J.J. Hardy, the former Milwaukee Brewers shortstop and the newest Minnesota Twin, sounded like he had been rescued after months at sea.

This morning, the Twins traded the spirited but clueless outfielder Carlos Gomez (hold your applause) for Hardy, whose poor hitting landed him in the minors last Aug. 12 after back-to-back 20-homer seasons. Milwaukee recalled Hardy from Class AAA Nashville on Sept. 1, but long before that Hardy figured he was a goner. Trade rumors started in May, and the Brewers appeared committed to top prospect Alcides Escobar as the shortstop instead of Hardy, who hit a career-worst .229.

“I was happy when (the season) ended,” Hardy said in a noontime conference call. “I don’t want to think about it anymore.”