2/3/17

Twins' off-season moves and rumors report: 2/3/2017

This is the latest installment of the Twins 2016-2017 off-season rumors and moves report.  You can find the previous here and all the previous installments in this series here.

I will be bringing news for Twins moves and rumored interest as they come periodically, leaving the names of interesting parties as are unless something changes about their status, adding new information as it comes.  As previously, this is actually reported interest, and not "who fits where" hypothetical interest.  I will be adding information about former Twins as it happens, but not rumors, as well.  This is what has happened or rumored to have happened so far:
  • The Twins have signed  RHP Matt Belisle to an 1yr/ $2.05M deal (2/2)
  • The Twins are interested in LHP Jerry Blevins, and RHP Joe Blanton (1/30)
  • The Twins are interested in 1B and former Twin Justin Morneau (1/29), however there seems to be no room on their roster (1/30)
  • The Twins are interested in DH/1B Mike Napoli, and RHP Joe Smith (1/24).  It was reported that Napoli was not a fit (1/29)
  • The Twins are "strong on" LHP and former Twin Craig Breslow (1/28)
  • There is interest by unnamed teams on Twins RHP Ervin Santana and the Twins have indicated that nobody is "untouchable" (12/16)
  • The Twins could have interest in Red Sox'  P Drew Pomeranz, but have not discussed them yet with Boston (12/6); However are not listed among the teams that were interested in Red Sox' pitchers per Boston sources (12/7)
  • The Twins have talked to the Diamondbacks about their young pitching.  No particular names were mentioned and nothing is imminent (11/29)
  • The Twins might be interested in RHP Justin Masterson (11/23) as a minor league free agent signing (11/29)
  • It looks like the new Twins' Front Office t is doing the right thing and committing to a full-time rebuild.(11/20)  However, previous reports suggested that the Twins were after "experienced" players, without any names mentioned. (11/9)
  • Twins' 1B Kennys Vargas (who apparently has a fourth option left), has drawn some trade interest, but no teams are named (11/17)
From the former Twins' news department:

  • Former Twins RHP Joe Nathan has signed a minor league contract with the Nationals (2/1)

2/2/17

The Twins Singed Free Agent RHP Matt Belisle

The Twins have signed free agent RHP Matt Belisle who turns 37 years old early this June, in an 1 year, $2.05 million deal.   Belisle was drafted by the Braves in the 2nd round of the 1998 draft out of High School, was traded to the Reds for then 35  year old Kent Mercker in 2003, and moved on to Rockies, Cardinals, and Nationals as a free agent.   A swingman and full time starter with the Reds with limited effectiveness early in his career.  He moved to the pen full time after missing most of 2008 with a torn ACL and knee surgery.   In the off-season  after 2010 he had knee meniscus surgery as well. 

Belisle spent all of his career in the NL and has faced AL hitters only during interleague games.  AL hitters have been hitting .294/.346/.453  in 355 plate appearances collectively of Belisle, during his whole career.   The last couple of seasons he has been used as a mop up pitcher in low leverage situations.   Last season he appeared in 40 games with the Nationals (46 IP), striking out 32 (6.3 K/9, 17.2 K%) and walking out 7 (1.4 BB/9, 13.4 K-BB%)  He finished with a 1.76 ERA, 2.84 FIP and 1.09 WHIP (.285 BABIP), all career best.   Belisle pitches to contact and tries to get outs with ground balls.   Last season he was aided by a non-sustainable 4.5 HR/FB and a 78.8% strand rate.  His career ERA is 4.20 and FIP 3.76 (SIERA 3.63 and xFIP 3.74), and those are likely outcomes for next season.

The Twins' 40-man roster is full, so adding Belisle will necessitate designating someone for assignment.   Mike Tonkin, Ryan O'Rourke, Buddy Boshers, and Pat Light being the likely candidates as far as pitchers go, and Danny Santana, as far as hitters go.  The last thing a 103 loss team needs is a 37 year old mop up man who will cost them potentially a younger player.  So this is a bit of a headscratcher to say the least.   Not that any of the above, with the potential exception of Light have much future in the majors, but a journeyman pop-up guy in a team that needs to focus on youth is perplexing.  Maybe the new Twins' brass know something...

