4 Rock Cats Promoted to Twins' 40-Man Roster

Published on November 22, 2010 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain, CT - The 2010 American League Central Division Champion Minnesota Twins announced over the past weekend that they have added four new players to their 40-Man Major League Roster ‚¬" and each was a member of the 2010 New Britain Rock Cats. This welcome news was transmitted to all four players ‚¬" a Pitcher, an Infielder, and two talented Outfielders ‚¬" late on Friday afternoon.

The four latest New Britain players to receive this coveted promotion are:

OF Joe Benson, a 22-year-old native of Minooka, IL, spent the majority of the 2010 campaign in New Britain. In 102 games for the Rock Cats, the speedy Outfielder batted .251 with 20 Doubles, 7 Triples (T/3rd in EL), a team-leading 23 Home Runs, 49 RBI, and 12 Stolen Bases. A 2nd Round pick by Minnesota out of Joliet Catholic Academy in 2006, Benson also displayed excellent defensive skills and an above-average throwing arm while patrolling the expansive outfield at New Britain Stadium. Earlier this month the Minnesota organization named him their 2010 Minor League Player of the Year.

RHP David Bromberg, a 23-year-old native of Santa Monica, CA, made 17 starts for the 2010 Rock Cats before his mid-July promotion to Triple-A Rochester in the International League. The 6'5"/245-pound hurler tossed 99.1 total innings in New Britain this year and departed with a record of 5-5 and an ERA of 3.62. One of seven Minnesota prospects invited to participate in the recently-concluded 2010 Arizona Fall League, David was drafted by the Twins out of Santa Ana Junior College in the 32nd Round of the 2005 Draft.

1B/OF Chris Parmelee, a 22-year-old resident of Chino Hills, CA, appeared in 111 games for the 2010 Rock Cats. The 6'3"/230-pound left-handed slugger was a 1st Round pick by Minnesota when he graduated from Chino Hills High School in 2006. Chris hit .275 for New Britain in his debut season at the Double-A level, with 25 Doubles, 2 Triples, 6 HRs and 44 RBI. Baseball America recently identified him as one of the top pure hitters in all of Minor League Baseball and his outstanding offensive performance in this year's Arizona Fall League (.339) further reinforced that evaluation.

OF Rene Tosoni, the 24-year-old resident of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, played in portions of both the 2009 and 2010 seasons in New Britain. The popular Canadian was both an '09 Eastern League All-Star and, while playing for the World Team, the MVP of the 2009 Futures Game. Rene was able to play in only 52 games for the 2010 Rock Cats ‚¬" he batted .270 with 8 Doubles, 4 Triples, 4 HRs, and 24 RBI - before a torn labrum in his right shoulder necessitated season-ending surgery in June. His determined play and veteran leadership were missed by his New Britain teammates last year. The 6'0"/195-pound Tosoni was taken by Minnesota in the 36th Round of the 2005 Draft.

With these latest additions, 32 current members of Minnesota's 40-Man Major League Roster are players who refined their baseball skills as members of the New Britain Rock Cats. Well done, gentlemen ‚¬" and continued good luck!

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from November 22, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central