The team was reportedly interested in Mike Lincoln before he went back to Cincinnati, and they were apparently in on Brandon Lyon and Russ Springer before they signed with AL Rivals. However, I don't fault the Twins for not landing Lyon. With Joe Nathan on board, Lyon would have been strictly a set up man, with the only chance he would have to save games is if Nathan were hurt. In Detroit, Lyon likely will start as the closer, or at least be given a chance to keep the job at some point during the season when Fernando Rodney struggles. Lyon is hoping to have a good season this year as a closer and parlay that into a big money free agent deal next off-season, so I understand why he was intrigued by the Tigers offer. Eric Gagne hasn't been great of late, but he had a very good second half last season and seems like the only reliever left with the potential to help the Twins bridge the gap between their starters and Joe Nathan. Even if Gagne is signed, the Twins still failed miserably in adding a quality arm to this pen when they had ample opportunities over the last few months. Jose Mijares is solid, but he's not the answer to this bullpen's problems.
Continue reading "A Failed Off-Season And Kubel's Extension"
