Minnesota Twins: How Did the Pitching Get So Bad?
Lack of Development
For a time from 2008-10 the Twins looked like they might be developing a competent pitching staff. Carl Pavano was brought over from the New York Yankees and pitched well, although it was clear due to his age that it was always going to be a short-term fix. Behind him though were the likes of Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn. None had the stuff to become an ace, but all three were competent Major League starters and figured to be for many years.
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As we all now know, that was not the case. Baker struggled with injuries, ultimately going under the knife for the dreaded Tommy John procedure. The Twins declined to pick up his option following the 2012 season and he bounced around baseball after that, with the Yankees releasing him less than a week ago. Slowey also struggled with injuries and has bounced around, and was released from the Philadelphia Phillies less than one week ago. Blackburn had troubles with injuries and control and has not pitched in the Majors since 2012. The fact that all three once-promising pitchers are all now out of baseball is incredible.
In more recent years, Alex Meyer and Trevor May have not been able to fully crack the Major League roster. It is fair to ask what role the Twins staff has played in the lack of development for all of these young pitchers.
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