What are the Twins doing? 

March, 26, 2007
03/26/07
10:39
AM ET
One of the strangest things this spring was the Twins signaling their preference for veteran starting pitchers Sidney Ponson, Ramon Ortiz and Carlos Silva over young Scott Baker, Glen Perkins and especially Matt Garza. To which we might ask, "Why bother drafting and developing all these fine young pitchers if you're not going to use them?"

I know, I know ... who am I to quibble with the most successful player factory in the majors? Seems small of me, and history does suggest that Terry Ryan knows what he's doing.

And anyway, it seems the Twins' wishes are being dashed against the rocks of the veterans' limited talents. In his three spring starts, Ponson has posted a 6.30 ERA and struck out only three batters. As for Silva, who's making $3.5 million this season, he's been absolutely hammered this spring, giving up 29 hits in 16 innings. So although Garza has been allowed to start just one game all spring, thanks to good work he's now considered a serious candidate for the rotation.

Which can only improve the Twins' chances this season. As I've written before, they won last season despite beginning the season with a bunch of the wrong guys on the roster. They're not likely to be so lucky again.


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