I'm not sure why our sources have been so cautious with this one, insisting all day that Josh Willingham's deal with the Twins wasn't finalized, pending a physical.
Tonight, I learned that Willingham is already in Minnesota for his physical. He started going through tests today. The Twins typically put new players through two days of medical exams before signing their contracts.
The team plans to announce the Willingham deal on Thursday or Friday*, assuming everything checks out OK and all contract details are finalized. The sides have discussed a three-year, $21 million deal.
Terry Ryan hasn't ruled out a return for Michael Cuddyer, but once Willingham's contract is officially signed, it likely will signal the end of Cuddyer's time with the Twins.
I'll have more on this in tonight's first editions.
* - I got a tip later tonight that an official announcement might not come until Friday.
