The Minnesota Twins are not exempt from Santa’s Naughty and Nice list. Here is how we believe it would read for our favorite team.
The Minnesota Twins, just like everyone else, must pass one of the most importation evaluations of the year, Santa’s Naughty and Nice list. Was each of us good enough throughout the year to make the nice list or did something we did land us on the naughty list? We all know what that naughty list means, nothing more than a lump of coal.
Here is how we believe that Santa’s list should go for those connected with the Minnesota Twins.
Joe Mauer–Nice
Would you expect anything different from the Minnesota golden boy? Joe Mauer may not be fully going out on top but he is heading into retirement in one of the coolest ways I have ever witnessed. He gave 15 good seasons to the Twins organization even if it was sprinkled with frustrations and a position change. Santa may have already given Mauer his gift early as his childhood hero Kent Hrbek let him know his No. 7 was going to be retired by the Twins.
Jason Castro’s Knee–Naughty
The injury to Jason Castro early in the season may be one of the more underrated negatives to the 2018 season. Yes, Castro hasn’t done much with his bat in his time with the Twins outside of some timely hits. His ability to call a game and frame pitches is still among the top in the game. While the Twins pitching staff was improved it may have created an even different level of effectiveness for them if Castro was receiving their pitches.
Eddie Rosario–Nice
Eddie Rosario felt like the only reason we turned on Twins games for a period of time this summer. Rosario’s May of .368/.388/.615 with a 1.004 OPS was something incredible to take in. That figured into an entire first half that saw Rosario hit .311/.353/.537 and an.890 OPS with 19 home runs and really be snubbed out of an All-Star game appearance.
Paul Molitor–Naughty
Specifically, Paul Molitor lands on the naughty list for his bullpen management. Santa may not be as bothered by Molitor’s use of the Twins relievers since he is used to doing super-human things around Christmas, but I am. Using your best pitchers in games that are simply a lost game is something that is just insane. Especially when they are simply human.
Jake Cave–Nice
Jake Cave put together a nice partial season in 2018. His performance was good enough some people are even calling for him to start over Max Kepler. All that from a player who was really a cast-off of the Yankees roster before the season began.
The Pohlads–Nice
This is the one that will cause many of you to comment and tweet at me. Following the Twins back into the Terry Ryan era I have rarely seen a reason to call the Pohlad’s cheap. Everything outside of the stadium issue shows a willingness to allow the GM to sign players. The problem is the GM hasn’t always taken advantage of that.
Bert Blyleven–Naughty
This one is low hanging fruit. Anyone who has listened to a Twins television broadcast knows the reason for this designation.
Of course, all of you Puckett’s Pond readers make the nice list. Even if we disagree from time to time we appreciate the conversations we are able to have about our favorite team the Twins. With that said, who makes your Naughty and Nice list?