A Failed Off-Season And Kubel's Extension

This off-season has ultimately been a poor one for the Twins. From the terrible Pat Neshek news, to failed trade attempts and failed free agent signings, the Twins have missed out on a great opporunity to improve their team in what is a very watered down market in terms of dollars. The weak corner outfield market really hurt the Twins, since they were undoubtedly looking to trade either Michael Cuddyer or Delmon Young. Personally, I don't think the Twins did anything wrong by passing on both Casey Blake and Ty Wigginton. Neither player strikes me as a very good hitter, and while Wigginton's numbers look good on the surface, they are very misleading. I'll get into the exact stats and explanations of those stats sometime this week, but for now just trust me that his Home/Road splits are terrible, and leaving hitter friendly Minute-Maid Park should cause Wigginton's numbers to come crashing back to earth regardless of where he goes. (Unless the Rockies sign him, which won't be happening.) The team also failed in not signing at least one solid reliever when their bullpen is clearly the team's biggest weakness. With relievers like Jeremy Affeldt, Brandon Lyon and others signing for very reasonable deals, it's frustrating to see that the Twins haven't made a move yet.

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.

Enough of the negativity though. Last week the Twins agreed to terms with Jason Kubel on a 2 year contract with a club option for a 3rd year, although financial terms weren't available until yesterday. The Twins are paying Kubel $7 million total over the first 2 years, with a $5 million club option in year 3. There were a few people who thought this was a poor signing, although none of which were Twins fans from my viewpoint. Kubel was the Twins third best hitter last year, and while he's not an All-Star, he's a solid DH who provides good power. I still believe Kubel is best used in a platoon with a right handed hitter who mashes lefties, so I'm holding out hope that Cuddyer and Young are both in the lineup against lefties, while Kubel goes to the bench. Regardless, giving Kubel $3.5 million per year over the next 2 seasons is a great move, and if he breaks out with a 25+ HR season (which is entirely possible if he gets enough at bats and is used correctly finally) the Twins likely saved money not only next season but also in his first free agent year. For a team with a mid-level budget, these are the kinds of deals I love to see the team make.