TMitchell

I don't think so, but I hope you're right, and I hope it matters.

As I understand, Santana is out until July 4, but can go to the minors on June 24 to start getting ready. He will be ineligible for 2015 post-season in the event the Twins qualify, or if he were to be traded to a team which does qualify. Santana will not be paid for the period of suspension, but his contract otherwise stays in place. Is this right?

Hi, I am a long-time reader and expect to be an occasional contributor. I loved the the old TwinsGeek, SethSpeaks, and Aaron Gleeman sites, along with Parker, Nelson and whoever else I'm forgetting. And Batgirl (may her site twinkle in heaven). I have been a Twins fan since the Washington club announced its move to Minnesota. Thanks to my Dad, i got to the Met to watch Pasqual beat the Yankees, and Oliva in his rookie season. I recall the twi-night double headers. Killebrew, all of them, later Rod Carew and his magnificent 1977 season (there was some magic in all of his seasons). Over all the years I think began to learn how to be a good fan. I smile when I read some of the posts here, by 20-somethings passionately attacking the FO, and crying "How long must I wait?" Cubs fans are some of the best fans on the planet. The answer they'll give would not be encouraging to those who feel entitled to deep playoff runs and WS championships year after year. The truth is, those are gifts to be cherished. In my view each season is rather a marvelous unfolding - the ups and downs, the unexpected performances, the great plays, the heartbreak and the redemption. Its all there. If a person can't find the little gems sprinkled all over, then maybe they are just a result junky. I recall the game in which the Twins turned two triple plays -- was that ever cool. They lost that game, but seriously, they turned two triple plays! Its fine I think for Vikings fans to jump on and off the bandwagon depending on wins and whatnot. But I find baseball infinitely more enjoyable if I stay on the wagon. I'm not a party-line guy concerning the FO and management, but I do recognize the sense of stability that winning franchises have. Anywhoo, that's my intro song and dance.

Wow, Seth. You really know how to do this. I look at the number and length of the many posts and I am amazed. You have struck a chord with your readers (again). This is an overwhelming amount of heart-felt posts which are an absolute pleasure to read. I was one of the guys who posted the first time you posed, "Why Baseball" and I still feel and relish what I wrote then. I've revised it a few times over the years and thought of reposting. I decided not to because there is so much new and wonderful reading here already. Thanks for bringing out the joy of this again, and so often. You can retire after I die.

This article notes Rod Carew's 1977 season as the best for a Twin second baseman. Rod's last season at 2B was 1975, and by '77 was fully ensconced at 1B. He played very little at second in 1977, and if that qualifies, then maybe we need to look at Puckett's best year as a second baseman.