Tony Kemp would like to think his Saints days are numbered. The 32-year-old utility man has appeared in only 39 games for the Twins’ Triple-A affiliate, but the plan was never to stick around. With 739 major-league games to his credit, Kemp joined the Saints with one goal in mind — getting back to the big leagues as quickly as possible.
He has done his part. After going 0 for 3 Tuesday night at CHS Field in a game delayed by rain in the sixth inning with the Saints leading 5-4, Kemp is batting .275, with five home runs and 20 runs batted in.
Now it’s up to the Twins — or another major-league team — to see things his way. Kemp began the season with the Baltimore Orioles but was designated for assignment after appearing in only five games. He elected to become a free agent rather than join Baltimore’s Triple-A team.
“I had three or four offers,” Kemp said of his decision to sign with the Twins organization. “There were a couple injuries here, and a couple guys probably weren’t doing as well as they wanted to. I just wanted to provide an experienced, utility guy who has been around the league.
” Kemp did his homework on the Twins before deciding to make the commitment. “They definitely like their utility guys,” he said. “And I think I fit into their hitting schemes pretty well — a guy who gets on base, doesn’t strike out too much, plays good defense, runs the bases well.
” Kemp can opt out of his contact on July 1, a decision that will be dictated.