It’s time for a word with Minnesota Twins fans who love to bash the Twins for “the ones who got away”. Social media has run wild with complaints. It’s a bad look. It’s like the infant that cries over spilled milk. These things are just part of the business of MLB baseball.
Let me start this off with a precursor. Eddie Rosario is a nice MLB player. I was in Rosario’s corner for much of his Twins tenure. It’s wonderful for him and other former Twins to go on to personal success with other teams. With that being said, we can still cheer for him and be okay with the Twins letting him go.
It’s okay when the Minnesota Twins let players go have success elsewhere.
Despite the threat of being seen as a “Pohlad Pocket Protector”, (a term popularized by local KFAN radio hosts as fans promoting the Twins’ underspending), I shall continue and break down several players who were good here and left.
Over the last few years, there have been several Twins who have found success elsewhere after their tenure with the Twins. Tyler Clippard, Sergio Romo, Kurt Suzuki are all players we signed as free agents who came in and had success with the Twins and left.
The free agent market is a place where you go to find players who fit your needs. It’s not the goal of any team to sign inadequate free agents, so it’s destined that some former Twins will go on to find success. It’s okay. It happens.
Playoff teams do the same thing. Ehire Adrianza and Jason Castro are two role players who are extending their careers. Congratulations on making the World Series! Jake Odorizzi chose to take more money elsewhere. It’s alright.
It happens in trades too. The Twins weren’t contending for a while, so they shipped out their best relieve in Ryan Pressly. He has carved out an excellent career in Houston. Good luck to the Astros as they try to claw back.
This brings us to Eddie Rosario, who I can admit this is the inspiration of my vent. Yes Eddie was loved in Minnesota, but the hysteria has been a bit nauseating on the intrepid departure front. I’m happy for Eddie, but his departure was prudent and appeared mutual by season’s end last year. Finish strong Eddie and get your ring.
As fans this has to be understood. Some get away, some come in and shine. As a middle to small market team we can certainly second guess the Minnesota Twins front office as we see departed players have success. But let’s not grovel and pout. It’s a bad look. Be happy for others success and root for the future of ours…..hopefully.