Well, it's an off day here in Twinsland, though not for Terry Ryan, and certainly not for Batgirl--or, more aptly, her intern. For the benefit of all the BatLings, the indefatigable BatIntern has unleashed a progression of articles about the upcoming trade deadline that prove interesting, although certainly not elucidating. That would be far too much to expect. Soon, soon this will all be over and we can get back to talking about which Twins are hot.

Yesterday's Pittsburgh Post Gazette explains a little more about Benson and has this to say of his future:

While Benson posed in the team photo yesterday, a deal is certain, according to sources inside and outside the organization. The front-runner is the Minnesota Twins, but no names have been agreed upon yet. It will not be Doug Mientkiewicz, who, at 30, stands to make $3.6 million next year. The Texas Rangers could get it done if they change their mind and part with outfielder Laynce Nix.

According to sources inside the Rangers' organization, the deal for Nix would not include the "y" in Laynce.

In this morning's Post-Gazette, an article headlined Twins Still Leader in Benson Quest suggests, well, that Twins are still the leader in the Benson Quest. But do they want more than the Twins will give?

The Twins remain the front-runner in the Benson trade talks, but they have not signed off yet on the player the Pirates want -- outfielder Jason Kubel, a Class AAA center fielder who is hitting .351 with 21 doubles, 7 home runs and 41 RBIs in 58 games at Rochester and is considered ready to play at the major-league level. If the Twins agree, the trade likely would be completed quickly.

Yes, the Twins have a great farm system with tons of prospects, but we can't just go trading these guys willy-nilly. I mean, we're the Twins; players come up through the system, get to the bigs, suck for a little while, then get really good, then get really expensive, then we trade 'em and call up some more prospects. It's the Circle of Life, Carl Pohlad style.

Anyway, Ryan isn't some noodle-brained Bitch Sox owner. According to this Fox Sports/Sporting News Story, Ryan ain't going to sell the farm for some fancy fur coat. Actually, the coat's not even that fancy. It might be made out of squirrel or something. But it's cold in October. But still: farm vs. coat made of squirrel, I'll take the farm.

The Twins, trying to close a deal with the Pirates for righthander Kris Benson, are unlikely to part with the Pirates' top target, Class AAA outfielder Jason Kubel, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations. Twins 1B Doug Mientkiewicz will not be included in the deal.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan is reluctant to part with Kubel, whom scouts say has a chance to be similar to A's CF Mark Kotsay, but with more power. The Twins would prefer to give up OF Michael Ryan or Class AAA OF Michael Restovich. The Pirates do not have interest in Restovich and would want a second player in the deal if the Twins would only trade Ryan and not Kubel.

In a major play for Benson Quest Coverage Supremacy, the competing Pittsburgh Tribune-Review totally scoops the Post-Gazette .

The Twins, armed with a bevy of young corner position players and outfielders, have been mentioned as an obvious trading partner for the Pirates. The latest name to surface is minor-league outfielder Michael Ryan, a local product who graduated from Indiana High School in 1996...

According to a source, the Pirates recently had Ryan take a physical so they could determine the soundness of his shoulder. In 27 games with the Twins last season, Ryan batted .393 with five homers and 13 RBI. He had 31 homers at Class AAA Edmonton in 2002.

And finally, (phew) the Providence Journal reports that the BoSox wanted to do a whole kinky three-way thing, but the deals are falling apart, which, alas, is only to be expected. Next thing you know, Dougie, Benson, and Youkilis will all be Yankees.

In another proposed deal, the Sox, who have been trying to obtain first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz from the Minnesota Twins, were said to be trying to work a trade for him through the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates, who are eager to deal pitcher Kris Benson, have been talking to the Twins about a trade for Mientkiewicz and outfield prospect Michael Restovich. But not wanting to be saddled with Mientkiewicz's salary, the Pirates had spoken to the Sox about sending the first baseman to Boston for a package involving Kevin Youkilis.

Meanwhile, one of the things Batgirl loves about the Minnesota Twins is it's just one big happy family. One of her loyal and resourceful BatLings suggests you take a moment to get to know Kris Benson's slightly perverted wife.