Twins Sign Flame-Throwing Closer Fernando Rodney; Never Offered Kintzler

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Dec 14, 2017
American League pitcher Fernando Rodney, of the Seattle Mariners, reacts after striking out National League's Daniel Murphy, of the New York Mets, to end the eighth inning of the MLB All-Star baseball game, Tuesday, July 15, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

A day after signing Michael Pineda…. for 2019, the Twins were back at it again on Thursday, this time, for 2018. Minnesota has agreed to a one year deal with right-handed reliever, Fernando Rodney.

The rich get richer. The middle class gets a little wealthier. Bolstering the bullpen is one of Falvey and Levine’s top off-season priorities. There were rumors that our closer for part of 2016, Brandon Kintzler, would make his return to Twins Territory. Those rumors were put to bed when Kintzler agreed to terms with the Nationals on Wednesday.

Contract:
The 40 year-old Rodney will make $4.5 million next season. If he hits incentives, that number will max out at $6 million. Minnesota has a team-option to renew that agreement for the 2019 season. For comparison purposes, Kintzler’s two-year deal with the Nationals is for 2 years/$10 million (+ incentives).

Who is Fernando Rodney:
The 3x All Star has been in the majors since 2002. After spending his first eight years in Detroit, Rodney has bounced around to eight different teams (including MN). He spent all of the 2017 campaign pitching for the Diamondbacks. Over his 61 appearances with Arizona (55.1 innings pitched), he compiled an ERA of 4.23 and chalked-up 65 strikeouts.

Joe Nathan blowing his mouth like a horse on the mound was great entertainment. Although Rodney isn’t near the twitcher that Nathan was, he’ll still be fun to watch. If he can perform to his expectations, the fans will adore him. Between the sideways hat, gold chain, and shooting an imaginary arrow to celebrate, what’s not to love?

 

What will Rodney’s role be in MN?
The man with exactly 300 career saves registered 39 of them last season. I’m not Paul Molitor, but you’d anticipate he starts the season in the closer role. A few days ago, Thad Levine suggested that the Twins closer of the future was already on their roster. TwinkieTown.com believes that our GM was referring to Trevor Hildenberger.

However, Hildenberger only has 1 career save. A whole 299 less than Rodney. This game plan seems to make sense:

As Antonio Browns says, “I like that.” It’s not like we traded for Giancarlo Stanton or something, but it’s highly encouraging to see Minnesota is at-least active this offseason.

Who’s next?

Unlike the Kinztler scenario, the Yu Darvish rumors are still very much alive. Let’s go Chris Gimenez! ALWAYS BE CLOSING:

As is tradition when we talk Darvish, CUE THE MUSIC:

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com

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