Twins Players Find Themselves With No Clear Role

The offseason is currently a more positive one the a season ago. The Twins found their everyday third baseman, signing Joe Crede to a deal last week. The club still appears to be in the hunt for Diamondbacks reliever Juan Cruz.

Juan Cruz is in a sign-and-trade situation with the team, meaning the team has to negotiate a contract that satisfies the Twin's needs as well as Cruz. Then the two clubs will have 48 hours to negotiate a trade, otherwise it becomes invalid.

The Crede signing has now set the infield in stone, at least for now. However, this will now provide Brian Buscher and Brendan Harris with new roles. The tandem that once thought they would share the role now will watch the former White Sox standout occupy third base.

Harris and Buscher will now play for backup roles with the club, though Harris still is undeterred by the signing. "I still plan on hopefully playing a lot and hopefully helping this team win the division," Harris added. "That's the attitude I take. It's stuff that's out of your control."

Buscher will try to make the team as a utility guy as he has begun taking balls at both third base and shortstop. He can also spell Justin Morneau at first base if asked to. The Twins rely on guys who can play anywhere they are asked to, and that is something the duo might have to learn to handle.

The club has also not designated who will be in the set-up role for 2009 with Pat Neshek out for the whole season. Right now the Twins are looking at Jesse Crain, Matt Guerrier, and Jose Mijares to fulfill the role. Luis Ayala might also be considered in that situation.

Jesse Crain was the set-up reliever prior to Pat Neshek, but then he had an atrocious 2007 season, though he improved on his numbers last season. His role with the team will largely depend on his ability to get key outs in clutch situations.

Matt Guerrier has long been one of the more reliable aspects of the Twins staff. His numbers last year were greatly affected when he began to run out of gas at the end. Guerrier logged over 76 innings of work and finished with an unimpressive 5.19 ERA.

If the Twins reach a deal with Juan Cruz, it is very likely that he will be the guy to get the ball to Joe Nathan. This was a point of great concern after the bullpen faltered at the end of last season.

One reliever used heavily in that role late in September was Jose Mijares. Mijares opened up eyes after a stellar performance against the White Sox, taking down Konerko, Thome, and Dye.

This deal may pay off sooner rather than later. Boof Bonser will undergo surgery to determine what has been causing discomfort. Bonser was slated to be a long inning relief man for the upcoming season.

Bonser underwent a weight loss program last offseason to improve endurance. He saw an increase in velocity and movement in his stuff when he was moved into the bullpen.

There are others in camp who are making a bid to be on the Twins pitching staff. Anthony Swarzak, Jason Jones, Rob Delaney, and R.A. Dickey all are looking to contribute to a rebuilding bullpen.

As of now no deal has been made to Juan Cruz, and once announced the two sides have 48 hours to agree on terms in order to pass the deal through.