Minnesota Twins: Ervin Santana and Miguel Sano Named AL All-Stars
The Minnesota Twins have two representatives headed to the All-Star Game in Miami: starting pitcher Ervin Santana and third baseman Miguel Sano.
On Sunday night, Major League Baseball’s All-Star rosters were announced for the game in Miami. The Minnesota Twins will have two representatives at the midsummer classic this season. Starting pitcher Ervin Santana and third baseman Miguel Sano were not voted in by fans, but made it because of player and manager selection.
Santana is making his second career All-Star appearance. His first came in 2008, when he was a member of the Angels. So far this season, Santana is 10-5 with a 3.07 ERA. He has recorded 3.0 wins above replacement this season, which is the second-best in his career. He could eclipse his career-high of 5.0, which he set in 2008. Even at age 34, Santana is having one of the best seasons of his career.
Sano looked like he was on his way to an All-Star Game start, but Jose Ramirez had a late boost in the polls and took the spot instead. Sano has easily been the best hitter on the Twins. He is currently hitting .272 with 20 home runs and 58 RBIs. It is Sano’s first All-Star selection. He will also be taking part in the Home Run Derby, hoping to dethrone defending champion and Miami favorite Giancarlo Stanton.
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Fresh Faces Representing The Twins
Both All-Stars are representing the Twins at the midsummer classic for the first time. Last season the Twins had only one representative, third baseman Eduardo Nunez. Glen Perkins was selected in the two All-Star contests prior to 2016, along with Brian Dozier in 2015 and Kurt Suzuki in 2014.
Sano represents a homegrown guy who can keep making appearances for years to come. His incredible power and young age are signs he could just be getting better. He is starting to establish himself as a star at the hot corner, which may mark the end of fringe All-Stars representing the Twins, something that has happened for a few years now.
Sano will, hopefully, be the Twins representative for years to come like Joe Mauer was during his prime. Mauer made the All-Star team six times in eight seasons from 2006 to 2013. Sano has the potential to do the same thing.
Next: Nick Gordon Named To All-Star Futures Game
With Santana and Sano representing the Twins in the All-Star Game, Twins fans are sure to be excited. A season that has been a welcome surprise can only get better with good performances from their two All-Stars. Sano even gives them a chance to watch the Home Run Derby while cheering for one of their own. The 2017 All-Star festivities have the chance to be unforgettable for the Twins organization.