can we get a couple of guys from my hometown area to join Hafner. Chase Utley and Aaron Rowand
Fry Dog
Twins current best starting 5:
1) Livan
2) Baker (when healthy)
3) Blackburn
4) Perkins
5) Guerrier
I like this allot. “Perfecto”
Tyler,
“I would wait till the All Star break to see if the young pitchers are still consistent”
You had better hope that Slowey is not consistent. (0-4 W-L, 5.49 ERA)
Jimmy
That is why he is at the #4 spot. Plus he has not been bad at all since he has return from the bicep injury. The last few starts it has been 3 earned in 6 innings, not bad if you ask me. Also couldn’t one assume time will heal is arm even more, and make him endure longer in games. Also if Liriano struggles, put Mulvey of Humber in the #5 spot.
Trading Livan and one of our young pitchers would be beneficial for years to come if we get Atkins or a player comperable to him at the 3B position. Even if Liriano struggles and and we need to get a pitcher from AAA to fill the void he will be strong next year, and he will have a HR hitting 3B to help him and all the other Starting pitchers win ball games.
eeeeyy, watch the comments ya schmucks. Doorknobs! LaPlanta and I will kick everyone’s keester in this room.
BC of ND says:
May 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I’m tired of all the Minnesota players on the Twins it’s time they go after some of my home boys. They could trade Slowey,Bonzer and Kubel for Pronk.
I am shocked BC! Why would we want Pronk? He’s only hitting .221 and can’t play the field. You know Gardy like’s his DH’s to be able to go somewhere in the field. If he could play good defense at any postition, then his .221 wouldn’t bother Gardy…
jimmy i’m a big Utley fan i wonder what it would take for the Phillies to trade him? Pronk is a slow starter he’ll be fine and if you want to talk about a feared hitter he’s one of them.
Fry Dog - what do you think of the idea of bringing up Mulvey who is for some odd reason still down in AAA ball. He is lighting it up down there
Trade Livan? That would not be very smart. He is the glue that holds everything together. Bonser and Slowey are marginal at best and Baker is hurt all the time. If we can get Baker back to healthy and have a rotation of Livan, Baker, Blackburn, Perkins and one of Liriano/Bonser/Slowey we’ll have something. I’d like to see Bonser, Slowey and or Rincon traded for something decent even if it is a bag of balls. Korecky can have Rincon’s spot right now.
JP your right Gardy wouldn’t be able to play Bonds anywhere either. If only we could somehow slip roids into little nickys food then we could find the power this team needs.
Ehy Marney! MARNEY! Where are ya sweetcheeks?
What is Gomez doing with his bat. He looks like he is sniffing something off of it.
Ron Coomer says:
May 21st, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Ehy Marney! MARNEY! Where are ya sweetcheeks?
LaPanta I know it’s you and NOOOO you cant have your Pho Hair yet. I haven’t applied the varnish yet and it is fresh from the taxidermy shop. I still have to pry out the eyes
jimmy, I like the idea of Mulvey - The way injuries have gone, I’m sure there will be multiple opportunities to try him out this year. I definitely think we will see Mulvey or others before seeing Liriano again and frankly I agree with the Twins mgmt to leave Frankie down a long time this go round. He’s either immature or lazy - or both. I think a long stay down there will force him to come to grips with the gray matter in his head - which I think is still a bigger issue than his new ligament.
Fry Dog Liriano has pitched well his last three starts i’m thinking he will be back after the AS break. I think Boof and Slowey would be good trade bait. Trade Boof, Slowey and Harris to the Phillies for Utley.
LaPlanta’s hair is too weird for words - I get the same feeling when I look at his hair as I did when Paul Douglas was still on CCO - Yuk! When Gomez goes to the plate he looks like my cats when they smell something interesting - like, “Wow another cat’s been here”! As long as it works for him and keeps getting on base, we won’t make too many jokes about it. Go Twins - Beat Rangers.
Perkins has looked good, and I’m surprised. I was on the bullpen bandwagon for him, which was silly, last year was a completely lost year for him. Way too soon to judge. Of course, two starts are too soon to judge if he’s a legit starter, but when Baker is healthy, Perkins has to stay in and be given an opportunity to show what he can do.
