RSS
Home
Twins trade possibilities - part three
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
Twins Shortstop Brendan Harris - AP Photo/Jim Mone
In the first two installments, we examined trade possibilities for the Minnesota Twins which involved moving Delmon Young and addressing the mediocre-at-best bullpen. In the third and final portion of our analysis, we'll look at one additional area the Twins should consider making a move to address if they are to compete in the AL Central Division this summer.
3. Middle Infield. Cristian Guzman and Luis Rivas played together in the middle infield from 2001-2004 and were once thought to be building blocks for the organization. However, Guzman departed via free agency after the 2004 season and the Twins decided to cut bait on 2B Luis Rivas a season later. Jason Bartlett broke camp in 2005 as the starting shortstop, but was sent to the minors to work on his leadership skills, and Juan Castro played shortstop. He couldn't hit, so Bartlett was re-installed there in 2006, played regularly in 2007, but was traded to Tampa Bay after that season as part of the trade for you-know-who. Adam Everett was signed to play short every day in 2008, but couldn't stay healthy, so the Twins leaned on Nick Punto. He hit reasonably well at .284/.344/.382, and was rewarded with a two-year, $8.5M contract prior to the 2009 season to play shortstop every day.
Second base has been a question mark in 2009. The position was thought to be solidified in 2008 after Alexi Casilla came up from the minors and hit .281/.333/.374 in 98 games. However, Casilla has struggled mightily at the plate in 2009, causing a demotion to AAA Rochester for the second time. His .180/.242/.225 line has been putrid, and he has puzzled Twins' management with his inconsistency in the field.
Brendan Harris made the team out of spring training as the utility infielder and has hit reasonably well. With Casilla back in Rochester, Punto will likely play shortstop every day, Harris will likely get his fair share of reps at second base, and manager Ron Gardenhire will work Matt Tolbert into the mix from time-to-time. However, Tolbert is hitting a paltry .183/.274/.247 in his 31 games and shows no signs of improvement. In this piece, Gardenhire hints that Harris could even unseat Punto at shortstop every day, but I'm somewhat skeptical. This was also written before Casilla's demotion.
The Twins should explore the market for a middle infielder. Cleveland is apparently willing to part with either Mark DeRosa or Jamey Carroll, but it's unlikely the Twins would be a likely trade partner given the division rival status. The Colorado Rockies are apparently looking to dump anyone, but ESPN's Jayson Stark thinks likely trade bait includes reliever Huston Street (see my piece on Wednesday for more on him), outfielders Ryan Spilbourghs and Brad Hawpe, and starting pitcher Jason Marquis. The Houston Astros are willing to listen to offers for shortstop Miguel Tejada, but the Twins would never pick up a guy who is owed $13M. Other players who may be available include Texas's Omar Vizquel, Pittsburgh's Jack Wilson, Milwaukee's J.J. Hardy, and Oakland's Orlando Cabrera and Bobby Crosby. However, the waters are further muddied by teams such as the Boston Red Sox, who are apparently also desperate for middle infielders.
The Twins should consider dangling someone like Delmon Young or some minor league pitching in order to shore up the middle infield. The lack of production in this part of the lineup - especially with Gardenhire insists on batting any of these players second - is hampering the team's chances in the AL Central.
Wednesday's Game Recap: The Twins had a nice rally late to defeat Oakland 6-3. Jason Kubel's pinch-hit homer tied the score in the 8th inning, and the Twins rallied for three runs in the top of the 9th off Oakland closer Andrew Bailey to seal the victory. Matt Guerrier picked up the win in relief, and Joe Nathan finished up for his 13th save. Joe Mauer and Mike Redmond each had two hits.
Francisco Liriano was solid on the hill for the Twins, going 6 innings and allowing 3 runs on 5 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 7. He has strung two solid outings together on this long road trip, and hopefully will provide an indication of his improvement as the summer months approach.
In the Meantime....: Check this out from the Pioneer Press. Add LaTroy Hawkins as a possible bullpen replacement for the Twins. Maybe the front office is reading my articles?
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
