What's That Sucking Sound? It's the Twins.

Gil Meche was the big winner in his return from the disabled list Thursday as the Kansas City Royals crushed the Minnesota Twins' hopes and dreams of gaining any ground in the American League Central with a 5-4 victory.

Meche, who is notoriously pretty sucky, gave up four runs on seven hits over five innings in his first start since July 11th. At one point, pretty sure it was the sixth inning, the Twins were handed three walks and still managed not to score, thanks to Nick Punto not quite remembering how to bunt before spankin' new Twin Orlando Cabrera hit into an inning-ending double play. Yikes.

Orlando Cabrera is Chicago Bound

For one brief shining moment, focus shifted from the Cabrera down in Miami to the Cabrera over in Anaheim, as the Angels swapped the Golden Glove of shortstop Orlando Cabrera (plus cash) for the dependable arm of Jon Garland from the White Sox.

O.C. isn't the first SS the Pale Hose pursued this offseason: they previously worked on a deal for Edgar Renteria- but failed to sign him. Instead, the Sox re-signed their own shortstop Juan Uribe just two weeks ago-- he must be thrilled with this latest development.

As for Garland... HE GONE! (It had to be said.) Jon is from the L.A. area, so the move out West is probably a welcome change for him. I'm sure the switch from the cellar of the AL Central to the pinnacle of the AL East doesn't hurt, either.

Maicer Izturis, Erick Aybar or Brandon Wood can step in and play SS for the Halos-- or they could be in the market for Miguel Tejada. The Angels are also linked to the trade rumors surrounding the Other Cabrera, of the 3B variety.

Juan Uribe could move over to 2B, or just be used off the bench as a utility infielder.

[Chicago Tribune]