The non-waiver trade deadline comes at the strike of 3, and the rumor mill has been pretty quiet today on the Twins' front.
No official word yet. After Friday's game, GM Bill Smith went into Manager Ron Gardenhire's office, prolonging the delay for Gardenhire's press conference, but who knows what they were discussing. Gardenhire, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, said it was the kind of stuff "you guys usually stir up."
FoxSports.com reported at about 2:45 a.m. (Do Morosi and Rosenthal sleep?), that the Twins were a possibility for Astros righthander Brett Myers. Latest reports say the Astros probably won't move Myers.
If there's news, we'll post it. But one thing's for sure: The Twins have a big task tonight, facing Felix Hernandez, and it's another test for Kevin Slowey. The Mariners pregame notes say the hitters on their active roster have combined to bat .320 against Slowey, including Milton Bradley (6-for-9), Russell Branyan (6-for-15) and Jose Lopez (5-for-9).
Update: The Mariners have optioned first baseman Justin Smoak to Class AAA. Smoak came in the Cliff Lee deal.
MARINERS (39-65)
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Chone Figgins, 2B
3. Casey Kotchman, 1B
4. Russell Branyan, DH
5. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
6. Michael Saunders, LF
7. Josh Bard, C
8. Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B
9. Jack Wilson, SS
Starting pitcher: RH Felix Hernandez (7-7, 2.86 ERA)
