In our Twins gamer today, players lobbied for general manager Terry Ryan to either stand pat or trade for help.

They're asking him not to trade off pieces.

This is why general managers should never listen to players.

The Twins aren't good enough to make the playoffs. Deep down, even the players know that. They're just mouthing words players are supposed to mouth this time of year.

Ryan made his bones as a general manager trading players he didn't need for prospects the franchise desperately needed. Any Twins player who has long-term plans with the franchise should want Ryan dealing at this time of the year.

He shouldn't trade just to trade, but if Kurt Suzuki, Josh Willingham, Jared Burton, Brian Duensing or Kevin Correia can bring value in a deal, then Ryan is obligated to do it.

-----------

Covering All-Star interviews and events today. Will be on 1500ESPN at 12:15 with Mackey and Judd, and on WFGO with Mike McFeely in Fargo at 3:30.