Boof Out for Season
March 1, 2009
Another bullpen problem has struck the Twins as it is likely that Boof Bonser is out for the season due to partial tear in the labrum and rotator cuff in the shoulder of his throwing arm. Bonser’s name can be added to the list along with Pat Neshek of relief pitchers who will be out for the 2009 season.
With Bonser out, the Twins will be looking for a pitcher to step up in Spring Training and take over the long relief/spot starter role that Bonser would have more than likely been in. The two pitchers that immediately come to mind are Philip Humber and R.A. Dickey.
Philip Humber was acquired by the Twins in the Johan Santana trade and would be the obvious choice for the team as he is out of options. Like Bonser, Humber is a starting pitcher but could flourish in a long inning relief role and spot starter for the Twins. He pitched briefly with the club late last season and gave up 6 earned runs in 11.2 innings. Not great numbers by any means but working closely with pitching coach Rick Anderson could do him wonders.
R.A. Dickey is a knuckleballer who signed a minor league contract and was invited to participate in Spring Training with the club. This is the second time Dickey has been acquired by the Twins who lost his services last season to the Mariners due to the Rule 5 draft. Dickey is known to be wild at times and has the potential to give up a lot of home runs, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a viable option to take over Bonser’s spot in the ‘pen.
The team has a couple of other options as well in Jason Jones, a Rule 5 draft pick, and left-hander Sean Henn. I would love to see Dickey brought up in the role to see what a knuckleball pitcher can bring to this exciting pitching staff (plus, it seems to work well for Boston), but as it currently stands, my money is on Humber, who will more than likely win the spot due to the fact that he is out of options.
Even though it hurts to lose both Bonser and Neshek at the start of a season, it should be safe to say that the Twins can and will find quality pitchers to fill the roles of their injured teammates. Not to mention, the bullpen will more than likely play with a chip on their shoulders due to the criticism that they have received during the end of last season and this past off season. Take my word for it, the bullpen will be something to watch during the 09 season.
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