Minnesota Twins Sign Bartolo Colon to Minor League Contract

Bartolo Colon was not out of a job long. Earlier today, the Minnesota Twins inked the rotund righty to a minor league contract.

When the Atlanta Braves released Bartolo Colon, it seemed that his career was on life support. After all, Colon had just posted a horrendous 2-8 record with a 8.14 ERA and a 1.778 WHiP. His fastball was catching far too much of the plate, as he allowed 92 hits in his 63 innings this season. At 44 years old, it was difficult to imagine that he would have much left.

Nonetheless, when Colon hit the open market, several teams were interested in his services. The New York Mets were continually mentioned as a possibility, and as he had spent the previous three seasons in New York, a reunion seemed inevitable. Instead, Colon has signed with the Minnesota Twins on a minor league contract. He will report to the Rochester Red Wings to potentially work his way back to the majors.

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If Colon is able to pitch effectively in the International League, he could be a key part of the Twins postseason hopes over the next couple of months. Minnesota is in desperate need of capable arms in the rotation, with only Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios looking useful right now. Of course, if Colon can even return to mediocrity instead of immolating on the mound, he would be an upgrade over the current cast of characters.

This is also an interesting opportunity for Colon. While the Twins pitching staff has been horrendous, they are still in the thick of the AL Central race. Currently just 1.5 games behind the Indians, getting the vintage Colon back could be a boost to those postseason hopes.

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The Minnesota Twins are the surprise winners of the Bartolo Colon sweepstakes. It will be interesting to see if he has anything left to help the Twins postseason push.