Glen Perkins

2013

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2012

Perkins rebuilt his career last season in a setup role after struggling with injuries and lacking the team's confidence the previous two seasons. Perkins saw a two mph average increase on his fastball compared to his career best last season that resulted in a big jump in his strikeout rate to 9.49 K/9IP and resulted in a strong 65:21 K:BB ratio in 61.2 innings. He had two saves and was used in high-leverage situations late in games, but the Twins likely want him to return as a setup man given his lack of experience as a closer, his shaky injury history and since he's left-handed (although he's been no better against lefties than righties in his career). He also struggled late in the season with a 4.35 ERA and 19:9 K:BB ratio in 20.2 innings after August 1. Still, his strong strikeout rate and good control out of the bullpen should make him a valuable staff filler if he stays healthy.

2011

After an injury-plagued 2009 season, Perkins was mostly relegated to Triple-A in 2010 and his role for 2011 is uncertain. Perkins began the season at Triple-A and struggled in the first half with a 6.98 ERA. He improved in the second half with a 3.11 ERA and was called up to Minnesota in August and mostly pitched in relief. Despite a poor ERA, Perkins did post decent peripheral numbers at Triple-A with a decent strikeout rate (7.1 K/9IP), improved control (98:36 K:BB ratio) and slightly improved groundball rate. He'll be a candidate for a relief role this spring as another lefty in the bullpen (even though he's been no better against lefties than righties in his career), but more likely begins the season in the Triple-A rotation. He's a candidate to enter the rotation if a spot opens or to be traded, but don't get too excited given his underwhelming peripheral numbers during his career.

2010

Perkins' future with the Twins is in doubt after an injury-plagued 2009 season that saw him have a disagreement with management about his injury rehab. He started the season in the starting rotation and after a strong April he struggled after experiencing a sore elbow in May (He had a 6.79 ERA after May 1). His injury problems continued and he didn't pitch after August. He accused the Twins of failing to give him a second opinion on a shoulder injury and keeping him in the minors to postpone his eligibility for arbitration. When healthy, Perkins doesn't have great peripheral stats despite his success in 2008. He strikes out fewer than five batters per inning, has just mediocre control (119:62 K:BB ratio the past two years) and gives up too many home runs (more than one per nine innings). If he stays with the Twins, he'll be a candidate for a fifth starter role, but more likely could become a lefty specialist in the bullpen.

2009

Perkins enters 2009 with a spot in the Minnesota rotation after going 12-4 in his first full season as a starter. The Twins weren't sure if Perkins' future was as a lefty in the bullpen or as a starter, but he got his chance in May and put up a quality start in six of his first nine outings. Despite a strong win percentage, there are plenty of red flags. Despite strong strikeout rates in the minors, Perkins struck out just 4.41 batters per nine innings and gave up 25 home runs in 26 starts. He also wore down with a 9.42 ERA in September. Still, he enters 2009 with a spot in the rotation, walks few batters and could have upside in leagues with strikeouts if he can regain his minor league form.

2008

Perkins, Minnesota's 2004 first-round pick, was used in the bullpen as a lefty-specialist after Dennys Reyes got hurt and was holding his own with a 3.80 ERA before suffering a shoulder injury in May. He missed the next four months with a strained teres major muscle in his left arm before returning to appear in seven games in late September. He struck out nearly a batter per inning in the minors with good control and projects to be a middle of the rotation starter. The Twins have said they want him to become a starter again, but it will be tempting this spring to keep him in the bullpen as a swingman and second lefty. Still, he'll fight for a rotation spot and may need more time at Triple-A.

2007

Perkins could win a job in the Minnesota bullpen this spring and may be a darkhorse candidate for a spot in the rotation. A 2004 first-round draft pick, he struggled at Double-A due to a sore shoulder, but was 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA after being recalled to Triple-A and made a strong impression during a surprise call-up to the majors. The Twins were high enough on his talent that he was included on the playoff roster. While he may need more time in Triple-A, he's a name to watch this spring.

2006

Perkins, a 2004 first-round draft pick, dominated both Single-A levels, but was not as effective after being promoted in the middle of last year to Double-A. Hitters learned to lay off his changeup and were not as easily fooled by his fastball/slider combination. He had a strong AFL (39/6 K/BB ratio in 32 innings with a 2.53 ERA), so he should rebound this season. A strong year at Double-A could have him in contention for a big league job at some point in 2007.

2005

One of Minnesota's three 2004 first-round draft picks, Perkins had an outstanding first professional season and should be on the fast track for the majors. He posted a 49/12 K/BB ratio with more than a strikeout per inning for Low-A Quad Cities. He'll start the season at High-A Fort Myers and could rise quickly in the system with another strong year.

2004

The former college southpaw is short at 5-10 but shows good polish and command of three pitches. He’s not overpowering, hitting the low-90s with his fastball, but is a solid competitor who doesn't overthrow or get himself in trouble.