Minnesota Twins likely To Add Via Trade

Blake is said to be looking for a three-year deal and is expecting to see an annual salary of somewhere around $6 million per year. I don't see the Twins offering three full years for Blake, but I could see a two-year deal with a an option for a third year.

If the Twins could acquire either a third baseman or a shortstop through free agency, I think that leaves quite a bit open to acquire a shortstop through free agency.

Sure, the "word on the street" is that the Twins will probably only upgrade one of the two infield holes (third base/shortstop) and fill the other with "in house" options. Brendan Harris and Matt Tolbert are said to be options at shortstop if the team acquires a third baseman, while Harris and Brian Buscher will likely platoon (like they did for a portion of the 2008 season) at third base if they were to acquire a shortstop.

Personally I would like to see both infield positions filled from outside of the organization, but I know that is seriously unlikely. The Twins have plenty of money to sign a good free agent such as Rafael Furcal, however the team is not likely to go after any of the prized free agents, meaning Furcal is likely out of the question.

If I had it my way, this is the lineup the Twins would go into next season with:

1. Denard Span, RF
   
2. Yunel Escobar, SS
3. Joe Mauer, C
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Casey Blake, 3B
6. Jason Kubel, DH
7. Delmon Young, LF
8. Alexi Casilla, 2B
9. Carlos Gomez, CF
   

Of course the big acquisition would be Yunel Escobar, who's name has also been linked to the Twins as of late.

Escobar is a 26-year-old above average hitting and fielding shortstop from the Atlanta Braves organization. His name has been at the center of the Braves-Padres rumors in which former N.L. Cy Young winner Jake Peavy would be traded to Atlanta for a package of players headlined by Escobar.

Although I am sure the Braves would hate to add his contract, I think the Twins could make a good enough package to acquire Escobar from the Braves for Cuddyer. I am sure that other players would be involved on both sides, perhaps the Braves would like to get rid of a contract or two?

Regardless, I think that shortstop is so weak (with respect to Furcal), that if the Twins really want to make an upgrade at that position, it certainly would have to come from a trade. Third base is also weak, however I do think that the Twins have honest interest in Blake and I think that signing him would be ideal for this team.

If they choose to sign a shortstop, I hope that the team just chooses to re-sign Punto, who with his defense and price is probably the most attractive shortstop on the market (again besides Furcal).

We'll see I guess, only time will tell what the Twins intend on doing. I hope that the team heads into the Winter Meetings with at least one of the three priority areas filled so that they don't have to worry about acquiring more than one player that time.

I also hope that the team looks into signing Jason Kubel and possibly Scott Baker long term. Baker more so to just avoid arbitration and to take a year or two off of his free agency. I also would like to see Kubel signed to a deal which also takes off a year or two of his free agency.

We'll see I guess, certainly this off-season has not been nearly as exciting as last years, but I hope that Bill Smith and Co. don't leave us disappointed and can come away from free agency feeling like they really made an impact on the team and in 2009 will be fielding a team that their fans will be proud to support.

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