Twins Trade Rumors: Carl Pavano, Jason Marquis, Matt Capps and Francisco Liriano

Carl Pavano, Jason Marquis, Matt Capps and Francisco Liriano could all find themselves on the trade block this summer if the Minnesota Twins aren’t able to turn things around.  Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe said that Pavano will be an especially coveted piece with Marquis being right behind him, though likely not quite as coveted.

The Twins find themselves in the midst of another disappointing start.  At 6-15, Minnesota is currently tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst record in the majors.

Pavano, Marquis and Liriano are all in the final years of their contracts and Capps could become a free agent next season if his $6 million option is bought out for $250,000.

Pavano sports the best recent track record of the trio of starters mentioned above.  The right-hander has posted 443 innings with an ERA and WHIP near 4.00 ad 1.275 for the Twins from 2010-11.  This season over his first five starts, Pavano’s ERA is close to 5.00 but his WHIP is a much more respectable 1.152.

Liriano could be the most talented of the bunch, though you wouldn’t be able to tell by his recent performance.  After finishing the 2011 season with an ERA and WHIP of 5.09 and 1.489 over his 26 appearances including 24 starts, Liriano began the 2012 campaign by allowing 20 earned runs over his first 16 1/3 innings pitched.  This resulted in the left-hander having his last start skipped by the Twins.

Marquis also hasn’t gotten off to a great start, but had been a dependable innings eater prior to his previous two injury-shortened seasons.  Capps has compiled 128 saves over his career with an ERA and WHIP of 3.55 and 1.198.

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