Twins signing Matt Capps

[First Ice-Mike]

Sounds like 4.5 Million this year with 6 million option for next year with a 250,000 buyout. I sure hope they continue to look for a better closer on the FA market.

FI

[nofishfisherman]

The Twins fan in me just gagged a little.

[Rippinlip]

The Twins fan in me just gagged a little.

+1

[wingnut38]

+2. capps sucks.

[B. Amish]

just shows how desparate they are for bullpen arms.

heard a few rumors that capps was playing hurt last year. i hope capps has a bounce back year. i think he's better than what we've seen. still not sure if i would've re-signed him though.

[bucketmouth64]

omg, that's getting desperate. I don't think there's a lot of confidence in him from Gardy. Surprised that Gardy ok'd the signing, that's if Ryan asked him.

[milkingman]

What would be better for the twins,Matt Capps and cuddy or a top notch reliever. If we sign a top one you could say goodbye to cuddy for sure. Something is is going on if he hasnt signed with anyone else. I feel cuddy fills a couple positions and we need him

[greebs]

uggh to them retaining capps.

they offered cuddy $24 mil for three years today by the sounds of it. kind of sounds like nobody besides the twins turned out all that interested in cuddy; at least not for the big bucks that the strib beat writers supposedly said he'd get offered. think that is a good offer for him and twins will retain him.

that being said, sure hope they pick up some new talent. what they have now needs a lot of improvement.

[B. Amish]

it's going to be a domino effect. teams are waiting on what prince and albert do. after they sign, guys like cuddy will sign.

cuddy also just had twins, so his mind probably isn't on baseball right now.

[hunter76]

I think I just threw up. He is terrible.

[pikestabber]

Cuddy also just had twins, so his mind probably isn't on baseball right now.

Well, that should be a sign to stay in Minnesota, right?

[thatoneguy]

kind of sounds like nobody besides the twins turned out all that interested in cuddy;

That's because more and more GMs are realizing the importance of statistical analysis, and Cuddy is quite simply a below-average defensive player who hits into a lot of DPs and doesn't produce enough runs to demand a big salary.

It's interesting looking at Cuddyer's advanced fielding metrics. Despite the fact that his strong arm leads to good numbers in baserunner kills/advances metrics (well above league average), his terrible range, poor decision-making and other attributes leave him far, far, farrrrrrrrrrrrr below average for his career as an overall OF.

I wish the Twins would have offered him less - I'd like him at about 6MM/year, but at least they weren't dumb enough to do a 5 year/60MM deal like some oddballs thought he would get.

On the other hand, the Twins WERE dumb enough to sign Capps. I can't imagine they plan on having him close games...if they do, it's pretty much a signal that they've written off 2012 before it even starts. Which, on the plus side, would free up a lot of hours for me to fish instead of watching their games.

[PierBridge]

Quote:

kind of sounds like nobody besides the twins turned out all that interested in cuddy;

Yeah I'm sure that's it. "rolling eyes"

Same with these un-sighned Free=agents Nobody's interested in them.... LOL

Player Team Years Total 2011 Salary Comment

1 Albert Pujols Cardinals 8 225.00 14.50 His agent and Players Association are looking for him to break some team's bank.

