Pablo Lopez is the newest member of the Minnesota Twins.
The Miami Marlins sent him there, and two prospects, in exchange for infielder Luis Arraez last weekend.
Both teams filled a need, as Miami badly needed a good offensive player and the Twins could really use a great starting pitcher.
Lopez, who posted a 3.75 ERA in 180 innings with the Fish last season, will fit in perfectly with the Twins.
Lopez is from Venezuela, and as it turns out, a Venezuelan pitcher made history with the Twins.
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) January 23, 2023
From 2000 to 2007, Johan Santana was an absolute ace for Minnesota.
He won two Cy Young awards with them, in 2004 and 2006, and even took home the American League pitching Triple Crown in 2006.
That year, he was 19-6 with a 2.77 ERA and 245 strikeouts.
He was traded to the New York Mets in 2008, but his best years were with the Twins.
His famous circle-change was magnificent, and was by far his best offering.
He inspired a lot of young kids in Venezuela to pursue a career in pitching, and was a true national hero.
He also pitched a no-hitter in his final MLB season, in 2012.
Shoulder problems (he tore his shoulder capsule twice) forced him to retire earlier than anticipated, but people in Minnesota love him.
Now, Lopez will try to follow his footsteps and build himself a nice career with the Twins.
They had a surplus of infielders and a need for quality pitching, so Lopez’s arrival represents excellent news for their chances of competing in the American League Central Division.
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