Happy New Year everyone!

I'm in the office today, getting organized with a few things and figured I drop a note here.

From talks with Twins officials over the last week or so, it doesn't look like they will sign any more free agents this offseason. The Twins' projected payroll is around $99 million for 2012. They have 24 non-roster invites. They are out of money and out of spots.

A trade is always possible if the right deal came along. But, again, the Twins can't take on payroll unless they move payroll. And that seems unlikely. So those e-mails I've been getting about Matt Garza? Looks doubtful. Besides, the Cubs want a lot for Garza and the Twins might lack the prospect firepower Chicago wants, especially in pitching prospects.

I learned all this last week while investigating a rumor about the Twins and reliever Dan Wheeler. I was told a move for him wasn't possible, then learned the reasons why. I'm very interested to see where Wheeler and some of the other free agent relievers wind up - and for how much. A few of them have to be nervous that they remained free agents. By the way, how can Wheeler turn down arbitration from the Red Sox after making $3 million last season.

Can't wait for the Twins to announce their non-roster invites for 2012. As of today, here's what we have reported:

Jason Bulger, RHP; Jared Burton RHP; Samuel Deduno RHP; Phil Dumatrait, LHP; Luis Perdomo, RHP; Aaron Thompson, LHP; Brendan Wise, RHP; Brian Dinkelman, INF-OF; Matt Carson, OF; Wilkin Ramirez, OF; J.R. Towles, C; Rene Rivera, C; Steve Pearce, INF-OF; Sean Burroughs, 3B; P.J. Walters, RHP. Also expect home-grown prospects like shortstop Brian Dozier and catcher Chris Hermann to get invites as well.