The Twins have claimed lefty Brooks Raley off of waivers from the Cubs, reports Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter). Raley, 25, had spent his entire career in the Chicago system.
Raley has thrown just 38 1/3 MLB innings over the last two seasons, and made his first go at relief in 2013. Previously, Raley had worked almost exclusively as a starter. In 141 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level last year, Raley posted a 4.46 ERA, with 6.0 K/9 against 2.9 BB/9. According to Pitch F/X data (via Fangraphs), Raley throws both a four-seam and two-seam fastball, each of which sit around 89 mph, and also offers a slider, curve, and change. Over his time in the upper minors, Raley has actually shown a relatively minor platoon split, though big league righties have hit him hard.
Dang it!! wonder why the Cubs let him go? so unexpected…
Best of luck Brooks, Twins are getting a good guy, always signed for me.
One reason was to add Jason Hammel.
Actually, Marshall was for Hammel. Now they have one 40 man spot left.
Raley’s spot goes to James McDonald.
Loosing Brett Marshall to Reds opened that spot. Waiting for the next shoe to drop.
Cubs are trying to get Bonifacio I bet
Once a Cub, always a Cub! Good luck Brooks!!
Raley is a relief pitcher, While he probably would be better than Russell it wasn’t bad cut.
better than russell? I don’t think so. Russell was way overworked last year, he became “every-day Jimmy.” But head to head Raley’s not in the same league as Rusell.
No!!!!
With the Twins depth, I don’t get it. Looking at his stats, he seems…not good. So…yeah.
He’s your classic light-tossing pitch-to-contact guy. Front office must have felt like we were going too far in the direction of flame throwers.