How much does Carlos Santana remember about his career?

February 22nd, 2024

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- , set to turn 38 shortly after Opening Day, is almost unique in his level of experience, as he enters Twins camp with the second-most games played in MLB among currently rostered active players.

How much does he remember about that career? We decided to find out.

You’re second among currently rostered active players in games played, with 1,930 career games. Do you know the only guy ahead of you?

Santana: “Miggy [Cabrera]? Joey Votto? [He’s reminded the player has to be active and on a roster.] Oh, no idea. Who is it?”

The verdict: Santana’s instinct is good in that Votto is ahead of him (2,056 games), but Votto isn’t on a roster and his future remains unclear. The answer is Andrew McCutchen, who was teammates with Santana in Pittsburgh last year.

The reaction: “Oh, McCutchen! I didn't know that. He has more games than me? How many games? [2,007 games.] I got him. I can take him. [You know he’s back for another year, right?] I know. It's OK. I know me.”

Which pitcher have you faced the most?

Santana: “Hmmmm. I think I've faced a lot. Justin Verlander?”

The verdict: Correct -- and it’s not particularly close. He’s taken 97 plate appearances against Verlander, a longtime division rival many years back in the AL Central. Second is Martín Pérez, at 68.

Do you hit him well?

Santana: “I think so? He's the pitcher that's given up the most home runs to me in all of my career. [Correct!] How many? [Nine.] It's good. I don't know. Maybe it's because I see him a lot, that's why. He's one of the best pitchers of the last 10 years, and I think he's good, but honestly, I don't know. I don't know. I'm comfortable with him.”

Not counting Verlander, who do you have the most hits against?

Santana: “Not counting Verlander? The last 10 years? Oof. I don't know. I don't even remember. Is he on a roster now, or is he retired? [It’s a three-way tie, but one of them is on a roster.] Right now? Hm. Martín Pérez?”

The verdict: Correct! He has 19 hits against Verlander, and 16 against three pitchers -- one of whom is Pérez. The other two are Danny Duffy and Jered Weaver.

What pitcher have you faced the most often without getting a hit?

Santana: “Oof. I've faced too many pitchers. Robertson? The closer, Robertson? I never get hits against him.”

The verdict: He is indeed hitless against David Robertson, but is “only” 0-for-12 off the veteran righty. The actual answer here is, randomly, Cal Quantrill, against whom Santana is 0-for-24 without a walk.

The reaction: “Oh, yeah? I've never hit him? I don't know, maybe when I'm facing him, maybe I don't feel good in that moment? That happens in baseball. 0-for-24? No [walks]? I don't know, man. I don't know. That happens.”

A long, long time ago, you started your career as a catcher for Cleveland. Which pitcher did you catch the most?

Santana: “Justin Masterson? Yeah, it was him. He was a good guy. One of my best teammates in that time. I think I have a very good relationship with him, yes.”

The verdict: Absolutely. It’s Masterson by a wide margin, followed by the Cleveland edition of Ubaldo Jiménez.

Do you miss catching?

Santana: “No. No. Why? I like to hit. I like first base. I think I don't miss it.”

Which of your new Twins teammates do you have the most hits against?

Santana: (Looks around the clubhouse) "Hmmmmm. No. 21 [Anthony DeSclafani]?”

The verdict: So close. DeSclafani is second on the list, as Santana is 3-for-11 off him.

Santana: “He's second? Shoot. Reliever? Lefty? No. 56 [Caleb Thielbar]?”

The verdict, again: Second time’s the charm. He’s 4-for-12 lifetime against Thielbar.

Do you often look back on your career?

Santana: “I remember a lot of good moments, but it's 15 years in the league. It's a lot. ... I think it's most impressive to me -- right now, I'm old, but I started my career when I was much younger. Life is crazy. I'm blessed. I say thank you to God every day for giving me all the opportunity. I have to keep it going, and I'll see what happens later. But right now, I try to live in the moment, try to enjoy my time and my teammates. Great group here.”