Quick Column: Twins Trade For Matt Capps

A Quick Column that truly exemplifies the word quick.

The Twins traded a highly touted catching prospect Wilson Ramos and another minor league pitcher Joe Testa. In return they received Washington Nationals closer, Matt Capps.

Now last night and this morning Twins fans were griping about how they felt that they gave up too much and it was like the Jeff Bagwell-Larry Anderson trade by the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros in the early 90's.

I just find it funny that if the Twins didn't make a move, and I will point out, just like every other year so many Twins fans would be griping about that too. Why didn't we trade player A for player B or were there talks to give up player A and B for player C?

The Twins finally made a move and we complain about it. Do I think the Nationals got a good deal? Sure, I think we gave up a nice prospect for a mid-level closer. But you have to give up something to get something and I think alot of that opinion stems from midwestern values. We're conservative out here. If we don't think something is a sure fire steal or a trade in the Twins favor we don't do it. We might have pulled the trigger if it was Bryce Harper and Matt Capps for Wilson Ramos and Joe Testa. Ha! If you don't know, Bryce Harper was the #1 pick in this year's Major League Baseball draft and there was no chance on that happening.

It is good to have an opinion about your favorite nine and management but there comes a time where you also have to understand you don't own the team, nor manage it.

I think the Twins gave up a notch or two higher than they could have but I think they still got a solid piece in the bullpen. Move Capps to closer, leave Guerrier to set-up in the 8th, Rauch can throw in the 7th and your starter and the other four arms in the bullpen can come in and work the rest of the game, assuming your starter can only go 4,5,6 innings.

I just thought it was funny to hear fans say the Twins got ripped off. But they would have been ripped off at their team if they didn't make a trade. There was no way they would have gotten Lee, Haren or Oswalt. That just traces back to conservative midwestern trade values.

The Twins made a move, though I don't think they were overwhelmed with what they got, they got a good arm and I like it.

Wait and see how August and September play out. There's plenty of baseball left.

Phil Mackey's opinion of the trade from ESPN1500.com

Aaron Gleeman also had a more un-favorable opinion of the trade but I can't find the article.