Analyzing Starting Pitcher Trends: From Aces to Relievers

Walter Johnson

I have followed MLB since about 1956 by buying baseball cards, by listening to baseball games on the radio, by subscribing to The Sporting News and reading whatever box scores I could find. But how things have changed over the years, including pitching. One of the biggest changes has to do with starting pitching.

Starting pitchers used to pitch and hit back in the day. They would start every fourth day but over time the starting rotation changed to four to five. Recently some teams have gone to six day rotations and it is not that uncommon nowadays for games to be pitched totally by relief pitchers. Relief pitchers back then were “injured” starters or starters that for one reason or another had become ineffective.

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The charismatic Luis Tiant dies at the age of 83

Luis Clemente Tiant was born in Marianao, Cuba on November 23, 1940 the son of Luis and Isabel and passed away on October 8, 2024 at the age of 83. His father, Luis Eleuterio Tiant, was a legendary left-handed pitcher who starred in the Cuban Leagues and the American Negro Leagues for 20 years but the color barrier denied Luis E. the opportunity to play in the majors.

The colorful Luis Tiant played in the major leagues for 19 years between 1964 and 1982 for the Cleveland Indians, the Minnesota Twins, the Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the California Angels. Tiant also played in Mexico for several seasons before and after his pro career in the states.

In his big league career Tiant had a 229-172 record with 20 or more wins four times and 20 losses once. He had his share of injuries but he started 484 games and pitched over 3,486 innings, threw 187 complete games with 49 shutouts and in his spare times he earned 15 Saves.

Continue reading The charismatic Luis Tiant dies at the age of 83

1970 Twins infielder Minnie Mendoza passes away at 89

Cristobal Mendoza was born in Ceiba del Agua, Cuba on December 3, 1934 and passed away at the age of 89 on September 9, 2024 in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. Mendoza was better known to Minnesota Twins fans as Minnie Mendoza who played for the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins organization for 16 seasons between 1958 and 1972.

Mendoza was originally signed as a amateur free agent by the Cincinnati Reds but was released after two seasons and was signed by the Washington Senators as a free agent in 1958 at the age of 23. The Washington Senators had a long history of signing Latin American ballplayers, thanks largely to scout “Papa Joe” Cambria. Cambria convinced Mendoza to join the organization’s Missoula Timberjacks in the Class-C Pioneer League.

But it would be a long time before Mendoza would make his debut in the big leagues. Matter of fact it took 12 years and over 1,800 minor league games before a Rod Carew injury in 1970 resulted in Mendoza got his opportunity to put on a big league uniform. It was was not even the Senators team that he signed with since the Washington Senators moved to Minnesota after the 1960 season and became the Minnesota Twins.

Mendoza made his major league debut at White Sox Park on April 9, 1970 when he entered the game as a defensive replacement for third baseman Harmon Killebrew in the ninth inning of a game that the Twins were leading 6-4 against the Chicago White Sox and won by the same score. He went hitless in his first eight games going 0 for 9 before getting his first big league hit and run scored in his ninth game when he singled as a PH against the Baltimore Orioles Mike Cueller at Memorial Stadium. Mendoza played in his 16th and final big league game on June 7 at Washington before being sent to the minors never to play in the big leagues again. His big league career was short, just 16 games, 16 PA’s, 3 hits, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. That said, he reached the big leagues, and that is something to be proud of.

In 1974-75, Mendoza embarked on his career as a minor league manager beginning in Mexico. He returned to organized baseball as a coach and scout for several teams, primarily the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Indians organizations. He served on the Orioles’ major league coaching staff as their first-base coach in 1988. Among his accomplishments with Cleveland, Mendoza is credited with scouting and signing a young Bartolo Colon, who went on to win 247 games and the 2005 American League Cy Young award.

Ripbaseball.com does a great job with baseball obituaries and as usual they did a great job on Minnie Mendoza’s obituary at https://ripbaseball.com/2024/09/29/obituary-minnie-mendoza-1934-2024/ and I urge you to stop by check it out, you won’t be sorry and you will learn how he impacted the careers of two MLB Hall of Fame players.

2024 Arizona Fall League

With the Minnesota Twins season probably about to come to a surprisingly quick ending, the Arizona Fall League is about to start their season on October 7. This fall league is always full of top baseball prospects and this year will probably be no exception.

If you happen to be in Arizona during this season I would urge you to stop by and catch some of the action. Watching AFL action is like no other, as attendance is usually very limited and the odds of you sitting next to a scout or a team FO person are high. I have been to a number of these games over the years and I find it to be a very enjoyable experience. In addition to talking to scouts I have spend an entire game talking with the pitchers in the bullpen as the game progressed.

