Wild D John Scott: 'Everyone was disappointed'

The Twins payroll has risen substantially with the advent of Target Field, but the expectations of the team have risen beyond the mere Central Division championship.

As the trading deadline approaches in July, fans will no longer accept minor tune-up additions that have prevailed in stretch runs past. This organization now has the revenue and the farm system to become big-time players at the trading deadline. The fact that Target Field is partly public tax funded only adds to the pressure that fans will expect from the Twins front office.

The big fish being dangled out in front of hungry general managers this year is Seattle Mariners left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee, who will be a free agent at year's end. He has been one of baseball's best pitchers over the last five years and has also enjoyed success against those hated New York Yankees, besting them twice in the 2009 World Series, and a likely Twins opponent if they advance to the post season.

There will be no explanation this time if the Twins don't land Lee or another top of the rotation starter for the playoffs. Small market, low revenue excuses will not work anymore. This is not your father's Minnesota Twins. This is a new era.

The Mariners are said to be asking for Twins prospect Wilson Ramos and perhaps a starting pitcher along with another mid-level prospect. General Manager Bill Smith must do whatever it takes to get Lee even if it requires the team to lose Kevin Slowey or a similar pitcher. The trade historians are even suggesting that the Mariners will part with Lee for minor league prospects only.

What the Twins do with their increased revenue will go a long way in determining the staying power of this attendance boom from Target Field. The Twins front office must take the bad with the good and the expectations are such that results are expected given this long awaited scenario with the cash cow that is Target Field.