Minnesota Twins likely To Add Via Trade

The guy I find most desirable is Brandon Lyon. In 2008, Lyon served as the Diamondbacks primary closer in the first half before Chad Quals took over in the second half when Lyon really struggled. Lyon is a 29-year-old right-handed reliever with a career 4.46 ERA and 51 saves in 416 innings of work throughout his seven-year career.

He obviously is not the most desirable guy on the planet, but considering that he won't cost either a draft pick or a lot in terms of salary, I think he is a realistic option for the Twins. I can see a three-year, $13 million deal as a realistic contract for Lyon, and I think that that's certainly within the teams limits.

Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune believes that the Twins will look to upgrade the team through trades instead of free agency. I don't know if that is more so in reference to upgrading the infield, but I can see the team also acquiring a reliever through trade as well.

Phillies reliever Ryan Madson is one player for instance I could see traded. You may think, "are you crazy?" And before responding with, "sometimes" I guess I should explain my reasoning for suggesting this.

Surely Madson was the best reliever on the Phillies roster last season besides closer Brad Lidge. He played a huge role in their World Series victory and is the bread to Lidge's butter when it comes to the eighth & ninth inning for the Phillies.

However, with the lose of Pat Burrell, the Phillies lost not only an outfielder but also a right-handed bat as well. That's where the Twins could come in.

Michael Cuddyer missed the majority of the 2008 season with various injuries, but when 100 percent healthy is a pretty good outfielder with a good bat capable of hitting in the middle of any order. The Twins have a little bit of a logjam in Major League outfielders, so if the Twins could move one of them for a position of need, it certainly would seem to be a good move for the team.

Although other players could be included, I think that Cuddyer for Madson is a pretty fair deal. I do think that the Phillies may need to add another player to even it out.

Other relievers that could be available:

• Heath Bell, Padres
• Frank Francisco, Rangers
• Aaron Heilman, Mets
• Joe Smith, Mets
• Huston Street, Rockies
• Dan Wheeler, Rays
  

Perhaps I am starting to become overly obsessed with improving our bullpen, but I do think it's a position that needs to be looked at with a high priority. And although I am sure many will disagree with the players involved in a possible trade, I think it's safe to say that the Twins need to add a player who can change our bullpen and I think the sooner they do it the better.

The Twins don't want to be sitting here in February without improving their bullpen, and possibly allowing it to determine their seasons fate once again next season.

So far, the Twins have only been linked to having interest in one free agent, that being Casey Blake. The 35-year-old third baseman from Des Moines, IA seems to be a better fit with the Twins than either Garrett Atkins or Kevin Kouzmanoff who both have been linked to the Twins recently and would both cost a lot more than just money to acquire.

Blake through 917 games and 3,304 AB's, Blake has averaged 23 home runs, 79 RBI, with a hitting line of .264/.334/.447 and an OPS+ of 105 in his career. He doesn't play outstanding defense, however he is definitely capable of playing everyday.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?