Durbin trying to keep it 'real'

BY JASON WILLIAMS
Pioneer Press

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire talked last week about how he hoped cocksure pitching prospect J.D. Durbin would shut his mouth and develop a regular routine to improve his skills.

The chatty Durbin, whose cocky attitude turned off a lot of people in the Twins' clubhouse last year, continues to have a so-so season with Class AAA Rochester. He is coming off one of his better outings of the season Thursday, when he surrendered one run in 5 2/3 innings.

Durbin, the Twins' second-round draft pick in 2000, has a 2-3 record with a 4.26 earned-run average. Not exactly real-deal numbers. (Durbin called himself the "real deal" after his first professional game in 2000.)

"I don't know if we'll ever get that (cockiness) out of him all the way," said Jim Rantz, the Twins' minor league director. "That's his personality.

"But I think it's coming together a little bit more for him. He puts a lot of pressure on himself. He knows that he's one of those guys we're counting on. But to do that, you've got to get control of your emotions."

Defensive challenge

As big a challenge as it has been for Rochester slugger Garrett Jones to show patience at the plate, it has been equally tough trying to make progress defensively.

Twice last week the first baseman dropped pop flies. But the Twins want to find ways to try to get the left-handed hitting Jones and his big bat to the majors. And with Justin Morneau locked in as the Twins' first baseman, the organization has other plans for Jones.

"Don't be surprised if you see him in the outfield here and there," Rantz said. "We've always been utility-minded. We've been known for our players being versatile. He can run pretty good for a big guy."

If Jones, 23, shows he can be a serviceable outfielder, he could be in the mix competing for a roster spot in spring training. High-priced veteran right fielder Jacque Jones is a free agent after this season and almost certainly will not be back next year, leaving Jason Kubel and Lew Ford to compete for the starting job in right field. Kubel is sidelined all this season with a knee injury, and his health will be in question entering 2006.

Mauer setback

It has been a rough season for the Brothers Mauer on the injury front. Twins catcher Joe Mauer has been battling a sore groin. Chronic shoulder problems forced Class A Beloit pitcher Billy Mauer to retire. Now, Class AA New Britain shortstop Jake Mauer is scheduled to undergo surgery this week on his right elbow. The former Cretin-Derham Hall standout is expected to be sidelined six to eight weeks, but he could be out longer, Rantz said.

More surgeries

Right-handed pitcher Matt Fox, one of the Twins' first-round picks last year, will undergo shoulder surgery this week and will miss the rest of the season.

New Britain right-hander Bobby Korecky, who led the Eastern League with 31 saves last season, will undergo season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery this week in the Twin Cities.

Briefly

Rochester shortstop Jason Bartlett has started to turn things around at the plate the past week. As of Friday, he had raised his batting average more than 30 points to .292.