Fri, Jul 31, 2009 at 1:30pm

TWINS LAND VETERAN SHORTSTOP

The Minnesota Twins acquired shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Oakland Athletics for shortstop Tyler Ladendorf.

What does it give the Minnesota Twins
Cabrera obviously solves the Twins' issue of their struggling shortstop platoon of Nick Punto and Brendan Harris, bringing Minny an above-average bat and glove at a key position. Look for Cabrera to potentially be slotted in somewhere in the top half of the Twins' batting order, and for him to continue to bring his Gold Glove caliber leadership to this contending club. The Twins needed to make a move (especially with the division-leading Tigers picking up Jarrod Washburn) and Cabrera is a nice fit.

What does it give the Oakland Athletics
Ladendorf is showing a good batting eye this season in the lower minors (always an Oakland must) and has solid size for the position. With Cabrera gone, don't be surprised if the long-disappointing Bobby Crosby gets a chance to play at shortstop again down the stretch.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Oakland Athletics

Tyler Ladendorf IF/OF

Minnesota Twins

Orlando Cabrera IF