2 Jose Reyes Marlins 5 100.00 11.00 Exciting offensive catalyst and flashy defender must prove he can play every day.

3 CJ Wilson Rangers 5 110.00 7.00 Rangers and Yankees will engage in bidding war.

4 Prince Fielder Cubs 5 100.00 15.50 Fielder will become the fresh Prince of Chicago.

5 Carlos Beltran Giants 2 20.00 19.30 Injuries and spotty production will scare off most would-be suitors.

6 Mark Buehrle Marlins 3 45.00 14.00 As consistent as anyone, the lefty will be reunited with manager Ozzie Guillen.

7 Aramis Ramirez Diamondbacks 4 60.00 14.60 What a year for a third baseman, especially a good one, to hit the market.

8 David Ortiz Angels 2 24.00 12.50 Can Big Papi actually leave Boston?

10 Hiroki Kuroda Dodgers 2 27.00 11.77 Best fit would be West Coast ballparks and should feel at home in L.A.

11 Jimmy Rollins Giants 3 35.00 8.50 J-Roll is asking for five years, but he'll likely get only three.

12 Roy Oswalt Nationals 2 22.00 16.00 Would love to pitch for St. Louis, but Cardinals rotation has no vacancy.

13 Yu Darvish Yankees 4 35.00 Still some question whether he will post this year or next.

14 Ryan Madson Reds 4 40.00 4.83 Thought he had a deal with Philadelphia, but Cincinnati needs a closer as well.

16 Francisco Rodriguez Orioles 3 25.00 12.17 Many teams may be nervous to commit to K-Rod as closer, but O's won't mind.

17 Johnny Damon Rays 1 7.00 5.25 Questions of Hall of Fame worthiness begin as his career winds down.

18 Edwin Jackson Mets 3 27.00 8.75 Ultra-talented Jackson always seems to slip below expectations.

19 Javier Vazquez Marlins 1 8.00 7.00 Retire, or go one more year in Miami?

23 Kosuke Fukudome Indians 2 15.00 14.50 With Grady Sizemore gone, Fukudome could become Tribe's full-time CF.

24 Francisco Cordero Blue Jays 2 18.00 12.13 Cordero has averaged 39 saves over the last five seasons.

26 Michael Cuddyer Braves 3 27.00 10.50 Only bright spot for Minnesota last season appears to be a good fit in Atlanta.

27 Freddy Garcia Rangers 1 7.00 1.50 Garcia out to prove last season was no fluke in New York.

28 Carlos Pena Rangers 1 8.00 9.96 The Ballpark at Arlington should suit Pena well.

29 Yoenis Cespedes Marlins 5 30.00 Escaping the Marlins' grasp would be a major surprise.

30 Koji Uehara Rays 2 14.00 3.00 Koji had an incredible 23.0 SO/BB ratio, but allowed 2.5 homers per nine innings.

31 Casey Kotchman Rays 1 6.00 In successive years, he was traded for Mark Teixeira, Adam LaRoche and Bill Hall.

32 Josh Willingham Red Sox 3 21.00 6.00 Willingham would love to feed the Green Monster to replace David Ortiz.

33 Kelly Johnson Rockies 2 11.00 5.85 Johnson would love hitting in Colorado, the question but could Rox stomach all those Ks?

