Minnesota Twins look to retain Scott Baker for 2013 – MLB News
The Minnesota Twins have shown keen interest in retaining right-handed pitcher Scott Baker. General Manager Terry Ryan said that the team would like to keep him during an interview on Tuesday. Earlier it was thought that the injury will mean the end of the
road for the pitcher with the Twins. Baker missed the complete 2012 Major League season due to elbow surgery.
Both sides have shown interest in continuing the seven season long association into 2013. A $9-million dollar club option is held by the Twins on Scott for the upcoming season. His original contract was for four years, worth $15.25-million. It is possible
that they may not be exercising the club option, thus making him a free agent.
A new contract with less salary and more incentives is also on the cards. The pitcher had earlier said, "I'd like to be back. I mean, I know there's other great organisations out there, but this is all I know. I've been here, and I've enjoyed my time here,
my family likes it here. There haven't been any talks yet, but I've let them know that I'm definitely open to hearing what they have to say.”
The 31-year-old understands the possibilities in the current scenario as he said, “Whether they choose to pick up the option or not, that's up to them. It's something that I'd definitely be interested in at least listening to what they have to say for sure."
The pitcher is confident that he will back to the pitching mound by late December or early January and should be able to fully participate in Spring Training. Baker was drafted by the Twins in 2003 in amateur entry draft. He made his Major League debut in
May 2005 for the Twins against the Tampa Bay Rays. He currently has a 63-48 win-loss record in 163 games that he has played.
Minnesota Twins are also looking to add young pitchers to the team for the upcoming season. Liam Hendriks has been performing quite well in the Minor Leagues but may not be considered a first choice when it comes to picking up young blood for the 2013 season.
The pitching issue is an important one for the Twins at the moment as they have Scott Diamond as their only starting pitcher in their next year’s rotation.
Now is a good time for the new Twins’ coaching staff to get some good pitchers on board for the upcoming season. Pitching coach Rick Anderson and bullpen coach Bobby Cuellar will be looking to work hard with the resources at their disposal as pitching will
play a crucial part in arresting the slide and moving the team forward in 2013.
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