Brad Radke

Radke will be the No. 2 starter for the Twins and his strong control should lead to a solid ERA. Last season, Radke was victimized by the two plagues of his career: lack of run support and the gopher ball. He's had strong ERAs the past two years but has averaged just 10 wins each season. He has impeccable control with just 23 walks in 200 2/3 innings. He struck out fewer batters last season, but the bigger concern was that he gave up 33 home runs. He's struggled at times in his career when he's allowed too many long balls, so make sure that trend isn't continuing early in the season. Another worry is that he pitched most of the second half of last season with a sore shoulder and neck. Be sure to check out his health in spring training. While Radke may not return to the form that saw him post one of the top five ERAs in 2004, he'll be a solid fantasy starter for AL-only and deeper leagues

Radke had one of his best seasons in 2004 and could be on track for a late-career revival. After a strong second half to 2003, Radke increased his strikeouts, reduced his home runs allowed and continued his impeccable control. The only negative was his win total where he suffered eight losses in which he gave up two runs or less. Still, Radke had the fourth best ERA in the AL and as long as he doesn't give up too many home runs he should be on track for another solid season.

Radke's days as the Minnesota ace may be over after two mediocre seasons. While Radke still has outstanding control, he's failing to strike out enough hitters to reach his former All-Star levels. His main problem has been the long ball. He gave up the fourth most home runs in the AL last season. The one hope for Radke is that after a putrid first half, he went 9-1 with a 3.24 ERA and just eight walks in 94 1/3 innings after the All-Star break. Twelve wins and a WHIP that won't hurt you are a good bet, but unless you see improving home run allowed totals, don't expect a return to an ERA below 4.50.

Much of Radke's 2002 season was derailed by a hamstring injury that limited him to just 21 games. Again posted great control (just 20 walks in 118 innings), but he's not dominant enough to improve much on his recent numbers, but 12-plus wins and an ERA under 4.00 are a good bet. One reassuring note, once his hamstring problems where behind him, Radke was dominant in three playoff starts with a 1.96 ERA.