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Twins Mourn Death Of Minor Leaguer Paul Bargas

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.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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