Minnesota Doesn't Deserve Your Pity.

This summer, a long and painful odyssey came to an end in Minnesota. Our franchise player and crown prince Kevin Garnett was cut loose and allowed to play for a different team. I always enjoyed cheering for Kevin: he's an easy guy to like. His skill set is broad, his athleticism is undeniable, and his passion for the game is palatable. But as time moved on, it became clear how cruel it was to keep him within the confines of the Timberwolves.

After 2004's trip to the Western Conference Finals, our fabulous management decided to take a few years off. Or that's just what I tell myself to make it less depressing. Recounting the individual crises and disasters is painful. There was Latrell Spreewell being Latrell Spreewell. Then we traded Sam Cassell for Marko Jaric. Then, there was Michael Olowakandi. I wish the list stopped there, but it doesn't. The point is clear, however. KG deserved something better. He played his heart out, they couldn't return the effort, and now he's gone.

It seems like the Twins may be playing themselves into a similar position with Johan Santana. The 2006 season was an emotional one as a fan. We had basically been left for dead by may. But, we leaned on young players, good balance, and we surged forward to win the division. Sure, I would have loved it if we'd performed better in the postseason, but it was such a step forward that it was hard not to be optimistic about this year. Why wouldn't I? We had the Cy Young, the MVP, and the batting champ. Who wouldn't have high hopes?

This season was a disaster. We should have seen the culture change in the AL Central over the last few years and know that we couldn't afford to coast. The Indians, White Sox, and Tigers are all legitimate teams. Our strong recent history doesn't makea bit of difference to them. What's particularly frustrating about this is our choice to have an off year the season before the last year in Johan Santana's deal. Johan has been a model citizen in Minnesota. He has never complained about being in a small market. He's extolled the virtues of a system that a lot of people couldn't handle. And, he's played his heart out. If he's given the chance, he'll beat every record for pitchers in Minnesota. But there's no reason for him to stay and give us his time if we're not going to return his effort.

This team is not the Timberwolves, thankfully. But, unless we reward Santana's effort by purchasing some offense this winter, we'll be singing the same song: he was great, we weren't, he's gone.