Another nice win
By Tom Grout
July 30, 2008
Another great win for the Twins last night over the White Sox. Now they are only a ½ game out of first. But with the win came some bad news as Alexi Casilla was placed on the disabled list with thumb problems. It could be a torn tendon which could require surgery and if it does he will be out for the rest of the season. This is a big blow to the Twins as Casilla has been a real spark plug for the team.
In his place the Twins have brought back Adam Everett who came off the disabled list and finished his re-hab. Everett was about to be released when the Casilla injury took place so I would assume Everett is pretty excited.
With the departure of Casilla somebody has to step up or it may increase the idea of a trade. Right now against right handed pitching the infield looks like Punto, Harris, and Everett which doesn’t strike much fear in opposing pitchers. The Twins have not hit left handers that well anyway, except these last two games. Craig Monroe who was supposed to help correct that problem has now been replaced by Mike Redmond. No offense to Mike but he is not what you would want to see as your DH on a regular basis.
Anyway, as far as stepping up one of the guys needs to be Punto. He has to bring his offense up and stop making bonehead plays in the field or on the base paths. I’m sorry folks Punto may be a hustler but at times he is a brainless one.
Possible help in the minor leagues for a right handed bat is Randy Ruiz. Ruiz just missed making the opening day roster by having a great spring training. He is a 31 year old veteran of the minor leagues and is currently hitting .314 with 15 home runs and 64 rbi’s for Rochester in AAA.
The Angels may have improved their team with the trade for Mark Teixeira from the Braves. When I first heard of the trade I was pretty upset. Why can’t the Twins swing some kind of a deal like that?!!!! Although I still think that to a point, this morning I see the Angels gave up first baseman Casey Kotchman. So now I’m wondering how good a trade it was. Kotchman is just a good ball player and young and Teixeira is a free agent at the end of the year so there isn’t any guarantee that he will sign again with the Angels so they may have given Kochman away for nothing. But the Angels have the money and aren’t afraid to spend it so the trade may turn out to be a good one and for sure makes them one of the teams to beat to get into the World Series.
Saw in today's Trib that Everett has been asked to consent to a trip to the minors, there being no room on the roster. If he refuses to consent, which is his option, the next step would be to DFA him. Perhaps that info pre-dates the decision to DL Casilla.
Randy Ruiz? Couldn't hurt, but what about Lamb? Why isn't he playing every day?
Twins could have had Teixeira the same way that the Angels got him -- swap first basemen. Why don't they do something?
Floyd & Hernandez -- first pitch @ 7:10 -- can't wait.
I didn't say the Twins go after Teixeira, in fact I think I questioned the Angels for giving up thier young first baseman in the deal with maybe only a 1/2 year return. I would just like to see the Twins make a deal that would help them yet this year and also in the future. They have the pitching to offer to get something but they seem to horde pitchers untill they aren't any good anymore or never seem to reach the potential the Twins thought they had. But Smith may be differant than Ryan as he did trade Garza, but Garza and Anderson didn't seem to get along so it made it easier.
Agree a thousand percent, Tom. Not sure Teixiera was the right move, but he sure would look nice in the batting order. They should do something. How does the Roberts thing look to you? Slowey straight up?
Oooh. Sounds like some things are heating up. Here's a take from LEN3:
The Twins would like to trade Boof Bonser to make room for Francisco Liriano. The Giants and Rangers might be interested.
Targets for the Twins: relief help, third base, and second base.
Talks for Adrian Beltre are not dead. The Mariners are eyeing Nick Blackburn, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins, and Denard Span. The Twins aren't biting. Sounds like the Mariners want a premium arm for Beltre from the Twins or Giants, but those teams see it as more of a salary dump.
The Twins asked about Brian Roberts but couldn't get anywhere.
The Rays might be looking at Craig Monroe as a bench option.
Another rumor -- Bonzer - Aurelia. Oh, really-a?
TDog I have heard all the rumors but will not comment until the deadline is over. I have heard rumors about the Twins making a deal at the deadline for years and it just doesn't happen very often.
Deadline's closed. Nothing happened. Right again, Tom. Glad we didn't pull the trigger on some of those possibilities. But we should have done something. Maybe Liriano? What do you think of the shopping of Bonzer, which apparently happened, at least with the Giants.
Junior to ChiTown, Manny to the Trolley Dodgers, Pudge to the Evil Empire. And, Bay to Bay.
The Jankees add Pudge, Marte, X Nady, and part with Farnsworth & not-so-prospects from the farm. Nice haul for them.
Again, glad we didn't do something stupid.
Hey I'm baaack! It's been a long spring and summer but it's slowing down now. I think the Chisox made the best deal, gave up not much to help make a run. Griffey will help I think. I'm guessing we're looking at the waiver wire in three days for help. Livan may be on waivers as we speak. I was listening to Pat Reuese (however he spells it) and he expects some quality players on there. I hope so, I don't think the Twinks can hold up as is.
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