Minnesota Twins Trade Rumors

Interest in Lilly about to pick up?
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July 29
Foxsports.com
 
"If the Astros trade right-hander Roy Oswalt, they will be even more unlikely to move righty Brett Myers. And if the Astros won't trade move Myers, then Cubs lefty Ted Lilly will be the best starting pitcher left on the market -- assuming, of course, that there isn't a late rush on a mystery starter. Last July, that starter was the Mariners' Felix Hernandez. This year, it could be the Royals' Zach Greinke. But for now, Lilly would be the best known starter available. The Phillies' acquisition of Oswalt would end their interest in Lilly. But the Twins and Dodgers remain active on Lilly, the Mets and Tigers are on the periphery and other teams could enter the mix. The Twins are on Lilly's"
Twins have asked about Lilly ... but there's a hurdle
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July 28
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins have asked about Chicago Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly. Minnesota, however, is on Lilly's no-trade list, so it would be easier to deal him to other clubs. Lilly is owed about $4 million the rest of the season. It would require additional compensation for him to waive his no-trade to the Twins."
Minnesota Twins may stand pat at trade deadline
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July 28
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Charley Walters
"It's starting to appear the Twins won't make a deal before Saturday's trade deadline. But all things considered, maybe that's all right. The Twins have endured J.J. Hardy, Orlando Hudson and Justin Morneau missing time with injuries, and with Joe Mauer and three starting pitchers underperforming. Yet they trail the Chicago White Sox by just one game in the AL Central Division. Players generally play as well as their histories. That should mean a resurgence by Mauer and starting pitchers Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn. Hardy is back. Morneau is expected back before long. Hudson will be back. The Twins tried hard to trade with Seattle for Cliff Lee but weren't willing to give"
Minnesota Twins dawdle as trade deadline nears
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July 26
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Tom Powers
"Helllloooo. Howww issss itttt goingggg? You see, I'm approaching this column very deliberately, the way the Twins' front office approaches the trade deadline. Slowllllyyy, carefffulllyyy. Last season, general manager Bill Smith made a deal right at the deadline to bring shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the team. But it wasn't until after July 31 that he made his best moves: trading for Carl Pavano on Aug. 7 and Jon Rauch on Aug. 28. Cabrera is long gone. However, the Twins would be dead in the water without those two pitchers, especially Pavano, who has become the undisputed ace of the staff. Smith probably has made more good moves than bad ones, but he has been tardy more often than he has"
Lilly could be traded before weekend's over
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July 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"With contenders struggling to find the right match for available starters Roy Oswalt and Dan Haren on the trade market, interest in Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly has stepped up dramatically and a trade could be completed by the end of the weekend, major-league sources said Friday. Lilly's trade value skyrocketed after he held the Houston Astros to one run in 7 1/3 innings Wednesday. His next scheduled start is Tuesday in Houston, and sources say the Cubs would like to complete a deal before that outing. The struggling New York Mets have shown the most interest in Lilly. The Detroit Tigers are also believed to be shifting their attention to Lilly after hitting a wall in talks with the Arizona"
More teams pitching for Oswalt
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July 24
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"As the days get fewer to the July 31 trade deadline, the number of teams reported to be interested in acquiring Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt grows longer. Add the Dodgers, Yankees and Twins to the Cardinals and Phillies who have expressed a desire to add the three-time All-Star to their rotations for a second-half push. Who knows? Maybe the Reds could be quietly involved in trade talks with Oswalt, who can veto any deal. On Friday, Oswalt didn't rule out playing for any team, even the Reds, a team he pitches against tonight at Minute Maid Park as he tries to tie Joe Niekro's franchise record of 144 wins. "I haven't rejected anybody," said Oswalt. "I haven't told anybody no to any team.""
Tigers, Twins on Haren's no-trade list
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July 23
Foxsports.com
 
