Could Buxton and Correa be the Best Duo in Twins History?

They absolutely could be on this list.  Let's just hope they are both healthy and have good years, and the Twins do well.  Your mention of Versalles brings back great memories for old time Twins fans.  His 1965 year was incredible.  While he was not in Buck's class as a speedster, I remember being in the stands for one of his triples and he seemed to fly around the bases.  That 1965 team was really impressive.  They surprised people that year.  Let's hope this year's Twins do the same. 

BTW, Andrew, what was the best combined WAR year for Mauer and Morneau?

If Buck and Correa both stay healthy, I bet they will go down as best duo numbers wise, and the fact that both play top defense at top defensive positions.  Both Buck and Correa have won award for best overall defender in a given season.  To me that is what would put them above the rest if they can also put up the offense we expect. 

If this list included pitchers, Johan and Mauer combined for 13.4 WAR in 2006. 

The line in the article was that it would take something special. I guess being health all year being special is the new normal

56 minutes ago, RJA said:

BTW, Andrew, what was the best combined WAR year for Mauer and Morneau?

2006- 10.1

2008-9.8

2009- 11.3

2010-10.6

50 minutes ago, RJA said:

BTW, Andrew, what was the best combined WAR year for Mauer and Morneau?

I was looking for the answer in 2006, and found that Santana and Mauer combined for 14.5 fWAR, so I guess pitchers were not included in this exercise.

Mauer and Morneau combined for 9.6 fWAR in 2006, 9.8 in 2008, 11.7 in 2009, and 10.7 in 2010

Mauer and Morneau in 2006 ranks way up there for me.   Morneau as MVP went beyond WAR numbers.    #s 1 and 6 in MVP ranking.    Mauer and Morneau for half a season in 2010 was about as good as it gets.    Morneau was having a monster season that would surely have gotten him top 2 in MVP and Mauer at #8.     .        

Mauer and Morneau in their prime. Those were the days my friends. If Correa and Buxton can come close (or do them better if healthy all year), we’re in like Span when he was known as Flint and will have fun in the sun.

3 hours ago, RJA said:

BTW, Andrew, what was the best combined WAR year for Mauer and Morneau?

I had that same question.  Article is incredible and insightful to bring back all the great memories and hopefully prepare us for seeing Twins duo greatness!  The real question is whether Buxton is Batman or Robin??

2 hours ago, ToddlerHarmon said:

I was looking for the answer in 2006, and found that Santana and Mauer combined for 14.5 fWAR, so I guess pitchers were not included in this exercise.

Mauer and Morneau combined for 9.6 fWAR in 2006, 9.8 in 2008, 11.7 in 2009, and 10.7 in 2010

…and that’s why we all remember the M&M boys!  Not one single year of historic greatness but 4 out of 5 years of 10+ (rounding up of course)…..sounds like we need Correa to stay all 3 years to see if they can out-do M&M!

Add Polanco to the group and you probably have the best trio in Twins history ( both offensively and defensively).

Add Polanco to the group and you probably have the best trio in Twins history ( both offensively and defensively).  And I go back to when Reno Bertoia played.

1 hour ago, Andrew Mahlke said:

2009, but 2010 would've been better had Morneau not got concussed.

Don't forget Mauer also missed the first month of 2009 with back issues.  He had a monster year but it could have really been one for the ages had he been healthy to start the season.

3 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

Add Polanco to the group and you probably have the best trio in Twins history ( both offensively and defensively).

I'm with you Terry! I can really see these 3 feeding off each other. I expect great thing from them, it'll be very exciting to watch.

I remember Puckett, Hrbek and Gaetti how great they were. And they surprised a lot of people when they went from worst to best. I expected them to make this list. And of course Killebrew, Oliva and Allison (1965 Versalles) made quite a trio.

Maybe in the 21st century. Oliva/Killebrew - it doesn't get any better. 

Great article.  To me the 1969 Twins team was their best ever.  Yes even better than the 1987 and 1991 championship teams. .what a duo of Killebrew and Career.  I also loved the Mauer/Morneau duo.  Buxton/Correa have potential but will have to see how it plays out.  It's just unfortunate Buxton has been hurt so much.  A great center fielders with a .248 career batting average over 7 major league seasons. We may never know what could have been.  He's had a few great months off and on.  Give me a full season of a healthy Buxton and hope all his talents bring results.

GREAT Article !  I wonder what it would look like if you added that 3rd player.  1964 Oliva, Allison, Killebrew already mentioned.  I wonder what 1969 Tony O's numbers would add to Killebrew & Carew.  Add Hisle to 1977 Carew & Bostock...THAT would be interesting.  And if you DID add pitchers, add Santana to a Mauer and Morneau years (2009, 2006).  Another interesting question:  What would some of the all-time trios look like ?  Ruth, Gehrig, and...Irish Meusel ?  What about 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers:  Duke Snider, Roy Campanella and either Carl Furillo or Jackie Robinson ?  How about 1961 Mantle, Maris and Elston Howard ?  

18 hours ago, 2wins87 said:

Don't forget Mauer also missed the first month of 2009 with back issues.  He had a monster year but it could have really been one for the ages had he been healthy to start the season.

Great thing about baseball is that even as great as those two were, the Twins were only treading water when Morneau went down.    Casilla, Hardy, Valencia and a few of the pitchers stepping up made the difference in the 2nd half.

Play the game to the best of their ability  and I'll give my answer after the end of the season ....

I won't speculate on coulda , woulda and shoulda  ....

No Killebrew and Oliva combination?