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This would be a big deal to the Twins. Maybe, if they say "pretty please," they could get Seattle to throw in Betancourt and Lopez so the Twins would have a major league infield.

I thought this story made the most sense of all the T&R trade rumors last week. I bet this one happens.

As long as the Mariners pick up about $10 mil of Adrian Beltre $12,900,000 contract, Beltre's definantly an upgrade over Mike Lamb. Otherwise, Beltre's numbers really aren't all that great.

The Brewers might be interested if you don't want him. He's an upgrade over Hall as well. It's obvious that Seattle is completely blowing up this team.

If Punto didn't have a finger injury, I'd say send him back to 3rd (102 AB's, .324//.383/.471). And after last year, I'd never ever ever ever ever ever ever thought I'd say that.

Good right-handed compliment to a heavily lefty-laden lineup (try saying that 3 times fast), but the contract money is too steep for MN.

I, too, would be surprised if the Twins were willing to pick up a $12 million a year contract unless Seattle would eat maybe $3 million or $4 million. Perhaps it would take Lamb off the Twins' hands ??? though unlikely. If it doesn't by some chance happen, he would be the team leader in home runs and second in rbi. My guess is he would likely put up better numbers on a potential playoff team batting either between the M&M boys or behind them and in front of Kubel. Then Punto can be FT short and Harris the utility infielder for now. I also would not be surprised to see the Twins to release or package Monroe, possibly to Seattle in that deal, because Span is not going to return to AAA when Cuddyer's finger is healthy.

Also, I think Twins fan may have seen the last of Adam Everett. He and Lamb define why the National League is inferior to the American. While they were serviceable to good players in the NL, they are nice guys but stiffs in the AL. The pitching in the AL exposed their bats as overrated, and Everett already was known as a glove, no-stick guy. Yet, Punto is a human Sports Center highlight reel in the field compared to him.

Almost forgot, Bonser might be trade bait, too. He could join Silva as ex-Twins in the Mariners' rotation.

catcreek

You might do well to remember those two guys were all but unconditionally released from a last place National League team.

I'd rather have Garrett Atkins. Slightly younger, numbers as good on offense, if not as good defensively. Contract is much lower too, I think, although Atkins is a free agent at year's end if the info I read is correct. If Atkins is a rent-a-player for whom the Rox already have an in-house replacement, the trade cost may not be as high either.

Either one, though, would improve the lineup.