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After trying to trade for Milwaukee shortstop J.J. Hardy last offseason, the Twins finally closed the deal Friday, believing the price had dropped considerably.
According to people familiar with the talks , the Brewers refused to deal the 2007 All-Star last fall without getting top talent in return, including an established young starting pitcher, such as Twins righthander Kevin Slowey.
But that was before Hardy, 27, endured what he called “a nightmare year,” batting .229 with 11 home runs and 47 RBI, leading to a demotion to the minor leagues.
The Brewers reopened talks with the Twins about 10 days ago, and agreed to trade Hardy for Carlos Gomez, the promising yet frustrating center fielder.
“There’s some risk on our end to trade Gomez because he’s got some great raw skills, and he’s learning to play the game,” Twins General Manager Bill Smith said. “But we felt it was worthwhile to get a high-quality shortstop like J.J. Hardy that we’re going to have for a number of years.”
In the end, both teams used a surplus to fill another hole. Even Hardy said it’s a deal that could help both clubs.
Brewers top prospect Alcides Escobar replaced Hardy as the team’s starting shortstop last season, batting .304 in 38 games. Gomez, one of four players who came to the Twins from the Mets in the 2008 Johan Santana trade, gives Milwaukee a replacement in center field for free agent Mike Cameron.
Like Hardy, Gomez batted .229 this year, with three home runs, 28 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 21 attempts. He essentially split playing time in the Twins outfield with Delmon Young.