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Michael Rand started RandBall with hopes that he could keep lies from conquering the minds of the weak. So far, he's only succeeded in using the word "redacted" a lot. He welcomes suggestions, news tips, links of pure genius, and pictures of pets in Halloween costumes here, though he already knows he will regret that last part.
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Tuesday (Long-term Twins rotation problems) edition: Wha' Happened?
Posted by: Michael Rand under Professional baseball, Twins fans Updated: July 20, 2010 - 9:06 AM
What if these past six weeks aren't a mirage? As damaging as the trio's floundering has been to the Twins' AL Central hopes in 2010 -- all three were again shelled in their first post-All Star starts, with the Twins managing to survive Blackburn's turn only with a four-run ninth while losing the other two in frustrating fashion -- the big picture looks even more frightening if these guys have lost a lovin' feeling they can't quite regain.
Baker signed a four-year, $15.25 million extension in 2009; Blackburn signed a similar four-year, $14 million deal this spring. Slowey was presumably next in line, with only lingering questions about his health keeping the Twins from pulling the trigger. While those are hardly huge numbers in terms of where the Twins' payroll has gone, it's worth noting the Twins were clearly counting on -- or at least hoping for -- a relatively inexpensive starting pitching staff for the next few years that would allow them to pay Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and co. While other arms in the minor leagues could come up and take their place, the Twins took a calculated risk and believed they had seen enough from at least Baker and Blackburn to believe in them over the relative long haul. In other words, the master plan is loosely based around several solid seasons from at least a couple of the guys who are currently nowhere near solid. That could turn short-term grumbles into long-term headaches ... making these next 2-plus months crucial in multiple ways.
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