Tony

Thomas

The deal does not include an invitation to major league spring training, meaning Thomas will be on the minor league side of Twins camp this spring. The versatile 27-year-old batted just .228/.290/.395 in 123 games last season between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket -- affiliates of the Red Sox.

Thomas, a 2007 third-rounder out of Florida State, hit .266/.320/.400 for Single-A Daytona last season. He needs a big 2009 for teams to start taking him seriously as a potential regular at second base, but he’s certainly off to a nice start.

Thomas, a 2007 third-rounder out of Florida State, is hitting .285/.329/.449 with five homers and nine steals. With his ability to hit liners, he projects as a major leaguer. However, he’s going to have to prove he can stay at second base to have much of a chance of becoming a regular.

Thomas, 24, batted .276/.338/.485 with 11 homers, 73 RBI, 15 stolen bases and an .823 OPS over 449 plate appearances in his second go-around with Double-A Tennessee last season. The former 2007 third-round pick lacks plate discipline, but may still have some projection left.