Nathan sees no need for Twins to seek deal

While the media are encouraging Twins General Manager Billy Smith to make a deal to strengthen the team -- and manager Ron Gardenhire wouldn't turn down a veteran relief pitcher and a righthanded hitter -- Joe Nathan, one of the clubhouse leaders, said the Twins have enough talent.

"We don't feel like we need help," said Nathan, who has 29 saves. "Everyone is talking about how they've got to make a move, they're going to make a move -- but we're sitting here [1 1/2 games out in the AL Central] right now with the guys we've got. So no one sees the flip side, when you make a move somebody is going to not be able to play.

"Guys have really come up here and stepped up and done an outstanding job. We'll see how [second baseman] Alexi [Casilla] is doing after not being able to get out there today. ... But, guys are playing the game right now, so we're happy with what we got and we'll see what they decide upstairs."

Nathan said he thinks the best move will be to get outfielder Michael Cuddyer healthy.

"I mean, that's basically like making move," Nathan said. "You're bringing a guy like Cuddyer back, who's an impact player, and obviously is a middle-of-the-order guy, and the defense he plays. If he can come back and get healthy, that's going to be a big lift for us.

"This club is way better than last year -- we were at home when we got to the playoffs. So, for us to have a chance right now and be coming into August here pretty soon and be a half a game out ... and everyone realizes we're playing against some good teams and holding our own. I'm talking about how good Chicago is playing and rightfully so, they put a spanking on us when we were in their park, but we're trying to return the favor and do that again while we're here."

Well-spoken words by the best closer in the game.

Grigsby helping Vikings coach Brad Childress was asked Wednesday if there were any surprises among the 80 players in training camp in Mankato.

"The guy that's really having a good camp is [defensive end] Otis Grigsby, the guy that we picked up from Carolina's practice squad last year," Childress replied. "He shows up every day and makes a couple plays. He just needs to keep it steady. He came in the first game he got here last year and had a sack. If I singled out anybody, I'd probably mention him.

"[Grigsby] is getting elevated snaps, because Ray [Edwards] hasn't been in there, and it's Jayme Mitchell and Otis right there.

"Can't ever have enough defensive linemen. Those guys are at a premium, so it's good to see them raise up. He's a million-mile-an-hour guy."

Jottings The 2008 edition of the Twins is one of the most interesting in years with three great stars in Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Nathan. They have an excellent chance of at least winning the wild card -- entering Wednesday's game, they were only one game behind the Red Sox for the fourth playoff spot. But despite the positive things about this team, they were 158,506 fans behind last year's attendance going into Wednesday's game. They have drawn 1,431,770 -- an average of 26,032 per game -- compared with 1,590,276 -- or an average of 28,914 -- last season. They have, however, drawn well this series, with crowds of more than 30,000 each night.

Kevin McHale, the vice president of basketball for the Wolves, said the team has a $5.8 million mid-level exception they could use for signing one or more free agents. But McHale said he doesn't have any plans to spend that money, because he doesn't see anybody available that could help the team more than the players they have on the present roster.

Rob Moor, CEO of the Wolves, said the city is spending $1 million to install what he believes will be one of the best acoustic systems in any arena in the country at Target Center. "It will be a big improvement for our concerts and the Timberwolves," Moor said.

It shouldn't be any surprise that Wild forward Mark Parrish had his contract bought out and won't return next season. Team president Doug Risebrough and coach Jacques Lemaire constantly criticized Parrish's style of play during the season, especially about him not taking more shots.

Two football recruits of the Gophers who couldn't qualify academically will attend other schools. Junior college defensive tackle Tim McGee is reported headed for Memphis, while wide receiver Vince Hill of Milford Academy is expected to land at Temple. With linebacker Sam Maresh sidelined after heart surgery, the Gophers are down to 28 tenders. And coach Tim Brewster said he is confident all 28 will be declared eligible. ... Former Gophers basketball player Dusty Rychart, who was a walk-on for former coach Clem Haskins, continues to get big contracts overseas. Rychart, 29, recently signed a two-year deal with the Wollongong Hawks of Australia's National Basketball League for six figures-plus. He averaged 16.2 points per game for the Brisbane Bullets. ... Former Gopher Rick Rickert is returning for another season with the New Zealand Breakers, even though he missed much of last season because of a back injury. Ndudi Ebi, the former first-round pick of the Timberwolves, played with the New Orleans Hornets in the summer league. He had one big game against Cleveland, scoring 15 points in 14 minutes and grabbing five rebounds. ... Quarterback Clint Brewster, son of the Gophers coach, has enrolled at the College of Sequoias, a community college in Visalia, Calif.

Former Gophers relief pitcher Jim Brower is heading to Japan less than two weeks after joining the Houston Astros' Class AAA Round Rock Express farm team. He was acquired by the Hiroshima Carp for a deal worth $20 million yen (about $185,000). Brower has appeared in 354 major league games in a 15-year career with eight different teams. ... Twins first-round draft pick Aaron Hicks is hitting .327 to lead the Gulf Coast Rookie League team in hitting. ... Duluth native Ben Jukich has been promoted to Class AAA Louisville by the Cincinnati Reds. Jukich was 8-4 with a 3.57 ERA for Class AA Chattanooga before being promoted. ... Former Gopher Eric Welter has been named the head baseball coach at Chaska High School.

Jamal Abu-Shamala not only helped Jordan's national basketball team capture the 2007 WJ Cup with a 5-1 record, but he also was a big factor in Jordan winning the 30th annual William Jones Cup in China. Jordan's national team reached the championship game in the William Jones Cup after defeating Australia 75-60 earlier this month. Abu-Shamala, who averaged 14.5 points and 7.2 rebounds heading into the WJ Cup, scored 12 points in the championship game. Abu-Shamala and the Jordanian team are playing in the King Abdullah II Cup, which ends today.

Sid Hartman can be heard weekdays on WCCO AM-830 at 6:40, 7:40 and 8:40 a.m. and on his Podcast twice a week at www.startribune.com/sidcast. shartman@startribune.com