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Minnesota Twins claim Clete Thomas off waivers

By Al Beaton
March 16, 2012; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Clete Thomas (36) at bat in the first inning against the New York Mets during a spring training game at Digital Domain Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE
March 16, 2012; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Clete Thomas (36) at bat in the first inning against the New York Mets during a spring training game at Digital Domain Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Clete's Cult is no more. Detroit Tigers backup outfielder Clete Thomas was claimed by the Minnesota Twins this afternoon.

In parts of 3 seasons playing all 3 outfield positions with the Tigers, Thomas put up a slash line of .253/.336/.391, with 8 HR and 48 RBI. He received the vast majority of his playing time in 2009, appearing in 102 games. His career was derailed by microfracture surgery in 2010, allowing Brennan Boesch and Andy Dirks to overtake him as a prospect in the eyes of the Tigers.

When Thomas was designated for assignment on Wednesday in order to make room for today's starting pitcher, Adam Wilk, he sounded like a player looking for a fresh start:

"I can contribute to any team that wants to have me," said Thomas, 28. "I know I'm a big league player."

Hopefully Thomas will get the opportunity he desires with the Twins.

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