34 Paul Maholm Twins 1 6.00 6.25 Needs a one-year deal to prove himself worthy of more.

35 JD Drew Nationals 1 5.20 14.00 Nats could be latest team to be duped by Drew's "talent."

36 Coco Crisp Tigers 1 4.80 5.75 Tigers needs a leadoff hitter and Crisp swiped 49 bases last season.

37 Rick Ankiel Reds 1 4.50 1.50 Consummate fourth outfielder brings speed, defense and occasional pop.

40 Joel Peralta Red Sox 2 13.00 .93 Another good arm who "found it" in Tampa Bay.

42 Chris Young Nationals 1 3.20 1.00 Needs a one-year deal to prove himself.

43 Rafael Furcal Brewers 1 3.80 13.00 His defense is unquestioned, but his health and offense are uncertain.

45 Jeff Francis Angels 1 4.40 2.00 Could benefit from starting over out west.

46 Jason Kubel Orioles 2 8.20 5.25 Lots of pop for Camden Yards.

47 Aaron Harang Rockies 2 9.60 3.50 Always seems to be underrated.

48 LaTroy Hawkins Dodgers 1 4.30 4.25 Stuff of a closer, mindset of a setup man.

49 Jerry Hairston Padres 1 4.00 2.00 Opportunity to play in San Diego will lead to trade to contender at deadline.

50 Derrek Lee Nationals 2 7.00 7.25 Nationals will finish fourth or fifth in first baseman derby.

51 Alex Gonzalez Cardinals 1 3.20 2.50 Now that La Russa is gone, will Cardinals' philosphy for shortstops change?

52 David DeJesus Cubs 2 10.00 6.00 Stats will suffer at Petco Park.

54 Jon Garland Royals 2 6.00 4.44 Can he resurrect his career?

55 Wilson Betemit Royals 1 2.80 1.00 Role will be a super utility man in K.C.

56 Brad Lidge Twins 1 4.00 12.00 Lidge still wants to be a closer; little pressure in Minnesota in 2012.

57 Octavio Dotel Cardinals 2 7.00 3.00 Meant too much to Redbirds' late-season surge not to be re-signed.

58 Darren Oliver Rangers 1 3.70 3.25 Another season in Texas for the ageless lefty.

59 Kevin Millwood Padres 1 3.20 Will find a job by spring training.

60 Andruw Jones Yankees 1 2.10 1.50 Yankees actually like him in the clubhouse.

61 Cody Ross Twins 1 2.50 6.30 His 45 days of fame in San Francisco in 2010 now a distant memory.

62 Yuniesky Betancourt Phillies 2 7.50 4.30 Not as much of a downgrade at short as you might think for Phils.

64 Jack Wilson Braves 1 2.00 5.00 Still has something to offer as an everyday player.

65 Frank Francisco Reds 1 3.30 4.00 Reds lose one Francisco, gain another.

66 Jamey Wright Cardinals 1 2.00 .90 Relishes the opportunity to reunite with Mike Matheny.

67 Vladimir Guerrero Blue Jays 1 3.00 7.60 Vlad's return to Canada could be his final stop.

68 Ivan Rodriguez Cardinals 1 1.50 3.00 Pudge and Yadier would be fun to watch.

70 Chris Snyder White Sox 1 2.50 6.25 Made $11.5 mil over the last two years, won't get near that in 2012-13.

74 Kerry Wood Rays 2 5.50 1.50 Maybe the new regime in Chicago can convince him to stay.

76 Matt Capps Nationals 1 2.00 7.15 He'll find a job somewhere.

77 Nick Punto Cardinals 1 2.00 .75 Must find a team in need of utility role and must accept the role.

78 Kelly Shoppach Indians 1 1.30 3.00 He'll find a job as a backup somewhere, like in AL.

79 George Sherrill Rays 1 2.00 1.20 Nice lefty setup man for Joe Maddon?

80 Ryan Ludwick Blue Jays 1 1.50 6.78 Still living off one magical season in St. Louis.

81 Edgar Renteria Brewers 1 1.50 2.00 Would be a nice complement to Furcal in Milwaukee.

84 Marcus Thames — 1 ML 1.00 Will have to make a team in spring training.

87 Hideki Matsui Yankees 1 2.00 4.25 Return to Gotham?

89 Mike Gonzalez Cubs 1 .90 6.00 Can be an effective situational guy.

90 Rich Harden Cardinals 1 1.00 1.50 Dave Duncan's next reclamation project?

92 Aaron Miles Dodgers 1 1.00 .50 Likely return to L.A.

93 David Aardsma Mariners 1 .80 4.50 After Tommy John Surgery in July, he's not likely to pitch until late in the season.