2/1/17

2017 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 21-25

You can find the introductory segment in this series, including my criteria for eligibility to be a prospect and the list of the 2016 top 40 players who graduated as prospects or are not in the system, here.    Here is my 2016 Twins off-season top 40 prospects list (summary of 1-40) for reference.

This is the countdown for players ranked 51-55th in the system. You can find players 56-60 here, players 51-55 here, 46-50 here, 41-45 here, 36-40 here, 31-35 here, 26-30 here and all segments in the series here.

25. Jake Reed (16)
DOB: 9/29/1992; Age: 24
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired:  Drafted in the 5th round in 2014
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: AAA (2016)
ETA: 2017

Jake Reed was drafted by the Twins in the 5th round of the 2014 draft from the University of Oregon as a Junior.  The Tuscon, AZ native was a starter both of his first collegiate seasons and was converted to a closer in his junior season where he excelled pitching in 31 games (37 IP), striking out 34 (8.3 K/9), walking 15 (3.7 BB/9) finishing with 1.95 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 13 saves.  He continued the season in Elizabethton where he over-matched the opposition (4 G, 6 IP, 8 K, 0 BB, 1 H, 0 R, 3 SV) to a degree that the Twins moved him all the way to A level Cedar Rapids where he appeared in 16 games, pitching 25 innings with 31 K (11.2 K/9, 34.4 K%), 3 BB (1.1 BB/9, 31.1 K-BB%), for a 0.36 ERA, 1.48 FIP, 0.52 WHIP (.182 BABIP), and 5 saves.  Were that not enough, the Twins send him to the Arizona Fall League his first professional season, where among family and friends he pitched in 10 games for another 12-2/3 innings with good results also (10 K, 7.1 K/9, 20.0 K%, 3 BB, 2.1 BB/9, 14 K-BB%, 2.05 ERA, 1.43 FIP, 1.03 WHIP, .270 BABIP.  So between all of his stops from Oregon to Tennessee to Iowa and to Arizona, in 2014 Reed pitched 61 games and 80-2/3 innings, a load that seems appropriate for a major league level reliever, but hardly for a first year professional, but Reed responded.  His strikeouts were down and walks up in Arizona, but that was more than expected from a pitcher who was overused by they usually cautious Twins.  In 2015 the Twins had Reed skip the high A Fort Myers and play all the way up to AA Chattanooga in his second season as a pro after a first season that was overused with the expected results:  Reed tanked.  He appeared in 35 games, pitching 47 innings, striking out 39 (7.5 K/9, 17.6%) and walking (career high 4.0 BB/9, and career low 8.1 K-BB% ), with a 6.32 ERA (inflated by a very low 50.1 LOB%), 4.20 FIP, 1.62 WHIP (.340 BABIP). To salvage his season in the begining of August Reed was sent to Fort Myers where we pitched better, finding his control, but not his strikeouts (9 G, 12-1/3 IP, 7 K, 5.1 K/9, 16.3 K%, 1 BB, 0.7 BB/9, 13.9 K-BB%, 0.00 ERA, 2.27 FIP, 0.73 WHIP, .229 BABIP).  To add to the 44 games and 59-1/3 innings, the Twins re-sent him to the AFL after the season where the appeared in 10 more games for a total of 10-2/3 innings (season totals 54 games, 70 innings), pitching well (10 K, 8.4 K/9, 25.6 K%, 4 BB, 3.4 BB/9, 15.4 K-BB%, 0.00 ERA, 2.83 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, .240 BABIP).  He again started last season in Chattanooga, with better results  (41 G, 60 IP, 64 K, 9.6 K/9, 25.6 K%, 22 BB, 3.3 BB/9, 16.8 K-BB%, 3.90 ERA, 3.02 FIP, 1.22 WHIP, .314 BABIP).  He moved to Rochester for the final 9 games of the season doing well (9 G, 10-2/3 IP, 8 K, 6.7 K/9, 19.1 K%, 2 BB, 1.7 BB/9, 14.3 K-BB%, 3.90 ERA, 3.02 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, .258 BABIP.) For the season Reed pitched in 50 games for 70-2/3 innings.

