Metrodome Memories

The Twins signed journeyman starter Jason Marquis to a one year deal worth $3 million.  At this point, while the Twins pick up the pieces, they need some innings eaters and Marquis is a guy who can fill that role.  Last year he split time with the Nationals and Diamondbacks and had a fair year.  Durability has been a concern because he hasn’t thrown more then 132 innings since 2009 (when he set a career high with 216 innings).

Still, for one year and $3 million, you really can’t go wrong.  You hate to throw it a throw away deal but the downside risk isn’t really much here.  What will be interesting is this will be Marquis’ first year in the American League so it’ll be interesting to see how he adapts.

The Twins signed outfielder Josh Willingham to a three year, $21 million deal.  Of course this came in light of Michael Cuddyer signing with the Rockies and he was paid $30.5 million so there’s some savings there.

Willingham had a career for the Athletics last year.  He belted 29 home runs and drove in 98.  His strikeouts were up but he also walked 56 times.  This is a guy who’s had an OPS+ of 115 or more in the past six seasons.  Durability is a concern though and he’s never played more then 145 games and the past four seasons, he’s played in 136, 114, 133 and 102.  When he’s healthy, he’s good but there’s always the chance he’s going to be out of the lineup for a few weeks at a time during the season.