Who Is the Best Twin Born in Each State?

[Thiéres Rabelo]

If we were to say who is the best player born in each of the states to ever play for the Twins, who would they be? I decided to do a quick research about this and came up with a rank, based on players’ birthplaces.I tried to choose the most relevant players born in each state to play for the Twins, rather than every single one of them. Because of that, several states will not appear on this list. Also, since these rankings are based only on players’ birthplaces, one very noticeable absence will be Twins great Bert Blyleven, who was born in the Netherlands, to Dutch parents who shortly thereafter moved to the U.S. and raised him in California.

 

Then, I ranked the players of each state by their career bWAR (Wins Above Replacement from Baseball Reference) while with the Twins. The reason for using WAR is solely to simplify things a bit, since it is supposed to be a global metric. I also included some current Twins that I believe have a shot at climbing up their state ranks once their careers are finished.

 

If I perhaps forgot anyone that you consider relevant enough to make one of the lists, please feel encouraged to mention them in the comments section. Also, weigh in on the bigger states discussions, saying who you think is the best. I separated the top five states in number of players, to be discussed.

 

California

Roy Smalley - 20.8 WAR

Tom Brunansky - 16.1 WAR

Rick Aguilera - 15.5 WAR

Jacque Jones - 11.9 WAR

Jim Merritt - 11.3 WAR

Gary Ward - 10.6 WAR

Nick Punto - 10.3 WAR

Eddie Guardado - 9.5 WAR

Trevor Plouffe - 8.0 WAR

Dan Gladden - 5.7 WAR

Phil Hughes - 5.7 WAR

 

Cali is, by far, the state that has produced the most MLB talent in history. A total of 2,311 Californian ball players made it to the big leagues. Here I found 11 who wore the Twins uniform for a significant amount of time and one thing in particular called my attention the most. How low Gladden’s WAR with the Twins was. Maybe it’s because I didn’t actually see him play on a daily basis, but I always had the impression that this number would be higher. That doesn’t change, at all, his importance in the history of the club.

 

I would give the edge as the best from this list to Aguilera. His first stint with Minnesota was incredibly dominant, resulting in three All-Star Game selections and even MVP votes in 1991. That same year, he was one of the key-factors during the postseason, allowing only one earned run, getting five saves and a crucial game 6 win. Overall, he logged over 500 innings of relief for Minnesota (second most, behind the 579 from fellow Californian Guardado), maintaining a 3.12 ERA. Smalley, Burnansky and Gladden were also invaluable pieces for that 80’s team, but I have the impression that Aguilera’s performance were a bit more impressive.

 

Florida

Denard Span - 17.2 bWAR

Doug Corbett - 8.3 bWAR

Mudcat Grant - 5.9 bWAR

Josh Donaldson - has yet to play

 

I believe it’s a given to say that Span was the most relevant player from the Florida list. He was drafted and developed by the Twins, being a part of the organization for nearly ten years. During that time, he lived the final years of the victorious 2000’s team and transitioned into the beginning of the dark years. He was one of the few bright spots of the club in 2011 (cut short due to a concussion) and 2012, relying on his speed and aggressiveness running the bases, combined with a slightly above average hitting (104 wRC+ in Minnesota) and very decent on-base percentage (.357).

 

I added Donaldson to the list because I believe he’s bound to reach at least Corbett, an early 80’s rookie sensation relief pitcher, who made the All-Star Game in his second year, before being involved in a trade with the Angels that would bring Brunansky to Minnesota. Looking back at Donaldson’s past three seasons, he was worth 11.2 WAR. If you include a fourth one to the mix, it goes up to 18.5. And that includes his terrible, injury-plagued 2018. So, expect the Bringer of Rain to climb the ladder.

 

Illinois

Kirby Puckett - 51.1 WAR

Gary Gaetti - 27.2 WAR

John Castino - 15.2 WAR

Jake Odorizzi - 4.7 WAR

Jim Thome - 4.5 WAR

 

Absolutely nothing to argue about who’s the best here. But my question to you is where can Odorizzi get on that list? Assuming, of course, he signs a longer contract with the Twins, could he surpass Castino?

 

Texas

Chuck Knoblauch - 38.0 WAR

Joe Nathan - 18.4 WAR

Kevin Slowey - 4.4 WAR

Ryan Pressly - 3.6 WAR

 

Nathan is a no-brainer here, because of how badly Knoblauch ended his tenure in Minnesota. But, looking at both his performances on the field, I think it’s closer than you might think. Before demanding a trade in 1997 and then

, Knoblauch was the ray of sunshine in a very bad team. He was elected Rookie of the Year in 1991 and selected to four All-Star Games through the 90’s. But, yeah, the prize here goes to the best reliever in team history.