Overused his first season and rushed both his first two seasons, Reed turned from an elite reliever to a below average to an above average reliever who has been a workhorse in the pen, already carrying MLB-level loads and more, each of his first professional seasons.  He has a plus fastball that sits from 93-95, an above average slider that flashes plus, and an average to above average change up.  Reed has a problem with left hand hitters (.256 OBA in Chattanooga in 2016) which might limit him to a 7th inning reliever.  The dilemma the Twins have is that with rushing him and not allowing him to develop an effective pitch against lefties, like a changeup, they have been grooming him for that role.  They can potentially slow him down, allowing him to develop that third pitch, and solve his wildness problems, to potentially be a set-up type of pitcher.

Likely 2017 path: Depends on the Twins' plans: either AA to develop a third pitch, or AAA with a potential call to the majors, depending on performance and needs.

24. Akil Baddoo (--)
DOB: 8/16/1992; Age: 18
Positions: OF
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 5'11", Weight: 185 lbs
Acquired:  Drafted in the 2nd round in 2016
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: Rookie/GCL (2016)
ETA: 2020+

Akil Baddoo was drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft from Salem (GA) High School.  Baddoo did not turn 18 until after his first professional season at GLC.  He had a very hard time making the transition to a wooden bat (.178/.299/.271, 36 K for 28.3 K%, and 18 BB in 128 PA.)  He flashed speed both on the bases 8/9 SB, 2 triples and on the field where he is fast as a centerfielder, but needs to learn taking better routes to the ball.  He has a quick bat and soft hands.  Baddoo is a project.  But he is a potential 5 tool player, thus his ranking.  He is still growing but has a good frame, so power both with the bat and throwing could very well come.

Likely 2017 path:  Extended Spring Training and then repeating GCL

23. Felix Jorge (20)
DOB: 1/2/1994; Age: 23
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 170 lbs
Acquired:   International Free Agent signing 2011
Professional Experience: 6; Highest level: AA (2016)
ETA: 2018

Felix Jorge was signed by the Twins as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic on February 21, 2011.  The Santiago native received an $250,000 bonus and was assigned to the Dominican Summer League the following summer.  He has been moving along the Twins organization, about a step a season, until 2014 where he had major issues in Cedar Rapids and had to return in Elizabetheton.  He started 2015 again in Cedar Rapids and was the Kernels' best pitcher, pitching 23 games (22 GS) a team tops 142 IP, had 32 BB (2.03 BB/9, 14.6 K-BB%) and 114 Ks (7.3 K/9 and 20.3% K,) for a 2.79 ERA, 3.54 FIP, and 1.056 WHIP (2.67 BABIP).  Last season he started in the Miracle rotation where he has the best results of his career: 14 GS, 93 IP, 77 K (7.5 K/9, 21.6 K%), 11 BB (1.1 BB/9, 18.5 K-BB%), 1.55 ERA, 2.50 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, .280 BABIP.   He moved to AA Chatanooga in July and fell a bit flat, especially as far as strikeouts go: 11 GS, 74-1/3 IP, 32 K (3.8 K/9, 10.7 K%), 12 BB (1.5 BB/9, 6.7 K-BB%), 4.12 ERA, 4.21 FIP, 1.28 WHIP, .307 BABIP.  Jorge's effectiveness has decreased in the second half both of last season, which might indicate that his decline in AA might have been the result of low endurance, in addition to facing better competition.

Jorge came in the organization as a 16 year old with a rare 3 above average pitch mix.   He has a low 90s fastball that maxes at 93 with good downward movement, which the hitters have a hard time picking up.  Above average slurvy curveball and change up.  He commands all three pitches well, has good control and he mixes pitches well.  One might see his 2016 results in Fort Myers and think that Jorge had a break-through season, but his biggest issue surfaced again: endurance. He does have mid-rotation potential, but time will tell whether he will have the endurance to be in a major league rotation or the pen.

Likely 2017 path:  In the Chattanooga rotation

22. LaMonte Wade (31)
DOB: 1/1/1994; Age: 23
Positions: OF
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 6'1", Weight: 189 lbs
Acquired:  Drafted in the 9th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A+ (2016)
ETA: 2018

LaMonte Wade was drafted by the Twins in the 9th round of the 2015 draft from the University of Maryland as a Junior.  The Baltimore native  hit .335/.453/.468 in his Junior season with 30 walks and 20 strikeouts in 42 games (158 AB).  He continued to his first pro season in Elizabethton, where he hit .312/.432/.506 in 64 games (284 PAs) with 8 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HRs, 12/13 SBs, 46 BB and 34 K.  He played 4 more games in Cedar Rapids.  He started 2016 in Cedar Rapids where he hit  .280/.410/.396, walking 44 times and striking out 27.  He also had 4 HRs, 3 3B and was 5/8 in SB in 56 games.  He was promoted to A+ Fort Myers in June after was was named a starting outfielder in the  2016 Midwest League All-Star game.  There he improved hitting .318/.386/.518 in 32 games (110 ABs) despite losing most of August in the disabled list.

Quick wrists, excellent eye, decent power and speed, very good Centerfield play and hitting and throwing as a lefty have had some people drawing Denard Span comparisons.  However the truth of the matter is that Span has less power, speed, and strike zone judgement than Wade  and has never had a season like Wade's 2015 or 2016.  It will be interesting to see how Wade's hitting will stand against better and better  competition, but he has a very high ceiling.  With Buxton, Granite, and English ahead of him at the majors, AAA, and AA, Wade might potentially move to a corner spot, but his defense is as good as any of the three.  There has been some discussion on moving him to second base; however throwing left-handed might put an end to that thought.

Likely 2017 path:  Will start the season as the starting Centerfielder for Fort Myers.

21. Justin Haley (--)
DOB: 6/16/1994; Age: 25
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'5", Weight: 230 lbs
Acquired:  Rule 5 draft, 2016
Professional Experience: 5; Highest level: AAA (2016)
ETA: 2017

Justin Haley was selected by the Twins in the 2016 Rule 5 draft from the Boston Red Sox who drafted him in the 6th round of the 2012 draft from Fresno State University as a Junior.  The Sacramento native pitched in 22 games (12 starts) for 93-1/3 innings, striking out 94 (9.1 K/9) and walking 39 (3.8 BB/9) with a 7-4 record, 3.18 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.  He started his professional career at short season A New York Penn League Lowell's rotation, and has been moving steadily in the Red Sox' organization reaching AA Portland in late July of 2014, spending a disappointing season there in 2015 (27 GS, 130-1/3 IP, 95 K, 6.9 K/9, 17.2  K%, 50 BB, 3.6 BB/9, 8.1 K-BB%, 5.15 ERA, 3.83 FIP, 1.55 WHIP, .343 BABIP), and beginning last season.  Last season he was very much improved (12 GS, 61-1/3 IP, 59 K, 8.7 K/9, 24.1  K%, 19 BB, 2.8 BB/9, 16.3 K-BB%, 2.20 ERA, 2.67 FIP, 1.11 WHIP, .293 BABIP).  He was promoted to AAA Pawtucket in June where he continued pitching well with a slight drop in strikeouts (14 GS, 85-1/3 IP, 67 K, 7.1 K/9,  19.8 K%, 26 BB, 2.7 BB/9, 12.1 K-BB%, 3.59 ERA, 3.80 FIP, 1.13 WHIP, .264 BABIP).  After the season was over he started 5 games in the Winter Dominican League, pitching 23-2/3 innings with 14 K, 4 BB, 0.68 WHIP and 0.38 ERA.

Haley is a polished pitcher with a big body and a lot of endurance; he has a mix of 4 pitches.  His fastball is above average at 90-92 and has touched 95 with good downward movement, average command, and occasional control issues. Average to above average changeup at 80-82 mph, above average slider that occasionally flashes plus and a slow 12-6 curve that he uses very sporadically and is a work in progress.  He has bottom of the rotation potential; however his stuff might play better in the pen and become a late inning reliever.


Likely 2017 path:  Will start the season in the Twins' pen.

1/31/17

Twins' off-season moves and rumors report: 1/31/2017

This is the latest installment of the Twins 2016-2017 off-season rumors and moves report.  You can find the previous here and all the previous installments in this series here.

