1328 Strikeouts

Japan’s Central League MVP

That’s Kenshin Kawakami, the pitcher who’s drawn the interest of 7 big league ball clubs, including the Minnesota Twins.

Wait a second, the Twins?

One could certainly make the argument that a team can never have enough arms, but with Liriano, Baker, Slowey, Blackburn, Perkins, and the possibility of a Humber, Swarzak, or Duensing sighting, the Twins seem to be relatively full in the bullpen, especially when it’s been so obvious that they need the help at 3B.

Here’s what Kenshin Kawakami does for the Twins: He opens up the door to deal pitching. The Twins have the option of reopening negotiations to grab an Adrian Beltre or J.J. Hardy type player that otherwise would be too costly. With Kawakami, the Twins have another arm to ante up with the Brewers or Mariners. Using Kawakami as trade bait himself, or possibly being more willing to send a Scott Baker away in order to get a J.J. Hardy, the Twins would certainly have more trade options.

And if no deal was made, we start our season with a devastatingly deep rotation including Liriano, Baker, Slowey, Kawakami, and Blackburn, enough to excite any fan. The Twins could go with a very deep rotation or a much more potent offense, either way it would invigorate some life back into this club after a very slow offseason.

Let’s just hope this doesn’t turn into a bidding war.