Swing could get two top Twins prospects

By Jeff Wendland,
Staff sports writer

Seven of the Minnesota Twins' top 10 prospects,
according to Baseball America, have played for Quad
City. Two more may be on their way this summer.

Regarded as one of baseball's top minor-league
organizations, as many as six of those 10 are ticketed
for the major leagues this season, while two of the
youngest hope to use The Swing of the Quad Cities as
their jumping board this season.

Speedy centerfielder Denard Spann will likely open
this season as the centerfielder for The Swing. The
Twins' first-round pick in the 2002 June Draft is
called the fastest player in the organization by B.A.
and is rated at the organization's No. 7 prospect.

In Rookie League Elizabethton last season, Spann hit
.271 and stole 14 bases in 50 games.

"When we scouted Denard out of high school he reminded
us a lot of Kenny Loftron," said Rob Anthony, the
Twins director of baseball operations. "He can really
fly, he's a true centerfielder and he is a true
leadoff hitter. He's still learning to steal bases,
but I expect he'll create a lot of excitement for you
guys.

"He had an OK season last year and he's going to be a
lot better this year now that he's adjusted to pro
baseball. He never had to battle through slumps and
injuries (twisted ankle) and he wasn't certain how to
deal with that.

"He was good at end of season and in Instructional
League. He'll be the centerfielder and leadoff hitter
there this season."

Meanwhile, third baseman Matt Moses is rated No. 3 in
the Twins' organization. The 2003 first-round pick
played in just 18 games with the GCL Twins last season
due to minor heart surgery. He did hit .385 and had a
.492 slugging average.

"Matt has a chance to start there, we'd love it if he
did," said Anthony. "The key is that he needs the
games and he needs to prove he belongs at that level.

"Everything is good with his health. He can really
hit. He can hit for power and he's got great
discipline. Matt's got a chance to be a plus fielder,
but needs to work on that."

Swing president Kevin Krause is thrilled about the
potential of having two big-time prospects in the
Quad-Cities this season.

"They're extremely high on Spann and Moses and we'd
love to have them here," said Krause. "The biggest
issue with Moses is he may not start the season with
us due to the heart situation and not getting enough
games last season. I know they love his bat and his
attitude.

"With Denard, that should be great for the fans. We
haven't had a lot of speed, so it'll be fun to have
someone like Spann who creates things with his legs.
That's exciting from a fan's perspective."

Of the other eight in the Twins' Top 10 prospects
list, seven came through the Quad-Cities and several
have a great chance to start the season with the
Twins.

Catcher Joe Mauer (2002 River Bandits) is No. 1; first
baseman/designated hitter Justin Morneau (2001) is No.
2; Moses is third; pitcher J.D. Durbin (2002) is
fourth; pitcher Jesse Crain (2002) is fifth; shortstop
Jason Bartlett (acquired in a trade) is sixth; Moses
is seventh; outfielder Jason Kubel (2002) is eighth;
pitcher Grant Balfour (1999) is ninth; and outfielder
Michael Restovich (1999) is 10th.

Mauer, Morneau, Durbin, Crain, Balfour and Restovich
have legitimate shots to make the big club this
season.

"You don't see any guys from 2003 (Bandits) on the
list, but don't be surprised if (pitcher) Scott Baker
isn't there soon," said Anthony.



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