As I reported in today’s ink-on-paper version, the Twins are interested in reliever Eric Gagne.

Injuries have affected Gagne, 33, in recent years, but while his days as a closer might be over, the Twins obviously think he could be effective as a set-man.

His numbers last season don’t look too good but he did pitch better late in the season, which could be why the Twins are taking a look at him.

I sent an e-mail to longtime Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel baseball writer Tom Haudricourt (one of the funnier guys in the business) and asked him how Gagne fared last year.

“He pitched a lot better once he addressed a shoulder problem and then was moved to a set-up role. Still gave up too many homers but was serviceable for the most part in that role.” Haudricourt wrote back.

We’ll see how this one develops…..

About the non-roster invites

Here are some things I found out about some of the non-roster invites who are coming to camp.

First of all, both Jeff Manship and Anthony Slama were considered for the list. But the Twins felt they had too many players in camp last season and it would be hard for Manship and Slama to get on the field. If I were them, I would show up early and work out on one of the back fields. All it takes is a couple early injuries for one or both of them to be added to camp - see Matt Garza, 2006.

Sean Henn - Always thought to have a lot of talent but has struggled with command. The Twins hope that working with Rick Anderson and Bobby Cuellar during camp will help him get closer to realizing his potential.

Ben Julianel - I clashed with the Twins over Julianel last season because he was 28 years old at the double-A level and I felt he was blocking Anthony Slama, who was tearing up Class A. But I was told this week that Julianel has two solid pitches and can get lefties out. So I’ll back off if he looks OK in camp - but if that’s the case then he should have been moved to Rochester last year because it sounds like he could have been better than someone like Carmen Cali.

Mike Gosling - has had some time in the bigs with the Reds. Throws 91-92, which isn’t bad for a lefty.

Kevin Mulvey - Will come to camp as a starter for now.

Dustin Martin - If you’re coming down for spring training this year, get a good look at this guy. While at the minor league camp last year, I spotted a player in the middle of drills and asked a coach, “who’s the specimen?” It was Martin. He’s put together - and is coming off of a strong Arizona Fall League run.

Etc.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told fans during a winter caravan stop what I mentioned here earlier - that they are kicking the tires on Joe Crede.

If you want to hear baseball talk and support a good cause, please consider attending this event next Thursday.

I will also be in attendance at this event on the 24th. This group is nuts. Especially Sammy and Julian.

I leave for spring training in 25 days - why do we live up here again?

All indications are that Joe C. - who has been in post-baby hubris - will return to blogging next week.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 16th, 2009 at 10:35 am and is filed under Random thoughts, The offseason. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.