Is he the answer? No. Is it an upgrade? I think so.
After multiple rumors the Twins acquired Orlando Cabrera today from the Oakland A’s in exchange for Single-A prospect, Tyler Ladendorf. The deal was solidified just after noon CST on Friday afternoon. Cabrera should expect to move right into the starting shortstop role and most likely bat second in the order.
Cabrera was never on the top of my list of solutions, but I do see him as an upgrade over Alexi Casilla or Nick Punto. More than anything, this move is a sign from the front office that they are committed to winning and want to try and answer the pleas of Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Joe Nathan. With less than two hours left until the deadline, we’ll see if Bill Smith can add another arm to the bullpen.
Although Cabrera may not be the answer to a division title, he could be the solution to keeping Joe Mauer in Minnesota.
After arguably the hardest week of the season out on the west coast, the Twins rebounded with a much needed sweep of the Chicago White Sox that moved our boys into second place in the AL Central. These three wins not only allowed the Twins to leapfrog the Sox but also come within two games of the division leading Detroit Tigers.
I should probably be focusing my attention on the fact the Twins just played three solid games of baseball against a division rival; however, I’m more upset by the fact that we are roughly 36 hours away from the MLB Trade Deadline and GM Bill Smith has no sign of improving this ballclub. To be honest after last week I thought this team looked more like a seller than a buyer. Then of course the Twins pulled their typical, “We’re back at the Metrodome where we can beat anyone and actually play inspired baseball.”
It’s no surprise that the Twins need to upgrade in the middle infield and the bullpen. In the span of the last two days the Pittsburgh Pirates traded their entire middle infield, with Jack Wilson headed to Seattle and Freddy Sanchez off to San Francisco. I really thought Sanchez could have been a good fit for the Twins, but that ship has sailed. Other middle infield options include Marco Scutaro and Orlando Cabrera. I’d be happy with a Scutaro acquisition, but am not thrilled in anyway to bring Cabrera to Minneapolis.
The bullpen was an issue last season, an issue this past offseason, and has been an issue this season, yet Bill Smith continues to try Band-Aid solutions with no real thought of finding a true 8th inning setup guy. This gaping hole certainly cost the Twins a playoff spot in 2008 and could very well do the same here in 2009.
Overall, as a baseball fan I’ve felt like this year’s trade deadline has been quite boring. Yes, the most exciting hours still remain, but things seem awfully quiet. Attribute this to the economic climate that many teams to have the payroll to bring on money, or perhaps there just isn’t a lot of talent out there. Either way, Cliff Lee has been dealt to the Phillies, Matt Holiday to the Cardinals, and I’ll be shocked to see Roy Halladay leave Toronto.
If not Bill Smith, hopefully some GM can make this dead trade deadline a little more exciting!
It’s July 11th and the July 31st trade deadline is approaching fast. Teams are looking to boost their roster and make that one move that puts their team over the top.
The frenzy started this week with the Milwaukee Brewers acquiring Cleveland Indian’s ace C.C. Sabathia. The move seemed like that perfect piece to make the Brewers formidable contenders in the NL Central. However, the Chicago Cubs were not going to be outdone. The next day they made a very bold move acquiring Rich Harden from the Oakland A’s. Both pitchers bring ace quality to a crowded NL Central division. Sabathia is the reigning AL Cy Young winner and Harden is one of the toughest pitchers to hit (when he is healthy).
Most importantly, two great pitchers have left the American League, especially Sabathia who the Twins will no longer have to face three times a year. So with the deadline nearing, the Twins MVB decided to make a big move of his own to lead his blog into the playoffs.
The Twins MVB is announcing the emergence of another blogger on the MVB network…DY21!
DY21, which stands for his favorite Twin player Delmon Young, is a huge addition to the MVB squad (which was previously a squad of one). DY21 is a lifelong Twins fan with blog experience and extensive knowledge of the game.
So please welcome the second member of the MVB network. FYI: whenever there is a new post it will be tagged by the author, either Twins MVB or DY21. Here’s to a playoff push!
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