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.
