Twins Still Looking for Starting Pitcher for Playoff Push

Although things weren't looking too good for the Minnesota Twins this summer as they were straddling the .500 mark and suffering injuries to their starting rotation, like clockwork, it's the last day of August and they find themselves within striking distance of an AL Central championship. Trailing the Detroit Tigers by only 4 1/2 games the Twins are on the lookout for some starting pitching help before Monday's waiver deadline.

While they put in a claim on the Chicago Cubs' Rich Harden, according to reports out of Chicago, any possible deal between the Twins and Cubs has fallen through. That doesn't mean the Twins are done looking, though, as they're also interested in getting Brad Penny from the Red Sox.

Today, we also will learn whether the Twins placed a claim on Brad Penny, who had to be placed through release waivers before becoming a free agent. That waiver period also expires today, in time for teams to set potential playoff rosters by tonight's 11 p.m., deadline.

Twins officials have not dismissed the possibility that they would pick up the remainder of Penny's contract - and likely pay about $1.2 million for six starts - instead of letting Penny hit the open market. From all indications, Penny would prefer to sign with a National League team if he goes unclaimed, so the Twins only chance to get him would be to take on the contract.

Now while Harden was the team's first choice, Penny may not be that bad of a consolation prize should they be able to pry him away from the Red Sox. Penny has struggled in Boston this season, going 8-9 with a 5.61 ERA and a .299 batting average against, but with the Twins' injury problems he could be of value.

The problem for Minnesota is that the Marlins, Rangers and Giants have also shown interest in Penny so they would have to win a bidding war for Penny. Which feels just as strange to type as I'm sure it does for you to read.