Sources: Twins Cut Draft Pick For Tipping Pitches
The Minnesota Twins have released minor league catcher Derek Bender after he told opposing hitters the types of pitches that were coming to the plate during at-bats in the game last week that eliminated his team from playoff contention, according to sources.
Bender, a sixth-round draft pick this July out of Coastal Carolina, was playing for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels, the Twins\' Single-A affiliate.
According to sources, in the second game of a Sept. 6 doubleheader, Bender told multiple hitters for the Lakeland Flying Tigers, a Detroit Tigers\' farm team, the specific pitches being thrown by starter Ross Dunn.
Lakeland won the game 6-0 to clinch the Florida State League West division and eliminate the Mighty Mussels from playoff contention.
Fort Myers coaches were notified by Lakeland coaches about Bender\'s pitch tipping after the game. Bender\'s willingness to tip pitches surprised Lakeland players, and there were no indications of wrongdoing from the Flying Tigers, sources said.
Bender had told teammates he wanted the season to be over, according to sources.
A catcher and first baseman selected with the 188th pick this year, Bender signed for $297,500, slightly below the $320,800 slot for that selection.