Perkins

A few days ago I talked about Eric Decker leaving Denver for possibly a bit more money, and choosing a worse situation to do it.

The flip side?

Glen Perkins. Perkins has been around long enough to be recognized as one of the league's best closers. He's also been around long enough to demand top dollar. So what's he do? With a full year left on his contract, he negotiates a new deal to stay in Minnesota for FOUR more seasons at reduced rate, just because he LIKES IT HERE. He'll end up making an average of not even 6 million a year for the length of the contract.

By comparison, we lost Joe Nathan under similar circumstances, because we weren't willing to pay him double of what Perkins is asking. I'm the first to admit that when we decided to KEEP Perkins a few seasons back, I was one of his worst detractors, but in the closer role he has shined.

I just hope that the Twins will not trade him now. Bad teams really don't need great closers, but they could use that great contract as a bargaining negotiation to trade him. Loyalty works both ways. I hope the Twins see that and keep him. It's not like he's going to cost them much to hold onto him.

Perkins is a Minnesota native. He wants to stay. He proved that with his new contract.

Way to go Perkins! Minnesota needs more athletes like you.

Do you hear me Mauer? I'm talking to you.