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Twins Have Plenty Of Holes To Fill In Free Agency

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins have plenty of holes to fill when the free-agent market opens.

The exclusive negotiating period ends when the clock strikes midnight Thursday on the East Coast and free agents then can negotiate with all teams. The Twins have needs in the starting rotation, the bullpen and at shortstop as they try to rebound from a 99-loss season.

General manager Bill Smith has said the team's $115 million payroll likely will come down just a touch, which means the likelihood of making a major splash in free agency is not very high.

The Twins will have to make some decisions on their own free agents as well. Outfielders Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel and closer Joe Nathan are hitting the open market.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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