"On Thursday, sources said five teams were involved in the pursuit of Arizona right-hander Dan Haren: the Yankees, Phillies, Cardinals, Tigers and Twins. For two of those clubs, acquiring Haren won't just be a matter of surrendering the necessary prospects and affording the remaining money on his contract. They will need to get his permission, too. Major league sources told FOXSports.com on Friday that the Tigers and Twins are among the teams on Haren's 12-team no-trade list. Haren's permission would also be required in the event of a trade to Cincinnati or Tampa Bay, sources say."
Twins unsure when Justin Morneau will return from his concussion
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July 20
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"It doesn't appear Justin Morneau is coming back anytime soon. The Twins' all-star first baseman was still at home Monday recovering from a concussion, and manager Ron Gardenhire said it's highly unlikely he'll be with the team when it leaves Wednesday for a four-game series in Baltimore. "He won't be going to Baltimore," Gardenhire said. "That's just my guess." Morneau is scheduled to see a specialist today. He hasn't played since taking a knee to the forehead while breaking up a double play July 7 in Toronto, a string of days that has included nine games and the All-Star Game, which he was forced to decline. "He's been waking up in the mornings and feeling good, and then as the day goes"
Yankees may join the Lilly chase
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July 19
ESPN.com
 
"Add another team to the list of perspective buyers for Chicago Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly. Sunday the New York Yankees may have lost veteran left-handed starter Andy Pettitte to a groin injury. Pettitte came out of his start against Tampa Bay in the third inning with a strained left groin and was taken to New York Presbyterian for an MRI. Tests revealed Pettitte suffered a Grade 1 strain, the least severe kind, but manager Joe Girardi said, "It looks like he's probably headed to the DL." Lilly, who will pitch for the Cubs on Wednesday, is being actively pursued by teams such as the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers. If Pettitte's injury is serious, you can"
Twins eyeing trade market
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July 15
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"With ace lefthander Cliff Lee now pitching for the Rangers, the Twins are expected to continue to look for starting pitching to help put them over the top in the suddenly log-jammed American League Central race. But there's also a chance that the Twins could get a boost from a team that has the worst record in the Class AAA International League. The Rochester Red Wings, 33-59, already have sent the Twins Luke Hughes, Wilson Ramos, Danny Valencia and several others this season -- and could play a role down the stretch. ''I think we are going to see more help from Rochester as we go through the season,'' Twins General Manager Bill Smith said. ''We have some players down there, some with"
Cliff Lee picture still unfocused
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July 8
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins have expressed interest in trading for Mariners lefthander Cliff Lee, but the sides haven't exchanged the names of the players the Twins would send in return, a person familiar with the discussions said Wednesday. For now, the Mariners are busy scouting the Twins' best young players, just as Seattle is doing with other clubs, since there are several teams interested in acquiring Lee before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline. The Twins are considered one of the favorites to get Lee, and another major league source said the Mariners have been gathering information about Twins catching prospect Wilson Ramos and pitcher Kevin Slowey. It's unclear if the Twins would have to give up"
Mariners want too much to get Lee
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July 7
Foxsports.com
 
"Executives from two different clubs interested in Cliff Lee say that the Mariners are seeking a mammoth return for the ace left-hander following a report of a substantial offer from the Twins. One of the execs, labeling the Mariners' request a "crazy ask," said the M's proposal was in excess of the Twins' offer, as reported by AOL Fanhouse – Triple A catcher Wilson Ramos and Single A outfielder Aaron Hicks. The Mariners' aggressiveness can be interpreted in one of two ways: They are either close with the Twins and trying to determine if another team will top the Minnesota offer, or they are still trying to drive up the bidding. Both the Twins and Mariners have denied comment on the AOL"
Twins battling at least four teams for Cliff Lee
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July 7
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Every year, it seems, there is a pitcher everyone wants at the trade deadline. This year it's Seattle lefty Cliff Lee, who has the track record and contract to make him a perfect rent-a-player. Lee is making $9 million this season, meaning any team that acquires him will be on the hook for only half that, at most. He'll also be a Type A free agent at season's end, meaning a team that loses him will get an extra first-round selection, plus a sandwich pick, in the 2011 draft. He would look particularly good in the Twins' rotation, which could use another lefty and a No. 1 starter, but general manager Bill Smith has his work cut out for him. The Mets, Reds, Dodgers and Phillies are among"
Yanks' interest in Lee hinges on price, Rays emerge as suitors
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July 6
Foxsports.com
 
"The Yankees' interest in trading for Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee is real, but only at a suitable price. Lee, the biggest prize in this year's trade market, is a known target of the Twins, Rangers, Mets and other clubs. The sincerity of the Yankees' interest has been in question, but they are indeed "kicking the tires," according to a source with knowledge of the team's thinking. The source, however, estimates that the Yankees' chances of landing Lee are "less than 50 percent," and says that such a move likely would require the team to spin right-hander Javier Vazquez to another club. Vazquez, like Lee, is a free agent at the end of the season. The difference is that the Yankees want to"
Source: Lee trade talks get 'interesting' with Twins
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July 6
SI.com
 