I will be bringing news for Twins moves and rumored interest as they come periodically, leaving the names of interesting parties as are unless something changes about their status, adding new information as it comes.  As previously, this is actually reported interest, and not "who fits where" hypothetical interest.  I will be adding information about former Twins as it happens, but not rumors, as well.  This is what has happened or rumored to have happened so far:
  • The Twins are interested in LHP Jerry Blevins, RHP Joe Blanton, and LHP Boone Logan (1/30)
  • The Twins have signed OF Ryan Strausborger to a minor league contract (1/30)
  • The Twins are interested in 1B and former Twin Justin Morneau (1/29), however there seems to be no room on their roster (1/30)
  • The Twins named Steve Singleton as the hitting coach of high A Fort Myers Miracle (1/29)
  • The Twins are interested in DH/1B Mike Napoli, and RHP Joe Smith (1/24).  It was reported that Napoli was not a fit (1/29)
  • The Twins are "strong on" LHP and former Twin Craig Breslow (1/28)
  • There is interest by unnamed teams on Twins RHP Ervin Santana and the Twins have indicated that nobody is "untouchable" (12/16)
  • The Twins could have interest in Red Sox'  P Drew Pomeranz, but have not discussed them yet with Boston (12/6); However are not listed among the teams that were interested in Red Sox' pitchers per Boston sources (12/7)
  • The Twins have talked to the Diamondbacks about their young pitching.  No particular names were mentioned and nothing is imminent (11/29)
  • The Twins might be interested in RHP Justin Masterson (11/23) as a minor league free agent signing (11/29)
  • It looks like the new Twins' Front Office t is doing the right thing and committing to a full-time rebuild.(11/20)  However, previous reports suggested that the Twins were after "experienced" players, without any names mentioned. (11/9)
  • Twins' 1B Kennys Vargas (who apparently has a fourth option left), has drawn some trade interest, but no teams are named (11/17)
From the former Twins' news department:
  • Former Twins' RHP Vance Worley has agreed to an 1yr/$1M plus incentives contact with the Nationals (1/28)

1/30/17

2017 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 26-30

You can find the introductory segment in this series, including my criteria for eligibility to be a prospect and the list of the 2016 top 40 players who graduated as prospects or are not in the system, here.    Here is my 2016 Twins off-season top 40 prospects list (summary of 1-40) for reference.

This is the countdown for players ranked 51-55th in the system. You can find players 56-60 here, players 51-55 here, 46-50 here, 41-45 here, 36-40 here, 31-35 here, and all segments in the series here.

30. Lewis Thorpe (17)
DOB: 11/23/1995; Age: 21
Positions: LHP
Bats: R, Throws: L
Height: 6'1", Weight: 160 lbs
Acquired:  International Free Agent
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A (2015,2016)
ETA: 2019

Thorpe was signed on July 12th of 2012 by the Twins to the largest bonus ever given for an Australian player, $500,000.  The Melbourne native He has not pitched since September of 2014 resting and rehabilitating his left UCL, which eventually required Tommy John surgery that cost him all of 2015.  He lost all of 2016 with mononucleosis.

Thorpe has 4 pitches, including a plus mid 90s fastball, a plus change up and curveball and an improving slider/cutter. His 2014 season in Cedar Rapids, even before the injury was somewhat of a disappointment compared to his 2013 season in Elizabethton (12 G, 8 GS, 44 IP, 64 K, 13.1 K/9, 38.1 K%, 6 BB, 1.2 BB/9, 34.5 K-BB%, 2.05 ERA, 1.43 FIP, 0.86 WHIP, .319 BABIP), showing considerable control issues (a career high 4.5 BB/9) and was fairly ineffective (4.24 FIP). He was a lefty strikeout pitcher, which means that there is a lot of potential, but losing two seasons has certainly set him back.  There are several questions about Thorpe, in addition to the obvious that is how his elbow procedure will impact his stuff: his durability in a game and during the season has been a bit of a concern.  A huge question mark right now, thus the drop from 11th in 2015 to 30th now.