The game are played in the same stadiums as AZ spring training so unlike Florida ST the games, AZ ballparks are all near-by and you can easily drive to any game that interests you so you can watch the prospect(s) you want to see.

Since the AFL began play in 1992, it has spawned more than 3,000 big leaguer’s, including Hall of Famers Roy Halladay, Todd Helton, Derek Jeter and Mike Piazza and current stars including Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge and Francisco Lindor.

This year the Twins will be part of the Salt River Rafters team which will be stocked by players from the Twins, Diamondbacks, Yankees, Rockies, and Nationals.

Twins (Salt River): Kala’i Rosario, OF (No. 20); Danny De Andrade, SS (No. 22); Kade Bragg, LHP; Jacob King, RHP; Devin Kirby, RHP; Jack Noble, RHP; Benjamin Ross, INF
Rosario played in the Fall League last year and won the league’s home run derby. He made it to Double-A this year, but missed nearly three months with an elbow injury so he’s returning to make up for some lost at-bats. The Twins signed De Andrade for $2.2 million in January 2021 and the 20-year old had moved to High-A this season, only to see his season end after 29 games with an ankle injury that required surgery.

Twins cut minor league catcher Derek Bender for tipping pitches

The Twins released their sixth-round draft pick from July after they learned he informed opposing hitters what pitches were coming as his minor league team competed for a playoff berth, the Minnesota Star Tribune confirmed. Derek Bender, a catcher from Coastal Carolina, lasted less than two months in the Twins organization after he received a $297,500 signing bonus. Sources indicate that Bender will get to keep the money.

After Fort Myers dropped the first three games, ESPN first reported Bender tipped off pitches to Lakeland Tigers hitters in the second game of a doubleheader on Sept. 6. Lakeland scored four runs in the second inning against lefty pitcher Ross Dunn, and Fort Myers was eliminated with a 6-0 loss. Fort Myers won its final two games.

Fort Myers coaches were notified by Lakeland coaches about Bender’s pitch tipping after the game, sources said. Bender’s willingness to tip pitches surprised Lakeland players, and there were no indications of wrongdoing from the Flying Tigers, sources said. Bender had told teammates he wanted the season to be over, according to sources. You have to wonder why the home plate umpire said nothing.

Bender spent the final two games of the season, which the Mussels won, in the team’s bullpen instead of his typical place in the dugout, sources said. Bender batted .200 in 19 games with two homers, two doubles and eight RBI.

5 greatest QB’s in Minnesota Vikings history

The Minnesota Vikings have had some excellent QB’s over the years. Some seriously good ones. There is just something about their coaching setup that has managed to create some good quarterbacks. There are so many good QB’s in Viking history that choosing just five is a challenge. You might not necessarily agree with the ‘greatest list’ we’ve put together as you might replace one name with another, but we are positive that you can agree that every single name mentioned in this article has had a positive impact on the Minnesota Vikings.

Fran Tarkenton

If there is one name on this list that won’t be controversial at all, it’ll have to be Fran Tarkenton. Quarterback from 1961 to 1966 and again from 1972-1978. Fran Tarkenton led the Minnesota Vikings during one of the most successful periods of their history.

He helped the team make three Super Bowls. Gained the NFL MVP Award and is now one of only a few lucky people to be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

Those who came up against Fran Tarkenton said that he was a nightmare to play against. He had a huge amount of mobility, and he was able to quickly get out of situations that would seem impossible for other quarterbacks.

Some say that Fran is one of the greatest QB’s in NFL history. While we may not go that far as there have been some great players in the modern era, it is amazing what Fran was accomplishing at a time when sports science was still fairly new, and he certainly wasn’t training in the same way that his modern counterparts are.

Daunte Culpepper

During the draft, Daunte Culpepper was the player that most teams wanted. The Minnesota Vikings were lucky enough to grab him in the first round, and they are probably glad they did. Between 1999 and 2005, he was probably the best QB in the NFL. His offensive play was second to none, with many defenses trembling when Culpepper ran at them. He was often backed by sports bettors keen to make a buck or two on the game. He was certainly a sure bet for a whole host of markets during his time. Remember, if you want to gamble on the Minnesota Vikings, you do need to choose the right website. We suggest you check out: https://www.askgamblers.com/sports-betting/bonuses.

Like Tarkenton, Culpepper was somewhat of a jack of all trades. While he loved to be on the offense, nabbing a few points for himself, he didn’t hog the spotlight. If another player had an opening, Culpepper would gladly pass, and with the awesome arm on him, you knew that most of the time it would be a successful throw.

