The Minnesota Twins have a decision on their hands (probably): keep Matt Guerrier or Jesse Crain? Both Guerrier and Crain, who have been the stalwart relievers in the Twins bullpen, are eligible for free agency next year, and there’s no reason to think they won’t command a lot more money than they make now. So, who will the Twin choose: Crain or Guerrier? Which reliever should they resign?
Matt Guerrier has been terrific this season for the Twins – at least, up until just recently. But who can blame the guy; the Twins have used Guerrier in more relief appearances than any other pitcher in the bullpen.
When you take that into consideration, then it’s natural that Guerrier has lost some of his stuff as the season’s progressed – the guy’s exhausted. But more times than not, Matt Guerrier has been great for the Twins.
Enter Jesse Crain. Crain was terrible the first part of the season, but much like starting pitchers Scott Baker and Nick Blackburn, Crain began focusing on the mechanics of his throwing, as opposed to trying to force pitches in.
As a result, Jesse Crain has been lights out – nearly unhittable – the latter part of the season. Case in point: last night against the Chicago White Sox, with the bases loaded late in the game, Crain struck out both Paul Konerko and Manny Ramirez (both enormous hitters – Konerko especially, Ramirez in reputation, at least) to end the inning and preserve the Twins’ lead.
It’s that kind of composure and talent that makes Jesse Crain so valuable – when he’s not busy being a head case. But Matt Guerrier is also valuable – you can almost always count on Guerrier to get the job done. Almost.
So, will the Twins resign Jesse Crain or Matt Guerrier next season? Could they sign both? Reportedly, it would cost the Twins upwards of $25 million to keep both Crain and Guerrier when you throw closers Matt Capps and Joe Nathan into the equation.
But then, what reliable right-handers to the Twins have to promote within the organization? Anthony Slama has shown that he’s not ready, and Alex Burnett shouldn’t play in a major league uniform in the foreseeable future, as far as I’m concerned.
So, they’ve got to keep at least one of those guys, but will it be Jesse Crain or Matt Guerrier? If the Twins have to choose, I think they should keep Jesse Crain. I know he’s a little unpredictable, but maybe (as Baker and Blackburn have) Crain has worked out the kinks. He’s been unstoppable, and there’s no reason to think Crain won’t be lights out in the future.
I happen to think that the Twins would be more likely to resign Matt Guerrier. And he’s good, too. I just happen to think that Crain is the better choice if you’re forced to choose.
But maybe the Twins will find the money to keep them both. We can only hope.
Original Story:
http://www.twinsterritorytalk.com/201...
