Ervin Santana News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/ervin-santana/ Minnesota sports, but different Tue, 30 Oct 2018 19:55:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=32,height=32,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-cropped-MSF-favicon-1.jpg Ervin Santana News - MinnesotaSportsFan https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/tag/ervin-santana/ 32 32 Ervin Santana Bought Out; Twins Make Other Housecleaning Moves https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/ervin-santana-bought-out-twins-make-other-housecleaning-moves/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/ervin-santana-bought-out-twins-make-other-housecleaning-moves/#respond Tue, 30 Oct 2018 19:55:29 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=11378

The Twins made some expected changes today as they start to mold their roster for the 2019 season.

The moves open up another $22 Million as we enter the offseason. According to spotrac.com, that leaves them with only $24.5 Million in active payroll (That doesn’t include most of the team who are due arbitration negotiations before their 2019 $$$ become finalized.)

I’ve talked and written about this before, like many others, but the Falvine train is really going to have the opportunity this offseason to make their bed going forward.

They’ve been able to hire their manager and now they’ll be able to fill in a roster that currently has only pennies invested into its future.

They need pitching help in both the starting rotation and out of the bullpen. Will they go big? Or will it be the same old Twins? A power DH would go a long way too, not to mention a 1st baseman, depending on what Mauer does with his life.

Keep in mind that the Twins’ new manager, Rocco Baldelli, has already reached out to Joe Mauer to let him know that he’s wanted on this roster for 2019. We’ll find out how far that goes…

In more news releasing by the minute today, the Twins have let 3 coaches go while also allowing Derek Shelton to interview for a different head coaching job.

Keep your eyes and ears open the rest of the day…

Eric Strack
Minnesota Sports Fan @RealMNSportsFan

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/ervin-santana-bought-out-twins-make-other-housecleaning-moves/feed/ 0 Tue, 30 Oct 2018 14:55:29 +0000 Minnesota Twins Jose Berrios Tosses Complete Game Gem as Twins Tread Injury-Ridden Water https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/jose-berrios-tosses-complete-game-gem-as-twins-tread-injury-ridden-water/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/jose-berrios-tosses-complete-game-gem-as-twins-tread-injury-ridden-water/#respond Fri, 08 Jun 2018 13:18:59 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=10004

Coming off of back-to-back losses to the AL Central bottom-feeding White Sox, the Minnesota Twins had Mr. José Orlando Berríos take the mound for Thursday afternoon’s series finale.

Only a mere 2 hours and 14 minutes after Berríos threw the game’s first pitch, the Puerto Rico native put a proverbial bow on Minnesota’s nerve calming victory:

Less than two months ago, Berríos finished a marvelous 7.0 inning showing vs the same division foe with 11 Ks and 0 BBs. During Thursday’s “Cradle to the Grave” performance, the third-year big leaguer fanned 10 without, once again, rendering a single walk (109 pitches, 6 hits allowed).

via GIPHY

Bada bing, bada boom. Just like that, the talented RHP is flirting with an extremely familiar LHP from recent Twins’ history:

José Berríos 2018 Stats: 7-5 W/L, 3.66 ERA, 74.2 IP, 84 SO, 0.92 WHIP 

The win, which included HRs from Ehire Adrianza (2), and the on-fire duo of Eduardo Escobar (12), and Eddie Rosario (14), moved the Twins’ overall record to 27-32. With Cleveland taking the day off (lazy), Minnesota will officially enter the weekend 4.5 games back of the division leader.

While the below .500 W/L isn’t meeting preseason expectations, considering the Twins’ aggressive issues surrounding health, shit could be a lot worse. Hopefully, for the years remaining 100+ contests, the injury bug isn’t so attracted to Paul Molitor’s squad.

In the interim, before Target Field welcomes Mike Trout and the Angles for the weekend’s three game set, here’s an update on a Mount Rushmore’s worth of recovery processes:

Ervin Santana:

According to additional reports, Santana “will still need to complete a full ramp-up before he returns to the majors, but it seems promising that his earlier setback has only required a brief respite.”

Joe Mauer:

Byron Buxton:

Per Phil Miller of the Star Tribune, the centerfielder’s “pain reduction” in his toe “has been slow.” There has only been “moderate progress towards his return.”

