Rotation

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Rotation
1. Brad Radke, RHP
The club can always count on Radke to be consistent and throw strikes. Performance-wise, he's coming off the best season of his career. A lack of run support prevented him from a chance to win 20 games. He could benefit a lot from the increased run support expected from the lineup.

2. Johan Santana, LHP
The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner with a 20-6 record and 2.61 ERA, Santana gives the Twins two No. 1 starters. Unlike last year, the lefty is entering the regular season fully healthy and with command of his pitches.

3. Carlos Silva, RHP
Silva was a 14-game winner in 2004, his first season as a starter. Having developed off-speed pitches to complement his tough sinker, he could be a more complete pitcher in 2005.

4. Kyle Lohse, RHP
Although he's coming off a dismal 2004 season, the club knows Lohse has the stuff to be a successful starter in the big leagues. Now it's time to see it.


5. Joe Mays, RHP
After he missed all of last season with Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, Mays was a pleasant surprise during Spring Training. He had command of his pitches and threw without pain or discomfort. An already tough rotation is stronger if Mays is really back to his 17-win form from 2001.

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Bullpen
A solid bullpen that surprised everyone last season is back mostly intact armed with another year of experience. Leading the group of power arms, All-Star closer Joe Nathan saved 44 saves last season in his first year in that role. Top right-handed set-up man Juan Rincon should be very dependable in the eighth inning and has put last season's meltdown in the ALDS way behind him. He will be pitching with the comfort of a new two-year contract. So is left-handed set-up man J.C. Romero, and the club expects that security will make him more consistent. Right-hander Jesse Crain should be more comfortable after being a late call-up last season. At 42 years old, lefty Terry Mulholland will fill a variety of roles ranging from long relief, short situations and spot starts if needed.

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RHP Grant Balfour will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm. He will have to go through extended Spring Training before returning.