Adios, Go Go

Today, in a shocking move, the Twins traded Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers straight up for shortstop J.J. Hardy.

As is our usual MO here at Twins Sisters, when we’re not overly familiar with a player, we will reserve judgment until we see him play.  We’re also genetically predisposed to like anyone who puts on a Twins uniform, so we’ll give Hardy a fair shake. 

Still, will he be anywhere nearly as entertaining as Gomez?  Will he sniff his bat?  Will he come up with elaborate handshaking rituals?  Will he wear his hair in dreadlocks?  Totally doubtful. 

I understand the rationale behind the trade.  Span is a good centerfielder too, and a much better hitter.  We have a glut of outfielders.  We need a good defensive shortstop, and all of the statty blogs seem to agree that Hardy is.  It’s just that I’ve adored Go Go since the first game of 2008.  He got a hit to start the game, and if I remember right, he stole second almost immediately. Then Joey drove him in, and the Twins has their first RBI of the season before their first out.  It was pretty much love at first sight.   And I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone more jubilant than Go Go was after he scored the winning run of game 163.  Are there any major leaguers who are more freakin’ happy to be playing baseball than Go Go?  Not a chance.

In short:  J.J. Hardy’s gonna have to be Pretty! Damn! Fantastic! at baseball in order to make this trade seem like a good idea to us.

Adios, Go Go.  We’ll miss you, and we hope Brewers fans find you entertaining and adorable too.

–Tricia–