Kevin Correia: Major issue for Minnesota Twins?
By Joe Wedra
The Minnesota Twins currently sit at 4th in the AL Central as we wrap up the month of May. Starting pitcher Kevin Correia has played a part of the team’s struggles thus far, notching just two wins in his ten starts this season.
Those six losses are tied for second-worst in the MLB.
Fans around the team are concerned for the starting rotation’s future, including the 33-year old Correia. He’s allowed 70 hits in roughly 55 innings, surrendering 39 earned runs. His 6.34 ERA is the league’s worst number – just behind his teammate Ricky Nolasco, who owns an ERA of 6.12. Those two are the only qualified starting pitchers with an ERA of 6.00 or higher.
Correia can’t strike anyone out (just 30 Ks) or put hitters away (.306 opponent average). At some point, the team has to consider dealing him away at the trade deadline for someone who may be able to contribute down the road. It’s becoming obvious that Correia’s contributions in the near future won’t be worth a roster spot.
Brad Swanson from Puckett’s Pond recently posted on the state of the Twins’ minor league system. He wrote about a few young prospects that are shining bright early in 2014. Here’s an excerpt from that piece:
"At the lower levels, the Twins’ high-end pitching prospects have been performing. Kohl Stewart got off to a slow start, but he looks every bit the part of a fourth-overall pick. He’s emerged as the Ace of the Cedar Rapids’ staff and he could be looking at a mid-season promotion to High-A Fort Myers. That spot in the rotation at Fort Myers may open up because Jose Berrios looks to be too good for High-A. Berrios, at age 20, has looked fantastic in 2014. He’s striking out more than a batter per inning and he’s keeping his walk rate down enough to have major success. AA is a huge jump, but Berrios might be ready before long. These two youngsters could be in the Twins’ rotation a lot quicker than anticipated."
If the young prospects continue to make a name for themselves, it might put a bit of pressure on the Twins’ front office to move them up quicker than expected.
If that’s the case, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Correia out of town pretty quickly.