Twins Designate Luke Hughes For Assignment

The world is a little bit of a darker place this afternoon. With the addition of Jason Marquis to the Twins roster, it was known that the team would have to send someone down to the minors to make room for the starter.

Late this afternoon, the Twins announced that Australian slugger Luke Hughes was that player.

This is surprising for so many reasons. The Twins could use the bench depth that Hughes provided (1B, 2B, 3B, OF in a pinch) and his bat is none to shabby either. Secondly, the Twins are now carrying 13 (!) pitchers on the 25 man roster. This is slightly surprising as there are some relivers (Burton, Maloney) who have been shaky at best this year and could have done with some more seasoning in AAA.

Hughes was out of minor league options, meaning he will have to clear waivers to be sent to AAA. He's not expected to clear waivers (he's an average defender with the ability to swing a strong stick off the bench - he'll be claimed) meaning his days as a Twin are likely over.

Hughes has always been one of my favorite Twins - both as a player and just as a person. I'm incredibly sad to see him go. (Here's hoping he makes it through waivers...)

Finally, SHAME on Twins fans for not getting the "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oy, Oy, Oy" Chants going when Hughes came up to bat. That was a golden opportunity that was missed (despite my efforts to start the chant at home - the crowd never picked up on it...)

Good luck Luke. Here's hoping you're still a Twin in a couple of days.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie....