The Twins' rotation, which has been in a state of flux for two seasons, now at least looks on paper to be fairly well set in most cases.
Kevin Correia, by default the Twins' best and most reliable starter for the duration of 2013, has another year under contract. Mike Pelfrey, who made 29 starts and improved as the season went along in his first year back after Tommy John surgery, is reportedly back with the Twins on a two-year deal.
And, of course, Ricky Nolasco (4 years) and Phil Hughes (3 years) were signed with the expectation that they will bolster the middle-to-top of the rotation for years to come.
If everyone is healthy and productive -- always a big if, but bear with us -- it leaves one spot open in the rotation. And it leaves a rather considerable competition for that one spot.
Our question: If the season started today, who do you think would get that final spot in the rotation? The candidates, as we see them, in the most likely order for the start of 2014.
*Sam Deduno: He had a 3.83 ERA in 100-plus innings as a starter last season. The downside is he hasn't stayed healthy and it's still unclear if he can keep up his good work.
*Scott Diamond: He was the Twins' best starter in 2012, winning 12 games with a 3.54 ERA. His 2013 was a clear regression, with an ERA close of 5.43, more walks, fewer strikeouts and far less command. If he regains his 2012 form, he would be a welcome addition to the rotation as a left-hander among a sea of righties.
*Kyle Gibson: He struggled as a rookie in 2013, but he still appears to be the most ready of the organization's higher-level prospects to break through into the rotation at the start of 2014.
