Doug Mientkiewicz is the last Twin not named Torii Hunter to win a gold glove. That came in 2001. Hunter has taken home 6 straight gold gloves running form 2001 to last season and may very well win the prize again in 2007, if for no other reason than reputation.

The doors are also opening for him to have some company, even as soon as this year. Johan Santana has always been known as a good defensive pitcher, but the award has been monopolized by Kenny Rogers in five of the past seven seasons. With Rogers missing much of this season, it could be an opportunity for a new name to emerge. Often times the gold glove is a popularity contest, and Santana is certainly well known.

Mark Teixeira, who recently left the American league via trade to Atlanta, has been voted the best defensive first baseman the past two season. Winners prior to him were Darin Erstad (no longer plays first), John Olerud (retired) and the aforementioned Mientkiewicz. Morneau was AL MVP last season, so popularity won't be an issue. However, he may face some stiff competition with guys like Sean Casey, Paul Konerko, Lyle Overbay and Richie Sexson.

Joe Mauer is a guy that almost surely will receive a gold glove some time in the future, however the month he missed early in the season might make this a tough year to overcome Ivan Rodriguez and win his first. The numbers say Mauer should win. He recently committed his first error of the season and he's the only catcher in the league to actually throw out more runners than succeed against him (20 to 16). The minuscule number of attempts speaks volumes about his ability to shut down a running game.

The Twins aren't going to win 4 gold gloves this year, but they certainly have 4 players who could pull it off. One is declining defensively, one is in his prime and the other two are rising stars.

Of course, if it were up to Dan Barreiro one of those rising stars, Mauer, would've been traded by now (Listen) because he hits too many singles.