In some ways this looks like a saw-off, but on potential upside, the Twins are way ahead. Hardy is a decent fielding shortstop with proven pop, and while he declined dramatically last season, he's only 26 and entering the years that players normally reach their peak. Gomez on the other hand is a good field, good speed, no hit outfielder, who is three years younger but doesn't look to get a whole lot better. The Twins have a long history of smart moves and developing players, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Hardy bounce back to pre-2008 standards and even improve on them.

I think The Twins really got the better of this deal. Hardy had a bad year last year, but shortstops with pop are becoming fairly rare again. He's still young enough to turn it around. Orlando Cabrera has had a good career, but he is aging, and The Twins are probably wise to get younger at that key position.

Gomez is a good fielder and he has speed, but at the plate he is really a throwback to fast late 70's/ 80's guys like Omar Moreno. Gomez is one of those players who hit for, at best, mediocre averages with virtually no power and who offer little offensively beyond speed.

This trade looks good from both sides. The Brewers were disappointed with Hardy this year and ended up sending him to the minors during the season. Playing in Minnesota should give him a fresh start and hopefully revitalize his career. If Hardy can adequately replace Orlando Cabrera, then this move should be good for them.

The Brewers picked up Gomez, who should be able to replace Mike Cameron. Gomez is a young guy, and he will save them a lot of money by not resigning Cameron. That extra money should help them improve their weak rotation. Gomez never really became the start that some people thought he would when he was part of the Johan Santana trade. However, he is still really young, and could develop into a pretty good player yet.