Rick Anderson has been the Twins’ pitching coach since 2002. He was asked if this is the most excited he has been about the staff from the perspective of youth and potential.
“Absolutely. Except for Radke (Brad) they all should be around here for a lot of years to come,” Anderson said. “It’s kind of funny because (you) talk about vets (on this staff) and they are (only) three, four years into the big leagues. Take away Radke (12 big league seasons) and look where they are at. They all have an upside to them.”
Johan Santana and Carlos Silva, both 27, are staff elders along with Radke, 33, and ace reliever Joe Nathan, 31. Francisco Liriano, and Matt Garza, both 22, and Boof Bonser and Scott Baker, both 24, lead the youth movement. Other young pitchers who have helped the Twins are Jesse Crain, 25, and Pat Neshek, 26.
Bonser, a rookie, will pitch the second game in the much anticipated series against the White Sox at the Metrodome September 29-30, and October 1. The season ending series could determine whether the Twins win the Central Division. Santana will pitch the last game.
Anderson expressed confidence in Bonser but admitted some concern about the right hander’s effectiveness in neutralizing the White Sox’s better left handed hitters such as Jim Thome. “He (Bonser) has done a good job for a kid,” Anderson said. “He has shown a lot of confidence and poise attacking hitters.”
What about Santana, the Twins’ Cy Young candidate who is 18-5? “Santana matches up against anyone,” Anderson answered.
Liriano, injured and out for the season, was going to pitch the opening game in the White Sox series. It’s speculation now who will receive the assignment.