Twins Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel, Joe Nathan and Matt Capps are up for grabs this off-season. Team General Manager Bill Smith says those players have earned the right to see what they can earn on the open market.

The Twins have declined Joe Nathan’s $12.5 million dollar option for 2012, and will buy out his contract for $2 million. Twins General Manger Bill Smith says he still has an interest in re-signing Nathan, who now becomes a free agent.

There are plenty of new faces in the Twins' clubhouse this season. The likes of Joe Nathan, Michael Cuddyer, Jason Kubel and Jim Thome are gone, meaning a lot of players are adjusting to new faces and new leaders.

Matt Capps struggled through much of last season with the Twins, but that doesn't mean Minnesota doesn't want him back. Capps, a free-agent, could return to the Twins if he's given the closer role. Capps' agent, Paul Kinzer says the Twins valued Capps' toughness.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan says it would be "unrealistic" to think that both Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel will be back with the Twins next season. Ryan expects talks between the Twins and Cuddyer and his agent to resume Thursday, or sometime in the near future.

Star Tribune blogger Michael Rand examines the Twins opening day roster. Bottom line? There's a reason the club is 14 games under .500 on May 10.

Now that Joe Nathan isn't closing games in Minnesota, the Twins have to find a reliable closer for the 2012 season. As of now, Matt Capps looks like the top choice to fill Nathan's void.

The Twins are expected to offer arbitration to free-agent outfielders Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel today. Both players are expected to decline the offer, but they can still sign with Minnesota. Offering arbitration assures the Twins draft pick compensation if either player signs with another team.