matt weighs in

Well, it may have finally happened. Reports are out that the Minnesota Twins have screwed over the fans and traded Johan Santana. If it goes through, time, of course, will tell whether or not the Twins got enough in return, but I am beside myself right now.

We don’t know if any of the players coming in return will definitely be on the field opening day, and this was the one thing they needed to get – at least one proven player that could help out right away. I don’t care that he went to another league. If this is saving grace for fans to make it ok to them that Johan was traded, so be it, but it’s a smoke screen.

Maybe the Twins were in an impossible situation with Johan. Break the bank and sign him or trade him and get raked over the coals for not getting enough back. I guess Terry Ryan got out at the right time. Maybe he knew the direction the team was going in the off-season and didn’t want that to be his legacy. The Twins needed to open the new stadium in 2010 with Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter and Johan Santana. Now, 2 of those 3 are gone.

Out of everyone who was on the roster on Tuesday morning, Johan was the only one that casual fans would make a point to go to the ballpark to see. We’d look at the pitching match-ups to see when it was his turn to take the mound, and we’d make our way to the park. Only Santana could get 30,000 people into the Metrodome for a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon game.

For other reactions, read La Velle E. Neal III’s blog over on StarTribune.com or Rube Chat at KFAN’s website.