The speculation of the weekend culminated in Monday's official announcement by the Twins that they have signed Joe Nathan through 2011 with a team option for 2012. For a team who's recent history has been to let star players go when they enter their most expensive years, this should come as a pleasant surprise. It's really hard to get too upset over this; every fan wants their team to retain its best players.

Until a few days ago, I didn't think the Twins were going to do it. Now that it has happened I'm left wondering why they did it. It's clear that the club is targeting 2010 to be competitive again. If that's the case, why pay nearly $12 million a year to a guy who will pitch 70 innings for a club that isn't in a position to compete? Maybe in 2010 we'll be happy we have him, but surely by then the team could have developed or discovered a decent enough closer? At the very least, if desperate, they could pay a free agent $12 million+ to fill the void. One notable aspect to this trade is that it contains only a very limited no-trade clause. Nathan has the right to refuse trades to just three teams.

Even with the stench of this being a PR move in the air, I'll try to look at it positively, for my own sanity. Maybe, following the signings of Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer, this is a sign of a new direction for the franchise as they near the opening of a new ballpark. One notable aspect to this trade is that it contains only a very limited no-trade clause. Nathan has the right to refuse trades to just three teams.

Roster Cuts

The Twins also optioned four players to AAA, pretty much telling us what the opening day roster will look like. Most notably were the demotions of Denard Span and Jason Pridie, solidifying Carlos Gomez as the starting CF on opening day. Gomez had the edge coming into spring training and after struggling early he was able to get his bat going well enough to allow the Twins to make the decision they did. It still could be a rocky start for the potential star center fielder as he continues to learn how to hit in the big leagues.

Brian Buscher was the other hitter that was optioned to AAA. The move means that Matt Tolbert will make the team as an additional utility player with the other being Nick Punto or Brendan Harris, depending on who gets the most time at 2B.

On the pitching side, it was Phillip Humber that was sent packing, opening the door for Brian Bass to make the 12-man pitching staff. Although Francisco Liriano remains in camp and will get one more start on Friday, he's expected to get some work in AAA before returning to the majors. The rotation will probably consist of:

1. Livan Hernandez
2. Boof Bonser
3. Kevin Slowey
4. Scott Baker
5. Nick Blackburn

It's likely one of those five will falter early on, opening the door for Liriano, assuming all goes well in Rochester.

The Twins' lineup, as presented by Joe C:

1. Carlos Gomez, CF
2. Joe Mauer, C
3. Michael Cuddyer, RF
4. Justin Morneau, 1B
5. Delmon Young, LF
6. Craig Monroe/Jason Kubel, DH
7. Brendan Harris, 2B
8. Mike Lamb, 3B
9. Adam Everett, SS

That's potentially 2/3rds of the lineup that wasn't in the Twins organization (at any level) last year. It should be fun to watch.