Based on their aggressive player acquisition moves in recent seasons and willingness to sign Joe Mauer to a $184 million contract, look for the Twins front office to improve the team during the off-season.
The Twins have two choices before next season begins. Management can make a few minor adjustments to the roster and probably win another Central Division title. Or option two is to face the reality that without a major personnel move or two there’s not much possibility of the team advancing to the World Series after winning the division.
In the post-Carl Pohlad era the Twins are likely not satisfied with just packing the home ballpark and being Central Division champs. The club is receiving criticism following another winless post-season when the team looked overmatched in ability and emotion.
Acquiring right handed pitcher Fausto Carmona from the lifeless Cleveland franchise would be a good start for the Twins. Carmona, 6-4, 230, is only 27 and might develop into a strong starter for the Twins.
The Twins have to be searching for pitchers who can do more than pitch to contact. They need a few overpowering arms capable of occasionally silencing the bats of the Yankees and the other best teams in the American League.
Carmona, although an innings eater and a pitcher who might be available, isn’t a strikeout starter but there’s a “hometown boy” out there who is intriguing. Josh Johnson was born in Minneapolis, became a major league prospect in Oklahoma, and has been a power pitcher for Florida. The Marlins right-hander, 26, had an extraordinary season in 2010 with an 11-6 record, 2.30 ERA and 186 strikeouts in 183.2 innings.
Kansas City’s Zach Greinke, a 27-year-old right-hander, could really perk things up around here, too. He struck out 242 batters in 229.1 innings in 2009. The Royals need to find ways to improve their ball club a lot and might listen to the right deal.
The Minnesota roster needs a few bats that won’t whimper in the playoffs, too. It seems like bringing 41-year-old Jim Thome back is a mandate because of his power and experience. If Justin Morneau doesn’t play next season because of his concussion, a Thome return is even more vital.
It will be an interesting off-season in the Twins front office when things “heat up” this winter.