2011 MLB Trade Speculation: 5 Minnesota Twins Who Could Be Moved

By (Featured Columnist) on June 3, 2011

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 29: Jason Kubel #16 of the Minnesota Twins hits an RBI single against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the first inning of their game on May 29, 2011 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty I
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

For two months now, the Minnesota Twins have been terrible.

Absolutely terrible.

Now, it is time to start talking about potential trade deadline moves. As of right now, the Twins will be sellers when July 31st comes around.

They could go on a winning streak, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

For now, I have compiled a list of a few players the Twins could trade. There are no serious talks yet, but each of these players is in danger of wearing a different uniform in August.

Matt Capps

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 23:  Matt Capps #55 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Seattle Mariners in the eighth inning of their game on May 16, 2011 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Mariners defeated the Twins 8-7 in ten innings. (Photo
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Last season, the Twins were trying to make a deep run in the playoffs. They decided they needed to bolster their bullpen.

Consequently, they traded backup catcher Wilson Ramos for All-Star Matt Capps.

He would fill the need at closer, and once Joe Nathan returned, he would slide into the 8th inning.

Unfortunately, things haven't worked that smoothly, but there are plenty of contenders that could use bullpen help.

Capps could be that help for a dozen (or so) teams.

Michael Cuddyer

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 23: Michael Cuddyer #5 of the Minnesota Twins bats against the Seattle Mariners during their game on May 23, 2011 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rockies won 6-5. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Even though he has played his entire career for the Twins, Michael Cuddyer could be gone.

He is a fan favorite, he can play anywhere on the field, and he is a fantastic clubhouse guy. There are not enough good things that can be said about Cuddy's professionalism.

Unfortunately, the Twins may want to trade him before they lose him in free agency.

Nevertheless, Cuddyer would probably sign for a "home-town discount," which is why I think he'll end up staying.

Still, if the Twins don't think he'll sign, they will trade him to a contender searching for outfield help.

Jason Kubel

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 28: Jason Kubel #16 of the Minnesota Twins reacts to a called third strike by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the tenth inning of their game on May 28, 2011 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twins defeated the Angel
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Even though he has been one of the few bright spots this season, Jason Kubel might find another home very soon.

He was just placed on the 15-day disabled list, but if the Twins are still out of the race when he comes off, they will (more than likely) begin shopping him around.

For the past two seasons, he has hit more than 20 home runs and recorded 90-plus RBIs.

Who wouldn't want to add that production with two months left in the season?

Francisco Liriano

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 18:  Francisco Liriano #47 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 18, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland.  (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Greg Fiume/Getty Images

Even though Francisco Liriano hasn't been very good this season, he still has something left in the tank.

If used correctly, Liriano can give a solid, short outing. Unfortunately, the Twins need a lot more than that.

A contender, however, might be satisfied with Liriano as a third or fourth starter.

Depending on how he pitches in the next two months (he is scheduled to make his next start on Tuesday), Liriano may be another once-star pitcher leaving town.

Delmon Young

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 23: Delmon Young #21 of the Minnesota Twins bats against the Seattle Mariners during their game on May 23, 2011 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rockies won 6-5. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Delmon Young has come crashing back to earth.

After his best season in the Majors, his average has peaked at .250—on Opening Day.

Obviously, he is not that bad (.213). Although I'm not a fan of Young, the averages have to level out, which means he is going to start hitting the ball better.

Hopefully, he starts playing well soon. Otherwise, the Twins might not get a lot of value for him.

Nevertheless, I think a team will take a stab at him, and I think they will be rewarded.

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