No word however, on whether or not a branch of the China Club might open in Minneapolis. From the Star-Tribune’s La Velle E. Neal III.

The free-agent list might be thin, but the Twins have expressed interest in several hitters who could help their run-production problems.

Among the hitters they have contacted is former All-Star catcher Mike Piazza, who is willing to move to the American League and split time between being a catcher and a designated hitter.

Piazza probably would catch a couple of times a week and DH the rest of the time. Piazza has hit .313 as a designated hitter with nine homers and 27 RBI. He also batted .346 in interleague games. The belief is that Piazza could extend his career if he can DH.

“Minnesota called me, and to me there is interest in Mike,” said Dan Lozano, Piazza’s agent. “Minnesota definitely is a team Mike is willing to listen to. At this point, it’s a little bit premature to determine what’s going to happen and where Mike’s going to end up.”

Lozano also confirmed that the Twins have expressed interest in infielder Tony Graffanino.