"There are discussions regarding Cliff Lee between the Mariners and Twins that according to one person familiar with the talks are "interesting" and "have possibilities." As of yet there is no confirmation of an agreement. A second source said the Mariners were looking for catching prospect Wilson Ramos in a package. Seattle wants a big-league ready catcher. And Ramos is blocked in Minnesota by All-Star Joe Mauer."
Mariners' trade talks heating up with Twins?
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July 6
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"The Minnesota Twins, long considered one of the leading candidates to acquire Cliff Lee, have reportedly now offered the Mariners two top prospects for the All-Star pitcher. Jeff Fletcher of AOL Fanhouse reported on his Twitter account Monday night that the Twins are willing to give up outfielder Aaron Hicks as well as top catching prospect Wilson Ramos for Lee. Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated also reported Monday night that the Twins and Mariners were involved in "interesting" talks that "have possibilities," while mentioning Ramos as part of the package. That comes as no surprise, given Ramos' name has been bandied about as part of a potential deal for several weeks now. But Hicks is"
Report: Twins offer two prospects for Lee
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July 6
MLB.com
 
"AOL Fanhouse's Jeff Fletcher reported Monday that the Twins have offered prospects Aaron Hicks and Wilson Ramos for Cliff Lee, who has a 2.34 ERA and boasts a strikeout-to-walk-ratio of almost 15-to-1. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik declined comment. Seattle acquired Lee in the offseason hoping he would be a key piece in the push for the American League West title, but things haven't panned out as the club had envisioned. Lee has been spectacular, but the Mariners sat 14 games behind division leaders Texas entering Monday's game against the Royals."
Trade needed, even if not wanted
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July 5
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 columnist Jim Souhan
"Suddenly the Twins find themselves asking the same question our country has confronted for the past few years: When does a recession become a depression? Since the beginning of June, the Twins are 13-18. They've become a middle-rung American League team benefitting from alignment in a weak division. They are poor on the road. During a long weekend at Target Field, they lost three out of four to a Tampa Bay team that made the Twins look unathletic by comparison. Most frightening, a bullpen that had overachieved most of the season is showing signs of wear. About a year ago, Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer argued that the Twins' front office would have to prove it could make midseason upgrades"
Source says Minnesota Twins leading race to acquire pitcher Cliff Lee
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July 4
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Charley Walters
"One high-ranking major league official outside the Twins organization says he hears the Twins are the front-runner for Seattle pitcher Cliff Lee. Considering the windfall revenue the Twins are pulling in from their new Target Field, affording Lee (about $4.5 million for the rest of the season as a rental player) isn't a problem. Providing Seattle with the right prospects for a trade is. The Twins love pitchers who throw strikes. Lee's strikeout-to-walk ratio has been startling — he has walked just five batters in 96 innings while whiffing 78. Lee's control makes his 91-mph fastball seem like it's 94 mph. The Mariners want a package of primarily hitting prospects in exchange for Lee. The"
Let the bidding for Lee begin
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July 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cliff Lee sweepstakes is heating up, with the Reds and possibly even Yankees joining the Twins at the forefront. A.J. Burnett's problems have forced GM Brian Cashman to reconsider waiting for free agency to take his shot at Lee. A team trading for the Mariners starter in the next couple of weeks would owe him only about $4.5 million, which puts him on the radar for even a mid-payroll team such as the Reds. The Twins' Carl Pavano, who played with Lee on the Indians, is pushing hard for GM Bill Smith to pull the trigger on a trade. There has been so much talk about Lee in Minnesota that the Twins could suffer a letdown if they don't get him."
St. Peter: Payroll can still grow
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July 3
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Twins President Dave St. Peter said Friday that the club is willing to add to its $97 million payroll in order to improve the roster as the trade deadline approaches. Last year, the Twins responded to concerns from players and fans and added shortstop Orlando Cabrera and pitchers Carl Pavano, Jon Rauch and Ron Mahay, and all four helped the Twins reach the postseason. The Twins are in first place in the AL Central, but ownership is willing to explore ways of improving the team. St. Peter confirmed that, during a routine meeting Friday, the Twins discussed ways to improve as the July 31 deadline for trades without waivers approaches. "We think we have some flexibility," St. Peter said. "The"
Minnesota Twins might have what it takes to pick up a pitcher like Cliff Lee or Roy Oswalt
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June 27
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn have allowed 38 earned runs in 39 innings this month, making for an 8.77 earned-run average between the two, and Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Saturday that the team has to let the two starters wade through their failures until they find success again. That doesn't mean the manager wouldn't welcome an arm to bolster his rotation down the stretch. "Everybody wants additions. Everybody wants the best pitchers in baseball," Gardenhire said. "That doesn't change for any team. If there are upgrades that can make your pitching staff better, I think every manager in baseball will tell you, 'Sure.' " Two of the upgrades reportedly available on the trade market"
The rent-a-pitcher plunge
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June 27
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"In 1995, the Yankees were on the hunt for a starting pitcher and found one in former Cy Young winner David Cone. They landed him from Toronto for pitchers Marty Jansen, Jason Jarvis and Mike Gordon. Who, who and who? I'm guessing that Toronto fans were left wanting as Cone re-signed with the Yankees and became a vital player. In 1998, the Astros coveted former Cy Young winner Randy Johnson. They landed him from Seattle for righthander Freddy Garcia, infielder Carlos Guillen and lefthander John Halama. While Mariners fans wound up with two good regulars, Johnson went 10-1 for Houston and helped them to the playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Padres. Johnson was the classic"
Mets, Twins appear to be two frontrunners in Cliff Lee sweepstakes
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June 24
Seattle Times
 
