Positional Battles: Who’s Fighting For The Twins Rotation?
Aug 11, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Tommy Milone (49) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Twins acquired Milone a season ago in what I still contend was one of the greatest Terry Ryan trades ever orchestrated. Sure, Sam Fuld and Milone aren’t big name players by any means, and the assets weren’t monumental, but the process was. Ryan turned a waiver claim in Fuld, from outfield depth, to a quality starting pitching option in sending him back to his original team a few months later.
Entering this season, Milone should be clear of the injury issues that plagued him down the stretch a season ago. With the Athletics, Milone proved he was a quality major league caliber starter, and can be relied upon as a back-end of the rotation guy for the Twins.
His career 3.98 is balooned by the rough ending to the season he has with the Twins last year. Prior to coming over from the Athletics, Milone pitched to the tune of a 3.55 ERA and a 1.215 WHIP across 16 games. His 2.4 BB/9 was also a mark that the Twins could put to good use.
Heading into Spring Training, Milone has to be viewed as the front-runner for the final rotation spot, and it will be his to lose.