While the Twins have struggled to be contenders on the field, the club once again figures to be players in the international market. The team sits at 23-28, good for fourth place in the division. Here is a look around the AL Central..
- The Twins are not among the six teams interested in Chien-Ming Wang, tweets Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1500. Wang would be available if he chooses to opt out of his minor league contract with the Yankees today. The right-hander has reportedly intrigued several clubs after pitching to a 2.65 ERA, 4.1 K/9, and 1.6 BB/9 in 51 Triple-A innings this season.
- Wolfson also issued a reminder of the Twins’ failed pursuits of Hisashi Iwakuma , who will start against them tonight for the Mariners (Twitter Link). The Twins were twice unable to land Iwakuma, bidding unsuccessfully for the right-hander during his posting process, as well as in free agency. The 32-year-old has pitched to a 2.86 ERA, 7.7 K/9, and 2.5 BB/9 in 198 innings since coming to the big leagues in 2012.
- The Royal’s appointment of George Brett to hitting coach could signal a potential move into a managerial role, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Heyman cites sources who say the Brett hiring could work as a “trial balloon”, or even “step one” for the Hall of Famer. But while the club is clearly disappointed with their slow start, Royals GM Dayton Moore reportedly “isn't there yet” on firing manager Ned Yost.