"Quite the outing by Cliff Lee yet again, leading the Mariners to a sixth win in a row. By the way, have you ever seen a team have so much trouble picking up even a single game in the standings? It's getting ridiculous. And at 13 games out, the Lee trade talk is not dying down. It's picking up. I said a couple of days ago that the Twins, Rangers and Mets looked like the biggest suitors and you can now cross the boys from Texas off because a bankruptcy ruling on Tuesday makes it next to impossible for the Rangers to add significant payroll. Better luck next time. That leaves the Twins and Mets. The Twins have been seen as favorites because they have a blocked top catching prospect in Wilson"
Hudson, Hardy headed for DL?
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June 7
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Twins second baseman Orlando Hudson could be headed to the disabled list after all, manager Ron Gardenhire said Sunday. Hudson hasn't played since May 30, when he injured his surgically repaired left wrist in a collision with center fielder Denard Span. A switch hitter, Hudson has been able to swing righthanded but not lefthanded. If placed on the DL, Hudson could return June 15 and miss only six more games. The Twins need to clear a roster spot for Michael Cuddyer before Tuesday's game against Kansas City. Cuddyer has been on the bereavement list, attending his father-in-law's funeral in Virginia. The Twins had planned on sending third baseman Danny Valencia back to Class AAA Rochester"
Hudson could be headed to the DL
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June 6
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"I'm sure it'll be a while until the Twins post today's lineup. So much will depend on how players feel when they get to the Coliseum. Justin Morneau? J.J. Hardy? Joe Mauer? Those decisions could go either way. One sure thing is Nick Blackburn will be on the mound for the Twins. After going 5-0 with a 2.65 ERA in May, he didn't make it through the fourth inning Tuesday in a 7-1 loss at Seattle. Hard to imagine, after all they've been through, that the Twins are 3-3 on this road trip with the chance to go home a winner today. The Twins haven't had a three-game sweep at the Oakland Coliseum since 1997. Updates to come... Update: Morneau and Hardy are not in the lineup, and Mauer is the DH."
Are Cubs looking to trade Gorzelanny?
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May 26
Foxsports.com
 
