Twins Claim Kenny Wilson off Waivers

Welcome to the Minnesota Twins, Kenny Wilson - if that is your real name. Which it isn't. Because it's Kenneth. Welcome to Minnesota, Kenneth.

When Jason Bartlett retired last week, the Twins had hoped his paperwork would go through and clear a space on the 40-man roster for Sam Fuld. Instead, the holiday weekend got in the way, the team had to designate Darin Mastroianni for assignment, and when the Blue Jays claimed him they had to designate their own player for assignment. That player was Kenny Wilson.

In Wilson, the Twins pick up a 24-year old Double-A outfielder. A second-round pick by Toronto in the 2008 draft, Wilson was and is still a speedster and true center fielder. The system has needed some center field depth, and this acquisition certainly fits that bill. It does not, however, seemingly do anything to improve the Major League roster. I can only assume that positional depth was such an issue that it was worth that 40th roster spot.

A high school pick out of Florida, Wilson has been a very slow mover through the Blue Jay system - seemingly getting promotions due to time served and age more than performance. He spent 55 games in Double-A last season and started there again this year, but has hit just .210/.239/.306 in 68 plate appearances. His speed, which looks like his greatest asset, helped him average 32 stolen bases over his first six years in professional ball. He's stolen two bases so far this spring.

Wilson is a project. If he pays dividends for the Twins, it won't be this season.