For the record, Trevor Hildenberger is absolutely ready to start a game if Paul Molitor ever decides to experiment. "I've said it before: I'm ready to pitch from inning 1 to 20," the righthander said. "I'm up for whatever he wants."
Were he on Tampa Bay, he might get his chance. The Rays started veteran reliever Sergio Romo on Saturday and Sunday against the Angels, but only to face the top of the order. Romo pitched to three batters Saturday, striking them all out, and six Sunday, each time being relieved by a pitcher more accustomed to starting. The idea is to have a reliever used to high-leverage situations face the best hitters in the opposing lineup, so any hitters that the "starter" faces three times won't be the other team's best hitters.
The idea mostly worked — Romo didn't allow a run either day, though the Rays only split the two games — and it was the dominant topic of conversation among Twins relievers Monday, probably like all over bullpens around MLB.
"It's a really interesting idea, because the stats say the first inning is where the most runs are scored, and the Angels have a very heavily righthanded lineup," Hildenberger said. "I can see the logic behind it. It's really new, so I can't say whether I'd like it or not. I'd like to know how it worked in practice, and how Romo and the rest of the bullpen felt about it."
Here's how Molitor felt about it: He's intrigued by the idea, but unlikely to emulate it.
"It's a little bit experimental, trying to get a righthander through the first part of the Angels lineup, and maybe get a little more length from whoever came in after that. They're creative down there," Molitor said. "Over time, if other people try it and start getting some information and track records, it [might] prove to be fruitful. … But I would try to find a way to play from the lead if I could. Put my best guys out there."
Keeping tabs
Ron Gardenhire was in the visitor's clubhouse Monday, but another Gardenhire still manages for the Twins. Ron's son Toby Gardenhire is in charge of Class A Cedar Rapids, where Royce Lewis and Alex Kirilloff, the team's past two first-round picks, are assigned for the moment.
"I watch his games on the internet. I check his scores, see how he's doing. We talk once a week," Ron Gardenhire said. What kind of manager is Toby? "I hope he doesn't take after me," his father said. "Stay in the game and he'll be fine. He's already been thrown out once, and I told him, 'Knock it off.' "
