Minnesota Twins Make Moves in Winter Meetings

The Minnesota Twins lightened the roster by trading shortstop J.J. Hard and Brendan Harris, along with $500,000 straight cash homie (I miss Moss), to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. In the trade, we picked up minor league right-handers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson.

These two trades indicate that the Twins are likely closing in on a contract with Tsuyoshi Nishioka, a Japanese infielder. (I don't know how that name will fit on the back of a jersey!). It is doubtful that the club would have moved Hardy unless they were in a position to finalize a deal with Nishioka. The Twins would then be set-up to have a middle-infield combination of Nishioka and Alexi Casilla, with Casilla likely playing shortstop.

The Twins are also making a strong push to re-sign veteran starter Carl Pavano. I am definitely hoping for this contract to work because I love Pavano and his stache. Very attractive. The Twins are considered a front-runner for Pavano, but there are at least three other teams interested.

On a side note that actually may be more exciting to Twins fans, Jim Thome wants to play for two more years!!!!!! Love him.