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Bench Warmer
J.J. Hardy has been traded from the Milwaukee Brewers to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for Carlos Gomez.
Hardy, a shortstop, hit .229 last season with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. He had a combined 50 home runs in 2007 and 2008.
He has a career batting average of .262 with 75 home runs and 265 RBIs in 571 games.
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said it was hard to part ways with Hardy.
"J.J. has been a steady performer for the Brewers," Melvin said in a statement. "His professionalism and popularity with our fans and his teammates made this difficult, but he has been given the opportunity to go to a great organization to play and perform at the high level he is capable of playing."
Highly regarded prospect Alcides Escobar is expected to be the Brewers' starting shortstop next season.
Gomez hit .229 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in 2009. He played in 137 games, often as a defensive replacement.
The deal is potentially bad news for center fielder Mike Cameron in Milwaukee. Cameron, eligible to file for free agency, made $10 million this season. With Gomez in the picture, the Brewers may not be willing to match that going forward.
"Carlos brings to our club great speed, athleticism and energy at a position that we needed to fill," Melvin said. "His defense will serve as a key component to us improving our pitching."
The move relieves a crowded outfield for the Twins, who also have Delmon Young, Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer.
Hardy, a shortstop, hit .229 last season with 11 home runs and 47 RBIs. He had a combined 50 home runs in 2007 and 2008.
He has a career batting average of .262 with 75 home runs and 265 RBIs in 571 games.
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said it was hard to part ways with Hardy.
"J.J. has been a steady performer for the Brewers," Melvin said in a statement. "His professionalism and popularity with our fans and his teammates made this difficult, but he has been given the opportunity to go to a great organization to play and perform at the high level he is capable of playing."
Highly regarded prospect Alcides Escobar is expected to be the Brewers' starting shortstop next season.
Gomez hit .229 with three home runs and 28 RBIs in 2009. He played in 137 games, often as a defensive replacement.
The deal is potentially bad news for center fielder Mike Cameron in Milwaukee. Cameron, eligible to file for free agency, made $10 million this season. With Gomez in the picture, the Brewers may not be willing to match that going forward.
"Carlos brings to our club great speed, athleticism and energy at a position that we needed to fill," Melvin said. "His defense will serve as a key component to us improving our pitching."
The move relieves a crowded outfield for the Twins, who also have Delmon Young, Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer.
