Overheard on Extra Innings: Johan Who?

During the Royals-Twins game last night, the Kansas City broadcast crew noted that the trade of Johan Santana to the Mets wasn't as big a windfall for Royals' batters as you might think.

Despite being division rivals, the Royals faced Santana only once in 2007. On the other hand, they faced Boof Bonser six times.

Six times Boof.

That's random.

Finally, the Silver Bullet That Puts Bert Blyleven in the Hall of Fame

Hat tip to Aaron Gleeman.

Carlos Gomez, Meet Joe Mauer

New Minnesota center-fielder Carlos Gomez, the centerpiece (from the Twins' perspective) of this winter's blockbuster Johan Santana trade, was recently asked by The St. Paul Pioneer Press if he could make an impact at the major league level this year:

"Sure!" he said the other day. "They don't have no speed like me. I know I can help this team. Especially when I hit ahead of Morneau and the catcher and the other guy."

Uh, does anybody think maybe they should have had a meet-and-greet in the clubhouse before they started practicing?

"Morneau and the catcher and the other guy."

Hey, Carlos, meet Joe Mauer. We like to call him franchise. Hmm? No, that's not his real name. That's just what we call him. His real name is Mauer. Mauer. M-A-U-E-R. Mauer. Sounds like sour.

Best guesses on "the other guy"? Delmon Young? Michael Cuddyer? Harmon Killebrew?