RANDY NIEMANN

The Twins acquired a lot of veterans to round out their roster heading into the 1987 season.  Guys like Jeff Reardon, Dan Gladden, Juan Berenguer, and Al Newman were instrumental in capturing the club's first World Series title.  Randy Niemann did not have quite that kind of impact.

Niemann was drafted by the Twins in 1975, but didn't sign.  Twelve years later, the journeyman left-handed relief pitcher was coming off his best season (2-3, 3.79 ERA, a career high 31 appearances) for the 1986 World Champion New York Mets.  Niemann didn't make the Twins out of spring training, but was recalled from Portland in early June.  He spent a couple of weeks in Minnesota, winning one game.  Since retiring, Niemann has put together a long coaching career, including time on the Major League staffs of the Mets and Boston Red Sox.