Two months ago, Matt Capps looked like a goner. But today, the Twins and the free agent closer have agreed on a one year deal worth $4.5 million with a $6 million option for a second year. The deal was first reported by SI.com's Jon Heyman via twitter. Capps was acquired by the Twins in July of 2010 for Wilson Ramos and was very successful (16 saves, 2.00 ERA, 1.185 WHIP in 27 games) in the process. But 2011 saw him have a nose dive in all his numbers (15 saves, 9 blown saves, 4.25 ERA in 69 games), and was ultimately removed from the closers role in favor of Joe Nathan.
Capps' effort in 2011, lost him favor with many Twins fans. In fact, he was often booed off the field late in the season because he just could not get people out. But, as we found out, he was pitching hurt during a good portion of the season, and that would explain for his struggles. But, he has to learn he is more valuable to us healthy than hurt but trying to pitch through it.
I am in favor of this move. Yes, we could of let him move on with another team and get a draft pick. But, he will probably come at a cheaper price than other closers would (Hopefully), and he is due to bounce back. The other day during a fan forum with season ticket holders, GM Terry Ryan sighted how relievers have rough stretches (using examples of Matt Guerrier in '08 and Jesse Crain in '09) and can bounce back because the team believed they had the right stuff to do so. And that is obviously the same case with Matt Capps. Let's just hope Ryan and company are right.
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