Minnesota Twins

SARASOTA, FLA. - Having the chance to be a major league pitcher for your local team can be a good ride. For Glen Perkins and Pat Neshek, it's more like a roller coaster.
The two reached the major leagues in 2006 when the Minnesota Twins thought highly enough of both to keep recruits on their list of the playoffs. Neshek has become the Twins reliever Joe Nathan configuration top and Perkins 12-4 as a starter in 2008.
It looked as if each of them have a long successful career, but injuries have derailed the two arms. Now these two children in Minnesota are on the bubble, fighting for jobs on the list on the opening day.
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The Twins plan to keep seven relievers, and four of these points have been set aside for Joe Nathan, Matt Capps, Jose Mijares and either Kevin Slowey or Scott Baker, depending on who becomes the No. 5 starting.
Neshek, a product of Park Center High School, and Perkins, a former Stillwater High School and Gophers pitcher, are among the 10 pitchers still in camp competing for the other three points.
Perkins, 28, has run out of minor league options, the twins must keep it on the list or risk losing him on waivers.
"I do not want to go my way in one place," said Perkins, who entered Friday's game against Baltimore with a 2.57 ERA this spring. "Wherever I find myself, it's for a reason. If I am here or elsewhere, as I'm healthy and throwing well, that's all I'm really worried. "
Neshek, 30, had a 1.69 ERA in five games before giving up home runs against Ryan Raburn and Miguel Cabrera on Thursday against Detroit. That day, his fastball ranged from 86 to 89 miles per hour. According FanGraphs.com, fastball Neshek has averaged 91 mph in 2006 and dropped to 89 mph in 2008, before right-hander had Tommy John surgery reconstructive elbow.
"There have been so made for speed," Neshek said. "I'm a bit fed up because all you do is:" What was his speed gun? With me it has always been about deception. If I'm not throwing 90 - 91, that's fine. I am looking for 88-89. "
Neshek has a funky delivery and relies heavily on his slider, especially against right-handed hitters.