Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Nathan has bone chips removed from elbow

Comment

October 23

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins closer Joe Nathan turns 35 next month. He's coming off a season in which he saved 47 games but, for now, is remembered more for the save opportunity he blew Oct. 9 during Game 2 of the ALDS to the Yankees. On Tuesday, Nathan had surgery to remove two bone chips from his right elbow, acknowledging that he pitched a chunk of the season not at his fittest. "This is definitely something I'm not going to use as an excuse," Nathan said from his home in Knoxville, Tenn. Nathan had the surgery in Birmingham, Ala., at the offices of Dr. James Andrews, and is expected to be ready in time for the start of spring training. Nathan said he iced his elbow more this year than in any previous season, ..."

Jason Kubel could be moving back into DH spot

Comment

October 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Twins manager Ron Gardenhire hasn't gotten much power out of his designated hitter spot since Jason Kubel moved to right field, and, lately, the hits have declined as well. That's prompted the manager to think about making a change for tonight's Game 2 of the American League Division Series against New York. Gardenhire said Thursday he might move Kubel back to DH, slide Denard Span to right field and put Carlos Gomez in center tonight, opting for Gomez's less-productive bat because of what the speedy outfielder adds to the defense. "That's something I've thought about," Gardenhire said. "Gomez brings another element. Even though his at-bats aren't always quality, he runs all over the ..."

Posada not jumping for joy about taking seat

Comment

October 7

New York Post

"Just because Jorge Posada wasn't surprised doesn't mean he was happy. On Sunday, manager Joe Girardi let Posada know that Jose Molina would catch for A.J. Burnett in the ALDS, which begins tonight in The Bronx vs. the Twins. "I just hope we win that game," Posada said. "That's all. That's all I've got to say." Girardi is starting Molina because of the "rhythm" he believes Burnett shares with him. The last six times Burnett's pitched, Molina's caught him, and Burnett's gone 3-1 with a 2.92 ERA. "They've been in a real good rhythm when they've been working together," Girardi said. "And we just felt we would keep it that way." A dour Posada called it a "manager's decision." "It's not like I ..."

Dominican prospect accepts $3.15M deal with Twins

Comment

September 30

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins have reached agreement on a $3.15 million contract with Dominican shortstop prospect Miguel Angel Sano, his agent said Tuesday. The story was first reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "We're very interested in Miguel Sano, and we are pursuing him aggressively, but we do not have a signed deal," said Twins General Manager Bill Smith, who called Sano "a tremendous offensive player." Agent Rob Plummer said the official signing will come today, and confirmed the dollar amount, which would make it the biggest international signing bonus in Twins history."

Agent says Twins' deal with 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Miguel Sano includes $3.15 million bonus

Comment

September 30

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The Twins have agreed to terms with 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano, his agent said Tuesday, and will pay the highly touted hitter a $3.15 million signing bonus. Rob Plummer said he expects the deal to be finalized this week, likely today. The issue most likely holding up the finalization is one that has been nagging Sano and Plummer all summer while teams have pursued him. Sano is reportedly 16 years old, but questions about his age have been serious enough for Major League Baseball to look into it. MLB did an identity and age investigation this summer, and though his identity checked out, according to reports, the league wasn't able to make a conclusion on Sano's age. ..."

Woozy Denard Span hopes to play soon again for Twins

Comment

September 23

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"A foggy feeling lingered for Denard Span on Tuesday, one day after he took a pitch squarely off the batting helmet, and that fuzziness took him out of the starting lineup. Manager Ron Gardenhire said that while the Twins are eager to get their leadoff hitter back (Carlos Gomez batted first in Span's place Tuesday), he's not willing to put Span at risk. That means as long as Span reports the symptoms he felt Tuesday — the foggy feeling, the headache, slight neck stiffness and fatigue — he'll be on the bench. "It's hard enough to play the game clear-headed. We're not going to deal with something like that," Gardenhire said. "Right now, we'll try day to day, and we'll see how he feels in a ..."

