When the Minnesota Timberwolves changed their marketing slogan from "see what they can do" to "let's build it," it was clear what the higher-ups meant: "This team is God-awful. Let's see if we can sell some hope to distract the fans."
The Minnesota Twins, whether they want to admit it or not, are trying to sell the same message.
But at least there's reason to be hopeful.
Having a core of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Delmon Young and Jason Kubel is indisputably solid. And having a bullpen with Matt Guerrier, Dennys Reyes, Pat Neshek and Joe Nathan is equally good. Sure, the starting pitching is questionable. Liriano's coming back from Tommy John surgery and is currently in the minors, while Baker, Blackburn, Slowey, the now-thin Bonser and the still-large Hernandez are nothing but glorified No. 5 starters.
None of that matters, though.
After eight games, I am ready to proclaim that Carlos Gomez is the single greatest leadoff hitter of all time. Move over, Ty Cobb. New guy in town. Gomez is on pace to steal 101 bases, stroke 223 hits and bat .333. Joe Vavra, the Twins' hitting coach, claims Gomez could "bunt .290."
When the Twins gave Johan Santana to the Mets for this guy, I have to admit I'd never heard of him. But Keith Law wasn't lying: 35th best prospect or not, Carlos Gomez can fly. Apparently, he ran a 4.29-second 40-yard dash. Faster than Reggie Bush's 4.33. He says he can run a 6.1 60-yard dash. That's Michael Bennett speed. Vavra said Gomez has been timed as fast as four seconds flat sprinting from home plate to first. The average is 4.3 seconds for a right-handed hitter and 4.2 seconds for a leftie.
Call Cooperstown. Tell them to make room.
Even the media's jumping on the Gomez bandwagon. I heard Twins announcer Dick Bremer say after Gomez hit his first double of the season, "Most times that'll be another base ... this guy's the fastest player in the league." Then, after a bunt single, "If he puts it on the ground, there's a 50-50 chance it's a hit." Then, after drawing a walk, "If he can learn to do that, he has the potential to be the best leadoff hitter this side of Rickey Henderson." I even read that after the April 4 victory over the Royals, in which Gomez went 3-for-4, Twins fans had already forgotten about Santana and Torii Hunter.
For the love of God, it's been eight games! I understand the Minnesota media has seen true greatness after eight games (read: Adrian Peterson), but let's not get carried away ? la Red Sox fans and Jacoby Ellsbury.
I've never seen a player get so much attention for speed. We get it. He's fast. So are lots of other players. Remember Christian Guzman? Luis Rivas? Granted, Gomez has four or five more potential tools than either of those guys, but hell, the guy barely beat Denard Span and Jason Pridie for the starting nod in center. Now, after a couple of doubles and crafty bunts, we're ready to send him to the Hall.
Please.
Let's not forget he hit .232 in 58 games last year. Let's not forget the guy he's replacing out in center. And most importantly, let's not forget who the Twins gave up to get this guy. Is he exciting? Absolutely. Can he ignite a team? Sure. But last time I checked, that doesn't make an All Star.
Carlos Gomez is not Lou Brock. He's not Rickey Henderson. He's not even Kenny Lofton, yet. He hasn't proven a damn thing. He's still only the so-called centerpiece of a trade that sent the best pitcher in the world to another team.
Let's not forget that.
Ross Marrinson is a senior majoring in international relations. He can be reached at Ross.Marrinson@tufts.edu.
