Minnesota Twins: Taking an Early Look at the Rotation

Aug 29, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher

(30) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Ervin Santana

The newest Twin comes to the Land of 10,000 Lakes with a reputation as a durable innings-eater. For a team that was dead last in the majors in quality starts last year, he will bring a simple, yet needed, element to the rotation. He is not a dominant pitcher by any means. Last season with the Atlanta Braves he posted a 3.95 ERA, or in other words, slightly higher than the Major League average. Truth be told though, the Twins would have killed for guys who throw a lot of innings and give up the league average amount of runs the past four seasons.

Paying Santana $54 million over four years is probably a bit of an overpay, but as we have stated here in the past, the Twins generally have to overpay in order to get free agents to Minnesota. Also, Santana was even better two seasons ago for the Kansas City Royals. when he posted a 3.24 ERA. Santana may not be a lights-out flamethrower, but he does provide stability to the middle of the rotation.

Next: Nolasco