Nationals On Verge Of Trading Closer Matt Capps To Twins For Wilson Ramos

Earlier this evening, rumors started spreading that the Twins were getting serious about Matt Capps. And now it looks like they've pulled it off:

was told Ramos is headed to Washington by a reliable scouting source.

Says Jon Morosi:

Source says deal is "close" -- Capps for Ramos, straight up. #Nats #Twins

Ramos is Wilson Ramos, a soon-to-be 23 year old catcher in the Twins' system who was pulled from the AAA Rochester lineup today, leading to speculation. Baseball America's preseason No. 58 prospect in baseball has had a difficult year, posting a .625 OPS with Rochester after having good success in AA a year ago. Even so, the tools are there, and while he's obviously blocked in Minnesota, the door's more open in Washington, where Ivan Rodriguez is starting and promising youngster Jesus Flores is still recovering from major surgery on his shoulder.

As for Capps, Washington's closer has had a big season, pitching like the Matt Capps of old. He's thrown a lot of strikes and been difficult to hit, leading to a 2.80 ERA. It's unknown whether he would take over for Jon Rauch as Minnesota's closer, or if he'd slide into an eighth inning role. Whatever the case, when this trade is completed, he'll answer what's been one of the team's biggest questions.

It's weird to see a prospect as highly-regarded as Ramos get moved for a reliever - especially when the prospect is a catcher - but Ramos' name has been popping up in rumors for the last month or two, and it's no surprise to see him get moved. Be sure to check out more on the rumored deal at Twinkie Town, Federal Baseball, SB Nation DC, and SB Nation Minnesota.