Addition by Subtraction: Minnesota Twins Improve 'Pen and Bench

The Twins made two big moves today, both of which will help them in their playoff chase.

First, the Twins acquired former Twin Eddie Guardado from Texas in exchange for Appy-league pitcher Mark Hamburger.

This was a great use of talent by the Twins, since they have enough young pitching to make up for the loss of a decent player, especially one who may or may not pan out. They needed someone to come in and shoulder the load in the 'pen, and "Everyday Eddie" certainly fills that void.

To make room for Guardado, the Twins DFA'd Mike Lamb. Lamb was a great signing for the Twins this offseason, but he just couldn't seem to find his groove.

It's hard to fault Bill Smith for signing someone to replace the dreadful Nick Punto at third, but by mid-May, it was clear that Lamb wasn't going to be the player the Twins signed him to be.

Lamb will almost certainly clear waivers, as he has a salary far too high for his level of production. What he does after that is a mystery. Perhaps he will hope to rejoin the team in Toronto as a September call-up, or perhaps he will refuse his assignment and hit the free-agent market next year.

Regardless of what Lamb chooses to do, his demotion is a fairly telling move. The Twins had other options to clear a roster spot: They could have DFA'd Adam Everett, sent Randy Ruiz back to AAA, or even moved Michael Cuddyer to the 60-day DL.

By moving Lamb, it shows not only that he had worn out his welcome, but that the Twins believe each of the other three, including Cuddyer, can contribute to the playoff chase down the stretch.

Eddie G. has already helped the Twins by throwing a three-up/three-down eighth inning, which is likely where he will see the majority of his work. Hopefully, the players kept on the roster at the expense of Mike Lamb will soon be able to do the same.