2/12/18
2018 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 26-30
30. David Banuelos (--)
29. Tyler Watson (--)
28. Charlie Barnes (--)
27. Travis Blankenhorn (15), 3B/1B, 2020
26. Andrew Bechtold (--)
2/11/18
Et Yu Brute? Darvish signs with the Cubs. Now what do the Twins do?
On a cold and gray Chicago morning, as the snow flied, four days before Valentine's Day Ken Rosenthal, broke the hearts of plenty of Twins' fans by reporting that Yu Darvish signed a 6 year deal with the Cubs. Darvish was considered by many not only the missing piece in a potential Twins' success story in 2018, but a statement acquisition by the new and improved front office, especially after another top of the rotation Japanese free agent, Shohei Otani, shunned the Twins and the frozen tundra for the California sun earlier this off-season. A top free agent signing that would had put the Twin Cities on the map of the desirable places to go in the majors...
What are the Twins going to do about it, especially given the fact that Ervin Santana might not be ready until May?
To me they are four options, listed here in order of what I believe makes sense:
What are the Twins going to do about it, especially given the fact that Ervin Santana might not be ready until May?
To me they are four options, listed here in order of what I believe makes sense:
- Work out a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for Chris Archer. A package based on Max Kepler, Nick Gordon, and one of Stephen Gonsalves, Adalberto Mejia, or Zach Littell, should be in discussion. If necessary, someone like Alex Kirilloff could be added, with a minor leaguer from the Rays' system to balance the trade. In this case the Twins get a top of the rotation pitcher who will be their opening day pitcher and might be the piece they need to contend for the division and deep into the post-season, which should be their goal at this point. If a trade like this happens, the Twins can sign a free agent outfielder, like Carlos Gomez to replace Kepler's bat and glove, to an one year contract. This is the best case scenario for the Twins, because unless they acquire someone like Archer, they will not content, which brings us to the second-best scenario:
- Do nothing and see what Gonsalves, Littell, and Fernando Romero have in the final 2 spots of the rotation, before Santana, and Trevor May are back in May. The Twins really need to find a top of the rotation pitcher and with Jose Berrios improving with another year under his belt, he might be it. Trevor May had excellent promise as a starter and might slot in the middle of the rotation ahead of Santana. Can Romero be that number two that is his potential this season? The Twins better find out, instead of doing the second worse scenario:
- Sign third grade, end of the rotation free agents to fill in the blanks. Jason Vargas (a Terry Ryan, and I suspect of his administration's leftovers, darling,) Jaime Garcia, Edinson Volquez, Chris Tillman, Andrew Cashner, and the former true but mostly tried Twins Ricky Nolasco, and Hector Santiago, as well as every other pitcher you don't want the Twins to sign, belong in this category. Trading for a mid-rotation starter, albeit with future potential, like Jake Odorizzi while better than the other choices listed here, falls in this category. The future should be now for the Twins. If they don't feel that this is the case, they should go with the kids. Still this is not the worst case scenario; that would be:
- Signing one of the three "top" free agents left: Jake Arrieta, Alex Cobb, or Lancy Lynne (in alphabetical order) and especially to a contract more than a year. None of those pitchers will be an improvement to (let's say) Kyle Gibson's 2017 second half or to what a combination of Gonzalves/Littell/Romero/Dietriech Enns can potentially provide... Arrieta and Cobb had played in the American League and were mid to end of the rotation types. Lynne has never played in the AL and has had the luxury of facing pitchers, thus inflated K% and SwStr% numbers. To add insult to injury, the Twins will have to give up a high draft pick for the privilege to sign any of these mid of the rotation types.
2/9/18
2018 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 31-35
This is the next segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You
can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on
this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are
not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60, 55-51, 46-50 , 41-45, 36-40. You can find all segments in this series here.
Here are players 31-35 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
35. Bryan Sammons (--)
DOB: 4/27/1995; Age: 22
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 6'4", Weight: 235 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 8th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: A (2017)
ETA: 2020
Bryan Sammons was drafted in the 8th round of the 2017 draft by the Twins as a Senior from Western Carolina University. The Wilmington, NC native have had an unremarkable College career until he appeared in the Cape Cod league the summer of 2016, winning the title game and going 1-0 with a 1.53 ERA in 10 games (4 starts.) He pitched 29-1/3 innings, with a 1.36 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9, and 7.1 K/9. His senior year he pitched in 16 games (15 GS) for 104-1/3 innings, wiht a 1.20 WHIP, 11.3 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9. He started his pro career at Elizabethton, where he pitched in 7 games (3 starts) for 24-2/3 innings, striking out 31 (11.3 K/9, 32.3 K%), walking 7 (2.6 BB/9, 25 K-BB%) with a 1.46 ERA, 2.76 FIP, and 0.85 WHIP (.228 BABIP). Mid-season after dominating Appalachian League hitters, he moved to the Midwest League Cedar Rapids and continued his successful seasona pitching in 6 games (5 starts) for 25-2/3 innings with 35 strikeouts (12.3 K/9, 31.5 K%) walking 11 (3.9 BB/9, 21.6 K-BB%) with a 3.51 ERA, 3.07 FIP and 1.29 WHIP (.318 BABIP).
