UPDATE: Doesn’t look like the Twins got much here – Double A catcher Drew Butera and High A outfielder Dustin Martin. Martin might become a fourth outfielder one day.
Ken Rosenthal snags another one: the Mets are close to acquiring Luis Castillo for two minor leaguers.
If my memory serves me correctly, this would be Omar Minaya’s first deal since December’s acquisition of Ambiorix Burgos. [Edit: Well, the Jake Gatreau acquisition in June counts.] He’s been uncharacteristically inactive. Is Castillo even an upgrade at second base? Maybe, but it’d be hard to argue he’s a difference-maker. The Mets have a 4.5 game lead over the Braves; Atlanta’s Teixeira and Dotel upgrades may be worth right around that difference.
Finding a lefty-masher to pair with Shawn Green should be Minaya’s next task. Sammy Sosa makes almost too much sense. Jonny Gomes or Brad Wilkerson could work too. Hell, they could throw Damion Easley out there.