Twins confident in pitchers

Minnesota's entire staff returns after posting AL's best ERA

By Deron Snyder
Fort Myers News Press

Pitching wins championships, Minnesota won its third consecutive division title last year, and the staff returns intact.

Suffice it to say the Twins have few question marks on the mound.

"It's nice writing it down on paper," said manager Ron Gardenhire, who should have the same 11 pitchers on Opening Day as he did last year. "We just have to get though spring training and see how it breaks down. Guys in the clubhouse are pretty confident we can do some damage — offensively and pitching-wise."

Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana threw off the mound Saturday during the team's first full-squad workout. Joe Nathan is back, fresh off a 44-save campaign in 2004, as is longtime ace Brad Radke, who could've left as a free agent.

Health remains a concern for right-handed starter Joe Mays, who didn't pitch last year as he recovered from elbow surgery. But he seems on track to return.

"That's like getting a new acquisition for a staff that led the league in ERA," reliever J.C. Romero said.

Minnesota led the AL in ERA (4.03) and was third in strikeouts (1,123). Santana (2.61) and Radke (3.48) were first and fourth, respectively, in ERA, while Nathan was third in saves. Right-hander Juan Rincon was the big surprise in his first full season. He finished third in the league with appearances in 77 games, and had 11 wins and a 2.63 ERA.

"With all of us back this year, we're excited," Nathan said. "But last year just happened. It's not like we came in and said we need to lead the league in ERA.

"We just went out, took the ball when we needed to, and whoever was on the bump tried to throw strikes and let our guys catch it. That's been the organization's philosophy ever since I've known the Twins."

General manager Terry Ryan is used to filling holes on the roster as players depart for richer pastures. He eliminated an immediate need by signing Radke to a two-year deal in December, and met a long-term objective by avoiding arbitration with Santana, who signed for four years earlier this month.

"Radke was the first priority because he was a free agent," Ryan said. "That was huge. Santana was huge. I don't think anybody in Major League Baseball is going to be competitive unless you have pitching.

"With those two guys having years like they had, you want to make sure you retain them."

Santana, who lost in arbitration last year, said he wouldn't have signed a long-term deal if he went through arbitration again. He said he would've tested free agency instead after the 2006 season. But the 25-year-old lefty was rewarded for his breakout season, in which he was 13-0, with a 1.21 ERA, after the All-Star break, leading to his unanimous election as the Cy Young winner.

Gardenhire said Santana issued an unnecessary warning upon leaving the bullpen and heading to the mound to throw batting practice Saturday.

"He told me not to get nervous because he didn't feel good in the bullpen," Gardenhire said. "He said, 'Don't panic, Gardy when you see me throw.' So I went behind home plate and watched him. The ball came out of his hand nice and easy. He felt better after batting practice than he was going into it."

It would be difficult for the Twins to feel better about their pitching situation.

"It feels pretty good," Romero said. "It creates a confidence level for the whole team that can possibly help us execute in an easier form. Not many teams (return every pitcher), but this team managed to do it and we're looking forward to definitely taking advantage of it."