MLB Trade Deadline: 5 Players Minnesota Twins Might Consider Trading

It's time for the Minnesota Twins to throw in the towel for 2011 and look ahead to 2012.

It's all right. There are plenty of reasons the Twins have fallen out of the division race and are not defending their AL Central Division title. Almost every starter in the field has been on the disabled list, Francisco Liriano has been his typical up and down self and Matt Capps has imploded are just a few .

The Twins starting rotation is without a true ace to lead the way and stop the losing streaks, and for that matter, they lack a Bo. 2 starter as well.

The Twins have had the good fortune to evaluate some players that were considered a part of the teams future, albeit a little sooner than planned. 

General manager Bill Smith needs to take advantage of the situation and look to make some moves that will reap benefits next year and years to come.

Sure, the Twins are currently right around a half dozen games out of the AL Central race, but they are currently looking up at four teams in the standings. They need to worry about getting back to .500 and then see where they sit within the division.

A 1-8 record against the division-leading Tigers so far this season doesn't provide a lot of confidence that the Twins will be able to make up the gap.    

Closer Joe Nathan

Joe Nathan appears to have returned to form following his long recovery from Tommy John surgery.

At 36 years old and with a $11.25 million salary, the time may be right to trade Nathan to a contender. The Twins are sure to get some value in return.

Starting Pitcher Francisco Liriano

Francisco Liriano has been the epitome of inconsistency.

An injury to his unlar collateral ligament in his throwing arm cut short his rookie season in 2006 was when he was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA. The Twins have been waiting for Liriano to return to form ever since.

Currently 6-8 with a 4.62 ERA in 18 starts, Liriano's performance has varied from a no-hitter versus the White Sox to lasting only 2.1 innings in his last start against the Detroit Tigers.

Because left-handed pitchers are always a sought after commodity, there will always a team willing take a chance on Liriano and the upside that is there. 

Perhaps the Twins could get a couple of minor league pitchers or a minor league catcher in return. 

Right Fielder/Designated Hitter Jason Kubel

Jason Kubel was on pace to having the best season of his career in 2011 before he suffered a sprained left foot that caused him to miss 53 days.

A left-handed hitter with a .274 batting average Kubel brings some power to the plate with 24.6 at-bats per home run. 

The 29-year-old Kubel remains unsigned for next season, and the emergence of Ben Revere this season could make him expendable.   

By moving him now, the Twins can get something in return before he would sing as free agent elsewhere, while at the same time loosen the logjam that reside in the Minnesota outfield.

Relief Pitcher Matt Capps

Matt Capps is getting paid closer money; the problem is he is not the closer. He may not even be the eighth inning set-up man either.

The Minnesota Twins cannot justify paying $7.15 million to Capps in the current role he is filling in the bullpen.  There were not willing to pay even half as much to retain the services of Jesse Crain or Matt Guerrier, who took turns leading the Twins bullpen in appearances over the past two seasons.

Capps who saved 42 games last season, might appeal to a contending team looking to add the hard-throwing right-hander to bolster their bullpen.

If the Twins can get anything for Capps, it will be a plus as it frees up money to upgrade the team.    

Right Fielder/First Baseman Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer has been the Minnesota Twins most valuable and most versatile player over the past two seasons.

Like Jason Kubel, Cuddyer will be a free agent at the end of the season. The Twins might be better served in making a deal before the trading deadline to add some depth to their minor league system.

With a $10 million salary Cuddyer may or may not be willing to sign with the Twins for the same money next season, but because of his versatility, someone will be interested in signing him.

It's been the Twins mode of operation to trade veteran players that make decent money in exchange for prospects. They did it with Torrii Hunter, a fan favorite, and there is no reason to believe they wouldn't do it with Cuddyer.

What the Twins 2012 Starting Lineup Could Look Like

Of course, the Twins will not be looking to trade all of these players, but if they did, here's a what their regular lineup could potentially look like in 2012:

CF: Ben Revere

RF: Denard Span

1B: Joe Mauer

LF: Delmon Young

DH: Justin Morneau

3B: Danny Valencia

SS: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

C: Drew Butera

2B: Alexi Casilla