JJ HARDY TO BALTIMORE
The Baltimore Orioles acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy and infielder Brendan Harris from the Minnesota Twins for pitchers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson.
What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have upgraded their offense here with the addition of Hardy at the shortstop position. He won't play the slick defense that former shortstop Cesar Izturis provided, but Baltimore is clearly looking to improve in the hitting department this off-season. Harris could wind up winning a job as a utility infielder, but that's not a guarantee.
What does it give the Minnesota Twins
The Twins decided to move out a pair of infielders in this deal, adding a couple of arms in the process. Minnesota also received a bit of cash in the trade. With Hardy gone, the Twins are expected to give Alexei Casilla first crack at winning the shortstop job. Japanese second baseman Tsuyoshi Nishioka is expected to sign with Minny, as well.
Fantasy impact
