FanHouse JeffCirillo

The Phillies are on a tear, and just got Tadahito Iguchi to fill in for Chase Utley. The Braves just added Mark Teixeira to their lineup. The Mets have to make a move, and it appears they're on the verge of doing so.

The Mets are close to acquiring second baseman Luis Castillo from the Twins for two minor leaguers, according to major-league sources.

Castillo would replace Jose Valentin, who recently suffered a season-ending broken shin when he fouled a pitch off his leg.

Now while this trade may not solve all of the Mets problems, having Luis Castillo teamed up with Jose Reyes atop of their order, it will lead to a lot of runs.

As for the Twins, if there were any questions remaining on how they were going to treat the rest of this season, I think this provides the answer. For now they'll fill the spot with Nick Punto and Jeff Cirillo, and could be interested in Morgan Ensberg at third base.

With Castillo being a free agent at the end of the season, it was unlikely he'd have stayed in Minnesota considering they have bigger fish to fry in Justin Morneau and Johan Santana. There's also Alexi Casilla down at Triple-A who's just waiting to take over the second base position in Minnesota.

Previously at FanHouse:
Report: Braves Land Teixeira
Phillies Trade For Iguchi to Replace Utley
What the Mark Teixeira Trade Means for Your Favorite Team
The Teixeira Trade Signals a Seller's Market

Warning: There's a bit of male nudity below -- probably harmless in most workplaces, but just so you know ...

Jeff Cirillo won the game for the Twins won last night on a 12th inning blooper. How does he celebrate? By unintentionally mooning the nation on regional cable. Awesome.

(Umm ... that is Cirillo, right? I fully admit I may be mistaken -- my baseball-player-bum-recognition skills aren't exactly what you'd call "finely honed.")

Spotted on AaronGleeman.com and Deadspin

Justin Morneau was finally released from a Florida hospital yesterday, and got back to Minnesota in time to see his team lose to the Blue Jays on Tuesday night. Once he was there he was examined by team doctor Tom Jetzer, and Jetzer came to the conclusion that Justin is in fact alive, and not in some kind of zombified state.

All of which is very good news for the Twins, and now the only question is when he'll be able to rejoin the lineup.

"I was told the possibility of Wednesday or Thursday, if he feels up to it and can play," Ron Gardenhire said. "We just have to see how Mourny is doing when he gets back here."

Where as tomorrow is possible, a Thursday return is more probable, but at least it doesn't look like Morneau will have to go on the disabled list. His return would be a big boost right now seeing as how the Twins lineup as there are a few new injuries they're dealing with.

Luis Castillo was in the trainer's room after last night's loss with a swollen left hand he got courtesy of Roy Halladay stepping on it. While in there he was joined by Morneau's replacement at first base, Jeff Cirillo. Cirillo has been dealing with a sore knee for a few days now, and although he says he's willing to play, I'm sure Gardenhire would prefer giving him a day off.

Whatever happens, I'm sure Morneau think's they're both babies. He doesn't miss games unless he's coughing up blood.

Previously at The FanHouse:
Justin Morneau is Still Hospitalized
Morneau Is Still in the Hospital
Justin Morneau Might Consider Sliding