So far, team president Derek Falvey has yet to narrow down the search for a second round of interviews, but that is undoubtedly coming soon. Unfortunately, there was one popular candidate among fans who won’t be in for a second or even first interview… because he’s reportedly not interested.

Torii Hunter rebuffs Minnesota Twins interest

That non-candidate is MN Twins legend, Torii Hunter, who according to Declan Goff (SKOR North), was offered an opportunity to interview, but said he no thanks.

“I can confirm that Torii Hunter did have a conversation with Twins brass about the position, about preliminary conversation about being the manager of the Minnesota Twins. Essentially Torii Hunter told the Twins that he wasn’t interested in managing the team.”

Declan Goff – Skor North

Goff isn’t sure when the Twins contacted Hunter about interviewing for their vacant manager role. All he knows is that it happened happened before the Angels hired another former Twin, Kurt Suzuki, earlier this week.

The 50-year-old Hunter spent 12 of his 19 years in the major leagues with the Twins. He also played five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. It remains to be seen if he’ll continue to operate as a special assistant within the Angels organization.

Why would Hunter turn down a managing opportunity?

Torii Hunter spends most of his time in California now, and according to Declan, wasn’t interested in uprooting his family. He also has a presence in Texas, where he works out with Royce Lewis during the offseason.

Even with the logistical difficulties, however, if Torii Hunter wants to get into managing — something he has previously conveyed multiple times, then his turning down the Minnesota Twins is likely about more than uprooting his family.

From more than one source, I personally have been told that candidates have expressed interest in the Twins roster and front office, that Derek Falvey can make things work. However, ownership being a “mess” has become a recurring hurdle throughout the process, so far.

The Texas Rangers have already hired their next manager, in Skip Schumaker. Other possibilities have been making their interview rounds, including and former Twins All-Star catcher, Kurt Suzuki, who recently interviewed with the Giants, for their vacant manager job.

All we know about the MN Twins search, however, is that they’re apparently interested in cheaper candidates (shocker), likely someone without previous MLB managerial experience. But there is one realistic candidate who stands out above the others, especially for an organization that desperately needs to rally its fanbase.

Torii Hunter a candidate for Minnesota Twins manager

Torii Hunter is one of the most popular players to ever wear a Minnesota Twins uniform. Currently, he is working in the Angels organization, but immediately after Baldelli was fired, Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale listed Hunter as a potential candidate for the vacant Twins job.

On Monday, though, The Athletic’s Brittany Ghiroli took the Torii Hunter + Twins connection a step further, noting that the 5x All Star and 9x Gold Glove winner is indeed “in the mix” to be the next manager of the team that drafted him No. 20 overall back in 1993 and subsequently played 12 seasons with.

The favorite for the Los Angeles Angels’ job is special assistant Albert Pujols, as reported by The Athletic last week, though special assistants Torii Hunter and Kurt Suzuki are also in the mix. Suzuki also interviewed for the Giants job, while Hunter could be in the mix with the Minnesota Twins to replace Rocco Baldelli.

Brittany Ghiroli – The Athletic

Without the Twins making real steps towards hiring their next manager we have been left to simply connect dots. While it was previously suggested that Torii Hunter could be in play for the Twins, we now we have confirmation of that reality.

Could Hunter to the Twins really happen?

Hunter seemed like a logical candidate for the Los Angeles Angels once that job opened up, but as soon as Albert Pujols was mentioned, a larger name was out there. Pujols returning to the dugout would be interesting.

He is just 45 years old and retired following the 2022 season. Having spent 10 years in Los Angeles, there’s certainly equity established within the organization. Minnesota’s interest in Hunter makes sense. While he doesn’t have a specific or direct tie to Derek Falvey, he certainly is familiar with the Pohlads.

Torii Hunter…nine time Gold Glove winner. pic.twitter.com/K2Z1kEYYhO

— Jeff (@MNTwinsZealot) March 5, 2025

As a first time manager, it would be logical to assume he’d align with the front office and analytics department, for the most part, and certainly fit as the perfect communicator between the from front office and clubhouse. Hunter was a big part of the Minnesota Twins’ strong clubhouse culture, under Paul Molitor during the 2015 season.

