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MLB source: Span trade 'no closer than any other day'

Twins and Nationals are talking, but they still haven't reached a deal.

July 31, 2011 at 2:20AM
Denard Span rounded third and headed for home on a first-inning double by Alexi Casilla.
Denard Span (Dml - Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

OAKLAND, CALIF. -- A reported deal that would send Twins center fielder Denard Span to the Washington Nationals is "no closer [to happening] than any other day," a major league official familar with the trade discussions said tonight in a text message.

The two teams have definitely been talking, with the Nationals pushing hard to acquire Span, but no agreement has been reached, despite reports that the sides are close to a deal.

Twins General Manager Bill Smith declined comment.

According to various reports, the Twins have insisted on getting Washington closer Drew Storen in the deal, while the Nationals have been offering setup man Tyler Clippard.

Besides Storen, the Twins also are reportedly interested in Nationals center field prospect Roger Bernadina and second base prospect Stephen Lombardozzi, who is the son of former Twins second baseman Steve Lombardozzi.

Span, who is rehabbing from a concussion with Class AAA Rochester, was not in the Red Wings lineup tonight, but that was by his choice after taking an early flight this morning from Louisville, Ky.

Storen, 23, loaded the bases for Washington but escaped with his 26th save tonight in a 3-0 win over the Mets, lowering his ERA to 2.63.

I'll have more on the Twins trade talks for late editions, as the clock winds toward Sunday's 3 p.m., non-wavier trade deadline.

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about the writer

about the writer

Joe Christensen

Sports team leader

Joe Christensen, a Minnesota Star Tribune sports team leader, graduated from the University of Minnesota and spent 15 years covering Major League Baseball, including stops at the Riverside Press-Enterprise and Baltimore Sun. He joined the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2005 and spent four years covering Gophers football.

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