Beau

Kemp

Kemp, considered one of Minnesota’s better relief prospects, was 1-2 with a 3.76 ERA and 10 saves for Fort Myers. He pitched two scoreless innings for New Britain on Thursday.

It was more stupid than criminal. Sgt. Darren Pearson, a spokesman for the New Britain police, said the two were driving together when a disagreement arose, and they pulled into a parking lot to fight. Kemp, an outstanding closer for Fort Myers last year, had a 5.87 ERA in 11 relief appearances for New Britain.

The move makes room for Eric Milton. The Twins would have lost a playoff roster spot if they had moved Joe Mays to the 60-day DL as they had planned. Kemp fought with a teammate earlier this season in the minors, but otherwise had 22 saves and a 3.91 ERA between Single-A and Double-A. He’ll catch on somewhere.

Kemp had a 2.73 ERA in 29 2/3 innings as a reliever for New Britain. He’s not likely to get an opportunity this year, but he could eventually become a decent sixth or seventh reliever for some team.

Triple-A candidates being considered include Beau Kemp and Kevin Cameron. Despite tossing six shutout innings on Saturday, Glen Perkins is not being considered. Kemp had very good results at Rochester this season, but with just 35 strikeouts in 89 1/3 innings, he is not exactly dominating.

Kemp was an outstanding closer for Single-A Fort Myers last year. If he does well in Double-A, there’s some chance that he could reach the majors before the end of the year.

Kemp, a 26-year-old still looking to make his major league debut, had a 2.32 ERA in 89 1/3 innings for Triple-A Rochester last season. That he struck out just 35 was a problem, but he’s an extreme groundball pitcher, opening up the possibility that he could contribute in the majors. Too bad Toronto isn’t the best situation for him. The opportunity is there, but the infield defense may not be.

He’s allowed one run in 10 2/3 innings. Kemp spent 2 1/2 years pitching well for Triple-A Rochester, but the Twins never gave him a chance. He finished 2006 with a 2.32 ERA in 89 1/3 innings of relief. He struck out just 35 batters all year, but since he had a GB:FB ratio of 2.82:1, he might yet be a useful middle reliever.