Runaway prospect ready to come back

La Velle E. Neal III
Star Tribune

Prospect Juan Portes has decided to return to the Twins, a week after leaving the organization to deal with family issues.

The Twins were uncertain when Portes, a 15th-round pick in last year's draft, would return.

Jim Rantz, Twins director of minor leagues, said Portes talked with his father and with Jay Weitzel, the scout who signed him, and was encouraged to return.

"He just needed some direction," Rantz said.

Portes batted .327 last year in rookie ball and was in consideration to begin this season at Class A Beloit before it was decided that he would remain with the Twins' extended spring training set-up until the short-season leagues began.

If Portes had left the team while at Beloit, he might have been disciplined by the club. Instead, he will continue to work out at Fort Myers, Fla.

"We have issues all the time, every year," Rantz said. "These things come up. We're happy that he's back and has gotten things straightened out."

Portes was drafted as a shortstop but is working out at second base.

One Mauer down, one back

Class AA New Britain infielder Jake Mauer might have to go on the disabled list because of a sore elbow, just as older brother Bill Mauer recovered from shoulder problems and was assigned to Beloit.

Jake Mauer, a utility player for the Rock Cats, is batting .217 over 13 games.

Their younger brother, Joe Mauer, is the Twins catcher. The Mauers are from St. Paul.

Meanwhile, Rantz has signed third baseman Ricky Bell, son of former major leaguer Buddy Bell and grandson of ex-major league Gus Bell, and assigned him to New Britain. Bell was released by the Cubs organization after was hitting .200 in 16 games with Class AAA Iowa.

Hodges released

Righthander Trey Hodges, who spent all of 2003 in the Braves' bullpen, has been released from Class AAA Rochester as the Twins made room for righthander Daylan Childress, who was claimed off waivers from the Reds.

Hodges had a 5.63 ERA in nine games with the Red Wings. He was a nonroster invitee to spring training but could only throw around 83 miles an hour. When he was with the Braves, he hit 88 on the radar gun.

Righthander J.D. Durbin continues to struggle at Rochester.

On Tuesday he walked the first three batters of the game and allowed eight baserunners in four innings of work. Durbin's fastball ranged from 91 to 97 mph, settling in at 94. Twins officials hope Durbin can work through what might be the most challenging period of his pro career. Some feel he is best be suited to be a power reliever.

Scanlon released

Outfielder Matt Scanlon, who played at Richfield and for the Gophers, has been released by the organization after batting .158 in eight games for AA New Britain.

Scanlon, 26, was in his fourth consecutive season at Class AA. He did play in 29 games for Class AAA Rochester last season before being sent back to New Britain.

"He's a good kid," Rantz said. "It just didn't work out. Those things happen."

Etc.

Outfielder Denard Span (hamstring), the No. 1 pick in 2002, was set to be activated from the disabled list over the weekend. He was batting .383 in 16 games at Class A Fort Myers.

Ricky Barrett, a 24-year-old lefthander with a good curveball, was promoted to Rochester from Fort Myers.

Twins General Manager Terry Ryan is at New Britain, checking out prospects.