Peter Christian and Soxman break down what each MLB contender needs to make the play-offs
Â
Trade Rumors begin to heat up as the MLB trade deadline approaches. The deadline is 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. Until then teams may trade players freely without having to go through the waiver process.
Â
Â
Now this is actually a pleasant surprise. The Twins were expected to hover at .500 and be looking up at the Indians and Tigers. Instead they are playing above expectations and sticking their nose in both the AL Central Race and the Wild Card race. Their starting pitching and clutch hitting have been carrying this team through the last two months, the same two things that were supposed to be the Achilles heel. The bullpen and defense, however, were supposed to be solid. This has been inconsistent. The Twins could use a fresh, reliable arm in the bullpen but they also need a consistent bat at third base and designated hitter. Brian Buscher was key during the Twins eleven game winning streak, but he needs to develop against lefties (especially in the Twins lineup which is heavily left handed) and the Craig Monroe/Jason Kubel platoon at DH doesn’t ensure a whole lot of consistent production from the position. The emergence of Denard Span, a flash of what Jason Kubel can be puts the Twins in a position that they are familiar with: too many outfielders. A few years back the Twins were plagued with the same problem and were largely ineffective at getting anything for their surplus. This time around, the Twins new GM Billy Smith should be a little more aggressive than former GM Terry Ryan was. He needs to go out and find a buyer rather than waiting for one to come to him. The Twins have already inquired about the availability of Seattle’s Adrian Beltre, but a better answer might be a bit closer to home in former Twin Casey Blake. The only problem with going and getting Blake is the fact that he plays for division rival and it would be tough to give up any valuable asset to the Indians for a rental player. However, if the trade included a reliever as well (say, Rafael Betancourt?) the juice might be worth the squeeze.
–Peter ChristianÂ
Looking at this roster, you would think “they need a ton,†but somehow the Twins just keep on winning. The Twins have an internal answer to bolster their pitching: Francisco Liriano. He’s been dominating in the minors and it’s hard to understand exactly why the Twins have not given him a shot. The Twins could also use another power bat as they have the 4th worst homerun production in the majors (65). Adrian Beltre, Hank Blalock, Garrett Atkins, and Casey Blake could all fit the bill. The Twins have discussed Beltre for weeks internally and it is obvious that the Mariners are sellers. Beltre is hitting .269 with 16 HR and 46 RBI on the season. Casey Blake seems to fit the Twins “scrappy†profile though and he has been a White Sox killer over the years. Juan Rivera could be another intriguing possibility at a lower cost.
–The Soxman
7/17- Red Sox
7/18- Yankees
7/19- Rays
7/20- White Sox
7/21- Twins
7/22- Tigers
7/23-Angels
7/24- A’s
Leave a Reply