Bad back ends season early for Twins' Joe Crede

Comment

September 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Joe Crede's season is over, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Monday. The third baseman's bad back has made impossible to contribute in the team's final 18 games. "I haven't heard that from anybody; you're hearing that from me," Gardenhire said. "I would say (he's done). After the conversation with him after the game, it doesn't sound good — doesn't look like it's going to work out." Crede was put on the disabled Aug. 28 and had two cortisone shots to loosen his back. He was activated Sept. 8 and has had five at-bats since, all strikeouts — four as the designated hitter in Sunday's 8-0 victory over Oakland. Afterward, he had a candid conversation with Gardenhire. "He said, 'I struck ..."

Back injury ends season for Twins slugger Justin Morneau

Comment

September 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"If the Twins are going to track down Detroit in the American League Central, they'll have to do it without their best slugger. Justin Morneau will miss the rest of the season because of a stress fracture in his lower back. "You can play through the pain if you feel like you're helping the team win ballgames," Morneau said Monday, "but when you go out there and you don't feel like you're helping anyone, that's when you take a step back and figure you're doing more harm than good. "We took a look at it and found out there was something in there." Morneau is leading the team with 30 home runs and 100 runs batted in, but the 2006 American League most valuable player is batting .173 (21 of ..."

Bad trumps good: Morneau out for season

Comment

September 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins rallied for a 6-3 victory over Cleveland on Monday without first baseman and cleanup hitter Justin Morneau -- and they will have to continue to win without him. Morneau has been found to have a stress fracture of the L5 vertebra in his lower back and will not play in the Twins' remaining 18 games. He will not need surgery but will need about three months to recover and is expected to be ready for the 2010 season. The stunning developments dulled the Twins celebration after their six-run eighth inning helped them remain 5 1/2 games behind the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers, which rallied to beat Toronto. "Tough news when you lose your first baseman and MVP guy," Twins manager ..."

Crede also appears to be out for season

Comment

September 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Justin Morneau isn't the Twins' only big bat expected to miss the final 2 1/2 weeks of the regular season. Third baseman Joe Crede, who was signed to solidify the infield but suffered several physical breakdowns, is likely done for the season because of a stiff lower back. Crede struck out four times Sunday as the designated hitter, then informed Twins manager Ron Gardenhire that he couldn't swing the bat the way he wanted. "He didn't feel very good swinging," Gardenhire said. "We knew he would be a little behind because he hasn't had many at-bats. "But he was having pain in his lower back and into his legs and, as he said, 'It just didn't bode well.' He couldn't swing the way he wants to ..."

Team won't tip hand on free agents' status

Comment

September 7

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Shortstop Orlando Cabrera made a quick impression on the Twins after getting traded from Oakland on July 31, leaving some insiders saying the team should hurry and re-sign him to a two-year contract extension. But the team is taking a wait-and-see approach, just as it is with pending free agents Mike Redmond, Joe Crede, Carl Pavano and Ron Mahay. Asked this weekend if he'd like to stay with the Twins, Cabrera was quick to say he doesn't want his contract to be a distraction with the team fighting for a playoff spot. "I really like it here, if that's what you're asking," Cabrera said. "I feel comfortable. I feel really appreciated. I know if I'm here, for sure I'd have a chance to win every ..."

Source: Harden, Heilman staying put

Comment

August 31

ESPN.com

"The waiver period for trades before the Sept. 1 roster deadline will come and go without the Chicago Cubs having made a deal, according to Major League Baseball sources. Rich Harden, claimed by the Minnesota Twins, and Aaron Heilman, claimed by the San Francisco Giants, will continue to pitch for the Cubs."

