The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins completed a trade midway through the Twins’ Home Opener against the Oakland Athletics at Target Field on Monday.
New York sent shortstop Eduardo Nunez to the Twins for Miguel Sulbaran, a left-handed starter at Class A Cedar Rapids.
“We like the way he swings the bat,’’ Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said of Nunez. “He can run. He can play shortstop.’’
According to the Star Tribune, it’s almost a sure thing that Nunez will be called up to the majors as soon as he gets his timing down at Class Triple-A Rochester. He’ll provide depth at shortstop, third base and second base, although his upside is a lot lower than it once was. Just ask NBC Sports writer and local Twins blogger Aaron Gleeman.
Nunez isn’t a player I’d have given up anything to acquire–can’t hit, can’t field, and base-stealing isn’t worth much on its own–but in general the Twins should be looking to add infield depth and clearly they think his speed and athleticism can still translate into something useful.
Nunez was supposed to be the heir apparent to Yankees great Derek Jeter. But he’s fallen so far from grace that New York designated him for assignment to clear a space on their 40-man roster.
The Star Ledger says Nunez was once so highly thought of that New York refused to include him in a deal that would have brought former Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee from the Mariners to the Yankees.
In 270 career games with the Yankees, Nunez hit .267 with 10 home runs, 76 RBI and 48 stolen bases.
