Doug Deeds' early season performance was as chilly as the weather.
Although he hit three homers in the first week of the season for the New Britain Rock Cats, he tailed off quickly and was foundering at .206 when April ended. He was only slightly more productive (.238) in May.
But when spring turned to summer, Deeds' batting average and on-base percentage climbed as steadily as the thermometer. He hit .337 in June and .318 in July. August has been even better.
In 12 games, the former Ohio State Buckeye is hitting .348. He ranks among the Eastern League's best in batting (.293), doubles (32) and on-base percentage (.393). He's also played outstanding defense at first base.
Deeds, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound left-handed hitting native of Columbus, Ohio, had a banner year with the Rock Cats in 2005, hitting a team-best .304 with 16 homers and 82 RBI. He didn't allow the slow start deter him from showing the Twins that he's ready for new challenges next year. Neither did he let a change of position deter him. After proving his worth in right field last year, Deeds has been exceptional at first base, versatility that will enhance his value when the Twins study their options for 2007. He has made just one error in 552 chances.
Deeds was the Twins' ninth-round pick in the 2002 June draft. He had a .305 career average coming into the season, averaging over .300 at three of his four minor-league stops. He holds the OSU freshman record for homers with 14.