Twins No Longer Talking With Blake
According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins have broken off talks with free agent Casey Blake. Neal heard from a source that discussions ended when the Twins, who preferred a two-year deal with an option, wouldn’t offer a guaranteed three-year contract.
The Twins have varying levels of interest in Adrian Beltre, Garrett Atkins, Jason Donald and Jack Wilson. Neal writes that Minnesota balked earlier this year when the Rockies requested Kevin Slowey and Denard Span in exchange for Atkins.
Since shortstops are disappearing fast, Neal’s source says the Twins felt pressure to improve their infield and didn’t want to negotiate for too long with Blake.
Neal heard that the Twins have received calls about Delmon Young, but aren’t in a hurry to trade him for infield help, regardless of how well he fits into their outfield.
There’s a chance the Twins could restart talks with Blake, but for now the Dodgers are the frontrunner for his services, according to Neal.
Rockies Doing Homework On Delmon Young
Yesterday in the Rocky Mountain News, Tracy Ringolsby wondered if Twins outfielder Delmon Young would be a good fit for the Rockies. Today Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune goes one step further, saying Rox GM Dan O’Dowd has been doing his homework on Young. Young, by the way, is not bothered by Ron Gardenhire’s recent comments.
Christensen says that in general, the Rockies’ demands of the Twins have been excessive. For example, La Velle E. Neal III suggested they wanted Kevin Slowey, Denard Span, and another prospect for Garrett Atkins. That asking price almost sounds too outlandish to be true.
Rays Willing To Trade Bartlett?
Rays Index points us to a Danny Knobler report that indicates the Rays are willing to trade shortstop Jason Bartlett. Not only that, but the Rays had brief talks with the Twins about acquiring Delmon Young or Denard Span.
With Reid Brignac posting a .299 OBP in Triple A and Tim Beckham a year removed from high school, it’d be surprising if the Rays dealt their starting shortstop.