I started following the Twins in 2006. I tracked newspaper box scores, watched every game I could and deeply begged my parents to take me to see my new favorite player Francisco Liriano and his magnificent slider. Unfortunately, I have not been as excited about a pitching prospect or rookie since then.

Sure, I have had an odd infatuation with Sam Deduno for three months, I got overly excited from a few Scott Diamond starts. I may have even had an eye brow raised when I saw Berrios throw his curveball but nothing will feel like those first months of watching Liriano dazzle and completely confused hitters.

Every free agent the Twins add comes with 300 comments of “can he pitch” and given the Twins inability to draft and develop an ace this has been top of mind.  Since 2006, when I started following the Twins, here is the best rotation and bullpen I can put together.

Ace: Johan Santana 2006.

Simply the best pitcher the Twins have had post World Series win. In 2006 he posted a 2.77 era in 233.2 innings. Advanced metrics he had 3.04 FIP, .997 WHIP and 9.4 SO9 which all lead the league. He was obviously a CY Young Winner, and his change up will rank as one of the best pitches a Twin has ever thrown.  

Number 2: Francisco Liriano 2006.

I talked about him above but his start to 2006, all be it cut short, was the most electric start a Twins pitching prospect has had. In 121 innings he posted a 2.16 era, 2.55 FIP, 1.000 WHIP, and 10.7 SO9. Simply electric stuff with his high-speed slider that felt like it broke the distance of the plate. Unfortunately, the year was injury plagued which is why he isn’t the number 1 but here is where the list drops off…

Number 3: Jose Berrios 2019.

Like I said a drop off. Jose was really good in 2019. He gave us 200.1 innings, 3.68 era, with a 1.223 WHIP and 8.8 SO9. He was an All-Star and his curveball was his signature pitch. Jose dealt with the pressure of being the pitching savior of this franchise well, up until he was traded to the Blue Jays. But what could have been without his yearly August no shows,, maybe higher up on the list.

Number 4: Ervin Santana 2017

I will start with its completely plausible this season was one of steroid use, so I knocked it down a little. But the numbers are impressive. 3.28 ERA, in 211.1 innings pitched, a 1.126 WHIP and 7.1 SO9, rightfully so an All-Star appearance and rightfully so many questions as to the legality of his performance. Still though slim pickings.   

Number 5: Joe Ryan 2022

               Oh I could have gone 2008 Scott Baker, 2018 Kyle Gibson, but that is boring. I could have had fun with the likes of 2010 Carl Pavano (Fun fact his high school unretired his jersey because his career was just avg and not extraordinary)  or Bartolo Colon short but memorable 2017. I could have done my research and found a Kevin Slowey or Nick Blackburn season. Do we include the covid shortened Kenta Maeda season? That did not seem worthy. Anyone remember 2012 Scott Diamond and his whopping 4.7 SO9. I finally settled on Joe Ryan 2022. Sure it was 147 innings but 9.2 SO9 1.102 WHIP and a 3.55 ERA is quite good. But then I looked at Jake Odorizzi 2019 with 159 innings a 10.1 SO9 3.51 ERA, and what about Phil Hughes 2014 with 209 innings a 3.52 era and a historic 0.7 BB9 with a 8.0 SO9? I ended up choosing Ryan because he was more exciting and fun.

Bullpen:

Ripping through the obvious. Nathan, Perkins, Rodgers, and Duran no questions asked, pick any season,  are in my bullpen.

I also add Tyler Duffey of 2019 and Fernando Rodney 2018 seasons into the mix, finally throw a 2007 Pat Neshek into the mix and you have a bullpen.

Honorable mentions go to 2010 Jesse Crain, 2019 Trevor May and 2017 Brandon Kintzler.

Leave anyone out? Let me know in the comments.