We swear we're not beating a dead horse here. But when a trade -- the finalized deal involving Brendan Harris and J.J. Hardy to Baltimore for a couple of minor league pitchers -- is linked to both of the most discussed trades in recent Twins history, then it's time for a revised flow chart. The Twins had: Johan Santana, Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett
They traded: Santana to the Mets for Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey, Deolis Guerra and Carlos Gomez.
They also traded: Garza and Bartlett to the Rays for Brendan Harris and Delmon Young.
And now: Humber never panned out and signed with the Royals. Mulvey was part of the deal with the Diamondbacks that brought in Jon Rauch, who was non-tendered and doesn't seem to be in the 2011 plans. Guerra was 2-13 with a 6-plus ERA between Class AA and AAA last year. Gomez was traded to the Brewers for Hardy, who was just traded -- along with Harris -- as part of a deal for two minor league pitchers. Young remains on the team and had a breakout 2010 season.
Which means: The Twins turned Santana, Garza and Bartlett into Young and three minor league pitchers.
We know: It's not quite that simple and that various pressures/factors came into play with the trades. But still. It sounded a lot better when Hardy was still in the mix.
It is certain: That if Delmon hadn't had 112 RBI in 2010, this would all look way worse.
