Twins weigh infielder moves

Mark Grudzielanek is getting into playing shape in the minors, but that won't stop the Twins for looking for a deal for a middle infielder.

By JOE CHRISTENSEN, Star Tribune

Last update: July 29, 2009 - 1:27 PM

After tuning up this week with the Twins' Gulf Coast League affiliate, Mark Grudzielanek will begin playing for Class AA New Britain on Friday, Twins General Manager Bill Smith said.

But Twins officials insist Grudzielanek's presence won't preclude another move for a second baseman, if they find the right deal before Friday's non-waiver trade deadline. In fact, Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez remains one of their primary trade targets.

Sanchez has a vesting option in his contract that will pay him $8 million next season -- a steep price for a singles and doubles hitter -- but he also plays third base. Since the Twins expect to lose Joe Crede to free agency this winter, they could have holes at second and third base heading into 2010, and Sanchez could fill either one.

For now, the Twins figure it would be better to add a second baseman than a shortstop. Brendan Harris can play shortstop, so adding another one, such as Oakland's Orlando Cabrera, basically gives them an upgrade of Cabrera over Harris. Cabrera entered Tuesday batting .278, compared to .264 for Harris.

But a second baseman, such as Sanchez (.296 entering Tuesday), would be a greater offensive upgrade over Nick Punto (.210) or Alexi Casilla (.162).

Some within the Twins organization have even suggested a move for Padres second baseman David Eckstein (.267), if the price for Sanchez proves too steep. Eckstein was activated from the disabled list this week after being out because of a hamstring injury.

Smith has been huddled at the Metrodome this week with vice president of player personnel Mike Radcliff, assistant GM Rob Antony and senior advisor Terry Ryan. Bob Hegman, the Twins scout who is assigned to cover the Pirates and other NL Central and AL Central teams, also is in town.

A.J. still agitating

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen toppled a bucket of bubble gum Monday after getting upset at -- who else? -- catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

Pierzynski, the former Twin, had a heated exchange with shortstop Alexei Ramirez, after he made a throw that skipped past the shortstop on Alexi Casilla's stolen base.

"That's my job," Guillen said Tuesday. "If they have a problem, they are going to have a problem with me. I'm easygoing and love to have fun. We have to respect each other. There's a lot of ways to criticize your teammates. That happens with every team."

Etc.

• The Twins hope Crede (sore right shoulder) can return to third base tonight after returning to the lineup Tuesday as the designated hitter.

• Jim Thome, who has more career home runs against the Twins (57) than any other opponent, has been out because of a sore back and isn't expected to play in tonight's series finale, with lefthander Francisco Liriano pitching.

• The White Sox scratched Bartolo Colon from Wednesday's start because of a sore right elbow, tabbing Jose Contreras to take his place.

Staff writer La Velle E. Neal III contributed to this report.

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