Twins Acquire Boone

The Twins get Bret Boone for a player to be named later, with the Mariners picking up practically the entire remainder of Boone's salary.

Good deal?

Maybe. Boone has been phenomenal. Unfortunately, most of that was two years or more ago.

Has he sucked because his team sucked?

Again, maybe. A lot of people (including the Twins front office, which ain't exactly stocked with morons), seem to think the excitement of a pennant race will bring out the best in him.

Is he a better option at second than a healthy Nick Punto?

Probably not. But second isn't Punto's only position, and we do have that glaring vacancy at third.

Is he a better option than Rivas?

Probably. Even if he hits for a Rivas-like average, he's got way more power, and that means something to this team. It means runs.

Does another "veteran presence in the infield" open the way to bringing Jason Bartlett back?

God, I hope so. I really, really do. Castro's been fabulous in the field, but Bartlett was fine and we really need bats. Castro's, ah...not so much with the hitting. Bartlett just needs a little time to work through the scouting reports, that's all.

Who's playing where?

If no further moves are made, I'm betting: Boone at second, Castro at short, Punto at third, with Rodriguez and his hot bat spelling all of them at times. What we do when Abernathy and Cuddyer are ready to come off the DL is anybody's guess.

Trade an excess infielder for some pitching?

Please!!!

And now, dear readers---what do you think?