Francisco Liriano returning in 2008 should be one bright spot in what is already shaping up to be a bleak season.

The Moves They Made

In the offseason between 2006-07, the Twins made few free agent signings. None really had the potential to have any big impact on the club. They re-signed Rondell White, which, once again, did not work out well. Ditto with Jeff Cirillo. Both were on the DL before April 10 rolled around. They also signed Ramon Ortiz to a one-year deal as well as the previously mentioned Sidney Ponson to a minor league deal.

During the year, Minnesota made one big trade. They shipped Luis Castillo to the Mets for catcher Drew Butera and center fielder Dustin Martin. By the way, Butera finished his third year of professional ball in 2007 and owns a 0.213 career batting average with 12 homers. Dustin Martin, a former 26th round pick of the Mets, will be 24 next season and he has not made it out of A-ball yet in his two professional seasons.

Minnesota did make a few other trades during the year and, like much of the Twins roster, consider these next transactions “filler.” Darnell McDonald was acquired in June and did see brief action with the Twins during the year. They also acquired Chris Basak in a waiver move in August and lost Jeff Cirillo to the Phillies in a waiver claim. Finally, the Twins shipped Ramon Ortiz to Colorado in August for minor league infielder Matt Macri. The aforementioned Macri, now 25, is likely to get a look in spring training and he could hit his way into a job.

In the offseason, the Twins acquired Craig Monroe from the Cubs for a player to be named later. The Twins have yet to decide whether they will non-tender Monroe and, if signed, he would provide power at a corner outfield spot or DH with an awful on-base percentage.

The Moves They Did Not Make (But Should Have)

The Twins really should have had a better plan for both their DH slot and at third base. Yes, Nick Punto was useful in 2006, but instead of being happy about their good fortune, they relied upon getting that same performance in 2007. Further, they did not have much of a plan for DH, other than mix Jason Kubel with Jeff Cirillo. Why not sign some minor league free agent slugger who won’t cost them much? Here is an idea: Craig Brazell was DFA’ed by the Royals. Brazell hit 39 homers between Double-A and Triple-A last season and wants to try to make it in the US (as opposed to options in the Far East). Sign him to a minor league contract and see how he does in the spring.

Also, if they were going to trade Luis Castillo, why not just trade Torii Hunter in-season? Did they really think they would be able to match the market for Hunter’s services? Either fish or cut-bait.

Where Now?

The future of the organization lies in what can they get for Johan Santana if they plan to go through with a trade. The Yankees are the clear favorites, but they may not give the Twins what they want right now. The problem the Yankees face is that if they wait until June or July to try to acquire Santana, his price will come down and make it easier for other clubs to get involved. So, the Yankees may have to pay a similar price in July to what they could pay now…and get the first three months of his services as well. Accordingly, my guess is that Santana is moved during the next month or so.

What would Santana bring? According to Peter Gammons, the Twins would want Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera and Austin Jackson for Santana.  For a team that has a bunch of young arms likely to be in the rotation next year (Boof Bonser, Scott Baker, Matt Garza and Kevin Slowey) as well as Francisco Liriano coming back from surgery and Nick Blackburn about ready, I think the centerpiece of any deal should be a power hitter. However, if acquiring Hughes allows them to move another pitcher for an additional bat (re: the Delmon Young for Matt Garza rumor, for example), that is a reasonable approach. Whatever the situation, they need to focus on acquiring Major League offensive talent in any deals.

The Twins are reportedly in on free agent Tony Clark. Since Justin Morneau is set at first base, they would be acquiring Clark strictly as a designated hitter. Depending on the price, this could be a useful move. However, their biggest need is offensive production from the infield. Outside of Morneau, it is within the realm of possibility that they start the season with Nick Punto at third base, Jason Bartlett at shortstop and Alex Casilla at second base. That thought alone should scare new Minnesota GM Bill Smith into action.

Oh… and the Twins do not really have a center fielder right now. Odds are, if they do not trade Santana (which would likely net Melky Cabrera), they will just pick up a center fielder from the free agent bargain bin later in the off-season instead of investing real money in a legitimate starter (such as, say, Aaron Rowand). Can’t you just see the Twins signing Darin Erstad or Corey Patterson and make that their “big” free agent spending of the off-season!

1. Jason Kubel – Could have a breakout season similar to the one Mike Cuddyer had in 2006.


2. Kevin Slowey – While Garza gets all the publicity, Slowey might be overlooked.


3. Joe Mauer – His subpar, injury-filled season will make him cheaper in 2008 than he will be for a long time. The power will come.

1. Brian Buscher – If he shows he can play enough third base, he might be the Opening Day starter at that position. Good on-base skills as well


2. Alex Casilla – Even if he does not open the season as the starter at second base, he could play enough to acquire a good number of steals.


3. NRI – Some non-roster invitee who could make the team and, if he hits, become a contributor. Check back in the Spring.