Twins Breakdown: Grading Offseason Acquisitions

Jun 8, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres reliever Tim Stauffer (46) delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park. The Nationals defeated the Padres 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Stauffer (1 year/$2.2 million)

After nine major league seasons in the National League with the San Diego Padres, it became time for Stauffer to flip-flop leagues. Minnesota scooped up the reliever on a one year deal. Although he has pitched out of the rotation as well, it appears that Stauffer is best suited for the Twins bullpen.

Entering his age 33 season, Stauffer has pitched well the past two seasons. His 3.63 ERA across 87 games (and three starts), is backed by an 8.8 K/9 as well as a 2.9 BB/9 ratio. While he isn’t going to come out of the bullpen and blow the ball by hitters, Stauffer appears to be a capable long relief man, and should be an asset to the Twins.

After the Twins allowed Anthony Swarzak to walk this offseason, his former role out of the pen was left vacant. Stauffer appears to fit the bill perfectly, and is an upgrade over a guy who threw to the tune of a 4.60 ERA for the Twins a season ago.

Grade: B+