The Bleacher Bums: June 14, 2006 Archive

Batista experiment over

Posted at 9:19 AM on June 14, 2006 by Ben Tesch

Third basemen with range all over the country are rejoicing, as the Tony Batista experiment appears to be over for now, as he was optioned to AAA Rochester, and the Twins brought shortstop Jason Bartlett back up. The idea of playing developing young guys is what the Twins are all about, and may prove fruitful for the future. Heck, it may starting providing dividends sooner than that.

RonDL on the way out as well?

Posted at 1:05 PM on June 14, 2006 by Ben Tesch (3 Comments)

Twins losing patience with struggling DH

The Twins have given Rondell White every opportunity to prove himself as their designated hitter.

But with White hitting only .190 and being the only regular DH in the American League with no home runs, the organization no longer can be patient.

"It just isn't working out," general manager Terry Ryan said. "(Manager Ron Gardenhire) has gone with Rondell a long time, and there are consequences when you don't produce. All of us are accountable; I am, and he is."

Ryan said Monday a move regarding White was not imminent, but now could be the opportune time for the Twins to part ways with the 14-year veteran.

A roster decision looms in the next week, perhaps even this weekend when the Twins open a three-game series Friday in Pittsburgh. Left fielder Shannon Stewart, who has been sidelined more than three weeks with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, should be ready to come off the disabled list during the upcoming six-game interleague road trip.

After this week's three-game series against Boston at the Metrodome, the Twins will not need a DH again until June 23.

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