I’ve been thinking about how the teams match up. The Twins do have one too many corner outfielders, and they’ve also got a surplus of young starters, but both teams are heavy on left handed hitters, so the Braves want to trade KJ, and the Twins want Escobar.

I’m sure the Twins are interested in Escobar, but I don’t think they’ll give up what the Braves would want to get him. Liriano’s not available, and I don’t think Baker or Slowey are either. I bet they’d trade Blackburn or Perkins for him, but I don’t think the Braves would.

The only trade I could really see them make is Lillibridge for Boof Bonser, or maybe Michael Cuddyer. Failed prospect for failed prospect, or failed prospect for large contract. (assuming Lilly is regarded as a failed prospect)

Here’s some Twins the Braves might be interested in who might be available:

MICHAEL CUDDYER – He’s got like 2yr/20m left on his contract. He was hurt last year so his numbers were way down, but when healthy he’s a decent RH corner outfielder. Decent power, decent avg, decent eye, decent defense (below avg range, but ridiculous arm).

DELMON YOUNG – Jeff Francoeur. Nuff said. I would love to see him traded to any team other than the Braves.

NICK BLACKBURN – RH, Threw 190 innings as a rookie this year, and pitched a gem in the one game playoff with the Sox. A non-fat version of Carlos Silva, which is good so long as you don’t pay him 12m/y. Success is heavily defense dependent.

GLEN PERKINS – LH. Threw 185 innings as a rookie this year. Threw only 50 due to shoulder injury last year. Never threw more than 135. Sucked near the end of the season. Struggled after 75 pitches. Should be better next year when he’s a year further away from the injury.

BOOF BONSER – RH. His stuff is way better than his numbers. Other than Liriano and Nathan, I think he’s got the best pure stuff on the team. He just doesn’t get results. He’s out of options and the Twins have too many good young starters to keep him in the rotation, so unless he gets traded, he’s stuck in the pen.

PHILIP HUMBER – RH. They got him in the Santana trade. I don’t know much about him besides that he’s out of options and he looked good out of the pen late this year. That’s probably where he’ll be this year too unless he’s traded.

BRIAN DUENSING – LH. Don’t know much about him either. But he has a decent track record of succeeding in the minors without dominating, and no where to play. Struggled this year in AAA. Could be a good buy low opportunity depending on scouting reports. I don’t know his option status.

Lili for Boof straight up? I’d do that in a heartbeat. My only concession being that Lili is not packaged in a deal for Peavy.