Pavano, Putz file for free agency

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Twins pick up Cuddyer's option

The Minnesota Twins have picked up outfielder Michael Cuddyer's $10.5 million option for 2011.

Cuddyer hit a career-high 32 home runs to lead the team. He also had 94 RBIs and was sixth in the American League with 73 extra-base hits.

When slugger Justin Morneau went out with a back injury in September, Cuddyer moved from right field to first base. He hit .352 with seven homers and 22 RBIs in the next 19 games as the Twins leapfrogged the Tigers and won the AL Central title.

White Sox agree to terms with reliever Putz

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million contract with right-handed reliever J.J. Putz.

The 32-year-old Putz spent 2009 with the Mets but had his season cut short by arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow on June 9. In 29 relief outings, Putz was 1-4 with a 5.22 earned run average and two saves. He struck out 19 batters and walked an equal amount over 29 1/3 innings.

Putz's first six years of MLB service came with the Mariners where he was the team's full-time closer from 2006-08. He saved 91 games over that span and has 103 career saves with a 3.24 ERA and 23-19 record for Seattle and New York in 337 appearances.

Mets bullpen impresses

No threats, no frets. That new Mets bullpen sure looked good the first time out.

Francisco Rodriguez and his fellow relievers protected a slim lead for Johan Santana, and New York held on Monday for a 2-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. ... On a raw, cold afternoon, New York's rebuilt bullpen was nearly perfect.

The Mets are known for their meltdowns the past two seasons, blowing division leads in September. They tried to fix their biggest problem -- the balky bullpen -- by signing Rodriguez and trading for J.J. Putz at the winter meetings.

Major league baseball get into full swing today

Ken Griffey Jr. swinging again for Seattle, K-Rod now closing for the New York Mets. A championship rematch at Fenway Park, a new start for CC Sabathia.

A year after the Tampa Bay Rays proved almost anything is possible, opening day brings renewed spirit all over baseball -- plus worries of more empty seats.

Even after finishing with a majors-worst 102 losses last year and then losing their general manager in a scandal this spring, the Washington Nationals were eager to get going.

Twins designate Bonser for assignment

The Minnesota Twins have designated right-handed pitcher Boof Bonser for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Carl Pavano.

Pavano accepted arbitration from the Twins on Monday.

Bonser missed all of last season recovering from surgery to repair tears in his labrum and rotator cuff of his pitching shoulder.