Making Room for the New Guys?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Twins have outrighted infielder Chris Basak to Triple-A Rochester, which could be the first solid indication that a trade is nearing completion.

The move reduces Minnesota’s roster to 38, which allows the Twins to absorb two more players – room they will need if they complete a 3-for-1 trade involving Johan Santana.

At any rate, the timing of the move is sure to churn up the rumor mill again. The Red Sox and Twins have been meeting this afternoon, according to several reports from Boston. So the weeklong trade talks may be nearing a resolution.

Basak, by the way, is the infielder the Twins claimed off waivers from the Yankees in August, when call-ups of Brian Buscher and Tommy Watkins left Rochester short of experienced infielders.

UPDATE: Peter Gammons is reporting for ESPN that the Red Sox have added another player to their package, Ryan Kalish, an outfielder from New Jersey who will turn 20 next spring. Kalish hit .368 in 23 games at Class A Lowell last season, but a wrist injury cut his season short. Presumably the addition of Kalish means the Sox are standing by their stance that they will not part with both left-hander Jon Lester and centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

ESPN also reports that the Angels have contacted the Twins, but there is no indication that they made any progress. And the Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that the Yankees have dropped out for good.

-- Phil Miller