Winter Meetings Monday Afternoon Update

4:57pm

The latest rumor has Matt Capps all but re-signing with the Twins, which means it may just be a matter of time until it's official. While I agree with Nick Nelson, who says it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, it's also not the most reasonable choice considering the relievers available on the market, and the draft pick.

Of course, Capps may sign for one year and $750,000. Those would certainly be mitigating circumstances.

Update, 3:25pm

The Twins are one of five teams interested in Carlos Guillen? It's in spanish, but it's pretty clear.

Update, 3:07pm

Per Jerry Crasnick, the Rays "are making a serious run" at Willingham. If he goes off the market and then Cuddyer decides to go elsewhere, what's Minnesota's third option? Finding two outfielders with strong splits might be the best alternative. Guys like Cody Ross or Jonny Gomes, and even Jason Kubel, might be good, less expensive routes.

Update, 1:12pm

Per Jayson Stark, the Twins have spoken to the Rangers about David Murphy. That's interesting. Ken Rosenthal followed that up quickly, saying "Rangers reluctant to compromise outfield depth".

With the meetings in full swing, we've got our first wild rumors of the day!

• Tim Dierkes at MLB Trade Rumors says that the Twins view outfielder Josh Willingham as a backup plan for Michael Cuddyer. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN says that the Twins have called, but Phil Mackey of local ESPN affiliate 1500 AM says that "no meeting is set up" and "nothing is brewing". Our own Bobomojo compared Willingham, Cuddyer, and Jason Kubel last month, and found that Willingham might be a good way to replace both of them in one fell swoop. As Jesse pointed out, the Twins would have to give up a draft pick to sign him, as he's a Type A free agent, but he might be worth the pick. A right-handed hitter, he's played both left and right field, has a career 121 OPS+, and has hit 20 or more home runs in every season he played more than 130 games.
• La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune, however, says that the current speculation is that Cuddyer is on his way back to Minnesota. It seems pretty clear that the Twins want to get Cuddyer to give a thumbs up or down as soon as possible - they seem to feel like they have the cash to either sign Cuddyer and a bunch of little fish, or to ignore Cuddyer and sign someone else.
• Then again, John Shipley of the Pioneer Press can't even find the Twins.
• Neal also reports that on Santo has been elected to the Hall of Fame by the so-called Golden Era Committee, but that former Twins Jim Kaat and Tony Oliva fell short
• Parker Hageman at Twins Centric did a nice job of breaking down potential target Edwin Jackson.
• The Marlins are meeting with Albert Pujols's agent later today, says Buster Olney of ESPN. The mind boggles.