FORT MYERS, FLA. – The family name Chargois is familiar in southwest Louisiana. They can even pronounce it: Shah-gwaa.
J.T. Chargois comes from Sulphur, named after the sulfur mines that died out a century ago in that corner of Louisiana.
"We're right there next to the swamps,'' Chargois said. "It is a sportsman's paradise. I love to fish. My grandfather just sold his flat boat, so we're going to have to do something about that when I get home.''
Chargois hasn't been home much in the past two years, since a ligament tear in his right elbow sidetracked him before the start of Twins minor league spring training in 2013.
The first treatment was an injection of platelet-rich plasma to try to promote healing. "It didn't take,'' Chargois said. "In September [2013], I went to see Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola [Fla.] and had Tommy John surgery.''
Chargois nodded across the street at the dormitory/academy that the Twins opened in 2014 and said: "I probably have more nights in there than anyone. I've been here for two years rehabbing.''
He's listed at 6-3, 200 pounds, but there appears to be more muscle than that on his frame. He's back pitching in games this spring — three seasons after being a Twins second-round pick out of Rice — and his glove-popping already has created excitement in minor league camp.
"Chargois throws 100 [mph] … legit,'' said Class AA Chattanooga manager Doug Mientkiewicz, who expects to have him on his roster. "I have a chance to have four of 'em in the bullpen that start at 98 and go from there.''
