The Washington Nationals have been busy for a team that's fifth in the NL East. They've already acquired Jonny Gomes for ... their own peculiar reasons, and they are rumored to be heavily interested in Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton. Now comes word from Ken Rosenthal that the Nationals are also interested in Minnesota Twins center fielder Denard Span:
MLB Trade Rumors: Twins And Nationals Talking Denard Span Trade?
Sources: #Nationals continuing to target #Twins’ Span. Nats’ Storen may be in play.
"Nats' Storen" is Nationals closer Drew Storen, who was the Nationals' non-Bryce Harper pick in the first round of the 2009 draft. The rumor is pretty vague, but the Nationals are likely less than thrilled with Rick Ankiel or Roger Bernadina as every-day center fielders. The young, speedy Span is a plus defender, and he's adept at getting on base.
This rumor is pretty oddly timed, though, as Span hasn’t played in a game since June 6th because of concussion issue, (though he’s been making rehab starts in AAA).
While the Twins have traded for a Nationals closer before -- and it worked out so well, too -- it’s hard to believe they would trade a young player who is under control through 2015 for a reliever. If there are talks, it’s certainly not a straight-up deal.
As you would expect, Twinkie Town is not thrilled with the idea of giving up Span, even if he has missed a chunk of the season with a concussion. He’s a good player under contract for a while -- those types usually aren’t who teams give up for bullpen help.
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