In Twins rotation, experience, competition is up

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - With 195 losses over the last two years, the Minnesota Twins have a lot to fix. Starting pitching is on top of the list, and revamping the rotation might be the most complicated repair in the majors.

The Twins focused on the future by trading not one but two center fielders to acquire a couple of potential aces, but they also had a 2013 rotation to address. So they began, naturally, by increasing the competition.

None of the new guys were hot-stove headliners, but they're banking on at least more consistency that Kevin Correia, Mike Pelfrey and Vance Worley can bring to a group whose 5.40 ERA was the worst in the AL last season. Scott Diamond is the only one of 12 pitchers who took at least five turns in the rotation last year who has been guaranteed a place this season.