Surging Cubs might not be ready to dump Harden

Comment

August 31

Foxsports.com

"Maybe, if you are Twins general manager Bill Smith, you're calling the Cubs this morning, saying, "I've got to have Rich Harden." But maybe, if you are Cubs GM Jim Hendry, you're responding, "Not so fast." The arithmetic of a pennant race changes daily. As the deadline to complete a Harden deal looms early Monday afternoon, the Cubs are less motivated to act than they were Thursday when the Twins were awarded the claim on the right-hander, major-league sources say. The Cubs began Friday 7 1/2 games back in the National League wild-card race. After winning two of three from the Mets, they are 5 1/2 back, albeit in fifth place. The Rockies and Giants are tied for the wild-card lead. The ..."

Twins haven't asked for Harden's medical records; trade unlikely

Comment

August 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"As of late Sunday night, the Twins had yet to request Cubs pitcher Rich Harden's medical records, a person close to Harden told the Star Tribune, adding that a deal by today's noon deadline appeared unlikely. Harden, 27, has been on the disabled list seven times since 2005, so it would be uncharacteristic for the Twins to trade for him without first examining those medical records. Then again, in eight starts since July 16, Harden is 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA, so it's possible the Twins could roll the dice, giving the Cubs the prospects it would take to land Harden for the season's final five weeks. Harden is a pending Type A free agent, so a team could offer him arbitration after the season and ..."

Twins serious about trading for Harden

Comment

August 30

MLB.com

"The Cubs are open to trading right-hander Rich Harden and the Twins are serious about acquiring the starter, FoxSports.com reported. The Cubs put Harden on waivers earlier this week and the Twins were awarded the claim, meaning both teams have until Monday to work out a deal. The 27-year-old has been pitching well of late, as he has a 1.80 ERA with 60 strikeouts in 50 innings over his past eight starts. On the season, Harden is 8-7 with a 3.99 ERA with 143 strikeouts in 124 innings. Harden would bolster the Twins' rotation and would be received well in the clubhouse, according to the report."

Doubts regarding Harden emerge

Comment

August 30

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins officials Saturday would not confirm or deny that they are the team that placed a claim on Cubs pitcher Rich Harden, as ESPN Chicago has reported. But two people close to Harden said they doubted Harden is heading to the Twins. To their knowledge, the Cubs had yet to open a window for the Twins to negotiate a long-term deal with Harden, who is a pending free agent. It's possible the Twins would trade for Harden without a long-term extension. He will be a Type A free agent, which would assure them two compensation picks in the 2010 draft if he signed elsewhere. Though Harden has a history of arm trouble, the Twins believe he would be a good fit. His family actually has roots in ..."

Twins could splurge for Penny

Comment

August 27

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins are among the teams interested in Red Sox pitcher Brad Penny and would consider claiming him off release waivers instead of waiting for him to become a free agent, major league officials told the Star Tribune today. Penny told the Boston Herald on Wednesday night that the Red Sox have granted him his release, but as of this morning, Penny had yet to be placed on release waivers. The Red Sox are expected to designate Penny for assignment tonight, to make room on their roster for reliever Billy Wagner. There is speculation Penny will clear release waivers and land with a National League club — with the Rockies and Marlins both reportedly interested – but the Twins will consider ..."

Lefties likely to return as relievers

Comment

August 27

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"With the Twins in a continued scramble for starting pitching, manager Ron Gardenhire acknowledged Wednesday that he isn't counting on injured lefthanders Francisco Liriano and Glen Perkins rejoining the rotation this season. That only underscored the team's need to find another starter on waivers. Players not added to the roster by Monday aren't eligible for the postseason, so the clock is ticking toward another deadline. Liriano is on the disabled list because of left arm fatigue. He received a cortisone shot Wednesday to quell swelling in the back of his elbow. Perkins is on the DL because of left elbow tendinitis. Both pitchers are rehabbing and should be ready in September, but their ..."

