Span not fazed by trade rumors

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - Twins outfielder Denard Span is aware of reports that he might be traded, but he's focusing on recovering from the concussion he suffered in early June and returning to the Twins to help them rally in the AL Central.

"I just want to be smart about it," Span said of his recovery. "It's killing me. The team needed me. I started the season with them and I want to be there with them at the end."

A Fox Sports report Wednesday had the Nationals discussing a deal with the Twins involving Span, with closer Drew Storen mentioned as someone the Twins could receive in return. Washington is seeking a center fielder, but there have been no indications that the Twins are shopping Span, or plan to.

Span, 27, is the Twins' best leadoff hitter. While rookie Ben Revere has filled in nicely in Span's absence, he entered Wednesday with a .253 average and .296 on-base percentage. Span has a .361 on-base percentage, and is signed through 2015.

But if Washington comes up with an attractive package for Span, Revere is in line to replace him.

Speaking by phone, Span said he prefers to stay in Minnesota.

"This is where I have been my whole career," he said. "But, at the same time, I'm the type of person who has a chip on the shoulder. If they want to trade me and think they can be a better team without me, then do what you have to do.

Span, on a rehab assignment at Class AAA Rochester, missed consecutive games this week. He had travel problems meeting the team in Louisville on Monday and had a scheduled off day Tuesday. He acknowledged he hasn't felt 100 percent at times during his comeback.

"My symptoms kind of come and go," he said. "I feel fine for part of the game then I will feel a little funny and vice versa. One game, I started off feeling a little funny but by the end of the game I felt good."

As soon as he plays three consecutive nine-inning games, he could return to the majors. Span hopes that will be by the end of the weekend.

Trade winds The Twins and Rockies have been discussing a trade for righthander Kevin Slowey.

A couple players the Twins are believed to be interested in are reliever Rafael Betancourt and infielder Ty Wigginton.

The Twins are trying to trade Slowey, who is pitching at Rochester and didn't embrace a bullpen role earlier this season.

Betancourt is making $3.775 million and Wigginton $3.5 million this year. Both are scheduled to make $4 million in 2012. Taking on those salaries could be an issue.

A compliment? Texas lefthander C.J. Wilson, who gave up five earned runs over four innings Tuesday, didn't think it was all his fault -- and sort of took a shot at the Twins.

"The nature of their offense is to not strike out," he said. "It's not necessarily to draw a lot of walks, or that they hit a lot of home runs, or have a high batting average. They put the ball in play. Sometimes, I think we know how that goes.

"I was just 100 percent unlucky. There were zero balls squared up. It was like bloopers and bleeders."

"If he thinks we're a bunch of bloops and [bleeders] that's OK," Gardenhire said. "He didn't get the win, so hang with 'em."

Etc. • Tsuyoshi Nishioka turned 27 Wednesday.