Hunter, Santana win Gold Gloves

By Joe Christensen, Star Tribune

Last update: November 6, 2007 - 8:56 PM

ORLANDO - For the first time since 2001, the Twins had two players honored with Gold Glove Awards Tuesday, when Rawlings announced its coveted defensive awards.

Torii Hunter was named one of three American League Gold Glove outfielders for the seventh consecutive year, and Johan Santana won the only Gold Glove handed to an AL pitcher.

Hunter, who committed only two errors in 155 games in center field this season, has now won the second-most Gold Gloves in Twins history. Pitcher Jim Kaat leads the list with 11.

Kirby Puckett won six Gold Gloves. Hunter now has one more than his mentor, as he tests the free-agent market.

Santana did not commit an error in 33 starts this year, while continuing to make surprisingly athletic plays off the mound.

The previous three AL pitching Gold Gloves went to Kenny Rogers, who made only 11 starts this year for Detroit because of a shoulder injury.

Etc.

• Larry Corrigan, who spent 20 years with the Twins most recently as a special assistant to the GM, resigned Tuesday. Most recently, he had been the team's top National League scout. He had discussions about joining another team, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles.

• Hunter's agent, Larry Reynolds, passed through the lobby at the general managers meetings and GM Bill Smith said he hoped to meet with him, though neither side expected much progress in Hunter's contract negotiations.

Joe Christensen • jchristensen@startribune.com