Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Minnesota Twins Holding Tryout Camp at New Britain Stadium

New Britain Rock Cats Press Release



New Britain, CT - The American League's Minnesota Twins - in partnership with their Double-A, Eastern League affiliate, the New Britain Rock Cats - announced today that they will conduct an Tryout Camp for aspiring baseball players at New Britain Stadium on Saturday morning, July 19th. The tryout, which is available to players from ages 15 - 22 years, will run from 8:30 AM (registration) to approximately 1:00 PM. Professional scouts from the Minnesota organization - led by Twins' Area Scout Jay Weitzel - will be at the Stadium to meet, greet, and evaluate those players invited to appear to showcase their baseball skills. Position players will be asked to show their talents in hitting, fielding, running, and throwing; Pitchers will be invited to toss approximately 20 of their best offerings in the Rock Cats' bullpen. The actual length of this Open Tryout Camp will be determined by the number of participants who appear on the 19th.

All players wishing to participate in this by-invitation Tryout should contact Bob Dowling of the Rock Cats (860-224-8383) with a brief summary of their baseball experience. That information will be passed along to the Twins' evaluators for review and any subsequent action.

Those who do participate should enter the Main Gate of New Britain Stadium by 8:30 AM in uniform, with their own glove, bat and spikes. All potential participants who are current members of an American Legion team will need written permission from their coaches to take part.

In the last three years, two current American League All-Stars, Catcher Joe Mauer and 1B Justin Morneau, played for the Rock Cats on this very diamond. You could be next!




Steedley Heading to Florida; Martin to Beloit

Beloit Snappers Press Release

Spencer Steedley's tenure as a Beloit Snapper has come to an end, as the left-hander has been promoted to the Twins' High-A Affiliate Fort Myers Miracle. Along with Steedley's promotion, the Twins have sent left-handed pitcher Blake Martin to the Snappers to fill Spencer's slot on the roster.

In 31 appearances this season, Steedley was 5-3 with a 2.14 ERA. Spencer struck out 59 batters while walking just 17. The left-hander also sported a 1.12 WHIP with opponents batting just .208 against him.

Steedley, a 2008 Midwest League Western Division All-Star, was the Twins' 25th round pick in the 2007 First-Year Player draft. Born in Salisbury, North Carolina, Steedley attended the University of North Carolina - Charlotte.

Blake Martin joins the Snappers after pitching in two games for the Elizabethton Twins this season. Blake was 0-0 with a 2.25 ERA in four innings pitched.

Drafted by the Twins in the 17th round of this year's draft, Martin attended Louisiana State University.

The moves leave Beloit's active roster at 24, one below the league maximum.

In a related move, David Coulon was removed from the Elizabethton roster. I believe that there was a problem with with his contract, although I don't know the specifics. Elizabethton is awaiting the arrival of Carlos Gutierrez, the Twins 1st round pick, 27th over all from the University of Miami. Gutierrez will be joining the team as soon as his contract is validated by MLB.

Joe Christensen reported in his blog that Gutierrez would report to Class A Fort Myers, but that seems very unlikely given the way the Twins work with their prospects.

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