Rake to start opener; TwinsFest 2005; Sosa to the O’s?

From the Seats, January 31, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS - At TwinsFest this past weekend it was announced that Brad Radke would be starting the opener, it was said to be a “no-brainer” according to Ron Gardenhire and pitching coach Rick Anderson. It might come to a surprise to many since Johan Santana was viewed as the one to take the mound opening day as the staff ace. But, Radke, who stayed with the Twins in thick and thin will get the nod.

 

I think this the right move to make. The rest of baseball, or many Twins fans might not look at it that way. But Brad Radke has been loyal to the Twins and has put his time in. Being the staff ace is his reward for that. Although the Twins say there is no #1 or #2.

 

TwinsFest

 

MINNEAPOLIS - Twins fans turned out this year, coming up just 1,000 people short of the record of 30,000 set in 1992. The 29,000 Twins fans took in the atmosphere of autograph sessions, dugout tours, watching WCCO broadcast live, taking the first opportunity to get tickets and much more!

 

Sosa to the O’s?

 

MINNEAPOLIS - Sammy Sosa could be traded this week to the Baltimore Orioles for Jerry Hairston Jr. and two minor leagers, Mike Fontenot and Dave Crouthers.

 

Sosa is set to make $17 million this season and the Cubs have an option for 2006 for $18 million. If Sosa is traded to the O’s he will be guaranteed the $18 million for 2006.

 

I am not sure if this is the best move for the Orioles to make, sending off part of their farm club to get a star player in Baltimore. Especially now that MLB has put in effect more strict drug testing for steroids and performance enhancing drugs.

 

The big joke on the airwaves of the Twin Cities on WCCO was how different Sosa will look at the press conference.

 

Sammy Sosa also has the incident of a cocked bat to carry with him. Many Cub fans of his turned on him because of the incident. For Sammy this might be the best move for him. It also might be an attempt for the Orioles to try and keep the fans from D.C. and Virginia driving up to see what has been the only ML team in the area until the arrival of the Nationals.