In 2010 the 50 greatest Twins list of all time was announced, commemorating the 50th season of franchise’s existence.

In early September that year, I spent a good part of the weekend watching the ’10 version of the Minnesota Twins play some great baseball vs. the Texas Rangers. The pennant race was heating up, and Twins on the field were playing like real ball players who like to play in October.

At Target Field that weekend, many of the greatest Twins of all time (many who played deep into cold weather of the Fall) reunited to play a “legends” game. It was pure pleasure to watch the “Boy’s of Summer” take to the new outdoor field in Minnesota and try to recapture their “Glory Day.”

The highlight of the Legends Game for me was watching Kent Hrbek put his own special mark on Target Field. T-Rex, as he was known back in the day, tried to make one of his patented foul ball catches near first base, but this time instead of getting Metrodome rug burn, he dented out a chunk of the new Twins infield grass. It’s a good thing Hrbie has a sense of humor.

The 50 Greatest Twins list was  voted on by a panel of print, radio, and television journalists, plus senior members of the Minnesota Twins staff.

Here is the entire list of players. I will create links to each player, as I blog about each one in the typical Sports Daddy story telling tone.

• Rick Aguilera
• Bob Allison
• Earl Battey
• Bert Blyleven
• Lyman Bostock
• Tom Brunansky
• Rod Carew
• John Castino
• Michael Cuddyer
• Gary Gaetti
• Greg Gagne
• Ron Gardenhire
• Dan Gladden
• Dave Goltz
• Jim “Mudcat” Grant
• Eddie Guardado
• Larry Hisle
• Kent Hrbek
• Torii Hunter
• Jim Kaat
• Tom Kelly
• Harmon Killebrew
• Chuck Knoblauch
• Jerry Koosman
• Corey Koskie
• Gene Larkin
• Billy Martin
• Gene Mauch
• Joe Mauer
• Sam Mele
• Paul Molitor
• Justin Morneau
• Jack Morris
• Joe Nathan
• Tony Oliva
• Camilo Pascual
• Jim Perry
• Kirby Puckett
• Frank Quilici
• Brad Radke
• Jeff Reardon
• Johan Santana
• Roy Smalley
• Rick Stelmaczek
• Kevin Tapani
• Cesar Tovar
• Zoilo Versalles
• Frank Viola
• Dave Winfield
• Al Worthington

Twins consider Heath Bell fallback option if Joe Nathan needs surgery

Sporting News staff reports

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Saturday, Mar. 20, 2010 – 9:19 p.m. ET

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune confirmed the Twins have scouted Padres closer Heath Bell as a possible replacement for Joe Nathan, who could be facing season-ending Tommy John surgery.

The newspaper noted the team likely has compiled a list of possible trade targets to fill its closer void, but it first will focus on in-house candidates. Those include Jon Rauch, Matt Guerrier and Jose Mijares.

Nathan was expected to test his elbow with a throwing session this weekend.

via Twins consider Heath Bell fallback option if Joe Nathan needs surgery – Sporting News staff reports – MLB – Sporting News.

Minnesota Twins reliever Joe Nathan has been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right elbow!

This might sound depressing, but that is huge hole for the Twins as they start what is supposed to be a World Series type year. But I actually think this means a great opportunity for Loek Van Mil- who certainly could eventually become the teams closer “SOMEDAY!”

The canidates to fill the role are on the roster righ now:

Matt Guerrier, Jon Rauch, Jose Mijares, and maybe even Pat Neshek? Who do you think will take the spot?