Theoretically, that’s something he could bring back. Torii has also worked with Royce Lewis in the offseason, too. Obviously, getting his development back on track will play a big role into the success of whoever does take the Twins manager job.

Thus, their manager became the fall guy, and that means the Twins should be on the hunt for a new clubhouse leader. Unfortunately for fans, and those vying for the job, Falvey couldn’t even articulate what the organization is looking for in its next hire.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to complete a search when you don’t know what you are looking for. Meanwhile, other teams around the MLB are already making moves. Some manager vacancies have already been filled, others looking to hire have begun interviewing candidates.

Kurt Suzuki interviews with San Francisco Giants

That includes the San Francisco Giants, who interviewed former Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki on Friday. Suzuki spent 16 years in the big leagues, three of which came in Minnesota, where he was named to his only All-Star team in 2014.

Suzuki has been working with the Los Angeles Angels, alongside with Torii Hunter, who has been floated as the next Minnesota Twins manager.

Kurt Suzuki interviewed for the San Francisco Giants’ managerial opening today, sources say. Suzuki, 41, played 16 seasons in the majors and is currently a special assistant to the general manager with the Angels.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) October 3, 2025

Catchers are often considered quality managerial types given their view of the game. They direct so much on the field, and have a perspective rivaled by virtually no other position. Prior to the 2023 season, the Cleveland Guardians named Stephen Vogt, a former catcher, their manager despite no previous experience.

What are the MN Twins doing?

It has been five days since the Minnesota Twins fired manager Rocco Baldelli. Despite whatever drivel Derek Falvey would like to sell the media, this decision was made a long time ago. Even with the understanding that a search needed to happen, they have done effectively nothing with that time.

After an 81-81 season, the Rangers moved on from Bruce Bochy at the same time Minnesota did Baldelli. They have already hired Skip Schumaker as their next leader.

The Texas Rangers have hired Skip Schumaker as their new manager. Schumaker, 45, was the National League Manager of the Year in 2023 and spent the last year as a special assistant with the Rangers. He takes over for future Hall of Famer Bruce Bochy.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 4, 2025

Schumaker was someone Bobby Nightengale floated as a potential candidate for the Twins, but that never seemed logical given the interest Texas was known to have. There are other very strong candidates that Nightengale also identified, but none of that matters while the front office sits on their hands.

Less than a week removed from firing Baldelli, the Twins didn’t need to follow the Rangers path and already have made a hire. With the foresight of this outcome looming though, appearing to have a clue, conducting interviews, and names being publicly stated all would have been logical.

Then again, the Minnesota Twins continue to operate with rudderless ownership and a president that is more worried about spending time in front of a microphone to say nothing, than actually making meaningful improvement.

It would be easy to categorize Baldelli as a player’s manager, and traditionally after a firing, clubs go in the opposite direction with their next leader. It isn’t going to be that cut and dry for the Twins though, as they reportedly have identified the goal for their next skipper.

Player development is a must for MN Twins new manager

A few years ago, moving from a manager like Rocco Baldelli to someone like Doug Mientkiewicz might make sense. The former Twins first basemen has a reputation as a “red ass”, but the current regime chose not to keep him as a manager in the minors. Even though he won games, his style didn’t align with their philosophy. That same approach isn’t what they’re aiming for at the major league level, either.

One of the intended goals of bringing on a new manager is to hire someone well-versed in player development, Falvey said.

“I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all to this,” Falvey said. “We have to be very open-minded. … If you look around baseball, and you look at the postseason right now, there are all kinds of different managers. There are lots of very successful managers that have come from different backgrounds, different playing experiences, different coaching experiences, even just non-coaching experiences in and outside of the game.”

