Is there any possibility of the Twins trading for Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff?
The Padres are looking to sell and are in need of starting pitching and outfield help (both of which we have in abundance) — Josiah A., Rochester, Minn. I have not specifically heard Kouzmanoff’s name mentioned as an interest of the Twins. But he would appear to fit the mold of what the Twins are looking for at third base. The 27-year-old showed some pop last year (23 homers) and proved to be a run producer (84 RBIs) in just his second full Major League season. Although Kouzmanoff’s numbers don’t jump out at you immediately (.260 batting average/.299 on-base percentage/.433 slugging percentage in 2008), you have to also remember that he’s playing in a ballpark that is not kind to hitters. Away from Petco Park, Kouzmanoff has a career .282 batting average with a .488 slugging percentage. But whether the Twins pursue Kouzmanoff — or any other third baseman via a trade — could hinge on the free-agent market first.
