The Milwaukee Brewers have traded shortstop J.J. Hardy to the Minnesota Twins for outfielder Carlos Gomez, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported Friday.
It had been speculated in Milwaukee that the Brewers would move former All-Star Hardy, who hit just .229 with 11 HR and 47 RBI in 115 games with the Brewers in 2009, for pitching help.
But instead, they chose to address their center field issue by acquiring Gomez. This means the Brewers will clearly cut ties with Mike Cameron, who made $10 million this season.
Said Brewers GM Doug Melvin of Gomez to Haudricourt: “Carlos brings to our club great speed, athleticism and energy at a position that we needed to fill...His defense will serve as a key component to us improving our pitching. At only 24 years of age, Carlos can further develop the offensive aspect of his game and give us a different look to our lineup.”
The Brewers will likely use that extra money to pursue pitching help in the free agent market. They will likely delve deeply into the market for John Lackey, who filed for free agency Thursday.
As for the Twins, the trade clearly means they will not re-sign Orlando Cabrera to play shortstop, and that Denard Span is the likely starting center fielder for them next year. They already have Delmon Young and Jason Kubel patrolling the outfield corners.
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 1