Early Offseason Rumors

* Unsurprisingly, the Twins were listed by Ken Rosenthal as one team that has shown preliminary interest in Torii Hunter. The past history, and Minnesota's need for a corner outfielder who can help mentor the youngsters, make it easy to see why they would pursue him.

Hunter has stated publicly that he plans to play in 2015, even though he'll be turning 40 in July. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowsky declared that he "probably won't re-sign Torii," so the veteran will almost certainly be playing elsewhere next year.

But considering that he's near the end of his career, Hunter is likely to latch on with a team that has a better shot at contending than the Twins. That's probably just as well, since this club needs defensive help in the outfield and at this point Hunter doesn't really provide that.

* Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN reported over the weekend that the Twins have inquired about Justin Masterson. Although he's coming off a rough season, Masterson is only 29 and was excellent in 2011 and 2013. He was the starter we suggested signing in our blueprint for the Offseason Handbook, and was the top name on a list of buy-low starter candidates published here last week.

Needless to say, I'm glad to hear that Ryan and the Twins are at least moving quickly to get on his radar. Whether or not they sign him, Masterson fits the profile that Minnesota should be targeting: a youngish guy who won't require a long commitment and offers a realistic chance of being more than a fourth or fifth starter.

* Wolfson also put out Alex Rios as a name worth watching with the Twins seeking a right-handed bat for the outfield. Rios is preferable to Hunter, as he's much younger and offers more in the speed and defense departments.

As a righty with pull power, Rios seems like a nice fit for Target Field and for the Twins. But his production has been inconsistent and he's almost 34, so it'd be tough to justify a multi-year deal, especially for a risk-averse GM like Ryan. Who's to say Rios will be a better option a year from now than someone like Eddie Rosario, or Aaron Hicks, or even Trevor Plouffe?

Ultimately, the length of Rios' desired deal could be a stumbling block.