Is it time for the "Latino Bambino"??

Posted at 10:09 PM on August 22, 2007 by David Zingler

Despite their 8-run outburst today, we all know the Twins are a terrible offensive team. We also know that Terry Ryan isn’t likely to make a trade to help matters. But, just when it appears we are stuck hoping the Brian Buschers and Tommy Watkins’s of the world will provide a spark (don’t hold your breath), I am here to offer another solution; one that doesn’t require a single roster move.

He’s hitting .286/.375/.714 with an OPS of 1.089, and, despite being 100% healthy, he hasn’t stepped into the batter’s box in two months. Who is this mystery man? None other than our two-time Cy Young award winner and often proclaimed “greatest pitcher on the planet”, Johan Santana.

It may seem ridiculous to insert Santana into the line-up as a designated hitter, but keep in mind that Rondell White and his.138 batting average remain a viable option. And, let’s face the facts – these are desperate times that call for unorthodox measures. While many people like to say our squad is “only 6 games out,” it’s time for a reality check – there are just 36 games left in the 2007 season. Six games is a HUGE margin, especially for a team playing like the Twins.

Why not give Santana an AB or two, how much worse could he do than Nick Punto? Besides, I can think of another left-handed ace whose bat helped his team win a pennant – I believe the year was 1918. Just don’t trade him to the Yankees.

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