Reyes opts to become a free agent

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Dennys Reyes was the primary lefthanded setup man out of the Twins bullpen for the past three seasons.

Dennys Reyes declined arbitration from the Twins late Sunday and became a free agent.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: December 8, 2008 - 12:51 PM

LAS VEGAS - Lefthander Dennys Reyes declined arbitration from the Twins late Sunday and became a free agent.

When Reyes signs with another team, the Twins will receive a compensatory pick between the first and second rounds of next June's amateur draft because Reyes is a Type B free agent.

This reinforces the notion that the Twins need to find a setup man to bolster their bullpen, in addition to seeking help for the left side of their infield. Which means their plate is full for this year's winter meetings.

Twins assistant GM Rob Antony said that had Reyes accepted arbitration, there would have been less of an urgency to look for late-inning relief help.

"If he accepts, we will be happy to take him back for a year," Antony said.

Reyes is believed to be seeking a three-year deal at around $4 million a season, which the Twins weren't willing to do.

Punto on the scene

Free agent infielder Nick Punto is in town for the winter meetings and is expected to sit down with the Twins sometime this week. But teams including the Phillies, Mets and Dodgers have expressed interest, so Punto is expected to meet with potential suitors, too -- especially if a starting role is available, as there is with the Dodgers. Punto and his agent, Jeff Caulfield, were getting organized on Sunday and hadn't scheduled any visits.

But Punto sounded as though his preference is to remain with the Twins.

"I want to win a World Series with those guys," he said.

But the Twins might not have a starting spot for him if they are able to find a shortstop who's more productive at the plate.

Housekeeping

Bill Smith was in meetings Sunday night, and the Twins general manager directed Antony to meet with the media.

Sunday is usually the day teams hold internal meetings to discuss what they want to achieve during the week. The Twins instead will meet this morning to go over plans before trying to find a hitter for the left side of their infield and a setup man.

"We're ready to get after it," Antony said.

Etc.

• Darren Oliver will accept the Angels' offer of arbitration, his agent said Sunday night, assuring that the veteran lefthander, who was one of the team's most consistent and effective relievers last season, will return in 2009. But the agent for starting pitcher Jon Garland, who went 14-8 with a 4.90 ERA in 32 games last season, said the veteran righthander has declined the Angels' arbitration offer. Oliver, 38, went 7-1 with a 2.88 ERA in 54 games, holding opponents to a .254 average, and he figures to receive a sizable raise from his $2 million salary.

• New Seattle manager Don Wakamatsu hired Alan Cockrell as hitting coach. Cockrell, 46, spent the past two seasons as hitting coach for Colorado.

The Los Angeles Times and Associated Press contributed to this report.

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