Kubel seems to be coming around as a hitter. Not sold on Alexi. Hoping more is to come from Delmon, that this just a sophomore slump. Boof could be the perfect eighth-inning guy to replace the injured Pat Neshek. Perkins is my new favorite player.

(Mathias Baden is the editor of the Jordan Independent. He can be reached at editor@jordannews.com.)

Mathias, are you sold yet on Casilla? It seems like Casilla and Go-Go (Gomez) are developing quite the bond.

I have to admit, Punto is playing like he should be the everyday SS, as scary as that sounds.

How about Span?

So, you are now sold on Casilla?

Personally, I think he's the Twins first-half MVP. He solidified second base and has done wonders in the No. 2 hole.

MVP is Joe Mauer hands down. He has a part in the turnaround of Twins pitching. He was voted as a started in the All Star Game. That does not happen very often for a MN Twin. Joe Mauer is my #1. #2 in my book is Justin Morneau.

It's arguable who is the "MVP." That means so many things to so many people. Mauer and Morneau are clearly the best players on the team, and it helps their cases that they've been doing it for a few years now. Casilla is only a question mark because he is so young. Lately, in the clutch, there's nobody I'd rather have at bat than one of these three -- and maybe Jason Kubel.

(Mathias Baden is the editor of the Jordan Independent. He can be reached at editor@jordannews.com.)

Couldn't agree with you more.

(Mathias Baden is the editor of the Jordan Independent. He can be reached at editor@jordannews.com.)

Mathias, if there's a trade deadline move you want to the Twins to make, what is it?

I keep hearing talk about bring Christian Guzman back, cuz he's a free agent at the end of the year and he's playing for money.

Forget that. I'd rather have Punto's stability and toughness there.

I'd like to see the Twins get a pitcher. Who?
How about Greg Maddux? He would not cost a top prospect cuz of his age. He would be an asset to the young staff. The guy can still pitch.

Would he come here? Who knows. But I'm sure he'd like to win again and the Padres are going no where fast. Whose spot in the rotation doe he take, well, Livian's.

In part, I have to agree, swansonmej. It seems like the Twins always do well in the offseason, particularly with trades. I like Livan -- during the offseason, he was on my want list, but usually my want list is only a dream.

Tom, I think getting Maddux would fall into that dream category. And I don't think he'd be much of an improvement over the guys we already have.

If we're going to trade, let's talk about a third baseman. Not to get down on Mike Lamb and the utility infielders that have filled in, but we could use a proven everyday thirdbaseman. It's our biggest continued weakness year in and year out since Gary Gaetti left in the early 1990s. The problem is, power hitters are expensive.

Is Ron Coomer available?

(Mathias Baden is the editor of the Jordan Independent. He can be reached at editor@jordannews.com.)

Yes to Blaylock. He's money at the plate, and he's a slick enough fielder to play for the Twins.

Scott Leius and Mike Pagliarulo were a good combo at third, but I would say that on that 1991 team, third base was still the Twins' weakness. After the World Series, Leius by himself didn't hold down the job for long.

Despite his defensive failings, Delmon Young ought to stay in left field. Jason Kubel, not Denard Span, is your other option.

Let's be honest about the trade talk here. Remember who we're dealing with. If the Twins get a pitcher, it's not going to be Greg Maddux. Look for them to find someone they can keep around for a couple of years. It's not like we're one player away from the World Series.

(Mathias Baden is the editor of the Jordan Independent. He can be reached at editor@jordannews.com.)

Should I even mention the Twins' 7-6 win today?

Should I even bring up the notion that perhaps Dernard Span and Go-Go should switch spots in the batting order? One is hitting .100 points better than the other, walks more and has 10 times more plate discipline at this stage in their young careers.

And should I ask: What happens when Cuddy gets back? There's no way Span should go back to Triple-A and/or be taken out of the lineup.

No, I'm not suggesting that at all.
It wouldn't be a good move for the Twins.

Maddux for a second-tier hitting prospect, not a Major League right fielder.

Should we start talking about Francisco Liriano's 21-game scorless streak and seven straight wins at Triple A?

Livian's days are numbered.