Ryan: 'I'm all ears' if teams want to talk trades

NEW YORK -- The Twins have struggled so far this season, but that doesn't mean they don't have players other teams want.

Terry Ryan said as much on Saturday. With the non-waiver Trade Deadline approaching at the end of the month, the general manager has already begun fielding calls about the availability of some of his players.

One player that's received a lot of interest is closer Glen Perkins. The 30-year old left-hander has recorded 20 in 22 chances so far this season with a 1.93 ERA and 45 strikeouts, and Ryan said he's a guy that any team could immediately insert into the back end of its bullpen.

"Anybody would like Glen Perkins," Ryan said. "Some of them would be very difficult to free up. Glen Perkins would be very difficult because he's talented, he's under contract, he's in the prime of his career, he sets up your bullpen; all that good stuff."

Ryan isn't necessarily looking to deal Perkins, though. He said he will listen to any offer, but some players would be harder to pry away from Minnesota than others.

"If somebody overwhelms you with something, you've got to listen. There's no question. You can't just say no. If somebody wants to overwhelm me and give you some thoughts that, 'Jeez, this is something you ought to consider,'" Ryan said. "If someone wants to talk about a guy, I'm all ears."

Ryan said he's also willing to initiate trade talks with other teams, but admits the Twins are in a different situation than most contenders. While some teams are looking to fill one or two holes, Minnesota is looking to improve numerous situations across the roster.

With that in mind, the Twins won't be shy in the trade market.

"If you're just talking about finishing the year on a positive note, I don't think so," Ryan said. "We're talking about winning and getting into the postseason. That's more important than trying to polish something up.

"We're not into respectability. We're into winning."