Minnesota Twins: Bartolo Colon eyeing history in 2018
Bartolo Colon had some solid moments for the Minnesota Twins last year. With a record within sight, he is aiming to return for one last season.
The 2017 campaign was generally a lost one for Bartolo Colon. He flamed out with the Atlanta Braves after signing a sizable one year deal, resurfacing with the Minnesota Twins after being released. While he had his moments in Minnesota, Colon ended last year with a 7-14 record, along with a 6.48 ERA and a 1.587 WHiP. One could understand where he would be considered to be on his last legs as a professional baseball player.
Even after that disastrous season, Colon is not ready to pack it in. He said that he was planning on pitching back in November, and has continued to work out with a mind towards pitching again this year. This is a statement that has been confirmed by former teammate Ervin Santana, who gave some insight as to why Colon is so desperate to return to the mound.
Thus far in his career, Colon has been a solid innings eater in the middle of a team’s rotation. he has posted a 240-176 record, along with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.304 WHiP. In his 3315.1 innings, Colon has struck out 2454 batters while issuing only 923 walks. He is within striking distance of the 2500 strikeout plateau, a solid mark for any pitcher.
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However, that is not the reason why Colon wants to return. Instead, he is looking to get six more wins, as he looks to surpass Dennis Martinez and his 245 career victories. If he does, Colon will become the all time winningest Latin American pitcher in major league baseball history.
As with Martinez, this mark would be a testament to Colon’s endurance. Martinez won his 245 games over 23 years; Colon would be pitching in his 21st campaign, potentially with his 11th franchise. And, like Martinez, he came back and prospered after being counted out, coming back from ineffectiveness and missing the entire 2010 campaign. And yet, here Colon stands, on the edge of history.
The problem is, one has to wonder whether or not Colon will get that chance. His performance last year did not exactly inspire confidence that the soon to be 45 year old will be able to contribute. However, as a low cost option for the back of a rotation, Colon could be a solid enough option for one more season.
Bartolo Colon wants to return for one more year, as he is eyeing baseball history. The question is – will he have that opportunity?