Jim Souhan - Minneapolis, MN
Swarzak should be considered to replace Liriano in rotation
Swarzak should be considered to replace Liriano in rotation
"Pitchability" describes a pitcher's skill in navigating a lineup and making each of his offerings more effective by changing paces, planes and sequences.
"Pitchability" is what Anthony Swarzak has displayed in his first two big-league starts; it is what Francisco Liriano displays for no more than two or three innings of most his starts.
After watching Swarzak take an undeserved 3-1 loss to the Red Sox on Thursday at the Metrodome, we know what the Twins must do.
Glen Perkins probably will return from the disabled list in the middle of June, after two starts in the minor leagues. If Swarzak continues to pitch well in his next two starts, the Twins should keep him in the rotation and let Perkins replace Liriano, and move him to the bullpen.
Swarzak pitched 11 scoreless innings to start his big-league career. He has given up three earned runs in 13 innings, and one of them resulted from a misplay of a bloop to right-center in the seventh inning Thursday.
Swarzak has displayed poise and the ability to change speeds and locate his fastball, which is why he has been so much more impressive than Liriano despite Liriano's advantage in pure stuff.
"The kid's been very good," pitching coach Rick Anderson said of Swarzak. "He's been impressive."
"If we have to kick somebody out to put Swarzak in, then that's what we'll do," manager Ron Gardenhire said.
[ May 28, 2009, 10:43 PM: Message edited by: Gordon Gekko II ]
