Abbott impressive in Double-A

Jim Abbott of Caledonia is making his pitch at becoming a prospect the Minnesota Twins cannot overlook.

The 23-year-old right-hander goes for his third Double-A win in as many starts today when the New Britain (Conn.) Rock Cats play at the Norwich (Va.) Navigators in Eastern League action.

Abbott has pitched superbly since being promoted from high-Class A Fort Myers (Fla.) two weeks ago.

"I just hope they take a good look at me," Abbott said. "Hopefully, I have a shot at the 40-man roster after this year."

Such an idea might have seemed far-fetched not so long ago.

Abbott started the 2002 season in the Midwest League with Quad City simply hoping to put together his first full season since he underwent Tommy John surgery, which is ligament replacement surgery in the elbow. He opened this year in the bullpen in the Florida State League.

Injuries to two starters thrust Abbott into the rotation. He made eight starts for Fort Myers before leaving with a 5-3 record and a 2.31 ERA.

Abbott was promoted to Double-A along with catcher Joe Mauer and pitcher J.D. Durbin. Mauer is Minnesota's No. 1 prospect, according to Baseball America, while Durbin is ranked No. 7.

"Those guys were Florida State All-Stars," Abbott said. "It was exciting for me."

Abbott, who joins Andy Van Hekken of Holland as local talent in the Eastern League, flashed his potential in his New Britain debut June 16.

He faced the minimum number of hitters in a 10-0 win over Norwich in the second game of a doubleheader, giving up just two hits.

"The new kid on the block came up here and made it look easy," New Britain manager Stan Cliburn told the New Britain Herald. "He had a great angle to his pitches and he's sneaky fast. What a beautifully pitched game."

Abbott gave up two runs in six innings in his next start, a June 22 win over the Trenton (N.J.) Thunder.

"I've just hit my spots," Abbott said. "I'm a bit zoned in right now."