Gophers' Eric Decker lauded for honesty in turning down Minnesota Twins

Comment

August 19

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"It's unclear how much the Minnesota Twins were willing to give Eric Decker to retain his signing rights before Monday night's deadline. Negotiations never got to a financial point. But the University of Minnesota Gophers outfielder/wide receiver said no thanks, and the Twins appreciated his honesty. "Give the kid some credit that he didn't try to work some angle and try to get some free money out of it if he had no intention of wanting to play, or that's not where his priority or thoughts were," Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said today. "He was honest with us." Decker was the Twins' 27th-round pick in the June's draft. He's also a co-captain for the Gophers football team. ..."

Eckstein prefers to aid rebuilding Padres

Comment

August 10

MLB.com

"It was on or about the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline when San Diego general manager Kevin Towers was queried by the Minnesota Twins if veteran infielder David Eckstein was available. Towers' first inclination was to decline such an overture, given everything that Eckstein has meant to the Padres this season, on and off the field. But he called Eckstein anyway. "I just wanted to see where his head was," Towers said. "I felt as if I owed it to him. If he felt like he wanted to go to a contending club with a chance to win, I would do everything to make that happen." Towers was more than relieved when Eckstein, 34, said he wanted to stay in San Diego. "He told me he enjoyed playing here in ..."

Glen Perkins or Francisco Liriano expected to go to Twins bullpen

Comment

August 8

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Glen Perkins is a starter, and he's a reliever, too. Francisco Liriano is a starter, but he's not with the team and he might end up a reliever. Or, as Twins manager Ron Gardenhire explained it, "Right now they're both in the rotation, but Perkins is definitely in the bullpen right now and we still look at him as a starter, too." Minnesota's pitching version of "Who's on First?" will play out in the coming days as the Twins decide who Carl Pavano will replace in the starting rotation, Perkins or Liriano. Perkins was scheduled to start tonight, but the Twins opted to put Pavano's 1.93 earned-run average against the Tigers this season on the mound instead. So Perkins moved to the bullpen. ..."

Twins acquire Cabrera from A's

Comment

July 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins and A’s have agreed to a deal sending shortstop Orlando Cabrera and cash from Oakland in return for infield prospect Tyler Ladendorf. Landendorf, 21, was a top prospect who hit more than .400 at Rookie League Elizabethton (Tenn.) before being promoted to Class A Beloit, where he’s batting .233 in 15 games. Ladendorf was a second round pick in 2008 after a prolific junior college run. Cabrera is expected to be ready for Saturday's game at the Metrodome against the Angels. Cabrera is a two-time Gold Glove award winner and played for the Red Sox when they won the 2004 World Series. The 34-year-old is hitting .280 with four home runs this season, including a .373 average in July. He ..."

Twins making progress in pursuit of A's Cabrera

Comment

July 31

Foxsports.com

(scroll down)

"The Twins finally are making progress in their attempt to acquire A's shortstop Orlando Cabrera, according to a major-league source. The teams continued their discussions on Thursday and plan to continue talking Friday. Twins manager Ron Gardenhire has talked openly about his affection for Cabrera, and first baseman Justin Morneau and other players have implored general manager Bill Smith to make a move."

Team tries for Deal with Cabrera

Comment

July 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"History indicates that the Twins will spend today talking about how hard they tried to inject some talent into their major league roster to help their playoff chances. They will speak of how they couldn't bear to part with top prospects and how they still have a playoff-caliber team. Some Twins players will bite their respective tongues when asked if they are flustered by the front office's inability to pull off a deal before the 3 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline. A couple might shoot from the lip. We'll pinch ourselves to make sure it's not 2002. Or 2004. Or '05, '06, '07 or '08. Twins General Manager Bill Smith has tried to make something happen. He sounded like a man with a lot on his ..."

Twins Insider: Team tries and tries again

Comment

July 31

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"History indicates that the Twins will spend today talking about how hard they tried to inject some talent into their major league roster to help their playoff chances. They will speak of how they couldn't bear to part with top prospects and how they still have a playoff-caliber team. Some Twins players will bite their respective tongues when asked if they are flustered by the front office's inability to pull off a deal before the 3 p.m. nonwaiver trade deadline. A couple might shoot from the lip. We'll pinch ourselves to make sure it's not 2002. Or 2004. Or '05, '06, '07 or '08. Twins General Manager Bill Smith has tried to make something happen. He sounded like a man with a lot on his ..."

