Correia signs, adds rotation depth

The Twins finally landed a free agent starting pitcher, as right-hander, Kevin Correia, 32, pulled the trigger and signed a two-year, $10 million contract. The signing is fair and reasonable on both ends, and perhaps at the low end of what he was predicted to sign for at this point in the offseason. Once again, the Twins find themselves scooping up a wayward Pirate, reuniting him for former catcher, Ryan Doumit, along with a growing list that includes bullpen hopeful, Tim Wood.

For the Twins, it provides them with a veteran ground-ball pitcher that can admirably serve as a #4 or #5 starter, and also has had career success in the bullpen. On the surface, he seems a bit like Kevin Slowey before he turned sour, only with much more adaptability. With the Pirates over the past two seasons, he averaged two fewer strikeouts and one fewer walk per 9 innings, as compared to 2009-10 with the Padres. His overall effectiveness appears consistent of those four years, as a .500 pitcher with around a 4.50 ERA; in essence, the definition of “average” by Major League standards.

This sudden change in strikeouts/walks could be a sign of diminished stuff and added savvy, or perhaps due to a change in coaching philosophy between the two teams. At 32, he should still be at a physical prime, and although the switch to the American League can be somewhat dubious for pitchers, he should also have a better offense behind him than he saw in Pittsburgh or San Diego.

The Twins may have preferred Brandon McCarthy, who signed with the Diamondbacks for two years at $15.5 million, but Correia again comes at a very fair price and likely signed with the Twins because he wanted the opportunity to be a leader. The Twins were also wanting a two-year man, while other teams may have been more likely to offer only one season.

Now, with Scott Diamond, Vance Worley and Correia, the Twins only have two rotation more spots to fill. Agents for second-tier pitchers such as Mike Pelfrey, John Lannon, Carlos Villaneva and others may be dismayed to see potentially lucrative Twins' offers dwindle down to one-year or spring training invitee status.

With a large crop of pitchers including Liam Henriks, Cole DeVries, Kyle Gibson, Nick Blackburn, Sam Deduno and PJ Walters all competing for roster spots, don’t expect the Twins to sign another starting pitcher to a long-term deal unless they ante up for Anibal Sanchez, Shaun Marcum or a potential ace. If the Twins are to sign another starter for guaranteed money, it will likely be a one-year gig with perhaps a club option. Joe Saunders would seem the be the best fit, although Brett Myers’ versatility and Francisco Liriano’s occasional dominance could entice the Twins as well.

At this point, Correia serves the role of the back-end rotation veteran, and it wouldn't seem necessary to sign another similar pitcher unless it was on the bargain rack. What the Twins need is an ace, and they have money to spend.