A difference of opinion on Jose Mijares

Jose Mjares: Going
to Kansas City

About a week ago, the Twins, who have had the sometimes dubious pleasures of having Jose Mijares on their roster for the past three-plus seasons, non-tendered  the arbitration-eligible lefty specialist  rather than pay him an estimated $750,000 to return in 2012.

On Wednesday, the Kansas City Royals, having scouted Mijares hard in the Venezuelan winter league, signed the portly portsider to a $925,000 contract.

Mijares figures to be the Royals' No. 2 lefty, behind Tim Collins, a diminutive fireballer who has some command issues. In Minnesota, he appeared to be behind not only Glen Perkins but also Brian Duensing, who appears almost certain to shift from the starting rotation to relief work.

Mijares was a very effective LOOGY -- Left-handed One Out GuY -- in 2009 and 2010, much less so in 2011. The Twins hope to have a very left-handed lineup again in 2012 (that would suggest that Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Denard Span are all healthy).  Considering how often the Twins and Royals play, Mijares will get plenty of opportunity to test his LOOGY skills against his old mates.

Say, do you suppose Mauer will be looking for his slider?