Trevor May:

The All-Star game is a little over a month away. As you can see by this 2015 gem, May’s reinstatement comes at an appropriate time:

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)

MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/jose-berrios-tosses-complete-game-gem-as-twins-tread-injury-ridden-water/feed/ 0 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 08:18:59 +0000 Minnesota Twins Phil Hughes Designated for Assignment; Twins Likely to Write Him $22M Exit Check https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/phil-hughes-designated-for-assignment-twins-likely-to-write-him-22m-exit-check/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/phil-hughes-designated-for-assignment-twins-likely-to-write-him-22m-exit-check/#respond Tue, 22 May 2018 12:58:43 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=9809

Unlike most businesses, the Minnesota Twins had themselves a productive Monday.

The professional baseball organization kicked off the work week by (literally) welcoming the Detroit Tigers to Target Field. Apparently, some Land of 10K Lakes-residents are familiar with the division rival’s new manager:

Sidebar: Small world, am I right?

Once the nostalgic chitchat eventually ceased, the two teams took to the diamond.

After trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth, a two-out/two-run Max Kepler double tied it up at deuces. That’s where the score would remain until the bottom of the eighth, when Logan Morrison watched ball 4 to earn a rare RBI walk that gave the Twins the lead. One batter later, some slick Eddie Rosario baserunning provided the always-appreciated insurance run.

Speaking of appreciated, a light needs to be shined on Rosario’s walk-off catch:

In the aftermath of another José Berríos’ gem (8 IP, 3 H, 2 ER), Minnesota kept their Monday grind going by announcing a roster move. The noteworthy transaction immediately diverted attention away from the team’s 4-2 victory.

The designation for assignment means that Minnesota has a week’s time to either trade or send Phil Hughes through waivers. Due to the aggressive amount of money ($22.57M through 2019) remaining on the RHP’s contract, he will most certainly be hitting the wire. Once the other 29 teams pass on that raw deal, the 31 year-old will officially be released.

After spending his first seven MLB seasons with the Yankees Evil Empire, Hughes agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with the Twins, during the 2013-14 offseason. Upon completion of an impressive 16-10 (3.52 ERA, 209.2 IP) 2014 campaign, Minnesota restructured and extended the starting pitcher’s contract.

Unfortunately, since then, the California native has been unable to return to that 7th place Cy Young voting form.

When you look at how much he got bit by the damn injury bug, that would seem to make sense:

To address all the money remaining on Hughes’ deal, the Pohlad owned franchise is going to end up footing that ($22.57 million) bill. While that’s a tough proverbial pill to swallow, the right-handed hurler’s plethora of bad breaks make it equally difficult to hold anything against him.

Paul Molitor summed up the situation as follows:

Due to the imminent returns of Ervin Santana and Trevor May, the writing relating to this move was on covered the wall. In regards to Hughes’ immediate roster replacement, that information is expected to be announced on Tuesday.

In closing, once the veteran pitcher is officially released, he’ll be considered a free agent. As you can see, there’s a decent chance he remains in the AL Central:

Sidebar: Small world, am I right?

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/phil-hughes-designated-for-assignment-twins-likely-to-write-him-22m-exit-check/feed/ 0 Tue, 22 May 2018 08:00:13 +0000 Minnesota Twins Despite Injury Purge, is the Twins Season Looking Up? https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/despite-injury-purge-is-the-twins-season-looking-up/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/despite-injury-purge-is-the-twins-season-looking-up/#respond Sun, 06 May 2018 12:57:26 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=9518

When it comes to appearing extremely intoxicated, the last couple weeks of the Twins’ season deserve a gold silver medal.

With that attempt to lighten the mood complete (things might get a little dark here), let’s talk baseball:

After starting off the season 8-5, the Twins played the next 13 games to the tune of a 2-11 record.

As disturbing as that graphic is, Saturday’s victory actually marked the team’s second win in a row and third of their last four. They’ll enter Sunday just a half game back of Ron Gardenhire’s Detroit Tigers for second place in the AL Central. While that accomplishment is certainly nothing to write home about, beggars Minnesotans can’t be choosers.

So, hopefully Minnesota’s very recent on-the-field play, unlike Miguel Sano’s weight goals, are moving back in the right direction. Unfortunately, that’s not the case away from the big league diamond:

Jason Castro’s 10-day DL designation means Mitch Garver will take on the majority of reps at Joe Mauer’s old position. Who’s for the new catcher on the Twins’ roster? Bobby Wilson was acquired via a FA minor-league deal in November of 2017.

