

The Twins' quest for pitching was at full throttle on Monday at the winter meetings as they met with clubs and agents about players.

``We've had a number of discussions today on trades and free agents,'' Ryan said. ``We're serious. We're interested in securing some people to help us get better.''

Here are four pitchers I was told have attracted the Twins interest. The Twins met with agents for at least two of these four on Monday.

Logan Ondrusek, a righthander who was non-tendered by the Reds after posting a 5.49 ERA in 40 appearances last season. He posted a 3.45 ERA in his first three seasons with the Reds but it jumped over 4.00 in 2013 then 5.00 last season. Heard he could sign a minor league deal with an invite to camp.

Dustin McGowan, a righthander who was 5-3, 4.17 in 53 games (eight starts) with the Blue Jays last season. The 32 year old has made 158 appearances, 68 starts in his career. He had surgery in 2010 to repair a torn rotator cuff and more shoulder surgery in 2012.

John Axford, a righthander who once was Milwaukee's closer. Axford, 31, can throw with velocity but he's struggled to control whatever secondary pitch he's tried to throw. He had a 3.95 ERA in 62 games between Cleveland and Pittsburgh last season. He averaged 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings - but 5.9 walks per nine innings.

Alexi Ogando, a righthander who was non-tendered by Texas. Ogando battled elbow problems in 2013 and was shut down after 27 games and a 6.84 ERA last season. He never had surgery, opting for rehab. He was cleared to pitch in winter ball but declined, forcing the Rangers to non-tender him. He has indicated that he prefers starting over relieving.

COLABELLO GONE

The Twins lost Chris Colabello to Toronto on waivers. Ryan said the Twins expected a club to claim Colabello, who was fabulous for the first 20 games of the season before falling apart. He tried to play with a thumb injury that affected his production, and he never recovered. A great guy with a great story is headed to Canada. But now the Twins have a spot open on their 40-man roster. They can select someone in the Rule 5 draft on Thursday or - gasp - make a trade or sign a free agent this week.

RYAN STAYING PUT

Ryan said that he has no interest in being president of the Blue Jays, as a report had him linked to the club. Ryan spoke to his staff on Sunday night, telling them he had no intention of leaving as long as he's wanted. ``My heart is with the Minnesota Twins,'' he told reporters on Tuesday.

Dan Duquette and Kenny Williams have been linked to the job too, but Williams told reporter he's not leaving the White Sox.

Ryan wouldn't say that he plans on never leaving the Twins.

``I wouldn't say never,'' he said. ``If the Pohlad family and Dave St. Peter decided I was no longer the guy here and I wanted to work, that's a different story.''

A Twins official texted me, ``no chance,'' when I inquired about Ryan going to Toronto.

GARDY GONE...AND STAYING PUT

Ryan said that he's spoken with Ron Gardenhire recently, and he's getting the sense that Gardenhire would prefer to take a year off than accept a role in the Twins organization in 2015.

``I don't think he's made a final decision but I get the impression that he may want to take the year off,'' Ryan said. ``I don't want to speak for him, but we've talked. He knows we would welcome him. I've issued that invitation to him. But I also know he hasn't had a summer off in about 35 years.''

The invitation remains open for Gardenhire if he wants to help. He could evaluate or help teach players or young managers and coaches.

Will try to post some of Paul Molitor's press conference tomorrow morning to get your Tuesday going.

Time to work the lobby...have a good night.