Twins Decline $6 Million Option on Matt Capps And The Phillies Need Bullpen Help

This afternoon, the Minnesota Twins declined the $6 million club-option for right-handed relief pitcher Matt Capps (2012: 1-4, 3.68 ERA). 

Capps spent time on the DL twice this season due to right shoulder inflammation while recording 14 saves in 15 opportunities in 30 games in 2012. Over his eight-year career, Capps has recorded 138 career saves. His career best season was in 2010 when he combined for 42  saves between the Washington Nationals and Twins in 2010. Capps was traded mid-season. After a poor 2011 season, the Twins re-signed him to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million and $250,000 buyout of his 2013 option.

It seems like they're forking over $250,000. Matt Capps will become a free-agent this offseason.

So with Matt Capps on the free agent market, it leads me to believe that the Phillies will show interest in the 29 year-old closer. The Phillies need the bullpen help dearly, as they have allowed RHP David Herndon and RHP Tyson Brummet to both be claimed off of waivers by Toronto.

With the bullpen posting a 3.94 ERA (21st in the league) this season, improvement is the main goal. The Phillies could use another right-hander, but could also get a few lefties as well. We'll see what Rube has up his sleeve.

Erik is a writer for Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeybold.