Twins

Kyle Gibson (Twins)

1/27/13 6:30 pm

Patrick Reusse of 1500 ESPN expects Kyle Gibson to win a spot in the Twins’ Opening Day rotation.

Gibson is expected to be limited to 140 innings following Tommy John surgery, but is a candidate to open the season in the starting rotation if he can prove he’s fully healthy in spring training. The Twins have also discussed a plan to use him as a reliever to start the year, similar to how the Braves used Kris Medlen last season. After missing the majority of 2012, Gibson has reestablished himself as the Twins’ top pitching prospect and projects as a long-term No. 2 starter. His average fastball velocity was reportedly at 92-93 mph in the Arizona Fall League.

Source: 1500espn.com

Tagged as: Kyle Gibson, news, Twins

Justin Morneau (Twins)

1/26/13 4:59 pm

Twins slugger Justin Morneau feels strong, but is being cautiously optimistic about his health as spring training approaches.

Morneau wanted to avoid all of the cliches typically spouted around this time of the offseason, such as being in the best shape of his life, but said he’s been able to have a normal and healthy offseason for the first time in years. He’s also completely over the concussion symptoms that have plagued him since 2010.

Source: mlb.com

Tagged as: Justin Morneau, news, Twins

Aaron Hicks (Twins)

1/26/13 2:03 pm

Phil Mackey of 1500 ESPN writes that Aaron Hicks “has been given a clear path” to take over as the Twins’ starting center fielder.

Hicks had a breakout season at the Double-A level in 2012, hitting .286/.384/.460 with 13 home runs and 32 stolen bases in 129 games. The Twins traded both Denard Span and Ben Revere this offseason, so the 23-year-old will enter spring training with a legitimate chance to earn the starting job in centerfield. He’ll need to beat out the likes of Darin Mastroianni, Brandon Boggs, and Joe Benson for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Source: 1500espn.com

Tagged as: Aaron Hicks, news, Twins

Mike Pelfrey (Twins)

1/26/13 8:57 am

Phil Mackey of 1500 ESPN confirms that the Twins expect Mike Pelfrey (elbow) to be ready for the start of the season.

Pelfrey signed a one-year, $4 million deal last month and is set to open the season as the Twins’ No. 4 starter. He was limited to three starts with the Mets before undergoing Tommy John surgery in April, but hasn’t reported any setbacks in his offseason program. While the Twins expect him to be ready for Opening Day, Pelfrey is doubtful to hold any significant fantasy value in 2013. He owns a career 4.36 ERA and 1.46 WHIP.

Source: 1500espn.com

Tagged as: Mike Pelfrey, news, Twins

Kyle Gibson (Twins)

1/25/13 11:06 pm

The Twins have discussed a plan to limit Kyle Gibson to between 130 and 140 innings during the 2013 season as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.

The 25-year-old right-hander says that he’ll do whatever the Twins ask of him, but that his goal is to get to the big leagues as soon as possible. Twins GM Terry Ryan indicated that they may utilize a plan similar to how the Braves used Kris Medlen last season, where he began the year in the bullpen, and then transitioned to the rotation after the all-star break.

Source: 1500espn.com

Tagged as: Kyle Gibson, news, Twins

Carl Pavano (Twins)

1/24/13 9:09 pm

FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that Carl Pavano will be sidelined 6-8 weeks after suffering a ruptured spleen when he slipped and fell while shoveling snow on his driveway.

Well, that sounds about right for the oft-injured right-hander. Pavano had been set to sign somewhere soon to compete for a rotation spot, but teams will likely wait until he’s healthy now. The Rockies and Mets were among the clubs that had shown interest in the veteran. Pavano is coming off a 2012 season where he posted a 6.00 ERA and dealt with shoulder issues.

Source: foxsports.com

Tagged as: Carl Pavano, news, Twins

Carl Pavano (Twins)

1/24/13 3:06 pm

According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies are “out” on free agent Carl Pavano.

Renck suggests that the Mets and Marlins might be potential destinations for the veteran right-hander, who posted a 6.00 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 11 starts last season with the Twins. It’s quite possible that he will have to settle for a non-guaranteed minor league contract.

Source: twitter.com

Tagged as: Carl Pavano, news, Twins

Carl Pavano (Twins)

1/20/13 11:23 pm

Troy Renck of the Denver Post writes that the Rockies are aggressively pursuing free agents Carl Pavano and Derek Lowe.

Even after signing Chris Volstad, the Rockies are looking to add another veteran pitcher to their starting rotation mix. Pavano has received interest from as many as five teams this offseason, but has yet to receive any offers. Despite posting a 5.11 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 142 2/3 innings between the Indians and Yankees this past season, Lowe is holding out for a guaranteed job as a starter.

Source: denverpost.com

Tagged as: Carl Pavano, news, Twins

Brian Duensing (Twins)

1/18/13 1:30 pm

Twins avoided arbitration with LHP Brian Duensing by agreeing to a one-year, $1.3 million contract.

It was his first year of arbitration. Duensing has posted an ugly 5.19 ERA over the last two years for the Twins in a swingman role.

Tagged as: Brian Duensing, news, Twins

Drew Butera (Twins)

1/17/13 12:33 pm

Twins avoided arbitration with C Drew Butera by agreeing to a one-year, $700,000 contract.

Butera appeared in 42 games for the Twins this past season, and was arbitration-eligible as a Super Two qualifier. He’s slated to begin 2013 as Joe Mauer’s backup.

Tagged as: Drew Butera, news, Twins

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