FanPost

Danny Santana – Lethal Weapon, or Black Magic (Wo)man?

If you can get a smile AND a fist bump from Ron "Gardy" Gardenhire, you’re doing something right. The young Dominican shortstop is in no way related to Carlos Santana, or Danny Glover. At least, not that we know of. Hopefully he’s more Danny Gladden, than Danny Valencia too. The 23 year old has been showing off some great offensive skills in eight games played with the major league club. He’s been getting rave reviews from the likes of Terry Ryan and Paul Molitor, and he’s also proving to be a versatile member of the Twins.

Santana has played five games at SS, two as the CF, and one stint as a DH. In 8 games, he’s hitting .381, with 8 hits, 4 runs, 3 RBIs, and 3 BBs. He’s struck out 5 times, and bumbled some defensive plays, but he’s young, and still learning. With the Twins, he’s currently on pace to have his best statistical year, which is impressive if you look at his glowing minor league numbers.

Unlike some of the other younger players who cut their teeth in the majors, Danny has shown a lot more promise than the likes of Aaron Hicks, Danny Valencia, and Pedro Florimon. Santana has great hands, good speed, and seems ready to learn. Since he was signed in 2007 as a free agent, he’s continually moved up in the Twins’ minor league system, and improved at each level.

The Twins will look for their platoon of shortstop’s to help the team out as nagging injuries still plague the team. Danny Santana seems to be the standout, and I don’t think many people would argue that he has the potential to be a star. Whether he starts at SS, or CF, Danny Santana will be a positive member in the Twins line-up.