Love him or hate him, Jamey Carroll will compete for Twins' starting shortstop job

The Twins made the signing of free-agent shortstop Jamey Carroll official on Wednesday. They gave him a two year deal worth $6.75-million with a mutual option for a third year. The transaction has been received with mixed emotions.

First off, Carroll's age has been receiving plenty of negative attention. The soon-to-be 38-year old says he takes good care of his body and doesn't feel as old as he is.

Carroll hit .290 in 146-games with the Dodgers last season. That's a major reason to be excited because any production like that in 2012 will be a huge improvement over Tsuyoshi Nishioka's miserable 2011 season.

The Star Tribune's Joe Christensen realizes Carroll is an upgrade offensively, but he believes the Twins overpaid for Carroll to potentially start at shortstop.

If Carroll ends up earning the starting shortstop job, which seems like a cinch, he could bridge the gap to Twins' minor league infielder Brian Dozier. Many believe Dozier is a rising star within the organization.