2008 Projections: Nick Blackburn
Continuing with the 2008 projections series, we move onto Nick Blackburn. Nick joins Kevin Slowey and Philip Humber as the three players I think have a legitimate shot at rounding out the Twins' rotation.
| Year | Age | ERA | W | L | INN | HR | BB | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 ZiPS | 26 | 4.86 | 7 | 9 | 150.0 | 19 | 32 | 63 |
| 2007 | 25 | 7.71 | 0 | 2 | 11.7 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| 2007 (Minors) | 24 | 2.36 | 10 | 4 | 148.2 | 8 | 19 | 75 |
Blackburn got a dose of the major leagues late last summer after quickly ascending through AA to dominate the AAA level. After spending several years with somewhat average numbers at the minor league level, he broke out of that mold in 2005 and more dramatically in 2007. I think he's probably the least likely to get the job, mainly because Slowey has the edge in major league experience and Humber has the recognition of being a former top prospect.
Blackburn is a 26 year old righty and will likely never be more highly rated than he is now. He strikes out very few and his relatively low HR count suggests that he succeeds by keeping the ball on the ground.
He ended last season on a relatively sour note, allowing 8 runs in his final 3 IP of the season (spread across two appearances). He hasn't allowed a run yet in 4.0 spring innings, none of which have come in a starting role. I think it's a safe bet that he'll see some time as a starter in 2008, but it's less likely that it will come in April.
Other 2008 projections
Topics: Nick Blackburn, Philip Humber, Kevin Slowey
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