Minnesota Twins’ General Manager looking optimistic ahead of 2012 season – MLB News
Minnesota Twins’ General Manager Terry Ryan is looking very optimistic ahead of 2012 Spring Training season. The Twins’ pitching attack was unable to deliver the goods past season, which eventually led to their downfall. The GM has spent considerable among of money this offseason to pack the pitching lineup with the best possible throwers.
"I've mentioned that many times that this is the same group that actually won a bunch of games for us in 2010," the Twins general manager said. "Last year, it didn't go very well for all of these guys with the exception of Pavano. We need to get them back if we stand any chance of competing. We need innings, we need starts, which will allow us not to overexpose any of the bullpen. I think any club, if you don't get decent starting pitching, you're probably asking for trouble right out of the get-go."
Ryan is convinced that the Twins has the firepower and quality depth to make it to the World Series this season. Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Nick Blackburn and Scott Baker, who pitched the team to 2010 Division title, are expected to perform their magic once again in 2011.
The fans also had high expectations from the same group of pitchers past season but they failed to make the most of available opportunities. In an interview with a leading sports website, Ryan stated that his team has what it takes to win the American League Central Division title this season.
The upcoming season provides an excellent opportunity to the Twins pitchers to prove their metal. The guys will be looking to make solid starts to restrict opposition teams to small totals. If the pitchers do not do well, surely there will be great pressure on the Twins’ hitters. There will also be huge responsibility on the starting pitchers shoulders. If the starters fail to execute their game plan, the pitchers in the bullpen will be definitely exposed.
Ryan further added that Blackburn is back into the side after recovering from an injury and rest of the pitchers are also looking in great shape. Twins’ fans will be waiting for the star pitchers to get back onto the field to kick start 2012 season.
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