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The Twins wasted no time making offseason moves, dealing CF Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers for SS JJ Hardy.
Gomez, who was acquired in the 2007 Johan Santana trade, had 900 AB for the Twins during his two years in Minnesota. Although he was heralded for his speed, he only hit .248 as a Twin, and .229 during the 2009 season.
Gomez started the season in center field for the Twins in '09, but was benched due to his slumping bat. He was used mainly as a pinch runner and defensive replacement for the second half of the season.
Gomez hit for the cycle in May of 2008. He led the league with 30 bunt hits, but also led all center fielders with eight errors.
The fielder was strongly criticized for being a free-swinging hitter and for his slow development.
In exchange for Gomez, the Twins get an experienced shortstop in JJ Hardy. Hardy, who was an All-Star in 2007, has a reputation as a potential power shortstop, hitting 50 home runs for the Brewers in the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
Hardy got off to a rough start in 2009, and was demoted to AAA-Nashville in July. He was called up the following September, and finished the season hitting .229 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI.
By trading Gomez for Hardy, the Twins have filled their shortstop void, and should not be in the running to re-sign SS Orlando Cabrera.
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