Baseball Rundown: The Twins bid for Tsuyoshi Nishioka
Major League Baseball is bustling with activity these days and there is nothing less to expect from the off-season period, which is heading into December in a day. The free agency is booming with action, at the moment, and as teams look on to strengthen their squads, many ball clubs are finding ways to add quality to their positions in the field.
The Minnesota Twins have been actively pursuing the Japanese infielder, Tsuyoshi Nishioka. The Lotte Marines’ player has been the cause for much activity, in the rumors circle. The twenty-six-year-old shortstop switch hitter made the headlines, when he pushed his side, to the Japan Series title and now he is one of the most sought-out players in Major League Baseball. The Twins move for the Japanese native points, at a reformation taking place in the in-fielding circuit. Minnesota has been at their best in the regular league. Nevertheless, they have failed miserably in post-seasons, which have come through in recent years.
The Twins are focusing to add more speed to the ball-club and Nishioka is one player, who has the potential to do the best job, when it comes to fielding and stealing bases. Twins vice
President, Bill Smith and manager Ron Gardenhire, have made it clear that the change will have to come. However the outfield isn’t expected to change, which leaves the infield in question.One of the developing stories in Minnesota has been of, Orlando Hudson’s stance, on continuing with the Twins. He was offered arbitration recently and there is a belief that the second baseman will not continue further, with the side. The team is hoping to see the player decline the offer and open the room for two, first round draft picks, in 2011.On the other hand, there is J. J. Hardy, who is expected to be offered a contract for the next season. The Twins will be tendering contracts for the coming year and the player at the moment is a non-tender candidate. His influence on shortstop was limited to 101 appearances, which came in an injury rendered season. His pay will go up by $5.1 million, if he continues on.
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