Just a few notes on glorious Friday in September.
Phil Hughes is the man. The Twins offered him a chance to get one more out and trigger the $500,000 bonus he was to receive for pitching 210 innings, but Hughes declined, saying it didn't feel right.
Many players would have jumped at the chance to possibly throw one pitch and earn some more cash. Hughes has been nothing but a classy, level-headed fellow since he's joined the Twins.
Props to the Twins, too, for offering the chance. They did not have to do that, because it sets a precedent.
Hughes already has earned $500,000 in bonuses this season, so he buy a new dining room set this offseason.
Other stuff.
Byron Buxton, whose injury-plagued season ended with a concussion, has been cleared to take part in all baseball activities. He's down in Fort Myers, Fla., working out before he heads to the Arizona Fall League.
In addition to minor league hitting coordinator Bill Springman being let go, the Twins also have parted ways with pitching coach Gary Lucas, who was at Class A Fort Myers.
Lefthander Mason Melotakis has a possible torn ulnar collateral ligament. The Twins will decide in a couple of weeks if surgery is needed. Melotakis throws in the mid 90's and has a chance to debut sometime next season.
