Twins drop Riverdale grad Watkins off 40-man roster

Utility player says Minnesota wants him back

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

Tommy Watkins, a 1998 Riverdale High School graduate who toiled for almost 10 full seasons in the minor leagues before finally reaching the majors, said he held no bitterness over being dropped from the 40-man roster Friday by the Minnesota Twins.

The Twins informed Watkins of their decision Thursday morning.

But Minnesota also indicated that it might invite the utility infielder and outfielder to spring training on a minor-league contract.

“They had to make some moves for the roster,” said Watkins, 27.

The Twins will report for spring training in mid-February at the Lee County Sports Complex.

Minnesota also released outfielders Lew Ford and Josh Rabe.

“It was something they had to do,” Watkins said. “That’s what they wanted to do.”

Twins general manager Bill Smith, in his fifth day on the job after replacing Terry Ryan, explained the transaction and the reasons for it.

“We assigned him outright off the major-league roster to the (Triple-A) Rochester roster,” Smith said. “He can become a free agent after the World Series.

“We had to clean up our 40-man roster. A lot of it is about getting ready for the Rule 5 Draft. We have a few kids in our minor-league system we feel like we have to protect. If Terry passed anything on to me, it’s that you have to retain some roster flexibility.”

The Twins summoned Watkins to the big leagues Aug. 9, when third baseman Brian Buscher went on the disabled list.

Watkins appeared in nine games and had 28 at-bats. He compiled a .357 average, with 10 hits, one stolen base, two runs scored and four walks.

“He did everything right here,” Smith said. “He hit. He played a couple of different positions.”

Watkins also had fun.

“I had a good time,” Watkins said of his major-league experience, which ended with his own trip to the disabled list Aug. 24 because of an abdominal injury.

He said he’s still working to recover from it but would be ready for spring training.

“The whole experience was fun," Watkins said. “I didn’t know what to expect. But everything about it, it couldn’t get any better.”

Watkins anticipated remaining in his hometown for spring training again. So did his agent of the past five months, Jordan Feagan.

“He’s a special young man,” Feagan said. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him.”

Said Watkins: “I’ll probably sign up with the Twins. I like it here. They said they wanted me back.

“I feel like I’m in the same situation that I was in last year. Go to spring training, and try to make the team. This is how the game goes.

“There’s still some positives there. I’ve just got to get ready to go. I’ve got to get ready for spring training and not worry about things I can’t control.”