Michael Cuddyer

Major League Baseball free agency begins today and the Twins will focus on bringing back some of their own. The top target of the Twins appears to be rightfielder Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer made $10 Million last season and is expect to command $12 Million a season in free agency. The Twins' latest offer to Cuddyer was $8 Million a season.

Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer are or will be free agents. Who should the Twins have in right field next season?

Who should play Center Field next season for the Minnesota Twins?

The Royals handed the Twins this 99th loss this season Monday night when Kansas City rallied to beat the Twins 7-3. Minnesota led 3-1 in the 5th before Kansas City scored 4 runs in the 6th inning. Michael Cuddyer went 2-4 with a 2-run homerun, his 20th this season. Kevin Slowey started the game and allowed 10 hits and 5 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings to take the loss.

The Twins lost 7-3 to the Kansas City Royals Wednesday afternoon to get swept in 2 straight games. Michael Cuddyer went 2-3 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI, Danny Valencia had 2 hits and 1 RBI and Liam Hendriks threw 5 innings with 5 earned runs allowed to take the loss and drop to 0-2. Luke Hochevar allowed 2 earned runs in 6 innings to get the win.

We're looking at each position on the Minnesota Twins ball club to see where improvements are needed for the 2012 season. Today, we're examining first base.

The Baltimore Orioles beat the Twins 6-1 Wednesday night. The Twins have lost 4 straight games and are 55-74. Justin Morneau doubled in the lone Twins' run and Jason Kubel was 1-4 with a run scored. Minnesota managed just 6 hits. Kevin Slowey threw 4 2/3 innings with 7 hits and 5 earned runs allowed to take the loss and drop to 0-2. Jeremy Guthrie threw 7 innings with 1 earned run allowed to get the win.

The Twins defeated the Angels in Anaheim 11-4 Wednesday night. Minnesota knocked out 5 homeruns led by Michael Cuddyer with 2 homeruns and 5 RBIs. Cuddyer broke the 4-all tie in the 5th inning with a grand slam homerun. Delmon Young added 2 homeruns and 3 RBIs for the Twins and both Jason Kubel and Ben Revere each had 3 hits and 2 runs scored.

The Rangers scored early and often to beat the Twins 20-6 in Texas Monday night. Texas scored 3 runs in the first, 2nd and 3rd innings, 5 runs in the 4th and 4 more runs in the 5th. Nick Blackburn allowed 11 hits and 9 runs (6 earned) in 2 2/3 innings to take the loss and drop to 7-7.

Due to their injury filled and inconsistent first half, the Minnesota Twins only sent one player to the All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona. How fitting, though, for that player to be Michael Cuddyer.