Yankees making a strong push for Jarrod Washburn

Comment

July 29

Yahoo! Sports

"With Chien-Ming Wang needing shoulder surgery and lost for the season, the Yankees are making a strong push for Seattle left-hander Jarrod Washburn, according to one rival executive. What the Yankees want, they usually get, which could be bad news for the Phillies, Brewers, Rangers and Twins, all of whom had scouts watching his sharp performance Tuesday night."

Twins looking for infield, bullpen help

Comment

July 28

Foxsports.com

"The Twins have needs around the infield and in the bullpen. And they'd love to address them with a single move. One major league source said the Twins are targeting teams that have made players available in both areas. For example, they'd love to acquire second baseman Freddy Sanchez and left-hander John Grabow from the Pirates, or shortstop Orlando Cabrera and right-hander Michael Wuertz from the A's. The Twins love Sanchez's defensive versatility; his ability to play third base is especially valuable, with Joe Crede ailing. But Sanchez missed Monday's game in San Francisco and told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that his left knee is "sore and tender." Sanchez is 0-for-17 with eight ..."

D-backs starters still not drawing much interest, Pirates not done dealing

Comment

July 27

Foxsports.com

"So far, the trade activity has been light on Diamondbacks starters Doug Davis and Jon Garland, according to major-league sources, but Arizona officials are optimistic that the market will pick up in the final days before the deadline. Davis may have upped his trade value on Saturday, when he pitched six shutout innings in a 7-0 defeat of the Pirates. Davis has a 3.76 ERA despite a 5-10 record. There's still a good chance that the Pirates will move at least one of their middle infielders this week. Minnesota remains the most interested club in the market for second baseman Freddy Sanchez, one source said, although Boston's interest in shortstop Jack Wilson doesn't appear to be as strong as ..."

Trade interest in Pirates' Grabow, Capps

Comment

July 27

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are discussing relievers John Grabow and Matt Capps with several teams in advance of Major League Baseball's trading deadline Friday. Of the two, Grabow is more likely to be moved, though that is far from definite. He can become a free agent for the first time in the upcoming winter, while Capps' rights can be retained two more years through arbitration. With left-handed relief at a premium, interest in Grabow has been consistent if not overwhelming. Among the parties in regular contact with the Pirates are the Chicago Cubs. Teams like what Grabow brings -- a 3.65 ERA, a typically heavy workload with 43 appearances, late-inning resilience and impeccable character -- but there ..."

Twins still looking to add pieces

Comment

July 26

Yahoo! Sports

(scroll down)

"The Twins endured an embarrassing week in Oakland and Anaheim, where their pitching staff was knocked around and then they made uncharacteristic mistakes in the field and on the basepaths. Despite that, and in an otherwise mediocre season, they're in the AL Central race by default and are looking to add help in the eighth inning, the middle infield and the starting rotation. Don't be surprised if they're in on Oakland's Orlando Cabrera and Toronto's Marco Scutaro when they come free, and Jon Garland when the Diamondbacks get serious about moving him."

The Relief Market

Comment

July 26

Yahoo! Sports

(scroll down)

"The Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins are among the clubs who need a lot of help in their bullpens. The asking price has been so high that Bell might as well be unavailable, but just how many wins is Bell going to be asked to protect over the next couple seasons? It's a question general manager Kevin Towers will weigh against whatever arises over the next six days. As one baseball personnel man said Saturday, "There are about eight good arms available out there and 20 teams looking." As the deadline nears, they'll be climbing over one other for the likes of the Baltimore Orioles' George Sherrill, Oakland Athletics' Michael Wuertz, Toronto Blue ..."

