Baker's future unclear

Scott Baker entered the season as the Minnesota Twins fifth starting pitcher. Now, as the Twins celebrate their AL Central title, one has to wonder where the Twins picture Baker being next season.

Prior to Sunday, Baker was scheduled to start the Twins' season finale against the Chicago White Sox. He would have been the third straight rookie to start for Minnesota. Instead, with a chance to avoid the New York Yankees in the playoffs, Minnesota started Carlos Silva.

Are the Twins that much more enamored with Matt Garza than they are with Baker? Garza began the year at High Class A Fort Myers pitching against the Lakeland Tigers -- not the Detroit Tigers. The other rookie -- former Shreveport Swamp Dragon Boof Bonser -- has established himself as a postseason starter.

So Baker did not make a start in the final eight days of the season, leaving one to wonder how much more time he will spend in the Twins' organization. As it is, a young right-hander who could slot in the back end of a rotation could bring Minnesota something decent in return.