94 Ronny Cedeno Phillies 1 .90 1.85 Some team could use a veteran backup infielder.

95 Austin Kearns — 1 ML 1.30 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

96 Nate McLouth — 1 ML 7.00 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

97 Laynce Nix — 1 ML .70 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

98 Jonny Gomes A's 1 1.00 1.75 Can still drive in runs.

99 Cesar Izturis — 1 ML 1.50 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

100 Brandon Webb — 1 ML Wouldn't surprise to see him sign a rich, incentive-laden deal.

101 Casey Blake — 1 ML 5.50 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

102 Lyle Overbay Padres 1 1.20 5.00 Padres could use a cheap veteran pinch-hitter/first baseman.

104 Ramon Castro — 1 ML 1.20 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

105 Jason Marquis — 1 ML .75 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

106 Juan Cruz — 1 ML .85 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

107 Jon Rauch — 1 ML 3.50 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

108 Mark DeRosa Phillies 1 1.00 6.00 Can be a valuable piece if completely healthy.

109 Nori Aoki Dodgers 2 1.90 Japanese star should debut on West Coast.

110 Carlos Guillen — 1 ML 12.90 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

111 Raul Ibanez Indians 1 1.00 12.17 Will never see $12 million per season again.

113 Jason Varitek Rockies 1 .90 2.00 Rox could use a mentor like Varitek.

114 Brad Penny — 1 ML 3.00 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

115 Juan Pierre — 1 ML 8.50 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

116 Arthur Rhodes — 1 ML 3.90 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

117 Livan Hernandez — 1 ML 1.25 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

118 Todd Coffey — 1 ML 1.35 Minor league contract with invite to spring training.

119 Pat Burrell — 1 RET 1.00 Retirement seems to be in order.

120 Scott Linebrink

[SledNeck]

Praying every day that the twins pick up willingham and let Cuddys bloated salary go

the capps signing is mind boggling

[Scott K]

Plus we would get 2 complementary picks if he signs with someone else. I like Cuddy, but Willingham will do a good job, for the same price, but we get 2 picks, in which at this point we need to start builing our minor leage teams, because right now, they just plain suck!

[SledNeck]

Plus we would get 2 complementary picks if he signs with someone else. I like Cuddy, but Willingham will do a good job, for the same price, but we get 2 picks, in which at this point we need to start builing our minor leage teams, because right now, they just plain suck!

excellent point on the picks

[mainbutter]

would free up a lot of hours for me to fish instead of watching their games.

Nothing is much better to me than having a cool summer evening, a calm lake, my canoe, a portable radio listening to baseball, and having average sized bass and northerns crush topwaters.

We may not always win. The fish might not always bite. The fish might not even be big when they do.. but I still love it.

[greebs]

now that the top 3 or 4 free agents have been signed I'm sure cuddy will be the next "big name" free agent to sign.......it will be with the twins and it will likely be for 4 years at too much money for a role player and we may hear there were no other offers. supposedly the phillies, red sox and rockies were "salivating" over him but someone must have looked at his numbers and realized he's no more than an average player who hits very well against lefties but on many teams might often sit out games against righties and while he is willing to play wherever mgr puts him on the field, he really doesn't excel defensively at any of those positions, especially 2b and 3b.

I did read a strib article that claimed he had a WAR rating of around 3 so thank God we had cuddy this last year to prevent a 102 loss season. with numbers like that we have to sign him at any cost to have any kind of chance of passing the royals this season.

[SledNeck]

now that the top 3 or 4 free agents have been signed I'm sure cuddy will be the next "big name" free agent to sign.......it will be with the twins and it will likely be for 4 years at too much money for a role player and we may hear there were no other offers. supposedly the phillies, red sox and rockies were "salivating" over him but someone must have looked at his numbers and realized he's no more than an average player who hits very well against lefties but on many teams might often sit out games against righties and while he is willing to play wherever mgr puts him on the field, he really doesn't excel defensively at any of those positions, especially 2b and 3b.

I did read a strib article that claimed he had a WAR rating of around 3 so thank God we had cuddy this last year to prevent a 102 loss season. with numbers like that we have to sign him at any cost to have any kind of chance of passing the royals this season.

quality

[Musky Buck]

Greebs at least he had the Kahuna's to show up everyday and take those lame questions from reporters with grace and dignity, the fact he was a role player tells you how much trouble we had last year. Yes he's a B+ kind of player and we got a ton of D types in the minors. And you can bet he'll have a tough year switching to the NL, facing dozens of pitchers he's never faced, it does help to face pitchers you know so why didn't he hit better, ask Joe Joe the same question, oh you can't because he didn't have the kahuna's to face the press and us MN fans. Morneau same. Thome was gone and Kubel was in hiding also and we're not remotely close to being a threat as a team anyway. Party is over, over in Japan where Nishi is counting American dollars with his clown interpreter sideshow.