Likely 2017 path:  In the Cedar Rapids rotation, with an outside chance to make the Fort Myers rotation, depending on the elbow and performance

29. Lachlan Wells (26)
DOB: 2/27/1997; Age: 19
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 5'8", Weight: 165 lbs
Acquired:  International Free Agent
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A (2015,2016)
ETA: 2019

The Twins signed Lachlan Wells as an international free agent from  Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia on November 21, 2014 for $400,000.  The diminutive Australian made his debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2015.   He played in 10 games (9 GS) and pitched 47.3 innings, walking 11 (2.1 BB/9, 20.5 K-BB%) and striking out 49 (9.3 K/9, 26.5% K%) for a 2.09 ERA (3.22 FIP) and 0.97 WHIP (.263 BABIP).  Last season he bypassed Elizabethton to play for Cedar Rapids in late June after Extented Spring Training.  For the Kernals he made 12 starts for 71-1/3 IP, walking 16 (2.0 BB/9, 16.7 K-BB%) and striking out 63 (8.0 K/9, 16.7% K%) for a 1.77 ERA (3.28 FIP) and 1.02 WHIP (.272 BABIP).  Other than the drop in strikeouts, his results have been very similar to his 2015, two levels of competition higher where he was about 3 years younger than the average player, which is encouraging.

Size is a concern with 5'8" Wells. He is just 19, but has not grown any more the past 3 seasons.  He throws an above average 90-93 mph fastball, a work in progress but solid average curveball and a changeup that is close to plus and is his out pitch.  His mechanics and complex delivery is a concern regarding durability.  So far his spits against lefties and righties are about similar with only one big difference:  He produces much more ground balls against lefties that he does against righties.  It could be the more frequent use of the changeup, but it is an interesting data point.  The Twins have kept Wells as a starter thus far, but the bullpen might be a more realistic place for him in the future

Likely 2017 path: In the Fort Myers rotation

28. D.J. Baxendale (--)
DOB: 12/8/1990; Age: 26
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired:  Drafted in the 10th round in 2012
Professional Experience: 5; Highest level: AAA (2016)
ETA: 2017

D.J. Baxendale was drafted by the Twins in the 10th round of the 2012 draft from the University of Arkansas as a Junior.  The Jacksonville, AR native was the Razorbacks' most dependable starter in his senior year starting 20 games, pitching 107 innings, striking out 96 (8.1 K/9) walking 29 (2.4 BB/9) for a 3.11 ERA and 1.18 WHIP.  He led his team in starts, wins and strikeouts.  He continued 2012 as a pro in the pen dominating the Rookie Appalachian League in Elizabethton (6 G, 7-2/3 IP, 16 K, 18.8 K/9, 64.0 K%, 1 BB, 1.1 BB/9, 60 K-BB%, 0.00 ERA, -0.06 FIP, 0.26 WHIP, .125 BABIP) and A Midwest League in Beloit (11 G, 11 IP, 16 K, 12.3 K/9, 33.3 K%, 1 BB, 0.8 BB/9, 31.1 K-BB%, 1.64 ERA, 0.90 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, .414 BABIP,) albeit in relative small samples.  The Twins have seen enough of him, including this incredible Spring Training performance that I was lucky to witness and decribe, that they placed him in the A+ Florida State League Fort Myers Miracle rotation, where he pitched like an Ace:  (9 GS, 57-1/3 IP, 48 K, 7.5 K/9, 22.4 K%, 11 BB, 2.1 BB/9, 17.3 K-BB%, 1.10 ERA, 0.78 FIP, 0.26 WHIP, .212 BABIP, 7-0 record,) moving to AA New Britain in late May when he suffered an arm injury in his first game pitched and eventually landed on the DL mid-June until the All-Star break. His numbers in New Britain left a lot to be desired  (16 GS, 92-2/3 IP, 64 K, 6.2 K/9, 15.7 K%, 22 BB, 2.1 BB/9, 10.3 K-BB%, 5.63 ERA, 4.54 FIP, 1.42 WHIP, .317 BABIP, 5-7 record.) Both his ERA and FIP were bloated because of the 13 HRs he allowed, a sign that he was leaving his Fastball high in the zone, potentially due to his arm issues.  Still, in 2013 Baxendale lead the Twins organization in wins and was one of very few Twins prospects to ever make it to AA in their second professional season.  2014 was an even more frustrating season for Baxendale, starting again at AA New Britain where he was placed in the DL in April, was back to Fort Myers in June, making a rehab start for the GCL Twins in August and pitching a few more games for the Miracle in late August.  That was a season totally lost in injuries.  He pitched a total 90-1/3 innings that season hurt most of the time, and would have been better served rehabilitating his injuries instead of aggravating them.  In 2015 the Twins moved their AA team to the Southern League Chattanooga, and Baxendale got the opportunity to pitch closer to home and had a better season (23 G, 21 GS, 118-1/3 IP, 92 K, 7.0 K/9, 17.9 K%, 40 BB, 3.0 BB/9, 10.1 K-BB%, 3.80 ERA, 3.69 FIP, 1.40 WHIP, .317 BABIP) but most importantly a healthy season.  Last season he was caught in the numbers and started the season for the 4th year in a row in the AA rotation with results improved from 2015 (14 GS, 81 IP, 59 K, 6.5 K/9, 17.7 K%, 16 BB, 1.8 BB/9, 12.9 K-BB%, 3.44 ERA, 3.17 FIP, 1.21 WHIP, .308 BABIP) but not dramatically.  At this point at his age 25 Baxendale looked like organizational depth pitcher, until he moved to the AAA Rochester pen last June, where he excelled.  He appeared in 23 games, pitching 35 innings, striking out 40 K (10.3 K/9, 28.4 K%,) and walking 8 (2.1 BB/9, 22.7 K-BB%), finishing with 1.29 ERA, 2.03 FIP, and 1.03 WHIP (.297 BABIP) picking up where he left Fort Myers in 2013.  But one cannot ignore 2014 and 2015

Baxendale has a 91-92 fastball with great sinking action, which jumps up to 93-94 from the pen.  He has a plus slow (low 70s) curve and as a starter has been throwing an above average mid 80s slider/cutter and an average changeup.  His command and control is excellent, especially when healthy.  If his fastball is down the zone, it is pretty much unhittable.  Supplementing it with a plus curveball as an out pitch makes Baxendale a potentially very effective reliever.  He is equally effective against both lefties and righties, inducing massive strikeouts to lefties (he struck out 20 of the 58 lefties he faced in Rochester for 38.5 K%), and decent strikeouts (22.5 K%) and ground outs 1.7 GO/AO to righties.  A comparable pitcher is current Twins' reliever Brandon Kintzler, but Baxendale will produce more strikeouts and be better against lefties.   Health is a consideration here, and Baxendale has to prove that his second half in 2016 was not a mirage.

Likely 2017 path: In the Rochester pen and depending on performance in Minnesota by mid-season

27. Trevor Hildenberger (--)
DOB: 12/15/1990; Age: 26
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 211 lbs
Acquired:  Drafted in the 22nd round in 2014
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: AA (2016)
ETA: 2018

Trevor Hildenberger was drafted by the Twins in the 22nd round of the 2014 draft from the University of California Berkeley as a Senior. The San Fransisco area native was Twins' Michael Theofanopoulos roommate and the Golden Bears' closer.  In his senior year he appeared in 28 games (47-2/3 IP) striking out 48 (9.1 K/9,) walking 11 (2.1 BB/9) and finishing with 2.83 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 10 saves. He continued his season and started his pro career at the GCL where he was the Twins' closer pitching in 23 games (28 IP), allowing 30 K (9.6, 25.2 K%) and 5 BB (1.6, 21 K-BB%) finishing with 2.57 ERA, 2.40 FIP, and 1.14 WHIP (.317 BABIP), and another 10 saves.  He also pitched a single inning that season in Elizabethton striking out 2 hitters and allowing neither hits nor walks.  Hildenberger moved to A class Cedar Rapids in the beginning of next season, putting career-best numbers (28 G, 45 IP, 59 K, 11.8 K/9, 35.5 K%, 5 BB, 1.0 BB/9, 32.5 K-BB%, 0.80 ERA, 1.17 FIP, 0.64 WHIP, .238 BABIP, 10 SV).  He moved up to A+ Fort Myers on late July pitching also successfully (13 G, 19 IP, 21 K, 10.0 K/9, 29.2 K%, 2 BB, 1.0 BB/9, 26.4 K-BB%, 3.32 ERA, 1.43 FIP, 0.89 WHIP, .313 BABIP, 3 SV). He earned a selection in the Arizona Fall League where he appeared for 8 games. Last season he stayed in Fort Myers for the beginning continuing his success (6 G, 9-1/3 IP, 8 K, 7.7 K/9, 20.5 K%, 0 BB, 0.0 BB/9, 20.5 K-BB%, 0.96 ERA, 1.54 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, .355 BABIP, 3 SV) earning an early promotion to AA Chattanooga in late April.  Again, another level for Hildenberger and he did not miss a beat (32 G, 38-2/3 IP, 45 K, 10.5 K/9, 31.3 K%, 6 BB, 1.4 BB/9, 27.1 K-BB%, 0.70 ERA, 2.21 FIP, 0.70 WHIP, .211 BABIP, 3 SV) until his season was ended on July 20 with right elbow tendinitis.

