Outfiedler Joe Benson batted .382 over his first eight games following his demotion from Class AA New Britain. So were the Twins wrong for sending him down in the first place? After all, Benson was starting to hit at New Britain when he was sent down.
Who knows? But the Twins wanted Benson to work on making more contact so he could his impressive skill set in motion, and he has. Perhaps he can return to New Britain before the season is over.
``He's starting to get it figured out a little bit, being more selective at the plate and putting the ball in play," said Jim Rantz, the Twins' director of minor leagues. This kid has got a lot of talent."
Benson, the Twins' second round pick in 2006, was batting .219 in 33 games at New Britain when the demotion occurred. He can run and throw, and has played all three oufield positions. At age 22, the Twins are anxious to see him put it all together.

Under the knife

The injuries in this orginzation have been a little startling. Three prospects had surgery this week.
Actually, one of them wasn't on a prospect. Lefthander Mike Maroth, trying to get his career back on track after a couple of injury-filled seasons, had a bone spur removed from the elbow that was giving him fits. He's going to be out four to five weeks, which is another setback for the veteran.
Righthander Steve Hirschfeld, who pitched in three game for New Britain, had ankle surgery and is out for a few weeks.
Knuckleballer Charlie Zink will be out several weeks after shoulder surgery.

2009 not so fine

This section is reserved for pitchers from last year's draft.
Lefthander Matt Bashore, the 46th overall pick last year out of Indiana, is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last week.
Hard-throwing righthander Ben Tootle, a third-round pick, had surgery to repair labrumm problems in his shoulder, making him out indefinitely.

Etc.

Ben Revere was named Eastern League player of the week last week. He then went out Thursday during a mid day game and went 4-for-4. He's batting .450 over this last 10 games with four doubles, seven walks and ZERO strikeouts. He's batting .329/.403/.401 for the Rock Cats. Yes, the on base and slugging are in the right order.

Carlos Gutierrez, also at New Britain, has a 1.99 ERA in five starts this month.