The Minnesota Twins have played baseball for 62 seasons and they have had 273 different pitchers start one or more games for them. The number drops to 26 pitchers having started 100 or more games, just six having started 200 or more, three at 300 or more and only Jim Kaat started over 400 or 422 to be exact.
Pitching has not exactly been the Twins strength over the years, the team has been known for producing hitters. But the Twins have had a number of very good pitchers with Bert Blyleven and Jim Kaat in the MLB Hall of Fame. The Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame includes pitchers Blyleven, Kaat, Frank Viola, Rick Aguilera, Brad Radke, Jim Perry, Camilo Pascual, Eddie Guardado, Johan Santana and Joe Nathan. Three of the inductee’s were relievers.
So what Twins starters have had the best seasons? I frequently use the WAR numbers from Baseball-Reference.com when I rate players and I am doing the same here. So once you have had a chance to study the list, feel free to comment if anyone on the list surprises you and if you have any particular memories of any of these seasons, please share them.
I guess the WAR stat for pitchers wasn’t kind to Jim Kaat. He’s 1 of only 2 Twins P in MLB HOF but he didn’t even make the top 20 seasons for Twins P. Also, does Blyleven hold the Twins record for GS (40), CG (25) & Innings (325)? Twins Trivia is awesome!
Thank you Scott. Actually Kaat holds the GS Twins record with 42 in 1965. Bert does hold the CG game and IP record with 25 and 325 in 1973. I hope you continue to enjoy the site and keep coming back.
Brad Radke sticks out like a sore thumb. His win/loss record and ERA in those two “Top Seasons” are why I am jaundiced by WAR.
Figures don’t lie but liars figure is the old saw.
I always have Jim Kaat at the top of my list when I think Twins baseball.
Happy New Year, John!
Nice to hear from you Paul. Hope the show and cold don’t get you. I agree that WAR has its shortcomings but then again what doesn’t, right? Hope you had a Merry Christmas and we wish you a happy and healthy new year.