 

Minnesota

Joe Mauer - 55.3 WAR

Kent Hrbek - 38.6 WAR

Dave Goltz - 24.5 WAR

Jerry Koosman - 11.0 WAR

Glen Perkins - 8.9 WAR

Paul Molitor - 5.2 WAR

Jack Morris - 4.3 WAR

 

I saved the best for last. Just like Illinois, I don’t think there’s much to argue about the top seed. But, boy, can we have fan arguing about the rest! OK, I’ll go out on a limb here and place Morris on second and… Hrbek at third. Morris’s World Series show in 1991, as well as his fantastic regular season, are gold for me. I love Hrbek, obviously, and his career was amazing. But I’ve got to go with Morris’ historical 1991 season. It hurts to not include Perkins in the podium, though. But in my personal ranking, he’s a close fourth.

 

Any surprises so far? Which would be your picks? Have I forgotten anyone important for you? Comment and let us know. Also, here are the other states lists.

 

Alabama

Al Worthington - 10.0 WAR

Josh Willingham - 4.8 WAR

Delmon Young - 1.0 WAR

 

Arizona

J.J. Hardy - 1.3 WAR

 

Arkansas

Torii Hunter - 26.4 WAR

 

Colorado

Taylor Rogers - 6.4 WAR

 

Connecticut

Carl Pavano - 5.8 WAR

 

Delaware

Randy Bush - 1.4 WAR

 

Georgia

Byron Buxton - 9.8 WAR

Ben Revere - 3.2 WAR

 

Hawaii

Kurt Suzuki - 3.3 WAR

 

Idaho

Harmon Killebrew - 60.5 WAR

 

Indiana

Kyle Gibson - 9.4 WAR

LaTroy Hawkins - 8.1 WAR

 

Iowa

Kevin Tapani - 19.1 WAR

 

Kentucky

Tyler Clippard - has yet to play

 

Louisiana

Scott Baker - 15.8 WAR

 

Massachusetts

Greg Gagne - 17.9 WAR

Jeff Reardon - 4.2 WAR

Steve Lombardozzi - 4.0 WAR

 

Michigan

Jim Kaat - 30.6 WAR

Joe Mays - 10.7 WAR

 

Mississippi

Brian Dozier - 22.7 WAR

 

Missouri

Bob Allison - 30.6 WAR

Al Newman - 2.1 WAR

 

Nevada

Brandon Kintzler - 2.3 WAR

 

New Mexico

Mitch Garver - 5.1 WAR

 

New York

Frank Viola - 27.0 WAR

A.J. Pierzynski - 9.5 WAR

 

North Carolina

Jim Perry - 26.3 WAR

Tom Hall - 6.7 WAR

Zack Littell - 0.4 WAR

 

Ohio

Larry Hisle - 17.2 WAR

Dean Chance - 13.1 WAR

Doug Mientkiewicz - 6.4 WAR

 

Pennsylvania

Butch Wynegar - 15.3 WAR

 

Virginia

Michael Cuddyer - 12.8 WAR

Jake Cave - 2.6 WAR

 

Washington

Trevor May - 2.1 WAR

 

Wisconsin

Brad Radke - 45.6 WAR

 

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[gil4]

This was fun to go through. Are the Twins the only team with more WAR from Idaho than Florida? 

 

I didn't know Pavano was from my home state (Connecticut). The only names that came to mind were former manager Billy Gardner (I umpired with his son when I was 18/19 years old) and former GM Bill Smith (I had to watch my comments during that era because his mother was in my dad's bridge club. I don't know if he was actually from there or if she had relocated.)

Now if the Twins had drafted Bagwell (or had a 40-tr-old reliever to send to the Red Sox to trade for him), Connecticut might have given Idaho a run for the money.

 

[brockbesler]

Jason Kubel was born in Belle Fourche, SD. I just noticed there were no Twins listed for South Dakota. It was a fun list to look through though! Thanks for putting this together.

[Otwins]

Brian Duensing is from Nebraska and no Twins listed from there either. I thought Dave Winfield would be listed from Minnesota.  It is a fun list

[Brock Beauchamp]

Brian Duensing is from Nebraska and no Twins listed from there either. I thought Dave Winfield would be listed from Minnesota. It is a fun list

This list only counts WAR accumulated in a Twins uniform.

 

Winfield only had .3 WAR over two seasons with the Twins at the end of his career.

[nclahammer]

What a fun list to follow, thanks for your work in putting this together.  Very enjoyable.

[chinmusic]

Cool and inventive post. thanks for that!

 

If using "relevance" specifically, I'd say Mudcat Grant got somewhat ripped off. 

In 1965, he went 21-7, and pitched 2 complete game victories in the World Series, which the Dodgers won in 7. Even hit a 3 run bomba in game 6.

 

I could barely remember Doug Corbett. To be fair, he was a reliever, and made the all star team in one of his 3 twins seasons. However WAR or no WAR, Grant has way more relevance in Twins history.

 

[Dantes929]

 

This list only counts WAR accumulated in a Twins uniform.

Winfield only had .3 WAR over two seasons with the Twins at the end of his career.