As for making a trade, it has to be Livan and somebody with high upside if you want to get an impact bat. Personally, I’d want a SS, OF or 2B, if Hughes is a legit 3B prospect, not a 3B. Of course, Hughes might be a legit 2B prospect, meaning they could go for a 3B.
BC,
“Trade Boof, Slowey and Harris to the Phillies for Utley.”
You are either underrating Utley or the intelligence of the Phillies FO.
If the Twins pulled off that trade, they could be prosecuted for GRAND larceny.
“He’s thrown 98, 102, and 96 pitches and gone 6, 6, and 6 1/3 innings, respectively, in his three starts…”
Yet, he throws a lot of strikes, right? He did last night at least.
And this is the first time in about a year that’s he’s stretched out as a starter.
So I’ll take his 3 for 3 in quality starts as excellent results.
Anderson is a genius.
Your right sane it would take more than that i’m sure.
Longterm, I’m with Tyler:
“1.Baker
2.Blackburn
3.Perkins
4.Slowly
5.Liriano”
Except I don’t think Baker is athletic enough to stay healthy through the years. So it looks to me like they’ll need another pitcher for 2010.
That makes it hard to trade any starters, prospects or otherwise.
I think the Twins would be about the worst team in MLB this year but for their starting pitching.
They’ve got to keep their stockpile of starters to make it through the coming years.
sane says:
May 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
BC,
“Trade Boof, Slowey and Harris to the Phillies for Utley.”
You are either underrating Utley or the intelligence of the Phillies FO.
If the Twins pulled off that trade, they could be prosecuted for GRAND larceny.
could we also ad Kubel to the mix and maybe, just maybe, get him
sane your a coach tell me why a guy Utley’s size can generate that kind of power but Mauer can’t?
romer says:
May 21st, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Longterm, I’m with Tyler:
“1.Baker
2.Blackburn
3.Perkins
4. Mulvey
5.Liriano”
Why the He_ _ isn’t Mulvey up with the club yet. If Boof is still a starter next year I will pull all of my hair out and I will need a dead rodent to wear atop my head like LaPanta
Separated at birth:
Anthony LaPanta and Chia Pet
“Span update: The Twins now hope Denard Span will miss just three weeks after he suffered a broken finger on his left hand on Tuesday when he was hit with a pitch while trying to bunt in the ninth inning. Span eventually lined out in the at-bat but came out of the game because his finger was bleeding.”
I got Span in ink as the LF next season, Gomez stays in CF, with Young moving to RF. Tolbert at 2B and Casilla at SS. Morneau at 1B. Mauer to catch. 3B is open, or Tolbert to 3B, and 2B is open.
jimmy i heard a rumor they will be using LaPanta’s hair as a protoype for the turf in the new stadium. You’ll be glad to know it holds up well under any weather conditions.
BC Everytime I watch tv if I see BS I start singing the fall guy intro song. Poor, poor, BS is Pohlad’ fall guy.
Craig, where does Cuddy go…? DH, trade?
The New and Improved Craig says:
May 21st, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I got Span in ink as the LF next season, Gomez stays in CF, with Young moving to RF.
So are the Twins going to make a trade using Cuddy in a package deal or solo for someone interesting
Craig don’t forget about Revere he’s my pick for RF in 2010 and 3B will be Hughes.
“sane your a coach tell me why a guy Utley’s size can generate that kind of power but Mauer can’t?”
Because Utley is a Long Beach (Poly) kid.
No, seriously, Utley is not worried about striking out, so he lets the bat head fly.
And he is ultra-flexible and very strong.
BC or Craig what causes a kankle?
sane is right, Mauer is more concerned with making contact and not striking out. He has an incredible eye and great hand-eye coordination, but will rarelylet it fly. Tops 10-15 home runs a year for Mauer (in about 3 years).
“sane your a coach tell me why a guy Utley’s size can generate that kind of power but Mauer can’t?”
Because So Cal kids are the best players from the US. Tremendous bat head speed and great eye hand coordination
Beware Twins fans, I, Sidney Ponson, will be looking to exact sweet revenge for dumping me last year. If only Jason Tyner was in Texas with me.
