Reprinted from The Connecticut Post © Copyright 2008
June 7, 2008

By Bob Wirz Contributing Writer

It does not take any great forecast to feel the Minnesota Twins, Craig Breslow's third organization of 2008, may be his best opportunity in some time. The southpaw seemed mostly mired in Triple-A with Boston, and he was used infrequently in Cleveland. But in only a few days with the Twins, the 27-year-old Yale graduate has been used in two tight games, including his debut when he fanned New York Yankees sluggers Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi in his five-out appearance.

Breslow, who is from Trumbull, pointed to two factors which have proven important to him in turning around the career that started with two and a half seasons with Milwaukee in which he did not get above Class A before he was released midway in 2004.

"I definitely credit my time with the (New Jersey) Jackals as a turning point in my career," he said via email. "More than mechanics and analysis, I was able to go back to simply enjoying the game. Indy ball has somewhat of a collegiate summer league feel, I like to say, and I could forget about the pressure of playing for an affiliated team. Baseball stopped being my job, and became a game again."

Breslow, who got to the majors for the first time with San Diego only a year after leaving New Jersey, said his conditioning also has been a factor in helping him these days as he builds on a career 2.70 earned run average for 36 major league appearances. "I also have adopted a much more stringent workout routine in the off season, and have taken my conditioning and preparation more seriously."