Yesterday I gave a rundown or the Twins hitters for opening day, today it’s a chance to look at the pitchers that will make up the rotation and the bullpen.

Starters

Johan Santana

There’s not much that’s not known about Johan Santana. He’s won the Cy Young 2 of the past 3 years (and arguably should have won it in 2005). He’s the best pitcher and baseball and is still just 28. He typically gets off to a slow start in April (which isn’t to say he’s bad), but once June roles around there’s not much hitters can do to figure him out.

Boof Bonser

Boof Bonser instantly became a fan favorite in 2006 in part because of his fun-to-say name and in part because he surprised everyone with his effective pitching right out of the minors. He started 18 games for the Twins and posted a 4.22 ERA on his way to 7 wins and 6 losses. He’s not #2 quality, and he still has a lot to prove. If the Twins want to compete, they’re gonna need more of the same from Bonser in 2007.

Ramon Ortiz

Ramon Ortiz had a solid spring training and surely earned his job in the Twins’ rotation. He has, however, had only one real good season in the majors and that came in the Angel’s championship year of 2002. Since then he’s posted 5+ ERAs in 3 of the last four season, 2 of which came in the weaker hitting National league. The signing of Ortiz doesn’t get me real excited, but with so many question marks in the rotation already the Twins could really use a solid year from Ortiz.

Sidney Ponson

Sidney Ponson was signed to a low priced contract in the offseason to compete for a starting job. Except one good start, he didn’t do much to win the job. Fortunately for him he didn’t have much competition (other than the young guys). Like Silva, I don’t bank on him being in the rotation for longer than a month or two which makes it most crucial that guys like Bonser and Ortiz help carry the load.

Like Ortiz, Ponson has had only one good season at the major league level, which also came several years ago.

Carlos Silva

Talking about Carlos Silva is getting really, really old. Terry Ryan, Ron Gardenhire and Rick Anderson must truly believe that Silva can be turned around–why else would they bring him back for $4.5 million. Silva showed promise in one start in the spring, but was otherwise awful. More of the same should be expect this season (at least in April while he still has his job). Matt Garza is waiting anxiously in Rochester to take the job.

Bullpen

Joe Nathan

Joe Nathan is one of the top closers in baseball. Last year he fell shy of the 40 save mark, but that certainly wasn’t his fault. He blew just 2 of his 38 save opportunities in 2007.

Juan Rincon

There was talk of trading Rincon for a starter in the offseason, but as the season begins Rincon is still a mainstay in the Twins bullpen. Expect him to strike out 2-3 times the amount that he walks ad he continues to be a quality setup man for the Twins. He was shaky in the later part of last season, but I’m not overly concerned.

Jesse Crain

Jesse Crain is one of those guys that can look shaky at times, but when it comes down to it he always puts up good numbers.

Pat Neshek

Neshek was another one of the nice late season additions for the Twins. Only time will tell if hitters will catch on to his unique side arm delivery, but if you ask Nathan and other members of the bullpen, Neshek has been able to make the necessary adjustments. His only weakness last season was left-handers. He spent the spring working on a new pitch which he think should help with that weakness.

Dennys Reyes

Reyes was, and will again be, the left handed specialist for the Twins. With Mike Venafro not making the team, Reyes will be the only lefty option for the Twins. Reyes was exactly what the Twins wanted him to be last season, and they’ll hope for more of the same this year.

Matt Guerrier

Matt Guerrier has become the long inning specialist for the Twins. You won’t see him pitch too often, but when he does get in he goes for 2 or 3 innings at a time, typically when the starter has created a deficit. Guerrier recorded his first career win last season and I’m sure he hopes to get a couple more this season.