The Twins already boast one of baseball's top payrolls at $97MM, but that doesn't mean the club will be unwilling to take on money at the trade deadline. Team president Dave St. Peter spoke to La Velle E. Neal III of The Star Tribune yesterday, telling him that the front office discussed ways to improve the club during a routine meeting, including the ability to up the payroll.
"We think we have some flexibility," St. Peter said. "The last couple of years we have had some flexibility to try to make the team better."
"We feel like we are well-positioned, if we so choose, to make a move to make the team better," he said. "Ultimately, we are about trying to get better. If that means trade, if that means kids from the minor leagues, great."
The Twins made several moves last season and acquired Jon Rauch, Carl Pavano, Ron Mahay, and Orlando Cabrera at the trade deadline. Although their rumored interest in Cliff Lee is the hot topic, the team also has a clear need at the hot corner: Twins' third basemen are hitting a league low .228/.297/.299. Minnesota reportedly will not surrender 2009 first round pick Kyle Gibson in a trade, but they have a great chip in catcher Wilson Ramos, who was recently activated from the disabled list in Triple-A.
