Twins zeroing in on deal with Toronto?

The Minnesota Twins aren't done seeking pitching help yet.

There were strong indications on Monday afternoon the Twins had zeroed in on a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays and that, while nothing is finalized, a deal could come together quickly.

The target of the talks wasn't known, but Toronto has several arms who could be available -- a list that includes relievers Scott Downs, Jason Frasor and Kevin Gregg and perhaps starter Shaun Marcum.

Downs, 34, would bring the left-handed arm the Twins sorely need after moving Brian Duensing to the starting rotation. He has a 2.41 earned-run average in 41 innings over 46 appearances this season.

But the Blue Jays reportedly are asking for an elite prospect in return for Downs, and that lowers the chances the Twins -- who balked at sending outfielder Aaron Hicks to Seattle in a potential Cliff Lee deal -- would be willing to make the move.

The Twins were believed to be interested in Frasor, who turns 33 next month, when deciding how to replace injured closer Joe Nathan during spring training. The right-hander lost the Blue Jays' closing job earlier this season, however, and he allowed two runs in two-thirds of an inning Sunday to raise his ERA to 4.66 in 38 2/3 innings.

Both Downs, who is making $4 million this season, and Frasor ($2.65 million) can become free agents after the season.

Gregg, 32, replaced Frasor as closer and has 23 saves with a 3.72 ERA in 39 appearances. His salary is $2 million and he has options the next two seasons.

A potential darkhorse is Marcum, 28, who had Tommy John surgery in 2008 and didn't pitch in a major-league game in 2009. He's come back to go 9-4 with a 3.36 ERA in 19 starts this season, striking out 97 with 28 walks and a 1.212 WHIP.

Marcum is making $850,000 and still is two years away from free agency.

The Blue Jays also have some position players who could be available, but the Twins primarily have been seeking upgrades on the mound.

The non-waiver trade deadline is Saturday.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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