2003 Minnesota Twins Preview Part 2
February 16, 2003
This is part 2 of 3 previewing the 2003 Minnesota Twins. Part 1 previewed the position players, Part 2 will take a look at the pitching staff, and Part 3 will discuss some of the Twins Minor League Prospects.
Part 2 - Pitching
Going into the 2002 season, all the experts said that pitching was going to be the Twins strongest area. Well, it may of been strong but not in the area many considered - starting pitching. The Twins starting pitchers were often hurt and when healthy didn't perform to their talent level. On the other hand, the relief pitchers carried the Twins throughout the 2002 regular season. Guardado, Romero, Hawkins, Fiore and Santana may of posted the best relief pitching stats in the American League. For the Twins to retain the Central Division title in 2003, the starters are going to have to perform much better.
SP-Brad Radke
Radke is considered the ace of the Twins staff. He is only given this title because he has been with the Twins the longest. Radke is a control pitcher who takes advantage of the Twins superb defense. Radke throws the ball over the plate and rarely walks anyone. Radke has a bad hamstring last season and must prove in Spring Training that it is completely healed. The Twins need a minimum of 15 wins from Radke this season. Fantasy Spin: Radke is a good 3rd or 4th pitcher on your fantasy team. Won't get many strikeouts, but is decent in the other categories.
2002 Stats
Wins- 9
Saves- 0
Strikeouts- 62
Innings- 118.1
ERA- 4.72
WHIP- 1.22
SP-Eric Milton
Milton had knee surgery in August of 2002. He made it back for a couple post-season starts and was ineffective. The latest report on Milton is that he still has swelling around his knee. Milton and the team doctors claim that they see nothing wrong with the knee, but this could be a season long injury. Monitor his situation closely. When Milton has his best stuff, he is unhittable. However, Milton has a tendancy to give up 3 run HR's which balloons his ERA. Fantasy Spin: If Milton could put it all together, he could be a 2nd starter, but for know, 3rd or 4th starter on your fantasy team.
2002 Stats
Wins- 13
Saves- 0
Strikeouts- 121
Innings- 171.0
ERA- 4.84
WHIP- 1.19
SP- Rick Reed
Reed come over to the Twins in a 2001 trade with the NY Mets. He didn't perform well then, but in 2002, Reed was the one constant starting pitcher in the Twins rotation. Reed led the staff with 15 wins and had a sub 4.00 ERA. Reed had solid numbers in all categories. Fantasy Spin: If Reed duplicates his 2002 season, he is a great 3rd starter on your fantasy team.
2002 Stats
Wins- 15
Saves- 0
Strikeouts- 121
Innings- 188
ERA- 3.78
WHIP- 1.66
SP- Joe Mays
Hopes were high for Mays in 2002 after finishing the 2001 season with the third best ERA in the AL. But Mays had elbow problems in April and it lasted all year long. There is still some concern about May's elbow this Spring, so his health situation needs to be monitored closely. When healthy, Mays has great movement on his pitches and can really shut down an opponents offense. Fantasy Spin: As of now, I would only take Mays in one of the last few rounds of your draft. He has the potential to be a solid starter, but if his injury continues, you only wasted a late round pick if you choose him.
2002 Stats
Wins- 4
Saves- 0
Strikeouts- 38
Innings- 95.1
ERA- 5.38
WHIP- 1.45
SP- Kyle Lohse
Lohse was a huge surprise for the Twins in 2002. Lohse was the Twins most consistent starter behind Rick Reed. Lohse collected 13 wins, tied for second most on the team. Lohse has nice pop on his fastball, and once he gets command of his breaking stuff, could make a very good major league pitcher. Fantasy Spin: Lohse would have more value in a keeper league. However, selecting him as one of your last picks could be a steal for you.
2002 Stats
Wins- 13
Saves- 0
Strikeouts- 124
Innings- 180.2
ERA- 4.23
WHIP- 1.39
SP/RP- Johan Santana
Santana has the best stuff on the team. The Twins catcher say that when Santana is on, no one can hit him. Santana was a Rule 5 draft pick 3 years ago, and has turned out to be a gem. Fantasy Spin: Santana may have the most value of any Twins pitcher. He is eligible as a starter and reliever and will help in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.
2002 Stats
Wins- 8
Saves- 1
Strikeouts- 137
Innings- 108.1
ERA- 2.99
WHIP- 108.1
RP- Eddie Guardado
Guardado led the AL in saves with 45 in 2002. He may not get that many in 2003, but would be a nice second closer on your fantasy team. The Twins eventually want JC Romero to be the closer, but that may be a year away.
Fantasy Spin: Take Guardado as your second closer and watch for 35-40 saves in 2003.
2002 Stats
Wins- 1
Saves- 45
Strikeouts- 70
Innings- 67.2
ERA- 2.93
WHIP- 1.05
RP- JC Romero
Romero came out of nowhere last year to be a dominant left-handed reliever. Romero's stats would of been even better if he hadn't wore out at the end of the year. Look for the Twins to use Romero less often during April and May this year. Fantasy Spin: Romero is a great pick in Keeper leagues as he will eventually become the Twins closer. Right now he will help in HOLDS as a set-up man for Guardado.
2002 Stats
Wins- 9
Saves- 1
Strikeouts- 76
Innings- 81
ERA- 1.89
WHIP- 1.21
Remaing Pitchers:
RP- LaTroy Hawkins: great ERA and WHIP in 2002, can he repeat it??
RP- Tony Fiore: had 10 wins out of the bullpen, may not even make the team in 2003
RP- Juan Rincon: will probably start the year in Triple A. Will get a call-up if any injuries.
RP- Mike Fetters: he was the pick off-season pick up for the Twins. Is expected to make the team.
SP- Adam Johnson: former #1 pick has been a disappointed so far. Many feel that if he gets an attitude adjustment, he could become a solid major league starter.
RP- Jose Cabrera: signed this winter after spending a disappointing 2002 with the Brewers. Had a great 2001 with the Braves and that is the player the Twins hope they get.
Coming Soon- Part 3 profiling the Twins top prospects