The Athletic

A strong background in player development, though, could hold importance. The Twins didn’t see many of their young hitters take a step forward this year. Royce Lewis and Matt Wallner didn’t hit as well as they did in past seasons. Brooks Lee has yet to establish himself. Edouard Julien and Jose Miranda seemingly fell out of the team’s plans.

“If you’re in a market like ours and you’re going to bring up players, you’re going to bring up guys that aren’t quite there yet,” Falvey said. “They need to be given runway, need to be given development and need to grow at this level.”

Star Tribune

Both Dan Hayes of The Athletic and Bobby Nightengale of the Star Tribune suggest that the Twins are looking for someone adept in player development. This is interesting because that doesn’t typically fall on the shoulders of a manager.

Managers are typically a reflection of the coaches around them from a performance standpoint. They are tasked with pulling levers, but they aren’t traditionally going to be directly credited for results.

It seems as the Twins want someone who has accomplished those feats previously before installing them as the leader of their clubhouse. If that is the case, someone like Torii Hunter could certainly be cast aside due to a lack of previous coaching experience.

If this is the channel for the Twins, then previous managers or high-level coaches all fit the bill. That goes back to the group of previously connected names like Derek Shelton, James Rowson, and Brandon Hyde.

New Twins manager will need to overhaul staff

While Rocco Baldelli was the name publicly announced as having been let go on Monday, the coaching staff is likely to take the fall as well. That could mean Tommy Watkins, Hank Conger, Jayce Tingler, and plenty of others are on the outs.

Whether any of them are ultimately retained remains to be seen. The reality for a newly identified manager is that they have to get the support staff right too.

Minnesota has looked to both the professional and college ranks when filling out the leaders of their clubhouse. That should be expected to remain the case going forward. The collective must be aligned on the direction and decisions for the future though.

No matter who is leading the charge, 2026 doesn’t look entirely promising. The more impact the next group of leaders can have on that, the better.

Someone had to take the fall for a 92-loss season. Ownership already decided to halt the sale of the team and instead invite new limited partners to buy down their debt. Derek Falvey was recently promoted to one of the highest ranking front office roles across the sport. Fault wasn’t going to be felt there.

With Baldelli being ousted though, the powers at the top must now find a new name. There have been candidates discussed previously, but we’re now starting to see some floated by local sources.

Bobby Nightengale offers new names for MN Twins manager role

Earlier this summer Buster Olney highlighted some candidates that could be considered to take over a vacancy at manager for the Minnesota Twins. Easy ties are made to former hitting coach James Rowson, and former bench coach Derek Shelton. The Star Tribune’s Bobby Nightengale mentions both of them as well.

The more intriguing names are those that hadn’t been previously considered or stated publicly. Seven of those exist in Nightengale’s mind.

Of them, there are four former managers. Skip Schumacher seems to be in line for the Texas Rangers job after they parted ways with future Hall of Famer Bruce Bochy. Both Hyde and Ross were out of the dugout and clubhouse this season. Bell formerly managed the Cincinnati Reds, and his brother Mike was the Twins bench coach in 2020 prior to his death.

Albernaz is a name that ESPN has also brought up, along with Kai Correa, as potential matches from the Guardians franchise. Falvey’s connections there continue to run deep, and he could look to poach from the AL Central Division champions.

Lombard was a candidate for the White Sox managerial job last season. Speaking of the White Sox, former Twins catcher Drew Butera was released from their coaching staff on Monday, and could be a candidate as well. So too could current bench coach Jayce Tingler.

Of the names Nightengale mentions though, it’s Torii Hunter that continues to generate some real steam.

Torii Hunter as the Minnesota Twins manager?

Hunter played 19 years at the Major League level. He has yet to manage in any capacity, but has worked in a coaching capacity with both the Twins and the Angels. At 50 years old, he could be the next former player to immediately step into the role.

The Twins Hall of Famer, a five-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove winner, has expressed interest in managing. Hunter, 50, was a popular player inside and outside the clubhouse, and he’s worked as a special assistant in the Los Angeles Angels front office for the last two years. Hunter, who works with Twins third baseman Royce Lewis during the offseason, interviewed to be the Angels manager in 2023.

