Twins discussing Hardy deal with Baltimore

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — The Minnesota Twins spoke with the Orioles on Wednesday about a trade that would send shortstop J.J. Hardy to Baltimore, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the Pioneer Press, with the teams continuing to work on a deal late into the evening.

Reached on his cell phone Wednesday afternoon, Hardy said that, beyond a text message from former Brewers teammate Corey Hart inquiring about the rumors, he had not heard anything — specifically nothing from the Twins, which is not surprising. The team most likely would not contact Hardy until a deal is in place.

Twins general manager Bill Smith does not comment on contract negotiations or trade talks, but during an afternoon meeting with reporters he did say the team would continue to speak with teams throughout Wednesday and beyond this morning’s Rule 5 Draft, after which most teams pack up and head home.

Serious Hardy trade talks could signal that the Twins are confident they can sign Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka before their window to negotiate expires on Dec. 26 — or even that they are close to signing Nishioka now. Nishioka’s agent, Rick Thurman, met with the Twins on Monday and at least one other time this week to discuss a contract for the 26-year-old.

Tags: j.j. hardy, major league baseball, sports, twins, baseball