Twins could make a good trade partner

[fleehaw]

Have you looked at MN IF lately? Besides Morneau, they're horrible. Even worse that what Hardy is currently putting up.

 

They certainly have a need for infielders, and I'm sure they'd have some interest in a catching prospect given that Mauer is a FA in '10?

 

Two guys I'd target are Baker and Spann. I'm not saying the Twins would necessarily part with them, but they interest me a lot and seem to fit what the Brewers need.

 

Baker and Spann for Hardy, McGehee, the Hurricane, Salome, and one of their better minor league arms.

[804Sox]

I could definitely see a trade like Baker for Hardy happening, but I think adding McGehee, Spann, etc. makes it far too complicated.

 

Carlos Gomez could be a guy to target, though. Seems that the twins like Spann in CF and they have some other OF on the way. He could definitely replace Cameron's D in CF. Could probably have him for a guy like Salome, who the Twins could slot in at DH.

[MNBrew]

Wow. I've thought the Twins might make a good trade partner, too. But I think this trade idea is a bit optimistic.

 

The Twins will work like crazy to retain Mauer. Plus Morales is a strong-hitting young C, too. Span is an OF they'll keep because he's a dynamic leadoff hitter. Gomez is an enigma -- good D, fast as blazes, but can't steal 1st base -- intriguing because he's got a ton of talent, but more often than not frustrating because he doesn't connect all the dots with any consistency. Baker is their best starting pitcher, is 13-7, doesn't walk many, and is in the 1st year of a 4-yr., $15M deal.

 

The Twins have tried hard for a couple years to get Orlando Cabrera at SS and finally have him. They may look to re-sign him rather than have to give up assets in order to land his replacement in a trade.

[Hate those Rodents]

Yeah, Hardy for Baker would have had to have been done after last season. I am afraid we couldn't get a guy like Baker for him now though. Baltimore remains a much better fit, though some other type of deal between the two teams could still benefit both sides.

[MNBrew]

I actually do see the Twins as a possible trade match for Hardy, just not for the package you described, flee. That said, I'm not sure what we would ask for back from MN that's realistic. Gomez IS NOT the answer, I do know that much. We need pitching, & the Twins do have it. But Liriano, Perkins, & Slowey have been hurt, Baker & Blackburn & Swarzek have been inconsistent, Duensing has done pretty well, and Pavano's not likely trade fodder if he were to re-sign. The Twins have SP depth, but that depth is loaded w/ question marks, too. The Twins need relievers -- or at least they did before picking up Rauch & Mahay.

 

I also think that Seattle (Rowland-Smith & Morrow?) could be a match, as could Baltimore (don't know names there off the top of my head), and Boston (esp. lumped w/ Prince for a major haul in return). Probably others, too, but none come to mind at the moment.

[Hate those Rodents]

Morrow was the name that popped into my had from Seattle in a straight up deal should Jack Z decide he wants JJ.

[dadofandrew]

The Twins have traded a young guy once, and considering how that Garza/Young swap went, won't do it again soon. However, they have many AAA arms, and even an overpaid utility INF in Punto they'd give anything to have someone take that deal off their hands, and might just happily let a quality youngster go if the Crew took Nick.

[dadofandrew]

Jack Z said Wilson was "the guy" when they traded for him. Not sure if he was truthful, but that is what he said.

[kramnoj]

What about Hardy and Casey for Baker plus? The Twins could would get a cheap upgrade on Crede and improve their SS. They take a hit on Baker, but having Baker doesn't look like it's going to get them to the playoffs this year so maybe improving their offense will help. Personally, I think that trade helps both teams. I just don't know what the "plus" is. I would imagine a B ish prospect.

[fleehaw]

The Twins will work like crazy to retain Mauer. Plus Morales is a strong-hitting young C, too. Span is an OF they'll keep because he's a dynamic leadoff hitter. Gomez is an enigma -- good D, fast as blazes, but can't steal 1st base -- intriguing because he's got a ton of talent, but more often than not frustrating because he doesn't connect all the dots with any consistency. Baker is their best starting pitcher, is 13-7, doesn't walk many, and is in the 1st year of a 4-yr., $15M deal.

 

The Twins have tried hard for a couple years to get Orlando Cabrera at SS and finally have him. They may look to re-sign him rather than have to give up assets in order to land his replacement in a trade.

I hope the Twins do resign Mauer and I have no doubt they'll put a serious offer on the table. However, if you are/were a betting man, would you bet for or against the Twins ability to resign Mauer? And let me say I'm just not a fan of Cabrera, and I would definitely look to upgrade the position if he was starting.

 

I just threw that idea out there as Baker and Spann are two guys I like and that they'd fill Brewer needs very well. Getting 50% of your starting IF, possibly another starter in Hurricane (or at least some more competition), a catching prospect on the cusp, and a good, young SP prospect (Scarpetta, Rivas...) is nothing to sneeze at. For the most part, it's dealing strengths for weaknesses. And it wouldn't break the bank on either side.

 

I guess the bottom line is there are a number of teams that match up well with the Brewers for potential trades with the Twins being one of them.

[TwinsBrewersWorldSeries]

As a Twins fan, there is no way the Twins trade Span. Span has become one of the best leadoff men in the League.

Twins might do Span for Ryan Braun, but obviously we wouldn't. Why would the Twins trade Span, who is only 25, who is under their control for atleast 5 more years.

 

The Brewers could probably get Young, but the Twins will not be trading Span, Mauer, Morneau, or Kubel.

 

The Twins might be interested in trading Baker, but it would take atleast Escobar or Gamel and Manny Parra. The Brewers are better off targeted one/two of the Twins pre-arby pitchers who have yet to break out

[dadofandrew]

It is funny many only want a "proven" young SP, yet would never dream of trading Yo.

 

Other teams won't trade their version of Yo either.