"If Tom Gorzelanny is going to be the odd man out of the Cubs' rotation once Carlos Zambrano returns — as one industry source predicted Tuesday — then his start against the Dodgers on Wednesday will be crucial indeed. It could be the prelude to a trade. Gorzelanny has been more effective as a starter than a reliever in his career, although his sample size in the bullpen is very small. That raises a simple question: If the Cubs bump Gorzelanny from the rotation, won't they be better off trading him for a reliever than sending him to the bullpen? Enough teams need starting pitching that one of them would surely part with a credible bullpen arm in order to acquire Gorzelanny. And the Cubs"
Mauer might sit entire series vs. Detroit
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May 3
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Twins catcher Joe Mauer missed his second consecutive game Sunday because of what manager Ron Gardenhire described as a deep bruise in his left heel. The chances of Mauer playing in this week's three-game series with the Tigers don't look good. On his weekly radio show on KSTP-AM 1500, Gardenhire agreed Mauer might be more week-to-week than day-to-day. But asked if it looks like Mauer might have to go on the 15-day disabled list, Gardenhire said, "No not at all. It's a situation where if you try to get him out there too quick, then this thing will never heal. We just don't want that to be the case. You've got to give this a couple extra days here, so that's why we brought in another"
Mauer could be "week to week", Ramos to start at catcher;
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May 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins placed Pat Neshek on the 15-day disabled list today with inflammation in his right middle finger and promoted catcher Wilson Ramos from Class AAA Rochester. With Joe Mauer out with a deep bone bruise in his left heel, Ramos will start at catcher today, as the Twins look to win this series at Progressive Field. It rained overnight, but it's partly sunny now, and the forecast looks favorable to play ball. Update: Asked on his weekly radio show (KSTP AM-1500) if Mauer's injury was more of a week-to-week thing than a day-to-day thing, Gardenhire said yes. Asked later, in his pregame session with the team's beat writers, if Mauer might be a DL situation, Gardenhire said, "No, not at"
Adventures continue for Mijares
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April 17
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Twins had a hefty lead Thursday afternoon and Jose Mijares needed a chance to bolster his confidence, so even though the situation wasn't ideal — the lefty specialist came in to face a Boston lineup front-loaded with five right-handed hitters and one switch hitter in the first six spots — Gardenhire put Mijares on the mound. Mijares ended up pitching a shutout eighth inning, but his work didn't come easily. Facing the top of Boston's batting order, he gave up two singles, then got a pop up before walking the bases loaded. He escaped the jam via a 6-4-3 double play, accomplishing, Gardenhire said, one-half of what the manager hoped he would. "In the first place, that's not the type of"
Kevin Slowey wouldn't mind a Nick Blackburn-type deal
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April 15
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Minnesota Twins starter Nick Blackburn, after an 11-11 season last year, this year signed a $14 million, four-year contract, with an $8 million club option for another season in 2014. Fellow starter Kevin Slowey, whose season last year ended with wrist surgery after winning 10 of 13 decisions, is signed for just this year. Slowey, 25, who starts this afternoon against the Boston Red Sox at Target Field, is earning $470,000 in 2010. He and Blackburn have almost the same amount of major league service time, about three seasons. Slowey said this morning he wouldn't mind signing a deal similar to Blackburn's. But he also understands the business of baseball and that the Twins obviously are"
More Washburn possibilities could surface
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April 7
Foxsports.com
 
"During the offseason, free-agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn was believed to be interested in pitching only for the Mariners, Twins and Brewers. But as he waits, other possibilities could surface. The Diamondbacks might need a replacement for injured right-hander Brandon Webb. The Rockies might need a replacement for injured left-hander Jeff Francis. Neither team, however, currently is pursuing Washburn, major-league sources say. The Rockies, who had named Francis their No. 2 starter, remain confident that he will return after missing all of last season due to arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The Diamondbacks are less certain about Webb, but probably would not stretch their budget for"
MLB salaries are down 17 percent, according to report
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April 5
SportingNews.com
 
"The salaries of major league players on opening-day rosters are down 17 percent from last year, USA Today reports – the biggest dip since the newspaper started keeping track of baseball salaries in 1988. The average player salary is $2.7 million in 2010, down from $3.2 million in 2009, according to the survey. According to documents from the players association, individual teams and the MLB headquarters, 14 teams start the year with lower payrolls than 2009."
Reliever Ron Mahay rejoins Twins on minor league deal
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March 25
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"The Twins signed left-handed pitcher Ron Mahay to a minor league deal Wednesday, bringing the reliever back for a possible second stint with the ballclub. Mahay has not been in spring training with any team this year and, manager Ron Gardenhire said, has been throwing to high schoolers. He will join the team in major league camp. Gardenhire said the move was aimed at bolstering the Twins' bullpen, though Mahay will almost certainly not be ready by Opening Day and probably will start the season in the minor leagues. The skipper pointed to Glen Perkins' recent back injury (he might resume activities today) and the loss of closer Joe Nathan to a season-ending elbow injury as two developments"
How high will payroll go?
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March 23
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"As the ink dried on Joe Mauer's eight-year, $184 million contract Monday, the question had to be asked: Is this actually a good deal for the Twins? Mauer will make $23 million each year between 2011 and 2018. Heading into Target Field, the Twins have pushed their payroll from $65 million on Opening Day 2009 to about $97 million for this year. After Mauer's news conference, Twins CEO Jim Pohlad said the payroll likely will rise again for 2011. "It will go up because there are players who are under contract, whose contracts pay more each year," Pohlad said. "If you did nothing, it would go up." That's good news for Twins fans because in recent times, the only World Series champion with one"
With Joe Nathan headed for surgery, Twins likely to trade for new closer
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March 22
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Tom Powers
"Get ready for Plan B. "Our No. 1 hope was for Joe Nathan to be able to pitch for us. But we had to be able to build a contingency plan," Twins general manager Bill Smith said. "We explained that to Joe two weeks ago. He understood. "Throughout this whole process, we wanted to have the utmost respect for Joe while there was hope to have him with us. We've exhausted that process. Now we'll proceed to Plan B." Which is? "As Terry Ryan used to say, 'We'll let you know.' " D'oh! Well, it's no secret that Plan B involves bringing in a closer from outside the Twins organization. And it's no secret why Ron Gardenhire fudges whenever he's asked about a closer. Why tell a Jon Rauch, Jesse Crain or"
Twins exploring options at closer
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March 22
MLB.com
 
