What's 'Lewwww' in Japanese?

Last update: December 4, 2007 - 12:05 AM

• Former Twins outfielder Lew Ford is closing on a deal with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese Leagues. It will be a one-year deal with a vesting option. Ford apparently was only getting nonroster invites to major league camps.

• The Twins have signed 6-5 righthander Casey Daigle to minor league contract. Daigle, 26, is a 1999 first-round pick of the Diamondbacks who is 2-3 with a 6.46 ERA in 20 career games in the majors, all with Arizona. He's also known for being married to softball star Jennie Finch.

• Word is that free agent righthander Carlos Silva could land with the Mets, although the Twins would have money to add to their three-year, $18 million offer to him if Johan Santana is traded. Silva could receive a deal for $10 million a year.

• Most scouts polled at the meetings so far like the Twins' deal for outfielder Delmon Young. One AL Central scout gushed that Young's potential is so great that he compared him to Frank Robinson. The Winter Confidential staff normally shies away from publishing grand comparisons, but the wow factor was too great in this case.

• Where will Marlins slugger Miguel Cabrera wind up? There's rumblings that the Angels still have a shot at the third baseman.

• Word is that Young is friends with Twins shortstop prospect Trevor Plouffe.

• For some reason, Jerome Bettis is here and just walking around the hotel ...