Over the course of eight different MLB seasons (324 games), the 35 year-old has a career batting average of .214 (.268 OBP). With all due respect to Wilson, barring some sort of out-of-body experience, I hope he reaches the 330 career contest plateau as part of a different organization.

Unless you’re hosing runners down at second like Yadier Molina, Bobby Boy’s one home run every 47 at-bats coupled with his barely-above .200 batting average isn’t going to cut it:

via GIPHY

Sidebar: Indications are that Castro’s slow start at the plate is attributed to this meniscus issue.

Speaking of not going to cut it, Minnesota’s current team ERA of 5.02 ranks 26th in the majors. For comparison purposes, Ervin Santana’s 2017 ERA closed at an impressive 3.28.

Although the 2x All-Star’s transfer to the 60-Day Disabled List may appear daunting, the headline’s bark significantly outperforms its bite.

The two month hiatus is retroactive to the beginning of the season. Due to that extremely important wrinkle, Santana will be permitted to return from this lingering finger issue on May 28th.

Despite the May eligibility date, according to Paul Molitor, the 35 year-old pitcher’s need for live batting practice sessions prior to his (brief) Minor League assignment, “leaves the first week of June as a more likely landing spot for Santana’s return.”

While that would equate to (basically) another month’s time without the reliable right-hander, a certain call-up last week may ease our pain slightly.

The way I see it, despite all of the Twins’ recent pain (literally and figuratively), things easily could have been much more excruciating. First of all, Cleveland’s recent struggles leave them sitting only one game above .500. In addition to that, it’s not like Minnesota still has one of their starting pitching eggs in Phil Hughes’ basket.

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/despite-injury-purge-is-the-twins-season-looking-up/feed/ 0 Sun, 06 May 2018 07:57:26 +0000 Minnesota Twins Phil Hughes is Back in the Starting Rotation… Temporarily We Hope https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/phil-hughes-is-back-in-the-starting-rotation-temporarily-we-hope/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/phil-hughes-is-back-in-the-starting-rotation-temporarily-we-hope/#respond Fri, 20 Apr 2018 13:53:32 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=9322

As Minnesota gets set for this weekend’s three-game series  vs the Tampa Bay Rays, the A.L. Central leading ballclub should be plenty rested. Between a bullshit April blizzard, and off days surrounding the Puerto Rico trip, the Twins have played two games (25 innings, though) over the past week.

With their next trio of contests taking place away from Target Field, there’s no need to sweat the forecast. The Rays play their home games at Tropicana Field.

Sidebar: My sources say there’s no chance there of a dome collapse due to snow.

After Lance Lynn takes the mound on Friday, barring any unforeseen events, Kyle Gibson will do the same on Saturday. While Lynn and Gibson have already combined for five starts, Sunday’s pitcher will be making his MLB season debut:

Per LaVelle E. Neal III, the 31 year-old, Phil Hughes, will be activated from the disabled list in time to start Sunday against Tampa Bay. The move comes in anticipation of next week’s four game series vs. the Evil Empire:

Hughes’ appearance will mark the end of Paul Molitor’s previously employed four-man rotation.

Minnesota’s next (scheduled) off day isn’t until May 17th. With their best pitcher from 2017, Ervin Santana, expected to return around that time, how long Hughes stays among the reigning A.L. Manager of the Year’s Top 5 starters will remain to be seen.

The 2004 first round draft pick is coming off of a 2017 season that was a doppelgänger of his 2016 campaign.

According to our friends at the Mayo Clinic, “Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib are compressed.” While that breakdown makes the condition sound worse, Hughes has expressed that he FEELS better.

Good to hear. Let’s hope that his feeling-better equates to pitching better. Despite starting his Twins’ tenure strong, his last two (shortened) seasons have been brutal.

