Expect Kubel back for 2011

Minnesota Twins outfielder/DH Jason Kubel is having a bit of a down year, but that won’t keep the Twins from picking up his $5.25 million option next year.

According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLBTradeRumors.com, “it seems likely that he’ll return to Minneapolis for another season.”

Now if you are a Twins’ fan, this is hardly a surprise.  Chances are, especially by the way it has been worded, the report is pure speculation by Nicholson-Smith.

The Twins do have outfielders Delmon Young, Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer under team control for next season but this year is a perfect example of needing depth when first baseman Justin Morneau went down with a concussion injury prompting Cuddyer to move to first base.  Adding DH Jim Thome to the mix and the Twins hardly lost a step.

Speaking of Thome, the Twins have expressed interest in bringing him back.  Thome has shown that he can play well, especially in limited playing time.

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