Guerrier to Dodgers.

[DonBo]

MINNEAPOLIS - The Twins bullpen is expected to have a much different look for the 2011 season since the club could lose a number of key contributors from last year's relief corps through free agency.

On Wednesday, the Twins appeared to say goodbye to the first pitcher from their large group of free agent relievers.

According to multiple reports, right-hander Matt Guerrier is on the verge of signing a three-year, $12 million contract with the Dodgers.

Guerrier, 32, spent seven seasons with the Twins and played a key role for the club in the late innings over the past few years. He posted a career 3.38 ERA in Minnesota over 472 innings while twice leading the league in appearances. He's thrown at least 69 innings in each of the last six seasons and since 2007, Guerrier has worked in 311 2/3 innings, the most in baseball.

Guerrier was a Type A free agent, but the Twins didn't offer him arbitration, meaning they won't receive any draft picks as compensation for his departure.

[DonBo]

Gonna be hard to replace those kind of stats. He'll be missed.

[solbes]

I agree. Early in the last three seasons he was money. Seemed to wear out with all of those innings, but someone's gotta be that guy. Bullpen will be interesting next year.

[thatoneguy]

Guerrier will likely be the easiest member of the pen to replace. It's not that hard to find someone with a flat 89-mph fastball and inconsistent off-speed stuff.

Last year - as is typical of his career - Guerrier wore down and was ineffective in the second half of the season. His career ERA in the second half is almost 4, nearly a full run higher than his first half ERA, and includes career ERA of 4.76 in August and 3.94 in Sept/Oct - not exactly a guy you can count on when the heat of a pennant race is on.

His departure shouldn't be much of a concern.

[ANYFISH2]

Crain probably is not back this year too. I know for the better part of his time here he stunk, but was also hugh for us at times too. Losing two effective pieces to middle relief(been sketchy) maybe hurt us early in the year until we can fing the right pieces to the puzzel that will be our bullpen this year.

[blue_healer_guy]

hopefully they will take Punto to.

[ANYFISH2]

Punto is already gone.

[ozzie]

I heard Crain to the White Sox.....I hope we rock him when we face them!!

[DonBo]

I know a lot of folks on here love to bash both Crain and Guerrier, but that's a pair that will be hard to replace. Does anyone believe Nathan will be back in any kind of form this year? How about Neshak? I can see why the front office says the pen is one of their main concerns.

[bucketmouth64]

What surprises me is that Twins didn't offer arbitration, now they won't receive any compesation for losing him. Usually Twins do good on this type of move so they get something in return for losing a player.

[Coach1310]

Guerrier served us pretty well, BUT he was a typical Twins bullpen option. A guy with little promise, not a lot of fan fare, but the Twins manufactured him into something they could use and he did well for us, but he isn't irreplaceable. When it comes to building a pen, the Twins are about as good as it gets. Sure, the names won't be intimidating, but they'll get guys out like they do every year.

[bisonthunder]

Guerrier had good stats but i couldn't watch a tight game with him in there. Too many big homers given up in tight games. If theres no pressure hes great, but with a 1 run lead mite as well chalk it up as a tied game at best...