Phil Hughes’ Twins Career:

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/phil-hughes-is-back-in-the-starting-rotation-temporarily-we-hope/feed/ 0 Fri, 20 Apr 2018 08:53:32 +0000 Minnesota Twins Brian Dozier’s Days in a Twins’ Uniform Look to be Numbered https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/brian-doziers-days-in-a-twins-uniform-look-to-be-numbered/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/brian-doziers-days-in-a-twins-uniform-look-to-be-numbered/#respond Tue, 06 Mar 2018 13:11:25 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=8616

Next offseason, Joe Mauer and Ervin Santana’s (2019 team option) contracts will emulate a high school graduate who forgoes college. That’s a BIG financial monkey off of the back AND a lot of Pohlad pocket-change (combined $36.50 million in 2018) off of the books.

When Minnesota’s current offseason started as slow as it did, that information was regularly mixed into complaints regarding the organizations lack of spending.

Now, with fans no longer fiending for roster additions, conversations based around Mauer and Santana’s soon-to-expire deals are more of a rarity. In fact, on Monday, discussions surrounded a different Twin, that’s also in the final year of his contract:

With no agreement in place for 2019, 30 year-old Brian Dozier’s tenure in Minnesota could very well end, after this season. While speaking with the media, the second baseman conveyed that he and the Twins haven’t had “any talks about exploring an extension.“

Naturally, at his age, Dozier is interested in securing the bag a long-term deal. However, from the teams’ perspective, committing big dollars to the well-established, middle infielder might not make any sense.

Between Royce Lewis, Nick Gordon, and Wander Javier, three of Minnesota’s top five prospects are shortstops. On top of that, the ball-club’s reigning starter at that position, Jorge Polanco, is only 24 years-old. While none of them are currently listed at 2B, all four up-and-comers have the potential to change positions, if the situation calls for it.

via GIPHY

Dozier, the Mississippi native, has blasted a combined 76 HRs over the past two seasons. Those type of numbers from a second baseman are an anomaly. For now, that irregularity is a blessing. If you’re in the camp that feels Dozier needs to stay in the Land of 10K lakes, assuming he ends up hitting the open market, the moon-shots will become a curse.

That old supply and demand economic model is going to get your ass. Due to his unique power, the man who has been known to turn a broken bat into a makeshift duck-call has the potential to be the highest paid free agent second baseman since 2014 (Robinson Cano).

Brian Dozier’s Stats:

However things ultimately play out, “Brian with the Good Hair” has been an absolute bargain:

In conclusion, the purpose of this article was to simply plant the seed. As for what type of proverbial plant Dozier’s baseball future will become, that remains to be seen. From his personal performance, to whether Minnesota will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, and everything in-between; there are plenty of variables associated with this topic that are yet to be decided.

With that being said, don’t be surprised if future reports regarding Dozier’s future, are more all over the place than this state’s climate.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/brian-doziers-days-in-a-twins-uniform-look-to-be-numbered/feed/ 0 Tue, 06 Mar 2018 09:29:08 +0000 Minnesota Twins Unexpected Surgery Likely Means Ervin Santana Out for Opening Day. https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/unexpected-surgery-likely-means-ervin-santana-opening-day/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/unexpected-surgery-likely-means-ervin-santana-opening-day/#respond Wed, 07 Feb 2018 02:19:01 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=7732

The Twins have been looking to replace Ervin Santana as the Opening Day Starter all offseason as they search for a new bonafide #1 starter in free agency. After Tuesday’s news, it looks like one half of that equation will certainly prove true. Ervin Santana underwent surgery on the middle finger of his right hand. Per the Twins, the problem at hand (pun intended) occurred over a period of time while Santana, in anticipation of Spring Training, was increasing his workload.

Initial reports are indicating that the 35 year-old will be sidelined 10-12 weeks. If he does in-fact rejoin the team during that two-week timeframe, Twins fans can anticipate seeing Minnesota’s best returning starter make his 2018 debut between April 17th and May 1st.

With Minnesota opening their season on March 29th, it appears that Santana will miss the first few weeks of the season. Damnit. This shit sucks. Ah-shucks. Gosh diddly darn. To the individual who didn’t “enjoy hearing” the hip hop song I put into a Teddy Bridgewater video recently, is that better? It’s 2018, lady. Eagles fans are out there literally eating horse shit manure. I parlay “gangster rap nonsense” with some Teddy footage, because it got me jacked up, and apparently I’m the jackass jerk?

Anywho, let’s get back to baseball. Here are Ervin Santana’s 2017 Numbers:

As for who will replace him at the top of the starting rotation in the interim? Barring a big move, it appears that job will be given to Jose Berrios.

