Up next: Rays vs. Twins

© St. Petersburg Times
published April 23, 2002

SCOUTING REPORT: The Twins are young, they're hungry and they're good. It's kind of what the Rays would like to be in a year or two.

Having been rescued from Bud Selig's contraction action, the Twins are playing like a team on a mission, having just capped an 8-1 homestand with a three-game sweep of Cleveland that propelled them into first place.

Pitching, even with Joe Mays on the disabled list, has been the key. The rotation has posted eight quality starts (six or more innings, three or fewer runs), including the past four games, and it has ace Brad Radke on the mound tonight. Left-handed closer Eddie Guardado is 8-for-8 in save situations and has converted 16 straight going back to Sept. 8.

The Twins, under new manager Ron Gardenhire, are an aggressive offensive team that ranks in the top five in the league in most of the key categories, including average, runs, doubles, home runs and on-base percentage. Centerfielder Torii Hunter is carrying them now, but first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz, leftfielder Jacque Jones, shortstop Cristian Guzman, third baseman Corey Koskie and DH David Ortiz can be dangerous.

TAMPA BAY CONNECTIONS: Radke starred at Tampa Jesuit and lives in Largo. ... Reliever Tony Fiore spent parts of the 2000 and 2001 seasons with the Rays. He stormed out of the Tropicana Field clubhouse after being designated for assignment in May, claiming manager Hal McRae insulted his integrity by saying he wasn't trying. ... Mays played at Bradenton Southeast High and Manatee Community College. ... Injured reliever Mike Duvall was with the Rays from 1998-2000.

SEASON SERIES: The Rays won the 2001 series 6-1 and hold a 21-17 overall edge, their best record against any AL opponent. The Rays have an 11-8 advantage at the Trop and have won the past seven.

WHO'S HOT: Hunter, who merely went 17-for-34 during the nine-game homestand and is hitting .405 overall.

WHO'S NOT: Guzman, who hasn't utilized his speed much while going 7-for-39 on the homestand and hitting .228 overall.