…And I would start with Liriano. Package Liriano with Young and a good AAA prospect like Mulvey (not Swarzak). That may be the only way to get some value for Young. Would be looking for a very good young starter (Cain would fit that description) with a top shortstop prospect who is very close (AAA or AA and ready to move up).

I don’t love Cain, myself—he’s pretty good, but his peripherals are weakening some in spite of the low ERA. He’s something of a sell high candidate for the Giants, it seems to me.

What the Giants really need is a bat. Not sure what the Twins could offer along those lines. Blackburn and Kubel for Cain? i’d be very uncomfortable with that.

He’s not a bad trade target at all but giving up Liriano for any player for 1/2 a season is ridiculous, short of maybe Albert Pujols.

I actually really like the Brian Roberts idea though, if he could be had for a couple prospects and the Orioles are 11 games down in the best division in baseball. Very little hope for them this year and it is very likely they trade Roberts to get something. They’ll want at least one legitimate prospect along with some upside type guys I would guess. I honestly have no idea who but I would again go with pitching as I think that is the main area where the Twins are set up at the major league level for a few years.

He’s close to the ideal player for the Twins in a lot of ways, but I don’t think the Brewers are going to trade him; they are trying to win. At any rate, I don’t think they would do it without one of those pitchers you mention not being willing to deal.

They might, but I think they want to keep him, and at any rate he isn’t going to come cheap. I want the guy he’s been blocking, Escobar.

Another piece that has gained some value based on his small major league sample would be Jose Morales. Catchers are valuable and he’s capable of coming in and at the very least platooning for some teams at catcher if not start in the right situation.

I don’t see him being a huge centerpiece but he’s someone the Twins could afford to give up as Joe and Mike are more than capable. That and the fact that Ramos is in AA already and should start in AAA next year and be available if injury comes upon Joe. I know Jose would be valuable as a bench option for us next year and as the backup catcher but if he could help lead to a young MI for the team I’d go for it.

BP named him the Brewers top prospect coming into this year, and said this in part:

Year in Review: This defensive stalwart made huge strides offensively, finishing third in the minors in hits and in the Southern League’s top three in runs and stolen bases.
The Good: While he’ll never be confused with Rickey Henderson, Escobar’s 31 walks in 2008 represented a career high by more than 50 percent, and the improved patience allowed his bat to come alive. He has excellent plate coverage and gap power, as well as plus speed on the basepaths with a knack for stealing bases. Defensively, he’s among the best in the minors, with outstanding initial jumps providing above-average range to both sides, while he also has a very strong arm.
Perfect World Projection: He’s a future Gold Glove shortstop and an ideal number two hitter.
Glass Half Empty: His offense doesn’t develop enough, leaving him as an everyday shortstop who has to hit at the bottom of the lineup.
Path to the Big Leagues: The Brewers already have a very good young shortstop in J.J. Hardy, but he’s been rumored in trade talks this season, and there has also been some discussion of moving him to third in order to create an opening for Escobar.
Timetable: If that opening doesn’t occur, Escobar will begin the year at Triple-A, but he should be Milwaukee’s starting shortstop in 2010 at the very latest.

I’d love to get him. and I agree I would move Swarzak+ for him, though it would pain me.

my thinking on this was that they might not trade Hardy while trying to win. If they would, I’d definitely be interested.