SEA @ MIN 5/10/09

SEA 5 MIN 3

Nick Blackburn RHP Twins 7IP 5H 1BB 6K
He works with FB, CUT, CB, CH. His FB(87-93) is above average and has good arm side run; CB(74-78) is average; CUT(83-88) is an average pitch that he used to Strike out hitters; He didn't throw any change ups this outing... He was mainly FB/CUT first time through the order and threw a lot of strikes. He is a solid #3 pitcher right now and with his command he can become a #2. He doesn't currently have the one Plus offering that could make him an Ace.

Jose Mijares LHP Twins 0.1IP 1H 2ER 1BB
He normally has good command but was off in this outing. He gave up a HR to Griffey on a FB low and in. His FB(89-93) is an above average offering. I need to see him more to give an accurate report.

Jesse Crain RHP Twins 0IP 3H 2ER
He faced three batters but was unable to record an out. He showed three pitches: FB(93-94) SL(89-90) and CB(75). He has good stuff but he didn't look good in this outing. He gave up a 2B to Balentein on a FB up and on the outer third of the plate.

Matt Guerrier RHP 0.2IP 1K
He keeps the ball down in the zone and throws strikes. His FB(91) is above average; SL(84-86) average but he left up a lot; CB(79) is average. He is a solid middle reliever and can help set up when the back end guys need a day off.

Craig Breslow LHP Twins 1IP 1H 1ER 1BB
He gave up a HR to Lopez on a change knee high and over the middle of the plate and struck out Ichiro on a FB at the same spot... FB(88-91) is average; SL(84-85) is average; CH(76-77) is straight and below average; CB(72) is slow and average. He is a fringe average MLB reliever.

Erik Bedard LHP Mariners 4.2 IP 5H 2ER 5BB 4K
He didn't have great command of his pitches, but both are above average offerings. His FB(88-92) is above average but he showed below average control with it; CB(75-80) is a Plus pitch and drops off the table. He also throws a CH and CUT but didn't throw any in this game. He is a solid #2/3, but when he shows good command he can be an Ace.

Mark Lowe RHP Mariners 2IP 2BB
He is an average relief pitcher with below average control. His FB(93-95) is above average; CH(85-86) is straight and below average; SL(82-83) is above average and has good late break. He has good stuff but needs better control to become an above average reliever.

David Aardsma RHP Mariners 1IP 1K
He showed two pitches in this outing. His FB(89-95) is above average and his SL(84) is average with good tilt. He kept the ball down well and pounded the zone. He has the stuff to be a Closer but needs to use his offspeed more effectively.

Brandon Morrow RHP Mariners 1IP 2H 1ER 2BB 1K
He has great stuff but had no command in this outing. He was overthrowing his above average FB(93-97) and was missing glove side and up on the majority of his pitches; SL(86-87) is a plus offering; CB(85) is a hard 12-6. He could probably use some seasoning in the minors to work on his command. He has the stuff to be a top of the rotation starter.