Cabrera, Wuertz draw interest

Comment

July 24

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The July 31 deadline for trades without waivers is a week away, and a couple of the Twins' trade targets are becoming known. Indications are that the Twins are interested in Oakland shortstop Orlando Cabrera and reliever Michael Wuertz. Cabrera, 34, entered Thursday batting .276 with four homers and 39 RBI. He is batting .387 in July. Cabrera is viewed as a player who can bring energy to a club, and has played in 31 postseason games. He signed a one year, $4 million deal with Oakland before the season, and the Twins appear willing to add some salary. Wuertz, 30, is 5-1 with a 2.72 ERA with three saves in 44 games with the A's. The Austin, Minn., native is making $1.1 million this year. ..."

Twins looking for infield help

Comment

July 23

Foxsports.com

(scroll down)

"With the news that Joe Crede's right shoulder will be examined Thursday by Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Twins' search for infield help could become more intense. In theory, Minnesota GM Bill Smith could pursue upgrades at third base, second base or shortstop. The Twins have already discussed shortstop Orlando Cabrera with the A's, sources said Wednesday, and he might be the best fit of all. He's hitting .304 over his last 60 games, according to Retrosheet.org. His right-handed bat would fit nicely in the No. 2 hole, behind Denard Span and ahead of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, all of whom are left-handed. And let's not forget the most important statistic involving Cabrera: He has been on a playoff ..."

Halladay the crown jewel of trade market

Comment

July 20

MLB.com

"The July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline is looming, and Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay continues to show why he is the most popular pitcher available on the market.On Sunday, the 2003 American League Cy Young Award winner limited Boston to one run on six hits over nine innings in a 3-1 win for his fourth complete game of the year. The victory improved Halladay's record to 11-3 and dropped his ERA to 2.73. The right-hander's availability has been a hot topic since before the All-Star break, when Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said he would listen to offers for the team's star pitcher.According to reports, the Phillies, Yankees, Cardinals, Dodgers, Brewers, Tigers, Rangers, Red Sox, ..."

Twins agree to minor-league deal with Grudzielanek

Comment

July 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, General Manager Bill Smith said today. The move, first reported at www.sethspeaks.net, gives the Twins another option at second base, though Grudzielanek hasn't played all season. Smith said Grudzielanek will report to the Twins' Gulf Coast League squad in Fort Myers, Fla., and then join one of the Twins' minor-league affiliates. Grudzielanek, 39, batted .299 with three home runs and 24 RBI in 86 games for the Royals last season. He has batted .294 or better every year since 2003, and has racked up 2,010 hits over 14 major league seasons, posting a .290 career average. Grudzielanek was a Type B ..."

Pirates and trade winds: Freddy Sanchez

Comment

July 11

Yahoo! Sports

(scroll down)

"Freddy Sanchez was in the Pittsburgh Pirates' lineup Friday night, putting to rest any thought that the second baseman would be traded in the next 24 hours. The Giants remain the team showing the most interest, according to one source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, while the Twins appear to be more of a long shot. There's a third team involved from the National League Central, the source said (the Cubs?), although Sanchez's contract, which calls for his $8 million option in 2010 to kick in automatically if he reaches 635 plate appearances this season, is giving pause to his suitors. Pirates closer Matt Capps is almost certain to be dealt, though that trade may come closer to ..."

Pirates Notebook: Mariners, Twins in Sanchez mix

Comment

July 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"There were scant signs of activity on the trade front regarding Freddy Sanchez, with sources last night reiterating that nothing was imminent but that talks between the Pirates and several teams were ongoing. Seattle yesterday traded shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to the Kansas City Royals for prospects, leaving the Mariners with a need at that position and second base. Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik, a New Castle native intimately familiar with the Pirates, had inquired about shortstop Jack Wilson in the spring. The Mariners also are known to have interest in Sanchez. Marc DelPiano, one of Pirates general manager Neal Huntington's special assistants, is in Seattle scouting the ..."