Sidney uses the Chia Pet “mullet” kit.
Actually, its the same Chia Pet wig cut in half. LaPanta wears the front half and Ponson the back
SoCal huh? That makes sense about the fear of stiking out though. NoDak boys aren’t flexible there just built like brick sh_t houses.
BC when I think of ND boys I think mentally tough and big and strong. What causes a cankle/kankle
OT baby!! What a terrific game in Moscow!! US Football has NOTHING over this sport. US Football actualy has the least amount of action time of any sport (sans chess) - a fact!
Penalty kicks - the game has been one for the ages! Although I hate PKs, this was a well matched affair. Nothing to compare in (boring) US “football.”
Wow! What a game!
Check out this Twins talk… very good stuff.
http://media.myfoxtwincities.com/livestream/webcast/archive.htm
Utley’s got legit power but he’s getting a little help, too. 34 of their 47 games have been in HR friendly parks (home, Hou, Cin, Col, Ari). Also the NL has some really bad teams and some really bad pitching.
Manchester United WINS!!
“sane your a coach tell me why a guy Utley’s size can generate that kind of power but Mauer can’t?”
“Because So Cal kids are the best players from the US. Tremendous bat head speed and great eye hand coordination”
jimmybee,
There has to be a rule against answering your own questions. Something to do with mental stability.
Just kidding.
Moot point now but I still would have disagreed with LaVelle about Chelsa, this was Man U’s year, even if it came down to luck and the PK’s…
So you are calling the Champions League, now how about a prognostication for Copa Libertadores? Cannot go against Boca Jrs…
Jason,
“I still would have disagreed with LaVelle about Chelsa, this was Man U’s year, even if it came down to luck and the PK’s…”
You have to make that call BEFORE the game. Its like second-guessing Gardy AFTER his SP gives up the game-losing HR.
GLORY, GLORY MAN UNITED!
I hope I never have to watch Boof Bonser pitch in a Twins uniform ever again!
SOCCER IS SO MUCH FUN-IN FACT I WOULD RATHER SLAM MY FACE OFF A CONCRETE PILLAR THAN WATCH A SOCCER GAME OR PERHAPS HAVE SOME ONE LIKE SAY ADRIAN PETERSON RUN RIGHT OVER ME AND SLAM ME INTO THE GROUND RATHER THAN WATCH A SOCCER GAME- ALTHOUGH I DO REMEMBER GOING TO A MINNESOTA KICKS GAME AT THE OLD MET STADIUM AND THE KICKS PLAYED PELE AND THE NEW YORK COSMOS AND THE WHOLE STADIUM FELL ASLEEP -IT WAS GREAT- SOCCER IS JUST AS FUN AS WATCHING PAINT PEEL OFF THE SIDE OF A 100 YEAR BARN OR WATCHING GRASS GROW ALTHOUGH WATCHING THE GRASS GROW COULD BE EXCITING BECAUSE THE ANTS ARE ON THE GROUND AND THEY MOVE JUST LIKE SOCCER PLAYERS-BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM SOCCER DUDES!!!
It is too bad he cant pitch better because its so cool having a pitcher named Boof, oh well!
I’m not a Bonser fan, seems like a good guy, much like Silva, but not that good of a pitcher. Slowey has been pitching better as of late now that the bicep is better. But of the two I’m sure Slowey will be the one going to AAA, that’s how Gardy roles isn’t it?? I’d keep Slowey up as long as he keeps pitching well
What are the chances of Boof being sent down before the Yankees series? I heard Scott Baker might be off the DL this week.
84 hits in 68 innings? I’m starting to remember why I wasn’t too disappointed when Silva decided to sign with the Mariners.
Is LaVelle on vacation?
wow time to find anew place to visit, Lavelle must have left
After this absence, LaVelle’s blog will be renamed “Twins Outsider”.
JC is the man…he has all the Twins info and cares enough about the fan to jot it down……………..
Ey! The frick happend to this blog? I as sittin’ outside yestahday and Lapanta tried to snatch my gold plated switchblade comb. I oughta nail ‘em good for that one, Ioutta!
