Twins Report / Pavano, Hudson offered arbitration

Everyone has been talking about Casilla playing second. What about Casilla at short and Hudson at second if they non-tender Hardy? Don't think any of these three will accept arbitration, but at least the Twins get picks if they can't work out a free agent deal with them.

The off season news moves in slow calculated steps. The ball is now in Pavano, Crain, and Hudson's court as to whether they will accept arbitration. It seems the team thinks it will sign Guerrier to a contract with a modest raise. Ideally, Pavano will sign for less than 3 years, but either way the Twins definitely need to land another SP - an ace to anchor the staff would be preferable.

Sorry to see the Tigers sign Victor Martinez - he could've been the perfect DH and part time catcher-first basemen for the Twins, but now he will threaten the teams reign in the AL central. Perhaps Lance Berkman deserves consideration from GM Smith?

The often injured Hudson had acceptable numbers, and he's certainly a good glove man, but it didn't seem as if was a good fit for the Twins. He was atrocious with runners in scoring position. Could it be that the Twins want the draft pick, gambling that Hudson will be offered more money elsewhere and will not seek arbitration? It's likely the Twins want him to walk but to get something out of it.

Pavano may not be in the same category exactly, but a similar argument could be made. Crain, on the other hand, the Twins may want to keep as their set-up man. Few people anywhere except Nathan himself can believe that Nathan will be able to resume the closer role in 2011.

Berkman, it is said, doesn't hit well right-handed anymore. And, he isn't a catcher. It might not be much of a plus to add his salary. The Twins may be able to find a capable bat for less money. Again, much hinges on Morneau's health.

A little surprising that Hudson was offered arbitration, but brachiosaurus might have the best explanation. Hudson wants a multi-year contract and he is likely to take his chances like he did last year. My guess is he will still be waiting in January.

Pavano and Crain make good sense for the Twins, but it wouldn't surprise me if they both decline. Crain might want to test the market hoping to be a closer somewhere and Pavano is very likely to want a multi-year contract after last year. In my opinion, he is not going to be a type 'A' free agent again at his age.

Based on the fact that the Twins have two spots on the 40-man roster open, I'm guessing they are hoping for Pavano and Crain to fill them and to get compensation for Hudson.

send O-Hawg packing with the twins trying to acquire a japanese SS

found out that the japanese player is trying to get is just another punto... so HORSES**T