Bobby Nightengale – Star Tribune

Rocco Baldelli was seen as a player’s manager and typically a firing then swings the pendulum the other way. I’d guess Hunter would fall more in line as a player’s manager as well, but shouting and yelling can fall on deaf ears.

The reality is that great managers can carry messages between the front office and roster while effectively communicating in a way both sides are receptive to hearing. Hunter has the experience working with both sides, and he has been an integral part of generating positive clubhouse cultures as well.

Although Hunter does not have previous managerial experience, his fit is one that continues to gain steam.

Torii Hunter or Justin Morneau are the only right answers. https://t.co/YGgtoJfRuT

— Coach Trev (@trevorplouffe) September 29, 2025

torii hunter pic.twitter.com/z8MBuJrHAa

— parker hageman (@HagemanParker) September 30, 2025

The last series against the Angels, Torii Hunter was in the dugout for Los Angeles and comments were made about getting him back involved at the highest level for the Twins.

I don't really care about previous managerial experience, and I'd prefer not to hire a retread.

If…

— Ted (@tlschwerz) September 30, 2025

Going with Hunter would be taking a risk. The Cleveland Guardians did so with a 39-year-old Stephen Vogt last season though, and he won 92 games while finishing first in the division. This season they repeated, and overcame a 12.5 game deficit to chase down the Detroit tigers.

Previous experience shouldn’t be the lone determining factor, and Hunter has been intrigued by different managerial jobs previously. He’s currently engrained in the Angels system, and makes sense as a successor to Ron Washington. Minnesota may be best served to poach him first.

If they cannot rebound, the finger will be pointed at Rocco Baldelli. Is he the one that put a sudden brake lock on the player budget two years ago? No. Is he the one who developed their pitching strategy or analytic-heavy approach in general? No.

But if the proverbial shit hits the fan, there’s only one place to turn. Sure, they’d sell at the deadline, maybe even deal Carlos Correa if he is healthy. But Derek Falvey was just promoted to team president and Levine was already shown the door last offseason.

Should the Minnesota Twins fail to right their 2025 ship, it’ll probably be Baldelli who gets the ceremonious axe. And if that happens… who would they target as the new manager? Well, we aren’t far enough down that road for any names to start surfacing.

Torii Hunter available to manage if Minnesota Twins need a guy…?

Enter MN Twins legend Torii Hunter, who’s living in Los Angeles, and has stayed active in baseball circles since retiring after the 2015 season, which he actually spent with the Twins. Currently, Hunter is a special assistant with the Angels. LA’s manager Ron Washington believes Torii would be a great manager himself someday.

Well on Thursday, Hunter went on his old pal AJ Pierzynski’s “Foul Territory” Podcast and told the baseball world that, while he is busy with a lot of business stuff right now, his heart is in baseball and he would be open to managing a team in the future…

Torii Hunter says he could see himself managing one day.

"I've definitely built a rapport with some of the players and also learned a lot from Ron Washington and all the other coaches in there as well." pic.twitter.com/rDYjxDcaLx

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 1, 2025

“I try to stay around Ron Washington as much I can, and get a report from players, get to know them. And you know, the last couple years man I’ve definitely built a rapport with some of the players and also learned a lot from Ron Washington and all the other coaches in there, as well.

But yeah man, when I’m there man… my stress level is down, I’m where I supposed to be. I enjoy it, my wife said I come back happier, and it’s just it’s a great place to be, for me. And yes, I can see myself managing one day… if I’m allowed to.”

Torii Hunter – Foul Territory Podcast

After his one encore season in Minnesota, to end his Major League Baseball career, Torii Hunter wound up playing 12 seasons in a Twins uniform. That, out of 19 total big league seasons, where he spent five years as an Angel and two as a Detroit Tiger.

