The lasting image of the Twins' truncated pandemic season came in a camera shot of the dugout during Game 2 of a playoff series against Houston. Manager Rocco Baldelli was informing his dejected-looking starter, Jose Berrios, that his day was done after only five innings and 75 pitches.
As odd and illogical as that decision appeared, considering Berrios looked strong and ready to battle, it underscored modern baseball's new template. Use the bullpen, trust the bullpen.
This (over)reliance on relievers puts a premium on finding the right mix of arms and specialists. Those of us easily annoyed by quick hooks and endless pitching changes can scream until we are hoarse, but nothing is changing unless or until analytics directs baseball down a different path.
In evaluating a team's preparedness for a 162-game grind, three areas typically receive the most attention: Starting pitching. Hitting. Defense. Bullpen should represent the fourth wheel because the car is careening into a ditch if that position group falters.
On the eve of Opening Day, the Twins' bullpen remains a question mark because of new faces and new roles. Gone are Trevor May, Sergio Romo, Tyler Clippard and Matt Wisler, replaced by veterans Alex Colome and Hansel Robles.
That's considerable turnover from a group that has performed admirably in recent seasons. The Twins owned one of MLB's most valuable bullpens last season, with that group finishing sixth in ERA and third in WAR.
The team's brain trust reconstructed the bullpen with versatility in mind. No designated closer. No roles set in cement.
"We're talking about a pretty successful group over the last couple of years," Baldelli said. "It's a pretty reliable bunch and a group I like to turn to. It's an exceptionally deep group. Looking at the number of guys that can and have pitched late in games successfully, it gives us plenty of really good options."