It’s time for a monthly checkup on the Twins. We’ll look at a few players doing well, and then a few players doing not so well. Lastly, I’ll give them a prescription for the next month or so.
The Good News –
Francisco Liriano – The Twins were right not to give in and deal this kid who is the best long reliever on the team has right now. While the rest of the pen has been shaky to say the very least, bringing in Liriano gives the Twins hope. A) that the bleeding will stop in the given game, and B) the Twins have an ace for the future. Coupled with Johan Santana and Scott Baker, the Twins shouldn’t fade to far anytime soon.
Luis Castillo – After some struggles early in the field, Castillo is doing what the team wants. He’s getting on base in front of Joe Mauer, flashing some glove, and stealing bases. Acquiring Castillo is one of Terry Ryan’s best moves as a GM, if April is any indication.
Juan Castro – There were many murmurs and lamentations when Jason Bartlett was sent down at the beginning of the season, but Castro is doing exactly what the Twins ask of him, providing veteran leadership, fielding well, and in general, playing smart baseball. When he gets an extra base hit here or there, it’s a bonus.
The Bad News –
Carlos Silva – Silva excells, typically by throwing strikes and inducing ground balls. So far, he is struggling by throwing strikes and inducing heartburn. His sinker isn’t working yet, and he’s getting lit up.
Brad Radke – I’ve recently heard Radke called a poor man’s Greg Maddux. He does rely on expert control, much like Maddux, and he has just won games for the Twins for about a decade. One thing Radke and Maddux apparently do not share is career longevity. Radke has looked spent for the first month of the year.
Rondell White – He’s a solid .290 guy who should hit about 25 homeruns a year. The only problem is that he’s swinging the stick at about .135 with no homers so far. The good news is that there is nothing left but to improve, and I expect he will.
Prognosis –
The problems the Twins are having right now fall mostly on the shoulders of the starting pitchers, although Santana and Baker are shaping up. If Radke (I’m worried), Silva (I’m not worried), and Kyle Lohse (He will, and then he won’t, and then he will again) shape up, there isn’t much cause for concern. There is more offensive potential on this team than there has been for many years. The biggest concern now is the rest of the teams in the division, who are clearly stepping up to the plate this season.
Prescription –
The Twins need to keep Liriano in the bullpen, as hard as it is to hear that, until the pen gets straightened out. With the way they are getting worn down, they need all the live arms they can get. When Silva inevitably regains form, then it will be time to tinker with the rotation. When Lohse gets hot, it’s time to trade him at peak value for a 1b that can crush the ball. While Morneau is the face of the future, at this point, he’s not getting the job done and could use a better mentor to learn from than, well, Doug Mientkiewicz, his most recent teacher.
Also, they need to get the right field situation squared away. We started the year with Kubel and his gimpy knee, and now we are toying with Michael Cuddyer and Lew Ford, both capable fielders and hitters. If I had my choice, I would jettison Ford and see what we get for him in conjunction with Lohse.
All right. That wasn’t so bad was it? Be back next month for another check up! – Dr. Ryan.
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