Both Minnesota papers, the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press, take a look at what the Twins should do this off-season. Net them together, and I think I could find a match.
John Shipley in the Pioneer Press points out that the Twins need a shortstop. They ended the season with Orlando Cabrera there, but he’s a free agent. Patrick Reusse of the Star Tribune drivels about the Twins should trade Joe Nathan and the remaining $22.5 million/two year contract that they are obligated to.
Reusse suggests that the Twins should trade Nathan and install lefty Jose Mijares as their closer. Let me help them. I’d consider trading them one of ours, Jason Bartlett or Reid Brignac, for Jose Mijares and Jose Morales. I’ll throw in John Jaso if I need to. I like Mijares as a closer as well, and Morales is a converted shortstop, which makes him that athletic-type player the Rays love. His defense has been questioned, but he looks to be a pretty decent offensive catcher.
***
Sam Mellinger has a piece in the Kansas City Star about the Royals trading closer Joakim Soria. After dressing him up as the next-best thing since sliced bread, Mellinger details the teams in need of a closer. Yep, you guessed it. The Rays and their “young talent” were the first team mentioned. No specifics though.
***
Evan Longoria is the Sporting News‘ AL All-Star third baseman for the 2009 season.
Picture: Wikimedia Commons
