benhertz

The Orioles have acquired Alex Liddi. LINK The Orioles and Mariners swapped international slot money, with the Mariners increasing their amount by $73,700. I thought teams could just claim a player, without having to trade anything to receive player, two examples being the Twins losing Joe Benson and Tyler Robertson to waiver claims.

It would be nice to see Johan try to come back as a relief pitcher for the Twins. Even if he is unable to make it back to the majors, I would like to have him back in the Twins organization.

According to Baseball America, the Twins are $26,400 under budget for their 2013 bonus pool.

Alex Liddi is a 24-year old 3rd baseman who has occasionally played 1B and LF. He is listed as 6'4", 225 lbs, RHB. Liddi was a teammate of Chris Colabello and Drew Butera during the World Baseball Classic. According to MLBTradeRumors, Liddi is the first born-and-bred Italian to play in Major League Baseball. I'm sure Gene Glynn can find a spot for him in Rochester.

ESPN Insider Keith Law takes a look at draft prospect Kris Bryant: MLB Draft Prospect: Kris Bryant - YouTube If he's available, I think the Twins should draft him.

Slightly interesting fact: Liam Hendriks is 8 months older than Aaron Hicks.

How many Redheaded-Americans are on the Twins?

The Oakland A's designated Travis Blackley LHP for assignment. I wanted the Twins to claim Blackley last May when the Giants designated him for assignment and Pavano was trying to pitch with a bum shoulder. Blackley's stats on Baseball-Reference, Fangraphs. The Boston Red Sox released Ryan Sweeney RF/CF. I would prefer Sweeney over Wilkin Ramirez, even though Sweeney is another LH hitter. Video of Sweeney hitting a triple, and a double. I would take Jim Thome over Sweeney and Ramirez, but that doesn't seem likely to happen.

Hamburger received a 50-game suspension for failing two tests for recreational drugs. Link I'd still like to see the Twins sign him for Rochester. Injuries and poor performances happen all the time.

Reliever Mark Hamburger was released by the Houston Astros. LINK

Mauer: 3-12, 2B, 2 BB, 2 K, .690 OPS Morneau: 4-19, 2B, 2 BB, K, .536 OPS _ _ _ _ _ Span: 1-13, 2 BB, 5 K, .264 OPS Thome: 1-18, BB, 7 K, GIDP, .161 OPS

The Baltimore Orioles have claimed Todd Redmond off waivers. LINK

If 5 is average, why did they give Sano a current power grade of 5? 28 home runs for a 19-year old in low A is above average in my opinion. Arcia is a 4 (below average) for power and hit. .928 OPS for goodness sakes!

Signing Contreras to a minor league deal to get to Aledmys Diaz. They can be teammates in AAA for a while. Terry Ryan, the wooer.

From his minor league numbers, it looks like he's more of a flyball pitcher. He might enjoy Target Field.