Looking for relief help

WIth the July 31 trade deadline nearing, the Twins should be in shopping mode. As the month winds down, they are still in contention to secure an A.L. Central Division title.

But the Twins are still six games out, six games under .500 and have plenty of flaws. They are getting healthier, but are still without Justin Morneau and Dernard Span, two key offensive players.

There has been mention of Span being involved in trade talks. The Twins would be making a big mistake dealing Span. He is the team's top leadoff hitter, best overall outfielder and is signed trough 2015. Plus, it looks like Ben Revere may be set suited as a No. 4 outfielder in the future.

The Twins need relief help. Their best trading chip of players not currently helping the big-league club is Kevin Slowey. Slowey is a veteran right-handed starter. Teams in the playoff race are always looking for a starting pitcher. Or Slowey is young enough that a team out of the race would take a chance on him for the coming years.

In either case, Slowey should fetch the Twins a decent relief pitcher in return. That might not be a glamour move, but a strong arm out of the pen may be crucial if the Twins hope to stay in the division race.

— Guy N. Limbeck