The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching and the Minnesota Twins have some names in the rumor mill. The three names on the team that keep popping up in the rumors are Francisco Liriano, Denard Span and Josh Willingham. Liriano was hammered for the first time in two months Monday night in Chicago. Span has a great contract, which coupled with his ability as a leadoff hitter is very enticing to teams. Willingham could be a prime power hitting target for a contender.
There were two big trades in baseball on Monday. Ichiro Suzuki was dealt to the Yankees and starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez was moved to Detroit. Both trades impact the Twins to a certain degree. For more on what this means for what the Twins could receive for a player like Liriano or Span, check out this great post by Twins Daily’s John Bonnes.
Despite being in last place and out of contention in the AL Central, the Twins have found positivity in reliever Jared Burton. He has a chance to be a key member of the bullpen for the next few years, but Ron Gardenhire plans on being careful with him the rest of the season. “Like we said from the get-go, we were going to be careful, give him his days off as needed and really be guarded with it,” he said. “He’s thrown the ball fantastic.”
Meanwhile, the Twins are hoping for more good news when Carl Pavano throws a bullpen session on Wednesday. If all goes well there’s a chance he’ll be sent to Fort Myers to continue rehabbing his strained shoulder. But there is no timetable for when that rehab assignment could begin.
