Romero makes most of his second chance

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

Twins followers sent in many e-mails last year when the organization left outfielder Alex Romero off the 40-man roster, exposing him to the Rule V draft. They were concerned the Twins were giving up on a talented player.

Scouts who saw Romero during winter ball said he had gained weight and wasn't assertive, which might have led to his not being selected in that Rule V draft.

Romero, 21, returned to the Twins and has put together a season that will force a tougher decision this offseason. Romero entered the weekend batting .306 with 14 homers and 74 RBI for Class AA New Britain. He had a 23-game hitting streak and a 38-game on-base streak end on Thursday.

"He's a bigger kid now and has matured," said Jim Rantz, the Twins' director of minor leagues. "He has lost some of his running speed, but he is playing with more intensity. He's more of a pro now. He's really come on here in the second half."

Romero played in a 2003 spring training game as a center fielder and impressed manager Ron Gardenhire with a diving catch. He no longer is considered a center fielder because he has filled out. But he still is a prospect.

Will the Twins find room for the Venezuelan-born outfielder?

"He's one of those guys," Rantz said.

Closing the door

Rantz pointed out that closers throughout the system are doing well.

Rochester (Class AAA): Travis Bowyer (2.60 ERA, 20 saves) has a fastball in the high 90s and an improving slider. He will pitch in the Arizona Fall League this year.

New Britain (AA): Righthander Pat Neshek (5-3, 2.13, 21 saves) has a funky delivery, almost like a submariner, but has a fastball that reaches 90 miles per hour and sinks and cuts.

Fort Myers (A): Lefthander Jay Sawatski (3-2, 4.35, 11 saves) has a 88-90 mph fastball with a good curveball.

Beloit (A): Righthander Jonanthan Martinez (4-1, 2.12, 19 saves) has a fastball that touches 90 mph to go with a slider and changeup, but he isn't afraid to challenge hitters.

Elizabethton (rookie league): Righthander Tim Lahey (0-1, 3.22, 14 saves) is a converted catcher in his first season as a reliever and has a good slider to go with a 90-92 mph fastball.

These pitchers might not end up as closers as they move through the system and face better hitters, but Rantz is encouraged with what he has seen.

Etc.

New Britain righthander Colby Miller will travel to the Twin Cities for Aug. 31 shoulder surgery.

Rochester righthander J.D. Durbin is off the disabled list after rehabbing a sore shoulder and will pitch out of the bullpen a couple of times before rejoining the rotation.