Continued: Twins intrigued by Hawkins

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The Twins are interested in former teammate LaTroy Hawkins to help shore up their bullpen, according to two persons familiar with the situation.

Hawkins was designated for assignment Saturday by the Yankees, after they landed reliever Damaso Marte from the Pirates, and the Yankees have 10 days either to trade him or send him through waivers. Hawkins, 35, went 1-1 with a 5.41 ERA in 33 appearances for the Yankees, but the Twins' thinking is that a return to where he developed into a good setup man could turn his season around.

Hawkins posted a 2.13 ERA in 2002 and 1.86 in 2003 after working with pitching coach Rick Anderson. He's played for the Cubs, Giants, Orioles, Rockies and Yankees since then.

If Hawkins is dealt, the acquiring team would have to pay roughly $1.25 million of the $3.75 million he's making this season. If he's released by the Yankees, he could sign with any club for the league minimum, but Hawkins has drawn enough interest from clubs that a trade seems more likely.

Hawkins could help solve some of the recent eighth-inning issues the Twins have had.

The Twins are on the lookout for relief and righthanded hitting help as Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline nears. The Twins might also be in position to offer a team a sure-handed shortstop. Adam Everett has recovered from a nagging shoulder strain and has completed a 20-day minor league rehabilitation assignment. The Twins don't appear to need Everett, as Nick Punto has played well at short and Brendan Harris is a capable backup.

The Dodgers are looking for a shortstop but are interested in one who can provide some offense, which isn't Everett's strength. He is hitting only .189.

Everett is coming to the Twin Cities today to meet with the club and discuss his future.

Go-Go go-ahead

Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez, who injured his lower back Friday when he crashed into the wall at Progressive Field in Cleveland, went through a full pre-game workout and went in as an eighth-inning defensive replacement Monday. He later singled and scored a run

Denard Span started in center in place of Gomez for the third consecutive game, and moved over to right field in the eighth.

Span hit his first major-league homer, a two-run shot, in the third inning. It was Span's first start in center field at the Metrodome, playing the position Torii Hunter manned for years -- and who thought of Span as his successor.

Cuddy lives!

Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer put on a glove for the first time since June 28, played catch and took fly balls in the outfield before Monday's game. He grabbed a bat and took 25 soft swings.

He received two cortisone shots last week in his left hand -- both near the source of discomfort in his left index finger -- and feels much better.

"It's definitely a positive," Cuddyer said.

Cuddyer needs a few more pain-free days -- and full batting practices -- before he will go on a minor league rehabilitation assignment. The injury has baffled the Twins medical staff, so everyone agrees they will be cautious from here on out.

"This is something Cuddyer and I talked about," Gardenhire said. "We don't want him to come back at 65 percent. He'd like to be healthy the next time he comes back."

Etc.

• A moment of silence was observed before the game in honor of WCCO sports reporter Bob Rainey, who died Saturday after battling colon cancer.

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