Offseason suggestions for the Twins

Last update: October 1, 2008 - 9:59 PM

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SUGGESTION BOX

Twins beat writer Joe Christensen offers six offseason suggestions for Twins officials:

1 Extend the contracts for manager Ron Gardenhire and the coaching staff.

Gardenhire is under contract for one more year, and his coaches' contracts are up. Gardenhire would win AL Manager of the Year honors were it not for Tampa Bay's storybook season under Joe Maddon, and the Twins' coaches remain a quiet part of the team's sustained success.

2 Stop future contract issues before they start.

The Twins don't have near the contract issues they had last year at this time with the likes of Johan Santana, Torii Hunter, Carlos Silva and Joe Nathan. But it would be wise to do long-term deals with Scott Baker and others who will be arbitration-eligible at this time next year.

3 Retain Mike Redmond and Nick Punto.

Picking up Mike Redmond's option and re-signing free agent Nick Punto are slam dunks. They are a big part of the team's heart and soul, and both love being Twins.

4 Don't overreact to bullpen issues.

Instead of handing out three-year deals to free-agent relievers, the Twins should look for up-and-comers on the trade market and have faith in their system. Jose Mijares emerged seemingly out of the blue just three weeks ago. Pat Neshek will be back from his elbow injury, and an offseason of rest should do wonders for Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier.

5 Upgrade at third base or shortstop.

Sign free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera or continue attempts to trade for Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre. Explore other third base trade options such as San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff or Colorado's Garrett Atkins.

6 Think outside the box.

With Denard Span's emergence, the Twins have four outfielders for three spots in Cuddyer, Young, Span and Carlos Gomez. This might sound radical, but how about moving Cuddyer back to third base? The Twins need more righthanded power, so trading Young at age 23 would open another hole.

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