tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22459578.post94176456740068016..comments2023-05-20T09:25:54.284-04:00Comments on sassypages: First Edwards, now Santana. Oh, the humanity!Mosassy http://www.blogger.com/profile/03999585936547850082noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22459578.post-23829820222635086312008-02-18T02:37:00.000-05:002008-02-18T02:37:00.000-05:00I'm sorry that it has taken me this long to respon...I'm sorry that it has taken me this long to respond regarding the Santana trade, but I really felt that it was necessary to allow the Twins the opportunity to fill the void in their rotation before I attempt to analyze how the trade will affect the team this year and in the future. I had not allowed myself to believe that the Twins would be able to afford the contract for the best pitcher in baseball, as it turned out, there was only one team willing to accept the money terms and length of contract that Johan was requesting. Losing Santana was inevitable, the Twins being able to field a competitive rotation without him seems to be their critical concern. If the Twins starting staff is able to remain competitive for the length of the season, I believe that the team will be able to stay in a race with Detroit and Cleveland, who are quite possibly the two best teams in baseball. Will any of the pitchers that the Twins received in the trade help to fill the gaping hole at the top of the rotation? I certainly don't believe that brought the Twins anyone that can immediately anchor a major league rotation, but it was not necessary that they do so. Livan Hernandez should eat up 220 innings or more; Baker, Bonser and Slowey will hopefully each continue to show improved development; Liriano should be able have real impact at some point during the season, even if the Twins decide to not rush his return. It may be that one, and possibly two, of the incoming pitchers may be able to win spots at the end of this year's Twins rotation. If Humber and Mulvey make the rotation out of camp and remain there throughout the season, then I believe the trade would be immediately be considered a good one for the Twins. The most significant factor, though, in determining the value of the talent received in exchange for Santans, as well as the impact that the trade will have on this year's team, will ride on the development and play of Carlos Gomez. I believe that if the Twins can find a quality leadoff hitter they will boast one of the better hitting teams in all of baseball this season and their defense may well be the most outstanding in the game if they are able to capably fill the hole in centerfield. If Gomez proves to be the answer in both areas, the Twins could have an incredible season, Gomez may receive consideration of Rookie of the Year, and I believe that the Santana trade would be thought of as a great one for the Twins, and will only look better in the years to come.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02671191469814503966noreply@blogger.com