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No. 30 Minnesota Twins

  Eric Milton LHP Eric Milton was 4-3 with a 3.82 ERA after the All-Star break. Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport

1999 Record: 63-97 (5th in AL Central)

More than any team in the majors, the Minnesota Twins have been devastated by the economics of baseball. With little money to pursue free-agents and an uncertain ownership situation, the Twins have lost more than 90 games for three straight seasons.

Minnesota's strength is a one-two pitching punch of ace Brad Radke and lefty Eric Milton, who tossed a no-hitter last September. But to score runs for his pitchers, Tom Kelly will have to use every managerial trick he's learned in 15-years at the helm.

Last season the Twins led the American League in hit and run attempts, pinch hitters used, and were second in stolen base attempts and squeeze plays. Still, the Twins scored the fewest runs in the league -- despite playing in the Metrodome.

Unfortunately, Kelly's lineup is full of players who would be in the minor leagues for most other organizations. That's why I have to rank the Twins as the number 30 team in baseball.



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