The Twins signed free agent outfielder
Josh Willingham to a 3-year, $21 million contract after he passed his physical Thursday morning. The deal has one incentive worth an additional $1 million in 2014 if he makes 525 or more plate appearances in 2013. He is expected to play every day and be a middle of the lineup run producer if he stays healthy. Willingham hit .246/.332/.477 with 29 HRs and 98 RBIs in 2011. The only concern is his batting average slipped a few points and he struckout 150 times. It is unknown where he will play in the outfield at this time.
The reason it's unknown is because the Twins have not closed the door on re-signing
Michael Cuddyer. The front office is hopeful it can persuade him to return to the only team he has ever played for. The Twins made a 3-yr, $25 million contract offer to Cuddyer back on December 6th and still have not heard back from him. It is reported the Rockies have also offered him a 3-year deal worth more money and he has not spoken to them either. There are a few other teams interested in Cuddyer like the Phillies, Mariners, and Reds but none of them have made official offers. I would have to think that Cuddyer will make his decision soon.
We were told by GM Terry Ryan the payroll would be around $100 million for 2012. The Twins are at $96 million after signing Willingham and they still need substantial pitching help. I just don't see how the team can afford to take on another $8-10 million a year for Cuddyer and upgrade the pitching staff too. I believe there has been a public outcry from fans to keep Cuddyer and management is trying to rectify it by keeping their contract offer on the table. When he signs elsewhere they can say "We love Cuddyer and wanted to keep him." However, maybe Cuddyer gives fans an early Christmas present and accepts the offer to return to Twins Territory.
Update: Michael Cuddyer agreed to a 3-year deal worth $31.5 million with the Colorado Rockies on Friday morning. I would have liked him to re-sign with the Twins but not for that kind of dough. The Rockies are insane!! Please feel free to leave me any comments because your opinion matters to me.
4 comments:
I have been wondering if the Cuddyer saga has anything to also do with how the Twins are feeling about Morneau moving forward. Could also still just be not wanting to be the one to submit the divorce papers.
SpanMan,
It's a moot point now because Cuddyer is gone. Now it's time for GM Terry Ryan to concentrate on upgrading the pitching staff.
You're a moron.
The Twins clearly upgraded with willingham. Cuddyer got more garbage time rbi's than any player i've ever seen. I know he was great in 2009 and pretty good in the playoffs but willingham is better. I hear cuddy is a good teammate and i'm sure good to kids and puppies. In fact, I will miss him, but it wouldn't suprise me at all if doesn't hit 50more homeruns in his career because he's getting older and has slider bat speed. If the Twins aren't willing to pay a pitcher 10 million dollars per year like they supposedly were still offering cuddyer then Target Field has changed nothing.
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