I think for some voters the fact Biggio hung on to reach 3,000 hits worked against him. I was a huge Craig Biggio guy but his last eight years saw a dramatic decline in production. The way things work though had he retired at 37 after two below average seasons his career numbers wouldn't have been good enough by many voters to warrant induction.
Mauer was never a great third hitter, but he was good enough in his prime to hit third for a playoff team. It wasn't just because Gardenhire didn't want to hurt his feelings. Now he's kind of a player without number in the batting order. Not good enough for third and not necessarily suited to hit second at this point of his career.
I can understand Deshields saying no to the 1st base coach opening if he wants to be a major league manager. He's also going to manage for an organization who might be one more bad season away from firing their manager. Am I making too much out of the word rejected in the Renteria tweet? It makes it seem like the Twins weren't even given the courtesy of a thanks but no thanks from Renteria.
Joe Mauer was the best catcher in baseball for nearly a decade and he never had a former catcher on the coaching staff. I think there's a reason to question the decision , but not because Vavra was chosen over a former catcher.
Neil Allen was my choice after searching for Rays AAA pitching coach right after Gardenhire was let go. I wish I had been smart enough to post something in late September. Unless the one year as the Yankees bullpen coach counts, hiring Neil Allen would go against the reports of the Twins wanting a pitching coach with big league experience.
I think ownership made the final call on this hire. Terry Ryan was open to hiring an outsider but wasn't going to fight hard to change the mind of Jim Pohlad.
Kaat should win the Ford Frick award for his broadcasting career. I wouldn't be against most the names, but I don't think there's anymore egregious omissions like Ron Santo.