Being from central Mn I thought of Tom Burgmeier who pitched for St. Cloud Cathedral.  I remember him being quite good and he did have a career OPS+ of 119 and 17.5 WAR   Alas, my memory is faulty since most of that was done for Boston.

[Dantes929]

 

This list only counts WAR accumulated in a Twins uniform.

Winfield only had .3 WAR over two seasons with the Twins at the end of his career.

Shane Mack born in California but didn't make the list with 19.6 WAR in 4.5 seasons?

[BobAzar]

I didnt realize Radke was from WI. Thats unfortunate...

[goulik]

This list made me realize how much greatness is fromoutside the US. Omitted from the post are Bert Blyleven, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew andJohan Santana Twins bests from Cuba,Panama,Venezuela and Netherlands. Also some of our biggest names ever.

[Thiéres Rabelo]

Thanks for your kind words, guys! Sorry about the ones I didn't remember (man, how could I have forgetten Kubel?!). I too had a lot of fun writing this.

[Nine of twelve]

 

This list made me realize how much greatness is fromoutside the US. Omitted from the post are Bert Blyleven, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew andJohan Santana Twins bests from Cuba,Panama,Venezuela and Netherlands. Also some of our biggest names ever.

Don't forget Jonathan Schoop, our best player born in Curacao. (Sorry, can't add the cedilla on my Chromebook.)

[chinmusic]

Are there enough Canadians to do a provincial breakdown. I'm looking at you, Justin Morneau! Too bad Larry Walker never played for the Twins...

[puckstopper1]

 

Are there enough Canadians to do a provincial breakdown. I'm looking at you, Justin Morneau! Too bad Larry Walker never played for the Twins...

 

Chin - I think you just did - Morneau from British Columbia along with Dave McKay

Oh, right - There are others, but it is a short list.

These players are from Canada also:

Jesse Crain, Scott Diamond and Rene Tosoni from Ontario

Corie Koskie from Manitoba

 

There are probably others, but that is all that I can remember..

[Nine of twelve]

 

Chin - I think you just did - Morneau from British Columbia along with Dave McKay

Oh, right - There are others, but it is a short list.

These players are from Canada also:

Jesse Crain, Scott Diamond and Rene Tosoni from Ontario

Corie Koskie from Manitoba

 

There are probably others, but that is all that I can remember..

Andrew Albers, Saskatchewan.

And there has to be a mention of Calvin Griffith, Quebec.

[Joey P]

I never knew The Killer was from Idaho

[gil4]

 

I didnt realize Radke was from WI. Thats unfortunate...

Unfortunate that he was from Wisconsin or unfortunate that you didn't realize it? (Either meaning could work.)

[ashbury]

Unfortunate that he was from Wisconsin or unfortunate that you didn't realize it? (Either meaning could work.)

I felt the meaning was clear.

[BobAzar]

 

Unfortunate that he was from Wisconsin or unfortunate that you didn't realize it? (Either meaning could work.)

 

 

Unfortunate that he's from WI. Wisconsin is only good for 1 thing: cheese. If I ate pork, I may add sausage. Beer used to be on that list before the MSP craft beer boom. 

[gil4]

 

Unfortunate that he's from WI. Wisconsin is only good for 1 thing: cheese. If I ate pork, I may add sausage. Beer used to be on that list before the MSP craft beer boom. 

They made a lot of beer, but it was the kind of beer that caused the invention of wine coolers back in the day.

I was an early adopter of the craft beer boom - I remember when there wasn't much beyond Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, and Anchor. Now we have more IPAs than we have people who know what it stands for. (They didn't brew if to be their best beer; they brewed it with a high enough alcohol and hop content to survive the trip from England to India, hence India Pale Ale).

 

I'm hoping it takes one more step - widespread availability of cask conditioned ale.  England managed to accomplish it thanks to CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). It had almost died out in favor of filtered keg beer, and by the mid-1980s it was back to being the national drink. (Their craft beer boom preceded ours by about a decade.)  Granted, the U.S. doesn't have recent history to recover and would be starting from scratch, but I think demand would grow once people discover it.

[ashbury]

 

They made a lot of beer, but it was the kind of beer that caused the invention of wine coolers back in the day.

I was an early adopter of the craft beer boom - I remember when there wasn't much beyond Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, and Anchor. Now we have more IPAs than we have people who know what it stands for. (They didn't brew if to be their best beer; they brewed it with a high enough alcohol and hop content to survive the trip from England to India, hence India Pale Ale).

 

I'm hoping it takes one more step - widespread availability of cask conditioned ale.  England managed to accomplish it thanks to CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). It had almost died out in favor of filtered keg beer, and by the mid-1980s it was back to being the national drink. (Their craft beer boom preceded ours by about a decade.)  Granted, the U.S. doesn't have recent history to recover and would be starting from scratch, but I think demand would grow once people discover it.

This is above my pay grade to fully grok, but I applaud the devotion.