FORT MYERS — Deolis Guerra was one of 12 players cut from Twins camp this morning, but the 18-year-old righthander moved to the minor-league complex knowing it was mission accomplished.

Guerra, a 6-5 righthander, is one of four players the Twins acquired from the Mets for Johan Santana last month. In two Grapefruit League games, he pitched two innings, allowing no runs, two hits, no walks and one strikeout.

“I feel like I did what I’ve got to do,” Guerra said.

More important than how Guerra performed is how he conducted himself. His big league teammates were impressed. Guerra was a highly coveted amateur prospect in Venezuela and had his pick of teams when he signed with the Mets in 2005.

So it was naturally surprising for him, when the Mets shipped him off in the trade. After three weeks in Twins camp, however, Guerra has found a new home.

“I feel really comfortable,” he said. “I really like the team. The guys here, and how they treat you, it’s pretty good.”

The Mets had Guerra pitching in the Florida State League as a 17-year-old in 2006 and as an 18-year-old last year. The Twins are far more patient with prospects. I predict they’ll start him at Class A Fort Myers and wait for him to dominate the FSL before promoting him to Class AA.

It’s hard for anybody not to get excited about this kid’s upside. His birthday is coming April 17. That’s when he turns 19.

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