Minnesota Twins Trade Michael Cuddyer For Garrett Atkins?

Warren Williams — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:18:59 -0400

For a team struggling through failed experiments at third base, most recently with Mike Lamb, a tempting option has been on the trade market since mid-summer. With Todd Helton back at full strength and the emergence of Ian Stewart, the Colorado Rockies have one corner infielder too many, and are actively looking to trade 3B Garrett Atkins this off-season.

Colorado had a very disappointing year after their stunning postseason run in 2007, and are looking to deal Atkins for pitching help, a position the Twins always have in spades. Adding intrigue to the trade speculation is the Twins overflow in starting caliber outfielders. Fan favorite Michael Cuddyer, despite spending his entire career in the Twins system, is the current favorite to be moved.

With the Rockies also looking to trade OF Matt Holliday, an Atkins for Cuddyer trade makes a lot of sense for both clubs. The Twins could add the 25 HR, 100 RBI .300 average hot corner they've long searched for, and the Rockies could plug Cuddyer into the hole left if they trade Holliday, at almost half the price tag.

Again, the Rockies need to add arms, so a current Twins starter would have to be included. Nick Blackburn seems the likely choice, given his September fall-off, Baker serving as the ace of the staff and Slowey improving greatly with his pinpoint control. The Twins would probably fill his spot in the rotation with Phil Humber, who's out of minor league options.

The Twins proved they could compete without Cuddy in the lineup this year. They've been clamoring for a power-hitting third-bagger to complement Justin Morneau. A lineup with Joe Mauer, Atkins, Morneau, Delmon Young and Jason Kubel in the middle would be formidable, especially going into (what should be) hitter-friendly Target Field in 2010.

The only question is, does it make TOO much sense?

Minnesota Vikings' Wall of Williams May Wash Away in a Water-Pill Tidal Wave

Warren Williams — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 02:05:11 -0400

For a 3-4 team with preseason Super Bowl hopes, the hits just keep on coming.

Pro Bowl DTs Kevin and Pat Williams have both been named in the NFL's recent "water pill" scandal, and Minnesota faces the grim future of losing each player to four-game suspensions, a situation that would wash away any remaining hope for the season.

While not alleged to have taken any performance-enhancing drugs, the run-stuffing duo has been accused of taking the so-called "water pills," classified under the NFL's drug policy as a masking agent for their ability to wash steroids and other PED's from the body and thus putting them in danger of the suspensions.

The Vikings do have a glimmer of hope, however. Several of the other players may file a class-action lawsuit against the maker of the water pill, as the banned substance they tested positive for (Bumetanide) is not listed as an ingredient on the label of the pills they were taking (StarCaps).

The question would be if the suit could be filed and heard quickly enough that the NFL would be able to put off suspensions as part of the appeal process.

If Minnesota does lose the duo, their replacements would have big shoes to fill and no easy tasks ahead. Ellis Wyms and Fred Evans are the immediate backups, with rookie Letroy Guion the only remaining DT on the roster. With stud rookies (Houston's Steve Slaton and Chicago's Matt Forte), dynamic duos (JAX MJD and Fred Taylor, Tampa's Graham and Dunn), and a big bruiser (Giants' Brandon Jacobs) left on the schedule, the Vikings are in for some tough games ahead.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Warren Williams

Minnesota Twins Trade Michael Cuddyer For Garrett Atkins?

Minnesota Vikings' Wall of Williams May Wash Away in a Water-Pill Tidal Wave