Pitching a priority for Minnesota Twins’ General Manager Terry Ryan - MLB News
General manager Terry Ryan of the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday made it clear that pitching is the club’s top priority at the moment. The Twins had a torrid time when it came to pitching in 2012 and the team ended up at the 29th spot, just one above
the bottom of Major League Baseball dwellers Colorado Rockies, in the pitching department. The team posted a combined ERA of 5.40.
Terry made it quite clear that they are after pitchers, regardless of their role.
"Starting pitching in particular, but any pitching would be good," Ryan said. "We need to find a staff here. We need to add to that rotation and give us choices and also allow us to provide some depth."
The team is open to add some free agents if it serves the cause of the club well. There were no payroll issues according to the general manager. The team spent $100 million in 2012 which was less than the $113 million the team spent in 2011. It is likely
that the spending will be further cut in the 2013 season.
“I think, with the payroll to be able to provide us some comfort that we can get some people here. It's just a matter of the value you put on those particular guys,” the general manager said.
No guarantees have been given by the Twins on the next year’s rotation. Scott Diamond appears to be someone who should most definitely be a part of rotation. Kyle Gibson could be another one but he missed the whole 2012 season due to injury which led to
Tommy John Surgery late 2011.
Kyle made a strong comeback in the Arizona Fall League and posted a 3-2 winning record with a 5.40 ERA in a league that is generally considered to be batter friendly.
Terry Ryan was quite pleased with the improvement shown by Gibson and hoped he will continue the good work.
"He stayed healthy and he didn't miss any turns, had no setbacks in his rehab and therapy and so forth," Ryan said.
The Twins suffered a great deal due to a weak pinching unit in 2012. They will be looking forward to a fit unit in 2013 to be able to make any kind of impact in the American League Central.
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