"The Twins have spent the last two weeks considering their options for the closer role should Joe Nathan need surgery on the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Now, the time has come for the club to make some decisions on those contingency plans. The Twins learned officially on Sunday that Nathan will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. So with two weeks remaining until Opening Day on April 5, the club must now figure out its plans for the ninth inning. "We've really been focused on getting to this point [with Nathan] -- one way or the other," Twins general manager Bill Smith said. "Now we will move forward. We've been talking about some different contingencies, but"
Twins Moving Closer To Mauer Extension
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March 21
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Discussions between the Minnesota Twins and Joe Mauer regarding a long-term extension for the catcher are heating up, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney. In a tweet, Olney says that it wouldn't surprise him to hear an announcement "any day now." The exact figures being discussed by the two sides aren't known. However, Olney says speculation around the league is that an extension would fall between eight to ten years, for between $20MM and $25MM annually. As Olney pointed out a couple days ago, if nothing is finalized for Mauer and the Twins by Opening Day, it may be later in the season before they re-enter negotiations."
Joe Nathan to have Tommy John surgery, eyeing 2011 opening day return
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March 21
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Twins closer Joe Nathan said today that he will undergo Tommy John ligament replacement surgery on his right elbow with an eye toward returning for Opening Day in 2011. Nathan played catch with pitching coach Rick Anderson this morning. It was Nathan's first throwing session since he suffered a significant tear of his ulnar collateral ligament on March 6. "Didn't go like we hoped," Nathan said. "We knew it was a long shot, but what this did do is clear my head. Definitely was no gray area. Definitely was on the black side, where it didn't go as well as we like, and we know now we're going to have to go in and get some surgery done, get this thing fixed up." Nathan said he will have the"
Twins Eyeing Heath Bell
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March 19
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins are scouting Heath Bell extensively for a possible trade, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter). Closer Joe Nathan may have to undergo Tommy John surgery, so the Twins are looking at possible replacements, including Nathan and Blue Jays reliever Jason Frasor. The Twins won't necessarily have to make a trade at all, though. Nathan will throw Saturday, Sunday or Monday and the Twins will have a clearer sense of his ability to pitch with a torn ulnar collateral ligament after his bullpen session."
Nathan to test elbow in 'near future'
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March 17
MLB.com
 
"Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Tuesday that closer Joe Nathan will test his right elbow soon, but it's not necessarily going to happen on Saturday. Nathan said Monday that he thought he'd play catch and give his elbow a vigorous test on Saturday, but Gardenhire said Tuesday that's not a guarantee, as it could happen on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. The skipper said they'll let the doctors and training staff figure out what day it will be."
Twins fans want Joe Mauer to sign anytime, as long as it's now
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March 17
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 columnist Tom Powers
"Hey, Joe, when are you going to sign? Hey, Joe, we want you to stay in Minnesota. Hey, Mauer, ya bum, what the heck are you waiting for? Joe Mauer has heard it all during his contract negotiations with the Twins. Frankly, he's embarrassed that personal business is out there in front of the public, but there's no getting around it. "I try to be private," Mauer said. "Only three people on our side know what's going on: my agents and me. We want to keep it as private as possible." Fat chance. In Minnesota, there would be a better possibility of keeping the start of World War III a secret. Yeah, it's Twins territory. More specifically, it's Mauer territory. Minnesotans like nothing better than"
Twins to skip Blackburn, hoping to solve knee woes
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March 16
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"Twins righthander Nick Blackburn has had problems with his right knee going back to his days at Seminole State (Okla.) College. He had a synthetic lubricant injected into knee while in the minors because 90 percent of his cartilage had been removed through surgery. He still has to watch out for both knees. The right one is so sore, in fact, that he probably will be held out of his next scheduled start Wednesday. "We have to take care of this now.'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. Gardenhire said he wasn't sure who would start in Blackburn's place. He said Blackburn would not miss the game if it were a regular-season start, an indication the injury isn't serious. The Twins are confident"
Source: Mauer talks still progressing
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March 15
Foxsports.com
 (scroll down)
"The absence of news in the Twins' negotiations with catcher Joe Mauer should not be misinterpreted. The talks, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions, "are not stalled by any means." The sides continue to talk and negotiate, the source said. Opening Day — the likely deadline for Mauer, who is a free agent at the end of the season — is still three weeks away."
Greg Olson makes pitch for John Smoltz to join Twins
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March 13
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"Will John Smoltz be closing games for the Minnesota Twins, the team that beat the Braves, and the longtime Brave righthander, in a grueling Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. Maybe. At least if Smoltz's friend and former battery mate in Atlanta has his wish. Former Braves catcher Greg Olson, who now lives in Minnesota, text messaged Smoltz after learning Twins closer Joe Nathan would undergo surgery to repair an elbow ligament, according to an article posted on the Pioneer Press Web site. "Perfect. Closer in Minny. Here comes Johnny," Olson messaged Smoltz. Olson meant it in a lighthearted way, according to the article. Olson has not heard back from the Atlanta resident, who, at 42, is an"
Fransisco Liriano may replace Joe Nathan as Twins Closer
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March 13
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Asked this week what he would look for in a closer if Joe Nathan ends up out for the season, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire mentioned two things: the ability to get strikeouts in big situations and the mental fortitude to handle the pressures that come with protecting slim leads and quickly forgetting blown saves. Among Minnesota's in-house candidates, there is one pitcher who has excelled in one of those areas as much as he's faltered in the other. Francisco Liriano is pitching for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, but the Twins have a bevy of starters to choose from, and the left-hander's wicked slider is seemingly restored to its 2006 glory. So, could Liriano be an enticing"
Speculation about Mauer trade premature
Comment
March 12
MLB.com
 
"As the start of the 2010 season draws closer, and Joe Mauer remains unsigned beyond this season, the concern from Twins fans over the catcher's future will likely continue to grow. The expectation all winter has been that the Twins will re-sign Mauer to a long-term contract extension. Yet there has been little news regarding the catcher's contract status in recent weeks. Neither side is speaking publicly about the negotiations, so not much is known about the status of those talks or what the Twins may be offering Mauer in either years or dollars. There still appears to be a sense of optimism that a deal between the two sides will get done. But as Opening Day approaches and no deal is in"
Could Minnesota Twins turn to John Smoltz?
Comment
March 12
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"Greg Olson, a former Minnesota Twins and Gophers catcher from Edina, caught for John Smoltz for four seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Following Twins closer Joe Nathan's debilitating elbow ligament injury this week, Olson text-messaged Smoltz. "Perfect. Closer in Minny. Here comes Johnny," Olson messaged Smoltz. Olson meant it in a lighthearted way. As of this morning, Olson hasn't heard back from Smoltz, who is 42 and an unsigned free agent following a split season between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals last year. Olson and Smoltz are pals. Olson figures Smoltz still can get hitters out. "He's still able to throw hard with real good command," Olson said. "He's still got pop on"
Could Twins trade Mauer?
Comment
March 12
New York Post
 
"With an expected contract extension still not signed, the Twins may have to trade AL MVP Joe Mauer, a Minnesota columnist speculates. Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune writes, "Mauer's hesitancy to accept a record-setting contract offer from his hometown team has made his signing less than a sure thing and raised this previously unthinkable question: 'Won't the Twins have to trade him if he refuses their best offer?' " Souhan does continue to say a deal "is still more likely than not, and at any moment Mauer's agent, Ron Shapiro, could call the team and make it happen." However, Souhan says without a new contract, and Mauer in the last year of his current deal, "a combination of modern"