Twins acquire J.J. Hardy

The Twins have acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy from the Brewers in exchange for outfielder Carlos Gomez, according to ESPN.com. The Brewers battled internally about moving the popular shortstop, but his disappointing 2009 season, along with the emergence of prospect Alcides Escobar, signaled that it was time to make a move.

"J.J. has been a steady performer for the Brewers," Melvin said in a statement. "His professionalism and popularity with our fans and his teammates made this difficult, but he has been given the opportunity to go to a great organization to play and perform at the high level he is capable of playing."

Gomez, who came over in the Johan Santana trade before the 2007 season, is in his third year with the Twins. While he is only a .246 hitter with a disappointing .292 on-base percentage, he has incredible speed who stole a career high 33 bases in 2008. The soon-to-be 24-year old outfielder will likely take over in center field.

Hardy's 2007-2008 numbers were strong, meaning a change of scenery might be all the 27-year old outfielder needs. He's a career .262 hitter with a .323 on-base percentage. 

This trade likely all but signals the end of Mike Cameron in Milwaukee and Orlando Cabrera in Minnesota.