Nick Punto is batting .213; Alexi Casilla’s average is under .170 (!) and has been back and forth to the minors trying to find his swing.  And, with the rest of the division making moves (no doubt the Tigers adding Washburn forced Chicago to make the Jake Peavy deal happen), the Twins chose to shore up a hole in the middle infield by adding the still productive Orlando Cabrera.

Minnesota Gets:  A dependable infielder, though no longer the gold glove calibre player he was a few years back.  Cabrera should certainly outhit what Punot and Casilla has provided – which would be a nice advantage.

Oakland Gets:  A former second round pick (2008) who is still very raw, but has a lot of tools.  Tyler Ladendorf was drafted early out of Howard College after graduating from Maine West HS in Des Plaines, IL.   He’s had moments of spectacular play, but he’s just now getting into A ball.  At 21, he’s easily three years away.

Winner:  I like Orlando Cabrera, but I can’t believe that he’s going to be the difference between winning and losing.  They really need the pitching to step up.  To me it’s a wash.