Minnesota Twins sign Kevin Correia for opening rotation- MLB Update
Kevin Correia and Minnesota Twins have inked in a two year deal worth $10 million. The right-handed pitcher, who has nine years pf experience in the majors, will be earning $4.5 million in 2013 and $5.5 million in 2014.
Terry Ryan, the general manager of the Twins who had kept quiet about the deal until it was finalised, was quite clear about the role of Kevin in the Twins will be that of a starting pitcher.
"He's a starter," Ryan said. "We didn't sign him to be anything but a starter."
Correia has mainly been a starting pitcher throughout his career. Although he has a career 60-65 win-loss record, he has been doing well in the last four seasons, posting a 46-43 winning record. He has also posted a lower than career ERA, with a 4.51.
Terry praised Correia for his good work in 2012 for the good work he did for Pittsburgh Pirates. He also said Twins had their sight on the 32-year-old for some time.
"We've had a lot of eyes on him," Terry Ryan said. "He gives you a lot of innings and a lot of starts. Last year he had a solid year. They moved him to the bullpen when they acquired Wandy Rodriguez, so his innings total is a bit deceiving. But he gives
you quality starts."
Ryan was also not worried about Kevin switching to American League from the National League and believed that the switch should not be an issue for the veteran pitcher. He also said that Kevin will find the Target Field conditions to his liking.
"There's always some concern when a guy goes from the National League to the American League, but this guy is a veteran," Ryan said. "He'll figure it out. He throws the ball over the plate and this ballpark is conducive to him."
He also down played the notion that he was not performing up to a good standard, pointing out that he had quality starts in 57% of the games in 2012 and was winning games in double digits for the last four seasons.
Scott Diamond is the only person who is guaranteed of a spot on Twins opening rotation. The recently acquired Vance Worley in a trade with Philadelphia Phillies is also expected to make the cut and Correia will be getting one too. With three spots more or
less filled; there are still two spots up for grabs in the opening rotation and the Twins have made it clear that their search for pitcher is far from over.
Correia is a good addition to the Twins rotation. He is experienced and has been performing reasonably well and consistently in the last few seasons. With him added to the ranks and the unfit pitchers making a comeback, Minnesota Twins could well be on the
track of success in 2013.
Tags: