Gauging Twins’ interest in Willingham

DALLAS — The Twins’ top priority remains signing Michael Cuddyer, but the club does have interest in free-agent outfielder Josh Willingham as a backup plan, a source confirmed on Monday.

There is nothing imminent between the Twins and Willingham, but the the Twins and Willingham’s agent, Matt Sosnick, are tentatively scheduled to meet face-to-face on Thursday if the club doesn’t reach a deal with Cuddyer, according to the source.

Willingham, 32, hit .246/.332/.477 last season with a career-high 29 homers and 98 RBIs in 136 games with the A’s.

It was reported earlier this morning that nine teams, including the Twins, Indians, Red Sox, Reds and Pirates have called on Willingham.

I’ll have more once we meet with Twins general manager Terry Ryan at 4:30 p.m. today.