National Harbor, Md. – According to sources, multiple teams have spoken to the Twins about Brian Dozier. That includes the Dodgers, who have been interested in him for months. But the Twins would need an impressive offer to stop writing Dozier in as their Opening Day second baseman — both Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey and General Manager Thad Levine have made that clear recently. If the Twins leave here without a deal, there's a good chance that talks will continue.
The hotel rocked with the news that the White Sox dealt outfielder Adam Eaton to Washington one day after sending Chris Sale to Boston. People were wondering why Washington would give up their first- (Lucas Giolito) and third- (Reynaldo Lopez) best prospects for Eaton. Some have concluded that Giolito, who has had Tommy John surgery, is not that elite of a prospect.
So what could the Twins get for Dozier? Dozier is under contract for two seasons, compared with five for Eaton. But Dozier is a more productive offensive player. The final hours of the winter meetings should be interesting as teams try to strike deals. The Dodgers have done very little so far and have the assets to execute a Dozier deal.
• The Twins have the first overall pick of the Rule 5 draft Thursday, and offers have begun to roll in from other teams to swap places with them. The Twins plan to keep the pick, but they are saying that the group of players is not very strong this year. Preparation for the Rule 5 draft tends to ramp up the night before, so the Twins will be up late listening to offers.
• Twins pitcher Ervin Santana has decided not to participate in the World Baseball Classic.
La Velle E. Neal III
