4/7/09 - Twins vs Mariners

Pitching Probables

Twins:  Nick Blackburn (2008):  4.05 ERA, 193.1 IP, 96 K, 39 BB, 224 H, 23 HR

Background:  You would think a guy that led the staff in innings pitched might get a little more respect, but Blackburn was supposed to be the #5 pitcher in the rotation before Baker's injury shuffled things.  He's overcoming knee surgery that delayed his participation in spring training, but coming off of a couple of extra days of rest.   

Watch For:  He lets the ball be put in play.  His hit numbers above are what scare people, but he is stingy with walks to compensate.  In terms of his overall stats, he's reminiscent of Carlos Silva - both the good and the bad - except he's not a ground ball pitcher.   

Mariners:  Erik Bedard (2008):  3.67 ERA, 81 IP, 72 K, 37 BB, 70 H, 9 HR

Background:  The 30-year-old left-hander is a heck of a pitcher when he's healthy.  Unfortunately for the Mariners, he hasn't been healthy much since they traded for him prior to 2008.  Unfortunately for the Twins, he is now. 

Watch For:  He doesn't change things up much.  He throws his fastball about 2/3 of the time and relies on his curveball most of the rest of the time.  And it doesn't matter much what the count is or who he's facing, though he'll mix in a few more changeups when facing right-handed batters.

Justin Morneau has owned Bedard, with 8 hits in 16 at-bats including two home runs.  Joe Crede has not, having never produced a hit in 11 at-bats.