Baseball Guru
11-16-2001, 06:54 PM
By Mark Sheldon
MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins pitcher Brad Radke likes it in Minnesota; at least, he likes it enough to stay a while longer.
Radke declined an opportunity to exercise an opt-out clause in his contract, Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Thursday. If the Twins are on the field in 2002, Radke will be part of the team.
"I decided that was going to be the best thing for myself and for the team," said Radke by telephone from his home in Florida. "I liked how we played last year and I think as long as we stay in Minnesota, we're going to have a pretty good ballclub."
The Twins ace signed a four-year contract in July, 2000, which included a window to demand a trade following the 2001 season. If he made that demand and the team failed to trade him, Radke could have been declared a free agent in February.
The uneasy climate surrounding the Twins' future did not dissuade Radke from wanting to remain with the club. He hopes that it sends the right message.
"I think maybe with this decision, it will ease the minds of some fans out there and maybe they'll think we're trying to keep the team in Minnesota," Radke said. "I think my declining that option helps out a lot."
Radke's agent, Ron Simon, informed Ryan of the decision Thursday. He was happy that the right-hander wanted to stick around.
"I think that Brad Radke brings a lot to this organization," Ryan said. "He's been at the front end of our rotation for the last six to seven years. He brings a lot of stability and reliability."
Radke, a 20-game winner in 1997, posted a 17-11 record with a 3.94 ERA in 2001. He has pitched more than 200 innings in each of the last six seasons. He has a lifetime 93-95 record in Minnesota.
MLB.com
MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins pitcher Brad Radke likes it in Minnesota; at least, he likes it enough to stay a while longer.
Radke declined an opportunity to exercise an opt-out clause in his contract, Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Thursday. If the Twins are on the field in 2002, Radke will be part of the team.
"I decided that was going to be the best thing for myself and for the team," said Radke by telephone from his home in Florida. "I liked how we played last year and I think as long as we stay in Minnesota, we're going to have a pretty good ballclub."
The Twins ace signed a four-year contract in July, 2000, which included a window to demand a trade following the 2001 season. If he made that demand and the team failed to trade him, Radke could have been declared a free agent in February.
The uneasy climate surrounding the Twins' future did not dissuade Radke from wanting to remain with the club. He hopes that it sends the right message.
"I think maybe with this decision, it will ease the minds of some fans out there and maybe they'll think we're trying to keep the team in Minnesota," Radke said. "I think my declining that option helps out a lot."
Radke's agent, Ron Simon, informed Ryan of the decision Thursday. He was happy that the right-hander wanted to stick around.
"I think that Brad Radke brings a lot to this organization," Ryan said. "He's been at the front end of our rotation for the last six to seven years. He brings a lot of stability and reliability."
Radke, a 20-game winner in 1997, posted a 17-11 record with a 3.94 ERA in 2001. He has pitched more than 200 innings in each of the last six seasons. He has a lifetime 93-95 record in Minnesota.