MLB Trade Rumors 2013: Detroit Tigers Expected to Pursue Glen Perkins

Jun 15, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins (15) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Target Field. The Twins won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

One thing the Minnesota Twins have struggled to find is good pitching, both on the front and back ends of the rotation and bullpen. They seem to have found a solid closer in Glen Perkins but Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan fully expects to field calls about Perkins as we near the trade deadline.

That being said, Ryan told ESPN’s Jim Bowden that while Perkins will be sought after at the deadline, he’s not going to jump through hoops to send him to a division rival.

Perkins is a guy the Twins nearly traded a few years ago after they had a sort of falling out about his role within the rotation. But Perkins and the Twins found a role that suited the pitcher and the hatchet has long since been buried. But the Twins have a knack for finding guys that fit roles and then trading them away for guys they think will be able to fill that same role or a similar role in a few years.

Ben Revere was traded for pitching despite the fact it seemed he was about the inherit the centerfield job from the dearly departed Denard Span. Trading Perkins, a guy who fits a role the Twins have been searching to fill since Joe Nathan took a nosedive, would be a mistake.

Ryan said he’s field calls but unless an offer he can’t refuse comes along, don’t expect Perkins moving at the deadline.