Buster helps the Braves make a deal

Comment

July 6

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

columnist Mark Bradley

"Here are six, as listed by Buster Olney of ESPN.com, who assumes the Braves are looking to trade Yunel Escobar and Javier Vazquez. (And didn't someone we know suggest the Vazquez thing two months ago? Why, yes he did.) Since this is an ESPN Insiders thing and the link requires registration, I'll again quote extensively: Boston: "In order to make a deal for Escobar, the Red Sox would probably have to engage a third team, and here's the thing - they are perfectly suited to do this, because they have the commodity that everybody else want: pitching. In theory [and what immediately follows is pure speculation], they could engage the Brewers about Corey Hart, or the Indians about someone like ..."

Sox not in a hurry to trade Brad Penny, Street being scouted

Comment

June 15

SI.com

(scroll down)

"The Red Sox now "aren't in a hurry" to trade Brad Penny, who hit the mid-90s in his last start vs. the Yankees, even with John Smoltz seemingly ready to go. While it appears they have too much pitching, they also know there's no such thing. The market also hasn't been great so far for Penny, thanks to his $5 million salary. Perhaps with the pitching market dying, though, he'll begin to look better to someone. • Rockies closer Huston Street is being heavily scouted. Among the teams that need a reliever are the Yankees, Rangers and Angels. The Rays, Cubs and Twins might also consider bullpen help. • The Cardinals continue to scour the market for a bat. • Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez is on ..."

O's getting serious about 16-year-old shortstop

Comment

June 14

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles will attend a three-day workout for top Dominican shortstop prospect Miguel Angel Sano this month, another sign that the organization is considering making a serious run at signing the coveted international free agent. Sano, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound 16-year-old who has drawn comparisons to Florida Marlins star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, worked out for the Orioles at their Dominican baseball academy June 5. Orioles director of player development David Stockstill said he was very impressed but the club wants to get a more extended look at the player who is reportedly seeking a signing bonus of about $5 million or $6 million. International free agents cannot sign with clubs until July ..."

Around the Horn

Comment

June 2

Foxsports.com

"Two clubs called the Brewers on Sunday after a report in the Boston Globe said that several teams were targeting right fielder Corey Hart as a trade possibility. Those clubs told Melvin that they, too, were interested, but Melvin responded that he was not listening to offers for Hart. The Brewers lack an adequate replacement. The Braves are one of many teams that have asked about Hart in the past ... Free-agent right-hander Paul Byrd says he has yet to hear from any club. Free-agent left-hander Mark Mulder, coming off shoulder surgery, could be ready to pitch in the majors shortly after the All-Star break; he has been working to resume his proper mechanics ... The Twins' Delmon Young ..."

Can the Minnesota Twins afford to keep Joe Mauer?

Comment

May 31

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"It could be the $200 million question: Can the Twins afford to keep Joe Mauer? "That's like asking how high is up?" said Jerry Bell, who oversees Twins Sports Inc., for the Pohlad family that owns the Twins. Mauer, the all-star catcher and two-time batting champion, will be 27 and in the prime of his career when he can become eligible for free agency after next season. He is signed through 2010 and is scheduled to make $10.5 million this season and $12.5 million next season. He's batting .417 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in 27 games since rejoining the Twins on May 1 after recovering from offseason surgery. "We're not going to negotiate today," Bell said. Bell sounds as if he feels the ..."

Gardy still prefers Mauer third

Comment

May 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Thursday made it look so simple. The Twins moved Joe Mauer into the No. 2 spot and defeated the White Sox 20-1. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he'll "try it again [tonight] and see what happens," but he prefers Mauer batting third. "I would really like to have a guy [in the two-spot] that handles the bat -- a guy that can bunt, a guy that can run, all those things," Gardenhire said. "That's the way it's supposed to be in the lineup. "Alexi Casilla should be there. And if we can get Lexi back up here playing good, get his confidence back up, he should be right back in there. But right now, he's scuffling a little bit. Maybe we'll get [Matt] Tolbert swinging a little better, [Brendan] Harris, ..."

