4/9/09 Thursday - Twins vs. Mariners

Pitching Probables

Twins: Glen Perkins (2008): 4.41 ERA, 151 IP, 183 H, 74 K, 39 BB, 25 HR

Background: I don't care if you are from Minnesota and left-handed - 183 hits in 151 inning is a little worrisome.  But it's worth noting that a lot of that damage was done in September, which also raised his ERA almost a half run.  And that's not too surprising considering the previous year he had been injured and thrown middle relief, tallying only 48 innings.

Watch For: Like most pitchers,  he'll throw his fastball about 2/3 of the time.  Against left-handers he'll split the rest between sliders and curveballs, while against right-handers he relies mostly on his changeup as his secondary pitch.  But when he falls behind in the count, the hitters should be looking for fastballs - he'll throw it about 80% of the time. 

Mariners: Jarrod Washburn - 

Background: Call it The Left-Handed Battle of the St. Croix.  Perkins went to high school in Stillwater, while Washburn was born in LaCrosse, WI. 

the 34-year-old Washburn is pitching out the last year of a four-year $37.5 million contract that the Mariners threw his way in 2006.  Over those three years, he's generally eaten innings, but hasn't posted an ERA under 4.32.  He had a similar run for the Angels, but posted a 3.20 ERA in his last salary drive. 

Watch For: Lots of Twins have lots of history with Washburn, but few have much success.  Of the guys who have faced him ten times or more, none have hit better than .250.  And that list includes the heart of the Twins batting order - Crede (.250), Morneau (.200), Cuddyer (.182) and Mauer (.182).  On the other hand, Alexi Casilla(4 for 8) and Brendan Harris (3 for 7) have had some success.