MVN: Most Valuable Network

The Minnesota Twins were fairly quiet during last week's Winter Meetings, with the only move they made being re-signing IF Nick Punto.  But the team's offseason activity may not be done.

Rumors have surfaced that OF Delmon Young could be on the trading block after a dissappointing first season with the team in 2008.  The team has an abundance of outfielders with Carlos Gomez, Denard Span, Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel all likely to have a role in 2009.  Cuddyer is coming off an injury riddled 2008 campaign, but is unlikely to be moved. 

The team has it most glaring needs at 3B and in the bullpen.  Right-handed set-up man Pat Neshek will miss the entire 2009 season after Tommy John surgery, while left-handed reliever Dennis Reyes is a free agent and is likely to leave.  It remains to be seen if the Twins will make a move to upgrade the bullpen in front of closer Joe Nathan, or if they will just go into the season with who they already have.  That group would include former starter Boof Bonser, RHP Matt Guerrier, RHP Jesse Crain (who is expected to return from injury) and others.

Potentially available third basemen include Garrett Atkins of the Colorado Rockies, Adrian Beltre of the Seattle Mariners and Ty Wigginton of the Houston Astros.  Wigginton is a free agent who was non-tendered by the Astros, and he is likely to draw interest from numerous teams, while the other two could be available via trade.  Of course, the Twins could go into 2009 with a platoon of Brian Buscher and Brendan Harris at third base too.  IF Matt Tolbert could also find himself in the infield mix, at 3B or SS.  The fact is since Corey Koskie left via free agency after the 2004 season the Twins have not had a consistent quality 3B, and an upgrade is needed.   

The Twins don't have a history of competing for big money free agents, and that will probably continue this offseason.  So no Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira, etc. The question will be whether or not they do anything to upgrade their needs from outside the organization.  And I'm not talking about players like Tony Batista, Rondell White  and other re-treads they brought in in recent years.