Thursday Afternoon, May 31, 2007

Discussion Question:

Let's Talk Trade

Hey ya'll, in perusing message boards and Comments sections here and elsewhere, we so frequently read that the Twins need to get rid of this guy or that guy. That they could get this guy for that guy. After Scott Baker's start yesterday, several wanted him traded immediately. We need to trade for a prototypical 3B. We need a veteran starting pitcher. We need to trade for this or that. But do we? I guess that presents me with three questions for discussion today:

1.) Do the Twins really need to make a trade right now? Things are going well. They're winning again. They're making some moves internally. Do the Twins really need to make a trade?

2.) Who should the Twins trade, and who will they have to give up? Well, here you go. You're the GM of the Twins, what trades do you make. Put your trade proposals out there for all to discuss. If you think that the Twins should acquire Garrett Atkins, say that, and then tell us what you think that the Twins would have to give up to get him. If you think that Nick Punto, Lew Ford, Jason Tyner or Scott Baker should be traded, tell us who they could get in return.

3.) And finally, Who are the absolute untouchables in the organization? Let's assume that we are talking about today. I would say that, unless absolutely blown away by an offer, Torii Hunter is untouchable. If the Twins are out of contention in July, I think he could be traded. But who within the entire organization would you call untouchable (if you take away the - unless blown away - part of the sentence). For instance, I would say that Kevin Slowey is untouchable. However, if the Cardinals today called and said, we will trade you Albert Pujols (and pay his salary) if you send us Kevin Slowey. So, let's take away those scenarios. I would say Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, Kevin Slowey, Matt Garza, Pat Neshek, Matt Guerrier, Francisco Liriano, Kyle Waldrop, Chris Parmalee, Joe Benson, Jeff Manship. Would you add to that list? Who would you take off of it.

Discuss amongst yourselves. I will check in from time to time as well. Make your opinions known, but I do ask that you please be respectful.