Today major league teams get to jettison the 25-man roster and activate as many members of the 40-man roster as they wish to pay.

In the Twins case this year, that's seven. That seems, without checking, like a higher number than usual — and if it is, it's probably because the Twins, even having wasted several million dollars on the likes of Mike Lamb and Craig Monroe, are still well below their budget on payroll.

Of course, there's also their pennant race considerations to account for. Some of these extra bodies might help win games — if not on the strength of their own contributions, then by allowing manager Ron Gardenhire greater freedom to make moves.

That would be the reason for promoting Ryan Jorgensen, a fringy catcher. He's not called up because he had a good season in Triple A; he's called up because Gardenhrie wants a third catcher around. That will make it easier to use a pinch-runner for Mike Redmond, or even to use both Redmond and Joe Mauer simultaneously.

I mentioned pinch-running. That would be a purpose for Jason Pridie, last seen as one of the three players competing for the center field job in spring training. Pridie's final numbers at Rochester weren't impressive, but he came on strong at the end of the season, and he provides legs and a glove. Pinch runner, defensive sub... he might helps steal or save a win.

Also on the way are a pair of multi-position infielders who saw on tiem on the big league roster earlier. Matt Tolbert opened the season with the Twins and was about to get regular playing time when he broke his hand with a silly head-first dive into first base. It turned out well for the team, if not for Tolbert; it gave Alexi Casilla a chance to play regularly. Matt Macri got a bit of time as a platoon third baseman because of injuries; if he gets much playing time in September it will be at the expense of Brendan Harris, who seems to be falling increasingly out of favor with Gardenhire. Macri might also serve as a caddy for Justin Morneau.

The presence of the two Matts also opens the door to speculation about next year's infield. Morneau is a given; so is Casilla at either second or short. Beyond that, I don't know. Harris might be arbitration-eligible; Nick Punto's contract, I believe, expires after this season; I can't imagine Adam Everett returning; Brian Buscher, as a platoon third baseman with uncertain defense, is hardly secure. Gist, I think, for a column later.

That's four position players. There are also three pitchers to reinforce the bullpen. And all three represent intriguing options should the organization decide to reshape the middle relief corps for 2009.