Sports

Twins mourn death of minor leaguer Paul Bargas

Photo: PolkaDotImages, Photos.com

Jun 28, 2012 at 7:53 am

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota Twins minor league pitcher Paul Bargas has died at age 23 of brain cancer.

The team confirmed Wednesday that Bargas died the night before.

The Twins acquired the left-hander in a trade with Colorado in December 2010 for catcher Jose Morales. Drafted in the 13th round by the Rockies in June 2009 out of the University of California-Riverside, Bargas had a 3.59 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 67 2-3 innings for Class A Asheville, finishing his final minor league season with 15 straight scoreless appearances.

Bargas became ill on his honeymoon soon after the trade and was diagnosed with the disease a few days into spring training 2011.

Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony called Bargas ''an unbelievable person'' for his attitude and faith while fighting the condition.