Bill Smith has shown to have an itchy trigger finger when compared to Terry Ryan. He is more than willing to execute a big trade, has shown willingness to dish prospects if it helps the current team win that season. He has spun a few off season trades, including the Santana trade, Delmon Young and last seasons JJ Hardy acquisition. The Twins have also shown a reluctance to sign free agents until late in the offseason, hunting for deals. Anyways, the easiest thing to do is to look for what might be a trade that could be executed by the Twins this offseason, rather than figure out what other teams might do, and what scraps might be left over for the Twins to sign. Trades aren’t a common occurrence, so here a couple possible matches.
1 – Twins hook up with the Orioles, with Jeremy Guthrie coming to Minnesota for JJ Hardy. It wouldn’t be 1 for 1, but the principals are there. Guthrie is a solid, mid rotation starter coming off a good season in Baltimore. The Orioles have their eye on the Twins shortstop, according to many rumors. Both players are earning about the same salary, thought Guthrie is probably worth a bit more.
2 – Another deal that wouldn’t be one for one, but could be a good match is one that involves superfluous lefty slugger Jason Kubel for malcontent reliever Jonathan Papelbon. The Twins will be losing at least one big name out of the bullpen, if not more. Probably more. The Red Sox are steadily losing David Ortiz to Father Time and have a ball park that favors lefties, unlike Target Field. Papelbon’s one year wouldn’t be enough for the Twins to sacrifice Kubel, so expect a right handed bat from Boston, especially if the Twins trade JJ Hardy.
That’s it. That’s what you can expect if the Twins make any deals. No big names being dealt or acquired, because I don’t think the Twins have the players to trade to patch the holes that need patching. But moves will be made, don’t fear on that. And don’t be surprised if an impact free agent is signed way out in February.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!