MLB Franchise Four – Biggest Snubs for Each Team
Minnesota Twins/Washington Senators – Walter Johnson
Franchise Four: Rod Carew, Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Kirby Puckett
Personally speaking, I love the Twins selections for the team’s Franchise Four. It’s a fine collection of the players that have represented the team well over since the 1950’s. However, the selections are also a bit short-sighted, as they are missing one of the greatest players to ever play the game – period – in Walter Johnson.
Nominated into the Hall of Fame in 1936 and having passed away long before Harmon Killebrew ever wore the uniform, Walter Johnson was a man before his time. The Big Train still owns many franchise records, including wins, WAR, strike-outs, and innings pitched. In fact, Johnson still ranks fourth all-time among all pitchers in WAR (117.1), second in wins (417), first in shut-outs (110), and ninth in strike-outs (3509). Let’s also not forget that he owned a 2.17 ERA and a 2.42 FIP for his career.
Needless to say, Walter Johnson should undoubtedly been on the Twins Franchise Four, but at least Major League Baseball made things right for him by making him the Greatest Pioneer Winner.
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