Brett Favre

Brett Favre had already cemented himself as one of the top 10 QB of all time. He had nothing else to prove. Most of his time was spent away from the Minnesota Vikings though. It was only at the tail end of his career, in 2009, that he joined the Minnesota Vikings, and he was only there for one season. However, for many, it was a season that would go down in history, if only for the fact that many Vikings fans were impressed that they were able to secure a player of Favre’s caliber.

He broke several franchise records, including passing touchdown and passer rating. He also managed to guide the team to the NFC Championship game.

It’ll be a while before some of the records Favre set for the Minnesota Vikings are beaten. While he is unlikely to be massively remembered for his stint at the Vikings, since Favre spent so much of his time elsewhere, he will be a QB that everybody will remember for the team.

Tommy Kramer

In 1977, Tommy Kramer joined the Vikings. He was the perfect pick in the first round of the draft. If you needed a player to win you the game during its dying minutes, Tommy Kramer is who you would call. He managed to save the day so many times in the dying minutes that he eventually became known as two-minute Tommy.

He stuck with the team for 12 years, helping the team to multiple playoff spots. The only downside to Kramer was the fact that he was very injury prone. This meant that there were a few games that he had to sit out. Although, he did state that there were also a few games where he was very injured yet decided to play. You could barely tell. This was a guy who bled for the Vikings during his tenure and one who would always get a cheer from a Vikings supporter if they saw him in the street.

Kirk Cousins

Let’s wrap up with Kirk Cousins, a bit more of a recent QB. While he spent most of his career away from the Vikings, they had to snap him up in 2018 when he became a free agent. Over the next few years, Cousins would completely change the way the team played.

If you needed to get a ball somewhere accurately, it was best being placed in Kirk’s hands. You knew that if he threw it, it would get to where it needed to be. At the time, Kirk Cousins had some of the best offensive plays in the league. It was thanks to Kirk that the Vikings managed to grab a few playoff wins during his tenure.

Again, most people probably are not going to remember Kirk Cousins for his Minnesota Vikings stint. He did perform well elsewhere. However, Minnesota Vikings fans will definitely remember him. Even now, you’ll find people singing the praises of him as one of the hottest free agents of the time.

So, what do you think? Do you agree with our list? Are there more names you would add? We bet there are. As we said earlier, the Minnesota Vikings have a long history of quality QB’s in their ranks, and this will likely continue. Who knows? The list could completely change a couple of decades from now.

Keirsey Jr. & Adams named Twins minor league Player and Pitcher of the Week

The Minnesota Twins have announced that Triple-A St. Paul outfielder DaShawn Keirsey Jr. and Double-A Wichita right-handed pitcher Travis Adams have been named Twins minor league Player and Pitcher of the Week.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 4th round of the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT). Keirsey signed for $600,000, way over the assigned slot value. MLB has Keirsey rated as the Twins 29th best prospect. For additional info on Keirsey please go here. Keirsey Jr, 27, played in five games for the Saints, hitting .474 (9-for-19) with two triples, two home runs, eight RBI and a 1.500 OPS, including a four-hit game on Thursday vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. On Tuesday, DaShawn became the fifth player in Saints history to reach 100 hits in a season.

Travis Adams was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 6th round of the 2021 MLB June Amateur Draft from California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento, CA) and signed for a reported $253,300. Adams, a California native is repeating Double AA-Wichita and having a much better season this year than he had last year. Adams, 24, made the starter on Thursday at Midland, pitching 6.0 scoreless innings with one hit allowed, one walk and a season-high 10 strikeouts. Short video of Adams pitching.

Twins Minor League Report, 8-23-2024

Former Twin Mike ‘Cubby’ Cubbage dies at 74

Mike Cubbage

Michael Lee Cubbage, was born July 21, 1950, in Charlottesville, Virginia and passed away on August 10, 2024 after a near year-long battle with cancer, his wife, Jan, confirmed Sunday night, August 11. Cubbage was 74 years old.

Affectionately called “Cubby” by friends, family, players and coaches, Cubbage was a former Major League Baseball player and a pro baseball manager. He retired a couple of years ago after serving as one of the top scouts for the Washington Nationals.

He was a three-sport star at Charlottesville’s Lane High School, standing out in football, basketball and baseball before moving on to become a two-sport star at the University of Virginia, playing quarterback on the football team and becoming an All-ACC selection in baseball. Cubbage came from a baseball family that included cousins Larry Haney and Chris Haney, both major leaguer’s.

Continue reading Former Twin Mike ‘Cubby’ Cubbage dies at 74

Winokur & Soto named Twins minor league Player and Pitcher of the Week

The Twins announced that Low-A Fort Myers infielder/outfielder Brandon Winokur and right-handed pitcher Charlee Soto have been named Twins minor league Player and Pitcher of the Week.

