McCallum ends U career, signs deal with Twins

The Gophers second baseman will report to the Twins minor league camp today.

Last update: June 16, 2009 - 7:14 AM

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Gophers All-America second baseman Derek McCallum signed with the Twins late Sunday, ending his college career to begin his professional one with his hometown team.

McCallum, who was selected by the Twins in the fourth round of last week's Major League Baseball draft, will report to the Twins minor league camp in Fort Myers, Fla., today.

The Twins did not make an announcement, and McCallum didn't reveal his signing bonus when reached Monday, though it is believed to be more than $200,000.

"It was a tough decision," he said. "But the situation, with the round, and the Twins, was kind of what I hoped for. I had an awesome three years at the U. What an experience, a great coaching staff, I couldn't have asked for more."

McCallum, a junior from Shoreview who attended Hill-Murray High School, is expected to begin his pro career with Elizabethton of the rookie Appalachian League. Elizabethton begins its season next Tuesday.

He earned first-team All-America honors this season after hitting .409 with 18 home runs and 86 RBI. He led the Big Ten in home runs, slugging percentage, RBI, hits and total bases, and was second in batting average.

Last summer, he was third in the wood-bat Northwoods League with a .328 average.

Also, the Twins are close to signing second-round pick Billy Bullock, a righthander from the University of Florida.

JOEL RIPPEL AND LA VELLE E. NEAL III

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