On the edge

I've commented on the Twins roster in the last two posts. But there are some guys who - with an injury to another player, or with a really good spring - could wind up on the Twins' 25-man active roster.

Here are a few:

Brian Bass: Bass may get a shot at the 25-man roster as a SP or RP. He was signed by the Twins last year as a 6th year minor league free agent, and was re-signed this year. He was 7-3 last year, with 10 starts in 37 games, with a 3.48 era and 1.16 WHIP.

Brian Buscher: 3B Buscher made his first appearance in the bigs last year, and it wasn't pretty. Although he can hit, he needs to work on his defense.

Alexi Casilla: Casilla has spent time with the Twins, but would be best served with a little more time at AAA. He'll come up at some point this season, though. He's versatile, with the ability to play SS and 2B. Playing every day at Rochester will help complete his development.

Brian Duensing: Predicted by some to be on the Twins' 08' roster, Duensing is best known now for being the starting pitcher on Team USA in the championship game against Cuba in the World Cup. Duensing needs more seasoning in AAA.

Bobby Korecky: He was the Red Wings' closer last year and posted 35 saves. The 28-year old came to the Twins in the Eric Milton trade with the Phillies in Dec. 2003 (The Twins also received Nick Punto and Carlos Silva.) He might get a shot at being a relief pitcher for the Twins this year.

Matt Macri: A 3B, Macri came to the Twins in exchange for Ramon Ortiz last year. He needs more time at Rochester.

Kevin Mulvey: SP Mulvey just came over from the Mets in the Johan Santana trade. He excelled briefly at AAA last year, after being promoted from AA in the Mets' organization. Mulvey might well be a sleeper in the big trade. he could easily reach the majors with a few more solid innings at AAA.

Matt Tolbert: Another good hitter, Tolbert's playing time in the minors is running out. He'll turn 26 in May. The Twins may well call him up, especially if Brendan Harris falters. Tolbert batted .293/.353/.427/.780 last year at AAA.

Tommy Watkins: Called up last year with the Twins, Watkins batted .357 in 28 at bats with the Twins before getting injured. He's also versatile, playing 2B, 3B, SS and OF. Keep in mind that SS Adam Everett was signed to a one-year contract, and that Nick Punto is in the last year of his contract. The Twins know they have some good middle infielders in the minor leagues waiting to take a roster spot, including Tolbert, Casilla and Watkins.