Brandon Winokur was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 3rd round of the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft from Edison HS (Huntington Beach, CA). The Southern California native is described as a potential five-tool talent and signed for $1.5 million. Winokur is a 6’6″ right-handed batter who is playing shortstop, center field, third base and right field. MLB Pipeline currently has him rated as the Twins 12th best prospect. The is the second week in a row that Winokur has won this honor. Winokur, 19, posted a 1.042 OPS with five RBI in six games for the Mighty Mussels, including a three-homer game against Lakeland on Friday. Winokur three home run game video

Charlee Soto was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 1st round (34th) of the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft from Reborn Christian Academy (Kissimmee, FL). MLB Pipeline has Soto rated as the Twins 11th best prospect. For additional info on Soto please go here. Soto, 18, made the start on Wednesday vs. Lakeland, pitching 5.0 scoreless innings, with four hits allowed, two walks and four strikeouts.

Twins Minor League Report, 8-23-2024

1961 Twins pitcher Gary Dotter passes away

Gary Richard Dotter was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 7, 1942, to Florence Hassing Dotter and Richard N. Dotter and died on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from complications of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 81. 

Gary Dotter grew up playing sports, especially baseball. He graduated from Normandy High School and immediately signed with the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club at the age of 17 for a sizable bonus. Dotter spent his first season of pro ball with class D Keokuk in the Midwest League. Control was not his strong suite during his first season as he struck out 50 in 45 innings but also walked 31.

According to the 1961 Minnesota Twins media guide the Washington Senators lost the bidding duel for this promising southpaw with a good fastball and curveball in June of 1960 but succeeded in nabbing him for the $25,000 draft price from the Cardinals chain in December. The Twins sent him to the class B Wilson Tobs in the Carolina League. There in 25 starts, Dotter was 14-8 with a 3.09 ERA in 180.2 innings after throwing just 45 innings in his first pro season. The Twins were so impressed that they called him up in September. In his major league debut on September 10, 1961, the 19 year-old Dotter was called on the relieve Jack Kralick at Municipal Stadium against the Kansas City Athletics. Dotter entered the game in the third inning and pitched well but ran out of gas in the seventh and his line on the day was 4 innings pitched, six earned runs on six hits and four walks with two strikeouts. He pitched one more time in 1961 throwing two scoreless innings at Met Stadium in a Twins 12-5 loss to the Cleveland Indians. Pedro Ramos started that game and lost his 20th game of the season.

Dotter spent 1962 with class A Charlotte Hornets in the South Atlantic League and pitched well enough for the Twins to send him to triple-A Dallas-Fort Worth Rangers as a 20-year old. There Dotter pitched in 42 games with 21 starts throwing 166 innings. That September he was called up again appearing in two games throwing two innings with no hits and no runs allowed. Dotter made great strides in 1963 but in January 1964 the United States Army came calling and he was inducted on January 28, 1964 and missed a good part of the baseball season serving in the Army’s 6-month program. Dotter served in the Army reserves for six years. He made three appearances for the Twins late in the season and it turned out to be the last time that he would pitch in the major leagues.

How Dotter ended up in the Houston Astros organization in 1965 is unknown but he spent the rest of his pro ball career with the Astros in the minor leagues before calling it a career after the 1967 season.

In his big league career Gary Dotter appeared in 7 games, all in relief and pitched a total of 12.1 innings allowing 9 hits while striking out 10 and walking 7 and posted a 5.11 ERA. After retiring from baseball Gary moved to Wichita Falls, Texas where he owned racehorses with Carter McGregor. He was a graduate of Midwestern State University from which he received a business degree.
On June 20, 1970, Gary married Christi White in Wichita Falls. Their marriage lasted 54 years.

Gary’s business career was in the computer/bookkeeping/accounting fields. In 2001 the couple moved to Trophy Club, Texas. Gary retired from Perot Systems in 2007. The couple then moved to Pecan Plantation south of Granbury, Texas. Through the years, Gary enjoyed cycling, working cattle on his land near Henrietta, Texas, and later, golfing after retirement. He also was a long-time member of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association.

Gary is survived by his wife, Christi Dotter, sons David (Vi) of Alpine, Texas, Will of Austin, Texas and grandchildren, Jessie, Liem, Danh, and surrogate granddaughter Trang Pham, his sister, Linda Kamler, nephew Brian Kamler (Suzanne), niece Tricia Palmer (Jason), and several great-nieces and nephews.

Twinstrivia.com would like to pass on our condolences to the Dotter family, friends and fans.

Gary Richard Dotter obituary