In regards to the rest of the starting rotation, I’m going to table those conversations. Yu Darvish is dragging this free agency thing out like it’s a seat at U.S. Bank Stadium. In Eagles’ fan fashion, he’s starting to piss anger some.

However you may feel of Darvish’ strategy, once he ACTUALLY signs, the rest of the dominos will start to fall. If the Japanese-born pitcher thinks an unexpected injury to Ervin Santana is going to increase my daydreams of possible free agents becoming Opening Day Twins’ Starters, I’m way too woke to fall for that shit garbage.

Whatever Santana misses, it ain’t shit it’s nothing compared to 80 games:

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/unexpected-surgery-likely-means-ervin-santana-opening-day/feed/ 0 Tue, 06 Feb 2018 20:19:01 +0000 Minnesota Twins Johan Santanta to be Inducted into Twins HOF; Looking Back at his Numbers…. Wow. https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/johan-santanta-inducted-twins-hof-looking-back-numbers-wow/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/johan-santanta-inducted-twins-hof-looking-back-numbers-wow/#respond Sat, 20 Jan 2018 13:55:36 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=7227

Whether or not Johan Santana ends up in the Baseball Hall of Fame has been a hot topic as of late. Until January 24th, the Cooperstown situation will remain looking a lot like a normally sure gap-shot with Torii Hunter or Byron Buxton in center field. The actual outcome is up TBD.

However, one thing is for certain: Santana will be enshrined into the Twins’ Hall of Fame. Per Friday’s announcement, the organization’s 2x Cy Young winner is going to be inducted, during pregame, on August 4th, at Target Field.

For someone who was originally considered an outfield prospect, Johan Santana has had a remarkable career (not officially retired). The Venezuelan native was first signed by the Astros organization in 1995. Minnesota ended up acquiring Santana four years later, via the Rule 5 Draft. By then, Houston had already converted him to a pitcher.

After a decent, but low volume start to his Twins tenure, Santana really blossomed in 2002. Yo-Yo finished that year with a sub 3.00 ERA and a WHIP just over 1.22. Then, over the next half a decade as Minnesota’s ace, he became EASILY the most dominant pitcher in the majors. From 2003-2007, the lefty was changing speeds better than my 10-speed… and I’m not talking Schwinn.

During that time, number 57 finished no worse than 7th in the Cy Young voting, winning two. For comparison purposes, the late Roy Halladay also won the award twice throughout his career.

Prior to the 2008 season, the Twins traded Santana to the Yankees less talented, more fun to be around little brother. For some of you, that subject may still be sensitive. In his first three years with the Mets, Johan produced ERA’s of 2.53 (2008), 3.13 (2009), and 2.98 (2010). It wasn’t looking good for the Twins.

Now, this story isn’t all bad but let me hit on the worst part first. Let’s take a look at the supposed conversations and possible offers the Twins had when trading Santana. Let’s just say the rumors weren’t lacking. And as for the quality in those rumors/supposed offers? Have you ever went shopping at a Lexus dealership?

Take a look at this as written by BaseballProspectus.com shortly after Santana was traded to the Mets:

It was like being let loose for a shopping spree in the prospect store, or so Twins fans hoped. In the Red Sox aisle were Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson, and Jed Lowrie. In the Yankees department were Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Ian Kennedy, and Austin Jackson. And in the Mets section were Fernando Martinez, Carlos Gomez, Deolis Guerra, Jon Niese, and Kevin Mulvey.

Ellsbury? Buchholz? Lester? Masterson? Kennedy?

F………………………………….

Now initially, the Big Apple probably felt pretty good about themselves.

However, he fell off well before the end of his six-year contract. Thankfully (not for Johan), it didn’t end up nearly as painful as the Big Papi cluster f*ck.

By joining Eddie Guardado, Torii Hunter, and Michael Cuddyer,  Johan becomes the fourth Twin from the 2000’s to be elected into Minnesota’s HOF.

Santana headed some good Twins’ pitching rotations. And in 2006, with Francisco Liriano right behind him, they were the best 1-2 punch in the MLB. A buzz-saw that even the best lineups weren’t making it through unscathed. Santana finished 2006 with a 2.77 ERA and a 19-6 record while Liriano went 12-3 with just a 2.16 ERA. Oh, those 12 wins came AFTER he was stuck with bullpen duty for all of April and half of May.

