The Curious Case of Matthew Guerrier

In 2006, the Twins had Matt Guerrier supply 69.2 innings of low leverage relief work, performing adequately evident by his 3.77 Runs Allowed Average. His overall season totals would have been much better had September been extracted. In that month, Guerrier threw 23.1 innings (including one start) and allowed seven of his nine home runs along with an opponent slugging percentage of .549. No matter, the following season Guerrier began like September of 2006 never happened. In his first 15 innings, Guerrier limited opponents to a .122 BA. Through June 24th of 2007, Guerrier held opponents to a .164 BA and had a decent 33-to-11 K-to-BB ratio. This performance coupled with the losses of Dennys Reyes, Jesse Crain and Pat Neshek gave Guerrier the opportunity to pitch in high leverage situations. In 2006, his leverage index was 0.50 but increased to 0.93 at the conclusion of 2007. But with the added responsibility came the added challenges of retiring better hitters. In the first ...