The offseason blueprint

Earlier this week, Nick Nelson put out his offseason blueprint online. It was definitely a thoughtful, well written piece, and I feel compelled to issue my mandate for the Twins’ offseason plans this year. I have a blog, it’s my prerogative.

1. Let Ron Mahay, Joe Crede and Mike Redmond walk. Make an offer to Orlando Cabrera, but expect him to turn it down.

2. Resign Carl Pavano. Just like Nick says

3. Reach arbitration with all the guys that Nick says.

4. Nontender Crain (finally)

5. Trade Joe Nathan and Jason Kubel to the Red Sox for Jonathan Papelbon, Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront. The extra big lefthanded bat is redundant on the Twins roster and, with David Ortiz fading and Jason Bay headed towards free agency, the lure of a young player with the capability of hitting 30 homers with the short porch at Fenway will be a greater lure than the aging Nathan. Meanwhile, with the Twins, moving Kubel frees up the outfield so Denard Span and Carlos Gomez can play every day, making the Twins outfield one of the best in league defensively. Meanwhile, Delmon Young would DH, thereby eliminating his biggest flaw, his fielding. Papelbon would be a one year rental, no doubt, but would provide stability at the back of the bullpen while we find out of Pat Neshek is every going to be OK again. Buchholz immediately becomes a front end of the rotation pitcher who has postseason experience and a no hitter to boot. Getting another pitcher like Doubront might be a bit much, depending on how they value Nathan at this point. And really, I’m not going to be broken hearted if this trade fails to go through.

6. Sign Joe Mauer for whatever he asks for.

7. Pore over the middle infield free agent market, but be prepared to start the season with Danny Valencia at 3b. If the expectation now is for Miguel Angel Sano to take over on the right side of the infield, long term solutions don’t need to be imported over there. Don’t be surprised (or dissappointed) if the Twins simply come away with Robb Quinlan, current Angel. Maybe John McDonald or Bobby Crosby if Bill Smith wants some depth. Don’t get your hopes up though.

8. Find a trading partner for Glenn Perkins, enjoy a prospect.

2010 OPENING DAY LINEUP

C Joe Mauer
1b Justin Morneau
2b Brendan Harris
SS Bobby Crosby
3b Danny Valencia
LF Denard Span
CF Carlos Gomez
RF Michael Cuddyer
DH Delmon Young

Bench
C Jose Morales
2b Alexi Casilla
SS Nick Punto
OF Jason Pridie (or David Winfree, depending on how Spring Training goes)

SP Carl Pavano
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Scott Baker
SP Kevin Slowey
SP Nick Blackburn

CL Jonathan Papelbon
RP Francisco Liriano
RP Matt Guerrier
RP Jon Rauch
RP Boof Bonser
RP Pat Neshek
RP Brian Duensing

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