FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Despite their efforts to shed the label, the Twins have long been seen as an organization with a pitch-to-contact philosophy.
But in recent years, no doubt seeing the impact power arms have made in bullpens throughout the game, the Twins have quietly loaded up on flamethrowers who are nearly ready to reach the Majors.
The shift in philosophy essentially started in 2012, when they drafted hard-throwing relievers like Jake Reed and Mason Melotakis, and it continued in a 2014 Draft class that featured Nick Burdi and J.T. Chargois. All four of players got their first taste of Major League camp this year, and while they'll all open the year in the Minors, the Twins are excited about their potential to contribute in the near future.