MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- After losing two members of their bullpen this winter, the Minnesota Twins took a step toward restocking it Monday by signing righthander Mike Fetters to a minor league contract and inviting him to spring training.
With Bob Wells and Mike Jackson not being offered contracts for the 2003 season, the 38-year-old Fetters would add experience to a bullpen consisting of closer Eddie Guardado, righthander LaTroy Hawkins and lefthander J.C. Romero.
A veteran of 12 major league seasons, Fetters began the 2002 campaign with Pittsburgh before being dealt to Arizona last July. In 65 combined relief appearances, the journeyman went 3-3 with a 4.09 ERA.
After beginning his career with the California Angels in 1989, Fetters also has pitched for Milwaukee, Oakland, Baltimore and Los Angeles. In 592 career games, including six starts, he owns a 31-40 record with 99 saves and a 3.76 ERA.
The bullpen was a major reason why the Twins coasted to the American League Central Division crown last season.
