FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Tyler Kinley started spring training knowing he had a tough task to make Minnesota's roster.The 27-year-old right-handed reliever has been throwing hard to try to fulfill his goal of making the major leagues, and that happens to be his greatest asset.Because Kinley was selected from Miami in the winter meeting draft, he must be offered back to the Marlins if the Twins don't keep him in the majors."I really try not to think about it. I try to just think about preparing myself the best I can and trying to go out and execute that plan," Kinley said. "Just to establish myself as a reliable bullpen arm, not only to the coaching staff and front office's eyes, but to the players as well. Gain everyone's trust and gain everyone's respect."The radar gun can accomplish some of that. He consistently touches the upper 90s mph, presenting the type of power arm the Twins have long been in short supply of in their bullpen.Selected by the Marlins in the 16th round of the 2013 amateur... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — The Minnesota Twins signed Fernando Rodney to be their closer, bringing his 300 career saves to a bullpen that's needed a boost for several seasons.In an age when ninth-inning use isn't necessarily for a team's best reliever anymore, Addison Reed might have been the more valuable addition."There's no question he wants to find his way into the biggest situations of the game that lead you to your closer," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "He knows it might not always be the eighth inning. He's more than open to do it. He's got a nice resume which includes a fair amount of saves, and he's more than capable, but to hear him talk about how important those things are to him is more than refreshing."The last four World Series participants, starting with defending champion Houston last fall, have provided a prime-time snapshot of the importance of having multiple hard throwers capable of commanding high-leverage situations once the starting pitcher is removed. That can start... [More]