Bringing Back A Familiar Face Could Fill A Void For Twins

Photo Credit - Keith Allison

There are pros and cons to bringing Santana back

82. That’s how many wins Johan Santana accumulated compared to just 35 losses from 2003-2007 for the Minnesota Twins. During that stretch he racked up 1,152 strikeouts while issuing only 245 walks with a 2.93 ERA. He led the league in ERA twice, in 2006 became the first pitching Triple Crown winner since Dwight Gooden in 1985 when he led the league in ERA (2.77), strikeouts (245), and tied Chien-Ming Wang for wins (19).

Santana won two Cy Young awards and never finished lower than seventh in voting during that stretch to go along with two top ten MVP finishes.This is the guy the Twins should bring back to the twin cities and here’s why:

 

 

The Twins are in dire need of a lefty starter.

With Phil Hughes coming off a career year where he finished seventh in Cy Young voting, he'll be the number one starter, behind him offseason signee Ervin Santana. Beyond those two it's a big question mark for a franchise that has been tormented with bad pitching for the last four years. They have a pool of potential but unproven talent with Kyle Gibson, Alex Meyer, and Trevor May. Ricky Nolasco and Mike Pelfrey will be looking to get healthy and bounce back from a forgetful 2014 season. What the aforementioned all have in common is they're right-handed pitchers. Tommy Milone stands as the lone left-hander. Should he struggle as he did last season or get injured the Twins have no where else to go.

The Fans.

The Twins need to bring excitement back to a fan base that has dwindled in attendance each year since opening Target Field in 2010. Fans in Minnesota have been told to have patience for years. With a farm system loaded with young talent it's understandable. But when is the payoff? Four years of 92-plus losses will irritate even the most loyal fan, regardless of the young talent the front office boasts. We already saw the team bring back Twins great and fan favorite Torii Hunter. Bringing back a taste of past glory and dominance within the division could at least bring more fans out to have the chance to see a couple of Twins legends before they call it a career. Everyone loves a farewell tour.

Leadership.

Joe Mauer is undoubtedly the star of the team, his clubhouse leadership though has raised doubts. During his tenure with the Twins, Torii Hunter was a star and team leader. Hunter like Santana is well past his prime, and though Hunter's contributions on the field might not be what they once were, the knowledge and leadership he can provide to young hitters is endless. Santana could be that guy for the pitching staff.

Financial Situation.

The Twins are historically on the lower end of the payroll (24th in 2014). Ervin Santana was the big offseason signing. Twins General Manager Terry Ryan makes a couple low risk, high reward signings every year, already making one with Hunter this offseason. Some have paid off....others not so much. Pelfrey has been nothing short of a bust since donning a Twins uniform, and Nolasco never got on track last season while battling an elbow strain, but the verdict is still out on him.

What did pay off were the additions of Carl Pavano who became the ace for a short time, and most recently with Hughes. Santana won't put up Phil Hughes numbers, but the Twins wouldn't have to pay him Phil Hughes money either, as he'll likely be offered nothing more than a minor league deal.

The Verdict.

Santana's availability is due to his struggles with injuries. With the Mets Santana had surgery twice on his shoulder, then tore his achilles with Baltimore last spring. His body is breaking down and he’ll be 36 years-old come opening day.

Of course the Twins aren't the only team who might be interested in Santana's services. Gerry Farley of the Dallas Morning News noted the Rangers, Brewers, Mariners, Blue Jays, and Yankees are all keeping an eye on his progress. The progress began on Tuesday when he pitched two scoreless innings in the Venezuelan League.

For what it's worth, look at what Santana did when healthy post-Twins era. Third in Cy Young voting in 2008, an all-star in 2009, and posted a 2.98 ERA in 2010 before missing all of 2011. Then he threw the first ever no-hitter in Mets history before injuries took away the rest of 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Injuries and father time are working against Johan Santana, but it might be time for the Twins to bring back a familiar face so both can restore their past glory.