Tolbert remains in running for final spot on bench

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: March 23, 2008 - 12:43 AM

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ST. LOUIS 6, TWINS 3

Up next: vs. Baltimore • 12:05 p.m. today • Fort Myers, Fla. • TV: Ch. 29/FSN out of state (1500-AM)

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JUPITER, FLA. - Brian Buscher was believed to have the edge for the final spot on the bench earlier this spring, but his .138 batting average heading into Saturday has forced the Twins to keep all options open.

And that includes switch-hitting infielder Matt Tolbert, a 16th-round pick in 2004.

"He's given himself a good opportunity here to see if he can hang around here for a few days and see what happens in the end," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Tolbert, 25, had an up-and-down game on Saturday during the Twins' 6-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. He was 0-for-3 with a walk, moved a runner over from second to third in the first inning and popped up with a runner on third and no outs in the fifth. Playing at shortstop, he made one dazzling, diving play to rob Troy Glaus of a hit in the fifth.

Gardenhire could use Tolbert off the bench as a defensive replacement or pinch runner. And he plans to use him in the outfield over the next couple of days to make sure he can play out there. Buscher and outfielder Jason Pridie also are in the running for the final bench spot.

Gardenhire knows he will have either Jason Kubel or Craig Monroe available to pinch hit when the other is the designated hitter, so adding another versatile player with speed appeals to him.

"I'm just excited to still be in camp," Tolbert said. "The big-league side is way better than the minor league side, so the more I can stay with the big-league side I'm fine with that."

Righthander Boof Bonser gave up three runs on six hits over five innings. He threw 15 changeups as he tries to perfect that pitch. He also hit a double off former teammate Kyle Lohse, making his spring debut for St. Louis.

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