Hunter was so damn good when he played…

As a Twin, Hunter hit .268 with a .783 OPS. Minnesota let him walk in free agency, and that proved to be a mistake. When Torii left after the 2007 season, the then 32-year-old was coming off of the second All-Star game appearance of his career. His first came in 2002.

• Torii Hunter career stats (1997-2015): .277 BA | .793 OPS | 110 OPS+ | 50.6 WAR
  • MN Twins Hall of Fame
  • 9 Gold Gloves (CF)
  • 5 All Star Games
  • 2 Silver Sluggers (CF)

By 2009 with the Angels, he became an All-Star again, then he made it the next year too. In fact, Torii Hunter wasn’t done with All-Star Games, even after he left the Angels, well into his 30s. In 2013, a 37 year old Hunter hit .304 with a .800 OPS and made his fifth and final ASG.

Related: Revealed: Twins’ Short-Term Plan for Royce Lewis + Matt Wallner is His Own Worst Enemy

Hunter played in the big leagues so long because he could hit. No matter how good your glove is, 18 years in the big leagues requires you to be a good hitter. But let’s be real… Torii built his incredible baseball reputation on defense and proved to be one of the greatest defensive center fielders in MLB history, when it was all said and done.

We could watch Torii Hunter highlights all day.

Happy birthday to the 9x Gold Glove Award winner! pic.twitter.com/aMtVkzMR4k

— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) July 18, 2023

But would the second best center fielder in Minnesota Twins franchise history make a good manager? Who the hell knows. But if Ron Washington is in on Hunter, then so am I. So, should the Minnesota Twins fire Rocco Baldelli after this season, or anytime in the near future, I’d love to see Torii Hunter brought in for an interview.

Ichiro Suzuki was seen as the slam dunk this season, and he is being joined by C.C. Sabathia and Billy Wagner. Twins great Torii Hunter also extended his chances for another season.

Twins Torii Hunter hangs onto Hall of Fame candidacy

A year ago longtime Minnesota Twins great Torii Hunter received 28 votes, good enough for 7.3% of the total. He cleared the 5% threshold to remain on the ballot. This time around, in his fifth season of eligibility, he earned a sixth season with 5.1% (20 ballots) of the vote.

Hunter played 19 years in the major leagues while earning nine Gold Glove awards, two Silver Slugger awards, and was name an All-Star five times. 12 of his 19 years came with the Minnesota Twins.

We could watch Torii Hunter highlights all day.

Happy birthday to the 9x Gold Glove Award winner! pic.twitter.com/aMtVkzMR4k

— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) July 18, 2023

A career .277 hitter, Hunter amassed 353 home runs, 498 doubles, and 1,391 runs batted in. Nicknamed Spider-Man for his ability to scale the outfield wall and rob a home run, Hunter played 1,523 games in centerfield.

Related: 2025 Minnesota Twins Minor League Coaching Staff Revealed

Although Hunter won’t see election, it has been an impressive run for Hunter on the ballot. His numbers are reflective of very good rather than Cooperstown worthy.

After earning just 9.5% of his original vote (2021), trends would have had him falling off the following year. To garner consideration amongst Baseball Writers Association of America voters for six years speaks volumes to his character.

Former Twins closer Fernando Rodney appeared on the ballot for the first time this cycle. He did not receive a vote.

Minnesota’s next best chance at the Hall of Fame

Joe Mauer’s 53.5 career fWAR ranks fifth all-time in Minnesota Twins history. The players around him have all been enshrined in Cooperstown. For Hunter’s 42.9 career fWAR to have been considered, he would have needed a much grander individual resume.

There is no recently retired or current player that will likely come close. Short of a late-career resurgence, Carlos Correa will fall plenty short. That means hoping on the likes of someone such as Walker Jenkins.

That’s if one of the Era Committees doesn’t do the right thing first. Johan Santana should be the next Minnesota Twins player inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Johan Santana is one of only two Venezuelan-born pitchers to win the Cy Young Award, unanimously winning AL honors twice – 2004 and 2006 with the Minnesota Twins

Santana won the pitcher’s Triple Crown in 2006, one of three seasons in which he led the league in ERA. He is one of… pic.twitter.com/Hg1dgLjmTS

— MLB (@MLB) October 6, 2024

Santana’s career cannot be defined by counting metrics. He is the modern-day Sandy Koufax. His career was cut short by injuries. He was a two-time Cy Young winner, three-time ERA title holder, a four-time All-Star, and also won a Gold Glove. Santana won the pitching Triple Crown in 2006.

Related: Minnesota Twins Reveal Broadcast Team for First Season on MLB TV

Writer’s voted for Santana on just 2.4% of ballots during his first season of eligibility. Consider that in context to Hunter’s representation and it could not be more mind-boggling. That debacle could be fixed, similarly to Jim Kaat and Tony Oliva who have since been included through the Era Committee process.

In 1961, the Washington Senators loaded up their Chevy C/K’s, drove west and settled in Minnesota. Since then, the Twins have been fortunate to field some of the best baseball players of all time. MVPs, CY Young winners, Gold Glovers and Hall of Famers have called Minnesota their home.

Twins’ all-time leaders in OPS with runners in scoring position:
.966 Harmon Killebrew
.936 Joe Mauer
.884 Rod Carew
.879 Kirby Puckett

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) April 27, 2016

Have you ever wondered what it would be like having Kent Hrbek on deck while Harmon Killebrew is in the batter’s box? Or having Kirby Puckett throw a guy out at home with Joe Mauer applying the tag? This is always a fun game to play at the house, your local bar or at Target Field. Who would be on the Twins’ “All-Franchise Team.”

Depending on who you’re talking to, you’ll either agree, argue or combine your favorite Twins players in a fantasy lineup that would only happen in a video game. I’ve done it and I’m here to help you settle a few of those debates.

First, let me set a few ground rules. You can only choose Minnesota Twins players who spent a good chunk of their career playing in the land of 10,000 lakes. Yes, one or two players may have had a rough year where they had a slump or missed part of the season due to injury. Sorry Washington Senators fans, Twins players only.

After pondering about all of the great Twins players, I decided that this would be the perfect Minnesota Twins 25 man roster.

Pitching

SP Johan Santana        RP Eddie Guardado 
SP Bert Blyleven*        RP Glen Perkins
SP Camilo Pascual       RP Carl Willis
SP Jim Kaat                  RP Matt Guerrier
SP Jim Perry                 CL Rick Aguilera
SP Dave Boswell          CL Joe Nathan

This pitching staff would be a very tough one to score on.. especially in a seven game series. 

Now onto the sluggers and fielders.

Here’s how I would hand in the lineup card. 

1. Rod Carew* – 2B
2. Tony Oliva * – RF 
3. Kirby Puckett * – CF
4. Harmon Killebrew* – DH
5. Kent Hrbek * – 1B
6. Bob Allison – LF
7. Joe Mauer* – C
8. Gary Gaetti – 3B
9. Zoilo Versalles – SS 

Bench

Torii Hunter – OF
Justin Morneau – 1B
Brian Dozier – IF
Earl Battey – C
Tom Kelly* – Manager

Honorable Mentions

Michael Cuddyer – IF/OF
Brad Radke – P
Brian Harper – C
Greg Gagne – IF 

*Jersey number retired by the Twins

Yours is going to look different than mine, I get it. That’s what makes the conversation fun. Leave a comment or tweet me. Who would you swap out? Next time you’re watching a Twins game, current or classic, ask a friend or family member who they would have on the Twins All-Time roster. You’ll already be a step ahead of them, if it turns into an argument. 

Tweet me your thoughts @SkolMemes

Gene LaVoy | Minnesota Sports Fan

Follow MSF on all socials

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

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.

Congratulations Johan Santana on being named to the #MNTwins Hall of Fame! pic.twitter.com/fMWBOJyvhV

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) January 19, 2018

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.

ervin santana tidbit: he was born johan santana. changed name in 2003 to ervin to avoid confusion. #twins

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 13, 2014

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