Plum Pitchers

Now that Johan Santana is gone, it might be a good time to look at the Twins' starting rotation for 2008.

Scott Baker, Boof Bonser, Francisco Liriano and Kevin Slowey will all be competing for starting pitcher.

Newcomers in the Santana trade, Phil Humber and Kevin Mulvey both spent time at AAA last year, and may be vying for spots.

Nick Blackburn, after his very positive performance in the Arizona Fall League will get a shot, as may Glen Perkins, although he may be relegated to the bullpen again, where he's been effective.

Zach Day, Brian Duensing and Randy Keisler are all among those who will be invited to spring training.

So that's 11 guys. Who's missing? An ace. Someone with more than 60 starts on his resume. We don't have one and the Twins really need one.

Santana and Carlos Silva are now gone. So this starting pitcher ship is without a captain, a rudder, a navigator. We desperately need a veteran pitcher, even if it's just for a year.

Yes, this is a good crew. But they need a leader. Coaches, managers and trainers help, but sometimes you need to go to someone who's suffering the same pain you are or who's experiencing the same problems, or the same joys. Teams need leaders who are on the team, not on the bench.

Charley Walters in the St. Paul Pioneer Press suggested the Twins might go after Josh Fogg, 31, who was 10-9 for Colorado last year. Eric Milton could be a cheaper, but more risky attempt, but it would bring back some memories.

Other potential veteran free agents could include Tony Armas Jr., Kris Benson, Shawn Chacon, Byung-Hyun Kim, Rodrigo Lopez, Mike Maroth and Jeff Weaver. Not a very good crop at this point.

We just cannot let the Twins enter this season rudderless.