Twins minor league report: Eagan alum Dolenc heats up for Fort Myers

Comment

May 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Stuck behind a Class A Fort Myers outfield that includes top draft picks Joe Benson, Ben Revere and Chris Parmelee, Mark Dolenc has to wait for his chances to play. Recent injures have allowed Dolenc, a former Eagan High School and Minnesota State Mankato player, to get some at-bats. And he has taken advantage, making a case for more playing time. Thursday, Dolenc was 5-for-6 and drove in six runs for Fort Myers during a 19-4 rout of St. Lucie. He doubled his season RBI total in the game and was batting .337 through 25 games. "He's got good speed and he definitely has a good arm because he did pitch in college a little bit," said Jim Rantz, Twins director of minor leagues. "The one thing ..."

Mauer pointed toward rehab next week

Comment

April 15

MLB.com

"Twins catcher Joe Mauer ran on Monday and Tuesday without back pain and is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment next week, according to a report by The Associated Press. The Twins had said that running would be the final step for Mauer before he can get back on the field and playing. The only time that he has felt pain in his inflamed right sacroiliac joint this spring had been while running. The plan is for Mauer, who is on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his lower back, to continue taking batting practice, running and catching bullpen sessions at the Twins' training facility in Fort Myers, Fla., for the rest of the week. If the progress continues, he will start ..."

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer on track to rejoin team by end of April

Comment

April 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Joe Mauer will begin a running program sometime this week, perhaps the final step toward a return to the Twins by the end of the month. The Twins' all-star catcher "is really feeling great," said general manager Bill Smith. Mauer is working out with the Fort Myers (Fla.) Miracle and the Twins' extended spring training minor leaguers. "He's catching. He's throwing a lot during infield practice. He's hitting with the minor leaguers," Smith said. "He's running in a swimming pool, and he's working on a treadmill." Basically, he's doing everything but legging out a double into a triple — which is the ultimate test of his inflamed sacroiliac joint, the area at the base of his spine that has kept ..."

Redmond could be headed to DL

Comment

April 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Mike Redmond is in a race against time. He needs to prove by today that his pulled right groin muscle is well enough to keep him off the disabled list. The words "Redmond" and "race" should never be in the same sentence. But the veteran catcher said he thinks this is one race he can win. "Improvement to me is being able to go out there and play," he said Tuesday, "and I think I'll be able to do that in the next day." Redmond, the primary catcher for the Twins while Joe Mauer is on the disabled list, injured his groin while legging out a double in the second inning Monday. He stayed in the game but clearly was hobbled. He warmed up and took batting practice with the rest of the team ..."

Twins sign Baker to a long-term deal

Comment

March 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"FORT MYERS, FLA. - After signing a four-year, $15.25 million contract Saturday, Twins righthander Scott Baker admitted it was tough concentrating in his exhibition start against the Pirates. He said he almost asked pitching coach Rick Anderson for a mulligan "because my head wasn't where it needed to be." Baker still held the Pirates to one run over four innings in the Twins' 10-1 loss. But the standards the 27-year-old sets for himself are a big reason the Twins felt he was worth the investment. His deal, which pays him $750,000 this season, includes a club option for 2013 worth $9.25 million. With up to 10 players eligible for arbitration next winter, the Twins looked for one "who stood ..."

Will Joe Mauer still be here after 2010?

Comment

March 1

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Joe Mauer, the American League's reigning batting champ and Gold Glove catcher, is signed through 2010, which looks like a long way off -- but it's not in the free-agent world. Twins fans likely remember how 2007 turned out, when two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana entered the season in the same situation Mauer is today. As much as the Twins tried to extend Santana, they could never give him what he wanted -- a big-time contract to match his big-time talent and a big-time market to play in. By the following October -- facing the final year of his contract -- Santana was destined to be dealt and wound up with the Mets after one final, futile attempt by the Twins to sign him. Could ..."

Twins Trade Rumors