Chart: Twins' in-house candidates for 2014 rotation

September 25, 2013 at 3:04AM
Twins pitcher Kyle Gibson warms up in the rain Friday evening. ] BRIAN PETERSON • brianp@startribune.com Minneapolis, MN - 06/28/2013 ORG XMIT: MIN1306281757132461
Despite Kyle Gibson’s 6.53 ERA in 10 starts this year, he’ll be a rotation contender in 2014. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Who'll start in 2014?

Here are the top in-house candidates to fill the Twins' 2014 starting rotation:

Kevin Correia: The "ace" of a bad staff, he ate innings and was consistently effective, if rarely spectacular, all year.

Mike Pelfrey: Free agent says he'd like to return, but his ups-and-downs might make it difficult for Twins to offer two- or three-year deal.

Kyle Gibson: Twins trust his stuff will become less hittable with experience; he'll get every chance to make team again.

Samuel Deduno: Shoulder should be fine; Twins hoping his plus velocity will be, too. Was team's best pitcher until injury.

Andrew Albers: It's difficult for big-league teams to trust a pitcher with a mid-80s fastball, but he'll be given more chances.

Liam Hendriks: Still only 24, but for all his success in the minors, he's had more bad outings than good in the majors.

Brian Duensing: Converted to full-time reliever this year, now might return to his starting-rotation roots.

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Cole De Vries: Looked like he'd make team in spring, but ill-timed injury might have cost him dearly; he'll turn 29 before camp.

Vance Worley: Awful AL debut season hasn't deterred Terry Ryan, who insists Worley can win again.

Pedro Hernandez: Some effective starts give hope, but his overall numbers (6.05 ERA) make him a long shot.

P.J. Walters: He'll turn 29 before next season, so if he's invited back, he'll likely be emergency option.

Scott Diamond: His 2012 effectiveness, mysteriously gone in 2013, should earn him another chance in spring.

Anthony Swarzak: Quietly had a brilliant year in bullpen, but that success, and his past failures in rotation, are hurdles.

Pat Dean: Lefthander was only so-so at Class AA New Britain, but better at Rochester; he's no strikeout pitcher, though.

D.J. Baxendale: 2012 draftee moving quickly through system, though had setbacks at New Britain; might get a look.

Alex Meyer/Trevor May: They're ticketed for Class AAA next year, but strong showings in Arizona Fall League might accelerate Twins' plan.

phil miller

Minnesota Twins pitcher Alex Meyer throws during the eighth inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Saturday, March 9, 2013 in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) ORG XMIT: NYOTK ORG XMIT: MIN1304261632021088
Alex Meyer projects into the 2016 rotation. Could he possibly make the jump next season? (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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