Anthony Slama has given up exactly one earned run in 17.2 IP so far in Rochester. He's faced 72 batters and mowed down 28 of them, which is a 39% strikeout rate. His K/9 is 14.3. That's over 1.5 Ks an inning.

That's not an aberration either. Over 4 seasons and more than 135 IP at Rochester, he's logged a K/9 of 10.8, a WHIP of 1.14 and an ERA of 2.32. In 303.2 IP in the minor leagues he has an ERA of 1.99.

I know his major league stats aren't great but he's only pitched 7 innings in the big leagues. His raw stuff isn't very encouraging either, but he has a minor league track record including a phenomenal season so far in '12. I think his numbers show he deserves another shot. What does this team have to lose by giving him a shot?

I realize that the Twins bullpen is doing OK this year, but come on, it's not a championship caliber pen by any stretch of the imagination. It's very possible that Slama improves the bullpen and even if he doesn't, this team should be experimenting with upcoming talent as much as possible and trying to figure out if there's a place for Slama in its future. If the Twins were cruising on top of the AL Central I would say maybe hold off and don't mess with success, but I don't see any excuse at this point.

Slama is the most exciting player currently at AAA. He is beating down the door (in a positive, Pat Neshek way; not a negative, Kyle Lohse way) but the Twins aren't listening. Get this guy on the 40 man roster and get him up to the show!

Free Anthony Slama!!!