Minnesota Lynx players are crowding the Hall of Fame

All five Lynx starters in the Hall? Why not?

Loyal readers know that I annually set myself up for ridicule with my picks to click. Each year, I select a Twins pitcher and position player to have a strong season. I have hit on some of my predictions through the years and whiffed horribly on others.

My pitcher to click this year — Zebby Matthews — didn’t even make it out of spring training. I have my reasons for picking him.

First, Matthews abhors walks. He walked seven batters in 97 minor league innings last season. Second, he practices manipulation through variation, throwing five different pitches — a fastball, cut fastball, slider, curveball and changeup. Third, Matthews’ fastball velocity ticked up in camp to 97 miles per hour.

Matthews presents a lot for hitters to process while in the batter’s box.