Minnesota Twins Secure Rights to Tsuyoshi Nishioka

The Minnesota Twins have won the right to negotiate with 26-year-old infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka on a major league contract. Apparently the sum to earn the right to negotiate with the Japanese star costed around $5 million. Nishioka led Japan's Pacific League with a .346 batting average this season and had 206 hits, becoming the first Pacific League player to get 200 hits since Ichiro Suzuki. He led the Marines to this year's Japan Series championship. The Twins have 30 days to work out a deal with Nishioka. He could play either shortstop or 2nd base.

Ron Gardenhire Wins American League Manager of the Year

Ron Gardenhire is pretty familiar with the American League Manager of the Year. He was a 5-time runner-up until last week when he was named the American League Manager of the Year. Ron Washington of the Texas Rangers finished in 2nd place. Gardenhire led the Minnesota Twins to a 94-68 record and another American League Central Division Title. Even with injuries to Joe Nathan and Justin Morneau, Gardenhire found a way to get the 6th AL Central Title in 9 years. Congratulations to Ron Gardenhire!

Justin Morneau Upset About Target Field

Last week, Minnesota Twins 1st baseman Justin Morneau voiced his concerns and frustrations with Target Field's dimensions. It is a tough ballpark to hit home runs at. Morneau stated “Right-center to left-center is ridiculous." He then went on to state, “You start to develop bad habits as a hitter when you feel like you can only pull the ball to hit it over the fence. You take those habits on the road.’’

The Twins record at home last season was 53-28 in 2010, the best in the American League. The team decided to not change Target Field's dimensions. The Minnesota Twins president, Dave St. Peter, pointed to that fact in defending the decision to retain Target Field’s dimensions. The Twins hit 52 home runs at Target Field and hit 91 on the road.

Free Agent Splash?

The Free Agency Period has officially begun for Major League Baseball. High sought after free agents include Cliff Lee, Derek Jeter, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Jason Werth, and Derek Lee. Are the Minnesota Twins expected to make a move on any of these players. Probably not and for right reasons. Keep an eye on where these players end up because all of them can still perform at a high level. Also, rumors around the league are saying that the Twins might make a move for Kansas City Royals pitcher Zach Greinke. It'd probably be a stretch, but something to pay attention to.

Minnesota Twins Pick Up Jason Kubel's Option

The Minnesota Twins reportedly picked up Jason Kubel's $5.25 million option for 2011 and turned down Nick Punto's $5 million option for 2011. After having a career year in 2009, Jason Kubel hit 21 home runs and batted .249 in 2010. The hope is that Jason Kubel can come back strong in 2011 and be that player he is capable of being. Also, I'd like to see thank you to Nick Punto for all the hustle he had as a Twins player. We will see where he goes this offseason.