Chris Colabello to be promoted to Twins

Though we do not know the follow up transactions (DL and 40 man implications), Twins Daily has learned from multiple sources that Chris Colabello has been promoted to the Minnesota Twins. He'll have a very early morning flight and hope to join the Twins for Wednesday's noon game in Atlanta.

It is possible that Colabello will take the 25-man roster spot of Trevor Plouffe, who was kneed in the back of the head on a slide at second base. He left the game and was clearly woozy. Likely Eduardo Escobar and Jamey Carroll will get time at third base. (We will update as we learn more.)[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

Colabello is not on the Twins 40 man roster, so along with needing a roster spot for Sam Deduno on Friday, they will need a second spot for Colabello. Most likely, Darin Mastroianni and Tim Wood will be put on the 60 Day Disabled List.

Colabello is a tremendous story. After spending seven years in the Can-Am (Independent) League, he was signed by the Twins last spring, with no guarantee of making a roster. He made the New Britain roster and drove in 98 runs on the year. This off-season, he dominated the Mexican Winter League and earned an invitation to Twins big league spring training. He had to leave the team for a couple of weeks to play for the surprising WBC team from Italy. He returned to camp, was optioned to Rochester and has raked since then.

Colabello has been one of the best hitters in minor league baseball this season. He is now hitting .358/.417/.659 (1.076) with 17 doubles, 12 home runs and 39 RBI.

Bobby Tewksbary is a long-time friend and offseason hitting instructor of Colaballo. He tweeted his excitement at the news of his friend's big league promotion. He told Twins Daily in an e-mail:

"Every player has their own story and their own hurdles. To go undrafted, to play 7 years of indy ball, to keep playing when so many people wonder when you are just going to shut it down already... I know how much time he has invested and how thankful he is to the Twins for the opportunity they have given him. His story is rare if not unique. It is an amazing accomplishment that he put himself in the position he is in right now. As they say, getting there is one thing, staying is another. We always talk about how it is the same game, the same dimensions, the same rules. You work and prepare each day to give yourself the best chance to be successful and that doesn't change. It is just very exciting. I couldn't be happier for him and his family."

Chris Colabello has come a long way, and he has earned this opportunity. Colabello is the type of person, with the type of story, that has to make people love the great game of baseball!