I'm not hugely surprised. I am little surprised that this thread isn't already full of gloating. (But I'm happy about it - let's keep it that way.) To Gardy: Best of luck in your future endeavors, be it golfing or managing the Diamondbacks. You had some great seasons at the helm of the Twins, and I hope you'll be remembered for more than the last few years. I will at least.
My guess - One single extra walk would put his ratio at 10.96:1, meaning that he's miss the record books by .04. Given that he's not used to pitching out of the bullpen and might not have his normal control, I doubt he'd like to risk it. Given the option of packing up shop for the season knowing that you're best there ever was, would you risk it for a half million bucks when you're already getting paid eight million on the season? I'm not sure I would.
Very nice of the Twins to offer, and as far as Hughes goes, it certainly gives credence to the idea that he isn't much bothered. Hey, maybe this time the Twins aren't a villain...
I think he's kidding. Duensing is our customary major league throw-in; Walker our minor-leaguer. Frankly, I think we just trade both of them in one deal, because then we could probably get Mike Trout.
He was on a lot of good teams in Minnesota, he signed an extension in Minnesota, he said he didn't want to be traded the year before he was traded from Minnesota. I don't know what the deal is, but to answer your question, no he wasn't held back.
I have almost nothing of value to add to this conversation, but I appreciate that when you think of hot cars, you think of Chargers right up there with Porsches. Warms my heart.