Each week, commenter RandBallsStu (branding!) tracks down a former Minnesota sports figure about whom you might have forgotten. This works out well, except when we get yelled at by former Vikings linebackers. Stu? -------
The Hunt Down
Name: Matt Kinney
Claim to Fame, Minnesota: acquired from Boston in the blockbuster Greg Swindell/Orlando Merced deal, Kinney was a starting pitcher for the Twins in 2000 and 2002. He never did pan out, and was sent to the Brewers along with Javier Valentin for Gerry Oakes and Matt Yeatman after the 2002 season.
Did Area High School Guest Speaker Aaron Gleeman Like That Trade: no, he did not.
Claim to Fame, Everywhere Else: in addition to Milwaukee, Kinney pitched for the Royals and Giants before going to Japan and suiting up for the Saitama Seibu Lions. He also received a 50-game MLB suspension in 2010 due to having Adderall in his system. He said it was for ADHD, and there is no evidence that one of the Hold Steady's better B-sides had anything to do with it.
The Best Google Image Search Result for "Matt Kinney": here.
Where He Is Now: the new varsity baseball coach for your Hermon (Maine) Hawks.
