Joe Christensen
Star Tribune

TAMPA, FLA. - Brad Radke decided to experiment with a new pitch Tuesday.

After all, when you're an 11-year big league veteran, that's what spring
training is for.

Last year, Radke seemed to have no answer for lefthanded hitters. They hit
.291 against him (compared to .252 for righthanded hitters), and lefties
were responsible for 22 of the 33 team-high home runs he allowed.

So pitching coach Rick Anderson encouraged Radke to try a new variation of
his fastball, one specifically designed to foil lefthanders. The pitch is
supposed to sink and move back over the plate.

Radke tinkered with the pitch in a recent side session. Then, against the
New York Yankees, he let it fly.

And Jorge Posada belted that pitch for a two-run, first-inning homer.

"When I came in," Radke said, "I told [Anderson], 'I ain't throwing that
pitch.' "

Radke got through the next two innings without giving up a run, and the
Yankees cruised to a 5-0 victory.

He is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA after two spring starts, but considering his
track record, the Twins aren't worried.

To them, the most important thing is that Radke feels healthy, and so far,
so good.

Kubel's defensive debut

In the sixth inning, manager Ron Gardenhire inserted Jason Kubel as a
defensive replacement in right field.

This was significant because Kubel had yet to play defense in a game since
tearing up his knee in the 2004 Arizona Fall League.

"We wanted to put him out there in a situation where nothing would be hit
to him," Gardenhire said. "And they hit like eight balls in a row out
there. But he did fine."

Gardenhire said he plans to play Kubel in right field again today against
the Cincinnati Reds.

"I've been waiting for that," Kubel said. "It's good to be back out there
and see what it's like again."

On deck

Righthander Scott Baker will start for the Twins today. The Reds will
counter with lefthander Dave Williams in Fort Myers.

Last update: March 08, 2006 – 1:03 AM