Koskie looks at WBC as chance to get back in game

After sitting out 2 1/2 years, the third baseman is working out with the Twins in the hope of returning to action.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: February 17, 2009 - 9:11 AM

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FORT MYERS, FLA. - Former Twins third baseman Corey Koskie is on a back field at the Lee County Sports Complex, trying to determine if he has any more baseball left in him.

Koskie hopes to play for a major league team again. He has spent the past few days working out at the Twins spring training site -- he was alongside Justin Morneau, Nick Punto and Joe Mauer on Monday -- after missing two-plus seasons because of a concussion.

"So far, so good," he said Monday between swings off a tee.

It's been a long, slow process for the 35-year-old, who had to fight dizziness and headaches for months after the injury.

He hasn't played in a game since July 5, 2006, when he fell backward trying to catch a foul ball for Milwaukee.

Koskie, who played for the Twins from 1998 to 2004 and still lives in the Twin Cities, finally got well enough recently to start conditioning. Gophers baseball coach John Anderson allowed Koskie to play in some Gophers intrasquad games before Koskie left for Florida. And the Twins had no problem letting him work out at their complex.

"We have all the respect in the world for Corey Koskie, and if he is trying to work out and see where he is at, we're happy to make the facilities available," General Manager Bill Smith said.

Koskie is fielding grounders and taking batting practice daily at the Twins minor league complex. He walked over to Hammond Stadium after his workout Monday to visit Twins coaches and staff. He then sat down next to fellow Canadian Morneau for a chat. Funny, Koskie happened to sit in the chair of current Twins third baseman Brian Buscher.

Koskie's immediate goal is to get on Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic, which begins March 5. He hopes Canadian team officials can take a look at him soon to determine if he can help them. The WBC could be a springboard for Koskie, who doesn't have an agent, to hook up with a team. If that doesn't happen, he said he will move on.

"I've come down here with no promises and to run around under the sun," Koskie said. "My health is good. If someone wants to look at me, I'll be on Field 2 every day at 11 o'clock."

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