Rambling about closers and other Twins subjects

So who is going to close for the Twins in 2012?

Heard from a club source that they had some interest in Jonathan Broxton but not enough to offer what the Royals did. Broxton has agreed to a one-year deal worth about $4M with another $1M in potential incentives.

That's the type of move I expected the Twins to make this offseason. There's some risk involved, as Broxton has had elbow problems. But it could turn out to be a nice move for the Royals, who have some late-inning options. Or they can move Joakim Soria to the rotation.

So who in the heck is going to close for the Twins? They really don't have any in-house options. Carlos Gutierrez should be kicking himself that he hasn't developed enough to take over the role. There's little doubt in my mind that the Twins would give him a shot if they felt he was ready. More on that later.

So let's go through some of the free agent options.

Heath Bell - He wants to stay with the Padres, who have offered him arbitration. I sense that the Twins don't have interest in him.

Francisco Cordero - Interesting. Seven seasons of at least 34 saves. Will turn 37 next season (like Joe Nathan). Made around $12M last year (like Joe Nathan). Does that mean he'll want Nathan money? Are the Twins' willing to pay Nathan money?

K-Rod - Another Boras client. Not saying a Twins-Boras alliance isn't possible, but it took Joe Crede trying to revive his career for the Twins to sign one of the uber agent's clients.

Brad Lidge - is he still a closer as this stage of his career? And can he stay healthy?

Nathan helped set the market somewhat by signing for $14.5 million over two years with Texas. Can't see Bell, Cordero or K-Rod accepting less. Not sure about Madson and Lidge. Madson has one year of closing under his belt. Lidge has to prove he can stay healthy.

What's the Twins' budget for a closer? And one thing to keep in mind is that they appear to be keeping come money around in case Michael Cuddyer doesn't like what he's being offered on the free agent market and is willing to come back. I still believe Cuddyer will leave but the Twins haven't given up hope.

And the end of this ramble, I am coming to the conclusion that the Twins - unless they can swing a trade - will sign Matt Capps. Twins GM Terry Ryan has been on the record about his interest in bringing Capps back. Capps would not return unless he can close.

We did not see Capps at his best last season. The only concern is that he doesn't have drop dead stuff and has to have pinpoint control. I think he can be pretty decent if he comes to camp healthy. He's not afraid to go after hitters. In that aspect, he reminds me of Eddie Guardado. He doesn't have Eddie's left arm or slider, but he could be O.K. in the role.

And, let's be honest. How many save situations will the Twins be in next season? I just watched Lord of the Rings over the holiday with the family, and Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau would have to turn into Aragorn and Legolas for the Twins to win the division. And the rotation could use a Wizard.

What say you? (Couldn't resist)

INTERESTING NATHAN NUGGET

It might not be that surprising that Nathan signed with the Rangers. Heard that the Rangers were interested in dealing for Nathan before the Aug. 31 trade deadline but, as we all know, Nathan declined to waive his 10-and-5 rights.

"The tough part was the timing," Nathan told Joe C. that night. "They came to me with 30 minutes left until the deadline."

As soon as he was wined and dined by owner Nolan Ryan and the rest of the Rangers' staff a few weeks ago, Nathan felt it was the right fit for him.

Not sure what the Twins would have gotten in return for Nathan, but he should have brought them more than what they received for Delmon Young and Jim Thome.

OTHER STUFF