Boof Bonser

Bonser began last season in the Minnesota rotation, was hit hard and moved to long relief and then became a productive middle reliever. Bonser was hit hard in 12 starts at the beginning of the season with a 5.97 ERA and 42:20 K:BB ratio in 66.1 innings. While Bonser has decent strikeout numbers (7.38 K/9IP) with good control (97:36 K:BB ratio), he's had trouble keeping balls in the park. He also faded during starts due to problems with his weight and conditioning. A move to the bullpen seemed to turn his season around as he posted a 3.68 ERA and 28:8 K:BB ratio in 29.1 innings after Aug. 1. His role in 2009 is unclear as he's out of options to be sent to the minors and the Twins likely still view him as a starter. He'll likely pitch in middle relief. Despite his overall terrible numbers, his strikeout numbers and control still point to potential that could make him a bargain in the right situation.

Bonser entered 2007 as a breakout candidate after a strong 2006 second half (3.62 ERA with a 57:12 K:BB in 65.2 innings) but went the opposite direction, especially fading down the stretch with a 5.94 ERA after June 1. Bonser strikes out enough batters to believe he'll have success in the majors (7.08 K/9IP last season), but his control slipped last year (65 walks). His main problem seemed to be his conditioning as he showed up 25 pounds heavier in spring training. He frequently ran out of gas during starts, posting a .760 OPS allowed in innings 1-3, but a .911 OPS in innings 4-6. While his overall 5.10 ERA was ugly, remember he was the No. 2 starter for the Twins in the playoffs just over a year ago. If he shows up to spring training in better shape, he could be a nice value. However, he'll have to earn his spot in the rotation after last year's struggles.

Bonser enters 2007 as the No. 3 or No. 4 starter after a strong rookie debut. He wasn't even thought of as one of Minnesota's top pitching prospects before the season. He was striking out nearly a batter per inning at Triple-A, however, and after a few shaky call-ups in the first half, got going after the break to the tune of a 3.62 ERA with a 57:12 K:BB in 65.2 innings. He also fared well in his one playoff start, giving up two runs in six innings. Bonser strikes out enough batters with the decent control to maintain his success. His second-half stats show he's got even more upside.

The forgotten pitching prospect in the Joe Nathan for A.J. Pierzinski trade (which also netted Francisco Liriano), Bonser rebounded after a mediocre season at Double-A. He struck out over a batter per inning at Triple-A with a solid 168/57 K/BB ratio. He could compete for a rotation spot with the big league club if there is an opening in 2006 and should be a nice sleeper for a minor league reserve in deeper leagues.

Bonser was regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the Giants farm system, but struggled a bit in Double-A in 2003 and then was traded to the Twins. It was a bit of a surprise he was kept in Double-A for a second season, and while he didn't post outstanding numbers, he still struck out nearly a batter per inning with a solid 146/56 K/BB ratio. Some think he has a mechanical flaw in his delivery that could pay big dividends if corrected. He's in the second tier of a strong group of Twins pitching prospects. He'll likely open the season at Triple-A Rochester and could surprise.

Bonser could compete for the 5th starter job with Minnesota this spring after coming over in the A.J. Pierzynski trade, but will most likely open the season at Triple-A Rochester. Bonser was regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the Giants farm system, but struggled a bit in Double-A last year with a 4.00 ERA and with strikeout and walk totals (103 K & 67 walks in 135 innings) that didn't live up to his reputation. Once he was promoted to Triple-A Fresno, Bonser pitched better, with 28 strikeouts against eight walks in 23 innings. At just 22, he still has room for improvement and may be the top starting pitching prospect in the Twins system. As a result, he's worth watching this spring and a reserve pick for deep rosters.

Bonser went 8-6, 2.88 in 23 starts at high Single-A in 2002 (139 K's, 70 walks in 128 innings); that came after he started the year at Double-A and proved he was still a year or so away from competing at that level (5.55 ERA in five starts, 24 innings). (The Giants tried to promote Bonser directly from low-A to Double-A to start 2002 – it didn't work.) Bonser turns just 21 this offseason; he'll start 2003 in Double-A and won't see the majors until 2004 or 2005, but he could impress once he gets there.