Get To Know Your September Call-Ups

By TwinsWin83

It’s no secret (especially to anyone who has read AH! over the past few weeks) that the Twins 2007 campaign has gone less than ideal. There are few positives to a season that unraveled like this one did for the Twinkies, but when a team is this far removed from the race in September there are other aspects of the game fans can focus on.

As September arrives so do expanded rosters and the best players each teams minor league affiliates have to offer find themselves in “The Show.” Because of the Twins situation some of those call-ups will actually get a chance to play regularly and prove they can compete in the Majors as they jockey for a shot at making next year’s team out of spring training. So with little else to enjoy during this final month of the regular season check out some of the new talent the Twins organization has to offer as they get their chance to play throughout September. Here’s a look at a couple of the newbies:


Nick Blackburn- Pitcher R/R- This 24-year-old right-hander from Oklahoma had a very successful season in '07, going 10-4 with a 2.36 ERA over 24 starts between AA New Britain and AAA Rochester. With Liriano hopefully returning to the rotation next season most feel the Twins are set when it comes to starting pitchers in 2008. History has taught us, however, that when so many young arms (Bonser, Baker, Garza, Slowey and Liriano) are responsible for such a large chunk of a team’s innings there will almost undoubtedly be some inconsistencies down the line. If Blackburn continues to throw like he did this year there is no reason to think he wouldn’t get a chance next season if one or more young arms run into trouble.


Jose Morales- Catcher S/R- This September call-up is 24, from Puerto Rico and was a 3rd round pick of the Twins in 2001. The Twins might be set at the catcher position next year with Joe Mauer and Mike Redmond both returning but this kid swings a good stick and could be the future if the Twins decide to move Mauer out from behind the plate. In 108 games at Rochester this season Morales batted .311 with 2 home runs and 37 RBI’s, a big improvement from last year when he only batted .211 for New Britain. He made his MLB debut Saturday in Chicago and went 3 for 3 before spraining his ankle. His '07 season might be finished but Morales could be a big part of the Twins future.


Brian Buscher-Infield L/R- Buscher might be a little bit more familiar to some Twins fans as he has seen some significant playing time over the last couple weeks. The young third baseman from Jacksonville, FL was San Francisco’s 3rd Round Selection in 2003 out of South Carolina where he led his team to the College World Series. Buscher batted .311 in 40 games with Rochester and preformed just as well with New Britain before that hitting at a .309 clip. He had 14 homeruns in the minors this season and seems to provide a bit more pop then the Twins regular third basemen this year. He does not provide the rock solid defense at the hot corner that Punto does but with some work and game experience he could be an overall upgrade at the position. Since his call up Buscher has hit two home runs, both on the road and both against division rivals.


Garrett Jones-Outfielder L/L- Jones was drafted by Atlanta way back in 1999 straight out of high school, and is the oldest in this group at 26. He signed with the Twins as a free agent in 2002 and batted .280 with 13 home runs and 70 RBI’s in 108 games at Rochester this season. His 13 dingers led the Red Wings and the big lefty has shown some signs of power in the minors but nothing consistently like the Twins desperately need from a regular outfielder. With Hunter likely gone after this year only one spot in the Twins outfield is filled for next season with Cuddyer in right (Kubel could lock down left if his knees heal well this offseason). So, barring a big trade or free agent signing, Jones could factor into the equation somewhere for the Twins next season if he can make some strides in the field and at the plate between now and then.


Denard Span-Outfielder L/L- A 23 year old outfielder from Tampa, Span was the Twins 1st round selection in 2002 (20th overall). There has been high hopes for Span ever since and he was even touted as Torii Hunter’s possible replacement in center field once he exits stage left this offseason to the top bidder. Span has been slow to develop, however. In 139 games this season for Rochester he batted .267 with 3 home runs and 55 RBI’s while stealing 25 bases. Span is on the teams 40 man roster but has not officially been a September call-up yet. It’s hard to replace Hunter’s gold glove, 30 homers and 100 plus RBI’s with an unproven rookie that has little power but that might be the route the Twins have to take as soon as next season.