Call to the pen
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Minnesota Twins: The Twins are quietly championship contenders

By Michael Wittman

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 29: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins runs the bases in the first inning during the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at CenturyLink Sports Complex on February 29, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 29: Nelson Cruz #23 of the Minnesota Twins runs the bases in the first inning during the spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at CenturyLink Sports Complex on February 29, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

A Deeper Rotation

The Minnesota Twins had a solid starting rotation in 2019 as they finished with the eighth-best ERA in baseball for rotations at 4.18.  That didn’t stop the Twins from going out and bolstering their starting staff by not only re-signing Michael Pineda but also trading for Kenta Maeda and signing Rich Hill and Homer Bailey.

The most intriguing addition is Rich Hill who is expected to return around June as he recovers from “primary and revision” surgery in hopes of extending his career for one more year.

Hill was one of the best postseason starters for the Los Angeles Dodgers over the last few seasons and a case can be made that he was their best starter during the duration of their two World Series runs.

If he can make it to October in good health, the Twins could have a potent 1-2 punch in their postseason rotation with Jose Berrios and Rich Hill leading the charge.  Kenta Maeda is another solid addition who requested a trade as he could never crack LA’s postseason rotation.

Then there is still the ever so talented Jose Berrios who is looking to make that superstar leap in 2020.  Berrios posted another solid season in 2019 pitching to an ERA of 3.68 but with his repertoire, he has yet to reach his full potential.

If Berrios does take that next step forward in 2020, the Minnesota Twins may just finish with the most wins in the American League.  The rotation is armed with upgrades to solidify the most overlooked aspect of the Twins’ roster, their bullpen.

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