And in that 2006 season, the Twins were GOOD. They ended the season with a 96-66 record. Unfortunately, in classic Minnesota style, the Twins were swept by the Athletics in the Divisional Round of the playoffs that year.

At the plate, the 2018 Twins team should be even more entertaining than last year’s version (knock on wood). However, bolstering our starting pitching before opening day, to resemble ANYTHING like that 2006 squad remains priority 1-A. Well at least they already have a Johan (now Ervin) Santana. Now you just need to surround him with some more talent.

Regardless of what we get in free agency, we aren’t matching the ace we had to lean on in the early 2000s. With all due respect to our guy Ervin (Johan), he’s not the same pitcher. He must have known he wasn’t filling those shoes. However, I do have one guy in mind who could make this starting rotation LEGIT. And with the bullpen Falvine has now put together….. watch out.

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/johan-santanta-inducted-twins-hof-looking-back-numbers-wow/feed/ 0 Sat, 20 Jan 2018 07:55:36 +0000 Minnesota Twins Shohei Ohtani Won’t Be Hitting BOMBS or Throwing FIRE in a Twins Uniform https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/shohei-ohtani-wont-hitting-bombs-throwing-fire-twins-uniform/ https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/shohei-ohtani-wont-hitting-bombs-throwing-fire-twins-uniform/#respond Mon, 04 Dec 2017 03:00:05 +0000 https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/?p=4797 According to multiple reports, the Minnesota Twins are no longer contenders to sign Shohei Ohtani. This information was relayed to the club on Sunday, via Ohtani’s representatives. Thus far, The “Japanese Babe Ruth” has only granted meetings to the San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners.

Damnit. With the Vikings, Gophers Men’s Basketball, and the Timberwolves all winning on Sunday, the Twins took an “L”. We don’t get to have a full-day of nice things. On the bright side though, so did the Yankees. Like Minnesota, New York was informed of their own misfortune, on the Ohtani sweepstakes. Once considered front-runners to land Ohtani, the Bronx Bombers were less than thrilled to hear the bad news:

Technically, the Cubs and Rangers are still in the mix. My message to those fan bases: Don’t hold your breath. It doesn’t take a Geography savant to figure out Shohei wants to play on the West Coast. The Dodgers, Angels, and Padres are all still considered to be potential suitors for Baby Babe. As of Sunday evening, unlike the Giants and Mariners, those three organizations were yet to confirm any potential meeting. I’m sorry Athletics, but you’re out. The Bay Area already has the Warriors. They have nothing to complain about.

Twins fan’s fantasies of obtaining a power-hitting, 102 MPH throwing freak of nature are dead. There will be no 23-year-old phenom coming in from his outfield spot to throw smoke past Aaron Judge. At least not for us.

If you’re not up to speed on the Asian Baseball League legend, we’ve done a couple of articles on him recently. If you wish to further your education (knowledge is power) click here: Japan’s Babe Ruth.

Now what? There’s no crying in baseball. Minnesota needs to shake this one off and move onto the next potential move. The Twins currently have $3.25 million in their International Signing Pool. That money was being saved to offer Ohtani. Now that we’re out of the running, the thought of trading those funds is on the table.

Falvey and Levine can trade some/all of said cash to one of the West Coast organizations in exchange for a prospect. The 5 teams still considered to have a shot at Shohei are VERY motivated to do something along those lines. They’d use the money, acquired from the Twins, in attempt to entice Ohtani with a larger signing bonus.

It was rumored the 23 year-old wanted to be the only Japanese star on his team. Maybe he knows something we don’t. Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish is considered one of the most coveted free agents available this offseason. His name has been swirling around these parts as a possible signing. If we can make it happen, I’m all for it. A three game series where opposing hitters see Santana, Berrios, and Darvish sounds good to me.

As always when talking about Yu, cue the music:

 

Johnny Minnesota @mnsportsnstuff
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

]]> https://www.minnesotasportsfan.com/minnesota-twins/shohei-ohtani-wont-hitting-bombs-throwing-fire-twins-uniform/feed/ 0 Sun, 03 Dec 2017 21:01:46 +0000 Minnesota Twins