Hildenberger has a deceptive low slot delivery.  He has a plus fastball with a lot of sink at 91-93 mph.  Against righties he throws a very effective frisbee slider, and against lefties a plus change up.  Plus plus command and control, he barely walks hitters and can throw all his pitches for strikes despite his funky delivery.  He induces 2.5 times ground outs as fly outs against righties. His control and strikeout numbers give him almost elite K-BB% numbers.  He has end of the bullpen potential, but, even though his UCL ligament is said to be okay, elbow injuries are always of concern.  At 26, he has always been 1-3 years older than the competition at every step of his professional career.

Likely 2017 path:  Depending on the elbow health, starting at the Chattanooga pen with a promotion to Rochester mid season

26. Niko Goodrum (37)
DOB: 2/28/1992; Age: 24
Positions: IF/CF
Bats: S, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 198 lbs
Acquired:  Drafted in the 2nd round in 2010
Professional Experience: 7; Highest level: AA (2015, 2016)
ETA: 2017

Niko Goodrum was drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round of the 2014 draft from Fayette County (GA) High School.  It is hard to believe that Goodrum has already spent seven seasons in the Twins' organization and he is just 24 years old, turning 25 during the coming Spring Training.  Goodrum was drafted early as a shortstop with five tool potential, but until this past season, other than his speed, he has been somewhat disappointing for a high level draft pick with a $514,800 signing bonus.  Other than his glove that was atrocious at SS early in his career and necessitated a move to third base at Fort Myers in 2014, he has not been outright bad, with wRC+ hovering from 97-114 every season, but he did not fulfill the high expectations, and advanced slowly, making two stops at Elizabethton, one at Cedar Rapids, three at Fort Myers and two in Chattanooga.  2016 was an interesting season for Goodrum.  He missed the first half with a stress fracture on his foot, but came back and had a breakthrough season.  In 6 rehab games at Fort Myers (26 AB), he hit .280/.308/.560 with 149 wRC+ before he moved to Chattanooga where he finished the season with .275/.357/.451, 22 BB and 52 K, in 49 games (207 AB) with a 133 wRC+.  He hit 7 HRs and was 9/11 in SB for the season.  He stole 29 bases in 2015, but for half season and with a foot fracture, his 2016 total was expected.  To get the additional AB, Goodrum played in the Venezuela League, where he hit .284/.354/.431 with 13 BB and 29 K in 116 AB.  All in all Goodrum has 349 AB in 2016 with very promising results. 

Goodrum is a switch hitter that hits equally well from each side of the plate.  He played at every infield position and centerfield.  As indicated, his defense turned him from a shortstop to a third baseman earlier, but he has proven inadequate in that position.  However the last two seasons, his play back at shortstop as well as centerfield, has been above average, reducing his errors by a lot.  This positional versatility and a potential sustainability of his success with the bat last season, may indicate that Goodrum might have a major league future as a utility player.

Likely 2017 path:  Invited to the Twins' spring training with the potential to win a spot depending on performance and whether Dozier will still be with the Twins.  Likely at the MLB-level at some point in the season depending on performance and injuries.