Twins Trade Gomez For Brewers’ Hardy

The Minnesota Twins have traded outfielder Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for former all-star shortstop J.J. Hardy.

Because of playing eligibility timing by the Brewers, his arbitration and free-agency was pushed back a year and will essentially benefit the Twins.  Minnesota will hold the 27-year-old’s rights through the end of the 2011 season.

This move ends the discussion on whether or not the team will attempt to re-sign shortstop Orlando Cabrera.  With possibly three or four infield inside candidates available to play all infield positions including shortstop behind Hardy, signing Cabrera would not make sense.

Hardy is expected to be the opening day starter at shortstop and since infielder Nick Punto plays a solid defense (and a $4,000,000 salary), Punto will likely be the starting second baseman.  Punto could shift to third base if second baseman Alexi Casilla has a very strong spring training.

The outfield appears to be set for the Twins, with outfielder’s Delmon Young (left), Denard Span (center) and Michael Cuddyer (right) expected to the opening day starters.  DH/outfielder Jason Kubel should see his playing time increase in the corner-outfield positions as well.

By trading Hardy, the Brewers will likely insert top prospect shortstop Alcides Escobar for 2010.  Outfielder Carlos Gomez will likely be their starting center fielder as well, so center fielder Mike Cameron may not be re-signed by the Brewers.

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