Midterms, Part II: The Pitchers

Posted at 9:02 AM on July 9, 2007 by David Zingler

The Rotation
Johan Santana (10-6, 2.75 ERA, 125K/30BB, 1.03 WHIP)
He’s still the best and should be even better in the second half. I see Cy Young No. 3 in his future.
Grade: A-

Boof Bonser (5-6, 4.70 ERA, 95K/41BB, 1.49 WHIP)
Solid, but not a top-of-the-rotation kind of guy. Like Bartlett and Kubel on offense, the Twins need a good second half from Booooof.
Grade: C

Carlos Silva (6-10, 4.58 ERA, 46K/23BB, 1.40 WHIP)
Not as horrible as last year, but not as good as 2004 and 2005 either.
Grade: C

Scott Baker (3-3, 5.71 ERA, 41K/12BB, 1.37 WHIP)
Great sometimes, horrible at others, Baker has held onto his job. A more consistent second half would solidify his spot in the rotation.
Grade: C+

5th Starter
We’ve been through Sidney Ponson, Baker for awhile, Kevin Slowey and now, Matt Garza. Long live Garza!
Grade: D-

The ‘Pen
Matt Guerrier (1.70 ERA, 53 IP/34 hits, 0.89 WHIP, 6 holds)
Great numbers, maybe he needs to start a blog to get some recognition.
Grade: A

Pat Neshek (1.70 ERA, 42.1 IP/18 hits, .73 WHIP, 8 holds)
Could he be the first ever middle reliever to be overexposed?
Grade: A

Ramon Ortiz (3-4, 5.35 ERA, 32K/12BB, 1.42 WHIP)
Began the year on a tear in the rotation, now you almost forget he’s on the team.
Grade: D

Dennys Reyes (3.86 ERA, 21 IP/25 hits, 1.71 WHIP, 5 holds)
Not really sure what to think of Reyes, although he’s been much better since returning from the shoulder injury.
Grade: C

Juan Rincon (3.98 ERA, 31.2 IP/35 hits, 1.61 WHIP, 8 holds)
Not the same guy we’ve seen the past few years. Possible trade bait?
Grade: C

Joe Nathan (2.17 ERA, 37.1 IP/35 hits, 1.18 WHIP, 16/18 saves)
He’s converting nearly all of his save opportunities and the ERA looks good, but the hits to innings pitched ratio is concerning.
Grade: B

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