Pablo Lopez Aims for Legendary Status
Pablo Lopez is set to make history by starting his third consecutive Opening Day for the Minnesota Twins, a feat not achieved since Brad Radke’s seven consecutive starts from 1999 to 2005. This milestone raises the question of whether Lopez can join the ranks of the greatest Opening-Day starters in Twins history. Let’s delve into the elite pitchers who have left a significant mark on the franchise since its move to Minnesota in 1961.
Bert Blyleven: The Dutch Master
Bert Blyleven stands as a pillar in Twins history, having started six Opening-Day games for the team, including an impressive streak of five consecutive starts between 1972 and 1976. Blyleven’s legacy was cemented on April 7, 1987, when, at the age of 36, he led the Twins to victory in extra innings against Oakland. His tenure with the Twins saw him amass 149 of his 287 career wins, with the standout season of 1973 showcasing his dominance with a remarkable 9.7 bWAR and nine shutouts. Despite his exceptional performance, advanced metrics like WAR and ERA+ could have further emphasized his contributions.
Brad Radke: The Steadfast Ace
Brad Radke holds the record for the most Opening-Day starts for the Twins since 1961, a testament to his consistency and reliability over his 12-year career with the team. Despite facing challenges during the Steroid Era, Radke emerged as the ace of the Twins staff in 1997, recording 174 strikeouts and a third-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting that season. His 148 career wins rank fourth in Twins history, underlining his enduring impact on the franchise.
Frank Viola: The Left-Handed Maestro
Frank Viola, renowned as the 1987 World Series MVP, left an indelible mark as the Twins’ Opening-Day starter in multiple seasons. His eight-year tenure with the team saw him establish himself as one of the premier left-handed pitchers in franchise history. Viola’s standout year came in 1988 when he clinched the AL Cy Young Award with a stellar 24-7 record, a career-low 2.64 ERA, and 193 strikeouts. This achievement marked a pinnacle in Viola’s career, solidifying his place among Twins legends.
As Pablo Lopez embarks on his journey to etch his name alongside the likes of Blyleven, Radke, and Viola, the legacy of these iconic pitchers serves as a benchmark for excellence on Opening Day. With each start, Lopez has the opportunity to carve his own path to legendary status and enrich the storied history of Twins pitchers who have graced the mound on baseball’s grandest stage.
