Brad Radke

Brad Radke of the Twins has returned to ace status this season. Two years ago he missed much of the season with injuries and last year he was just OK (going 14-10 with a 4.49 ERA). This season Radke is 4-3 but his ERA of 3.55 is 9th in the league and he is first in K/BB ratio with a 7.83 mark (Curt Schilling is second with a 6.08 mark). Radke has also been successful this season in keeping down the number of HR he has given up (so far only 5 - compare that to Pedro Martinez and Kevin Brown who have given up 10 or Bartolo Colon who has given up 15).

Many people expected Johan Santana to be the ace of the Twins staff but Santana has been very disappointing this year.

Radke is a free agent at the end of the season and if the Twins fall out of contention - then you know that Minnesota will try to move Radke's $11.5 million salary in a trade. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.