AL Wild Card 2017: 5 reasons Twins will win

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 21: Zack Granite #8 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates with teammates Byron Buxton #25 of the Minnesota Twins and Max Kepler #26 of the Minnesota Twins after a 12-1 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 21, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 28: Starting pitcher Ervin Santana #54 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on September 28, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2. Ervin Santana has the poise

Entering the 2017 season, Ervin Santana had put together a solid resume during his 12 years in the big leagues. The right-hander was 133-116 with a career ERA of 4.09 — solid but unspectacular. Santana would probably have been best remembered for getting popped for steroids before the start of the 2015 season right after signing a $55-million deal with the Twins.

Santana has completely surpassed even the wildest expectations about how he might perform this year at the age of 34. He has essentially become a two-pitch pitcher, throwing his four-seam fastball and slider almost exclusively. It still boggles the mind that Santana leads the major leagues in complete games and shutouts this year while giving up 1.3 homers per nine, but he has neutralized hard contact for the most part by moving his pitches all over the strike zone.

Santana did make one start against the Yankees during the regular season, and threw well despite taking the loss. He allowed only two runs in 5.2 innings. Santana is not the most overwhelming number-one starter in the league, but he has the savvy and poise to keep the Yankees power hitters off balance. He has been able to massage the edges of the strike zone this season without giving up too many walks.

For the Twins, Santana is the best option against one of the hottest lineups in baseball. Jose Berrios is flashier, but the smart move here is to go with the veteran with solid command and presence on the mound.

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