The big lefty pitched 154-1/3 innings between college and pros, and has the looks of a rotation workhorse. He held lefties to a .143 batting average and righties to a .235 at Cedar Rapids. His fastball sits at 88-91 and has the ability to change velocities. Also has a curve, slider/cutter, and an changeup that are average but improving.
Likely 2018 path: Starting in the Cedar Rapids rotation, with an outside possibility of moving to Fort Myers based on Spring Training.
34. Derek Molina (--)
DOB: 7/27/1997; Age: 20
Positions: RHP
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 14th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2021
Derek Molina was drafted in the 14th round of the 2017 draft by the Twins as a draft eligible Sophomore from Merced College. The Turlock, CA native transferred there from Cal State Northridge, with the intend of being a two way player, pitcher and shortstop. Even though he hit .356/.456/.550 in 160 AB, the Twins drafted him as a pitcher. In his Sophomore season he pitched for 15 games (1 start) for 28-1/3 IP with a 0.95 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 13.7 K/9, and 2.5 BB/9. He was assigned to the GCL as a pro and continued his success pitching in 10 games (2 starts) for 16-2/3 innings striking out 21 (11.3 K/9, 33.3 K%), walking 3 (1.6 BB/9, 28.6 K-BB%) with an 1.08 ERA, 1.44 FIP, and 0.90 WHIP (.308 BABIP).
The converted shortstop has a plus mid 90s fastball with a lot of movement, and an above average changeup with a good feel, complemented by a work in progress breaking ball. He has excellent command of all his pitches. Still very raw, but with very high potential and the mentality to close games, if needed (Between College and the GCL he amassed 8 saves in 2017). However the Twins will likely see what he can do as a starter the more accustomed he gets with pitching. He is a player that might jump up these ranking really quickly, in the manner of Brusdal Graterol.
Likely 2018 path: In extended Spring Training and then in the Elizabethton rotation, or pen, depending on the Twins' draft.
33. Alberoni Nunez (--)
DOB: 2/17/1999; Age: 18
Positions: OF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'1", Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Signed as an international free agent on July 2, 2016
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2021
Alberoni Nunez was signed as an international free agent on July 2, 2016 by the Twins from San Domingo, Dominican Republic. His first pro season was in the DSL where he was a monster with the bat (.352/.420/.545, .457 wOBA, 172 wRC+) and played CF and RF. For comparison purposes, Miguel Sano's numbers at the DSL were .344/.463/.547, .485 wOBA and 191 wRC+. Nunez walked 10.4% of the time and struck out only 18.1%, which is really optimistic of someone with a .194 IsoP as an 18 year old. Nunez has some speed as well, stealing 11/19 bases and harvesting 7 triples. An interesting player to follow when he comes Stateside.
Likely 2018 path: In extended Spring Training and then in the GCL outfield
32. Kohl Stewart (17)
DOB: 10/7/1994; Age: 23
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st round in 2013
Professional Experience: 5; Highest level: AAA (2017)
ETA: 2018
Kohl Stewart was drafted by the Twins in the 1st round (4th overall) of the 2013 draft from St Pius X High School in Houston, TX. Stewart is one of those players that elicit a lot of conflicting emotions when evaluated, because of the high expectations based on his potential and drafting position, which he apparently has not come close to fulfilling. He started his professional career in the GCL the year he was drafted and pitched in 6 games, 3 starts, for 16 innings, striking out 16, walking 3, for a 1.69 ERA, and 0.938 WHIP. He also made a start in Elizabethton that season for 4 innings, striking out 8, allowing a hit and a walk, after he recovered from a foot injury he suffered while stepping on a sea shell on the beach. The next season (2014) he moved to single A Cedar Rapids, where, about 3 years younger than the league, he started 19 games (87 IP), struck out 62 (6.4 K/9, 17.2 K%) and walked 24 (2.5 BB/9, 10.5 K-BB%) and finished the season with 2.59 ERA, 3.73 FIP, and 1.138 WHIP (.270 BABIP), while fight shoulder tenderness. After that season MLB.com ranked him 36th best prospect in Baseball, and the Baseball Prospectus ranked him 28th. Stewart had a somewhat disappointing following season in 2015 for the Miracle. He started 22 games after losing about a month in the DL because of elbow inflammation. He pitched 129-1/3 innings had 45 BB (3.1 BB/9, 4.7 K-BB%) and 71 K (12.8 K% and 4.9 K/9) for a 3.20 ERA, 3.45 FIP, and 1.38 WHIP (.308 BABIP) The hope was that the 4th overall pick will miss a lot of bats, as he did in 2013 where in 24 IP in both Rookie teams he walked 4 and struck out 24, but he did not. Potentially his injury was to blame, but that was not a very good season for him. Last season he repeated in the high A Miracle where he improved enough (9 GS, 51-2/3 IP, 44 K, 7.7 K/9, 20.7 K%, 19 B, 3.3 BB/9, 11.7 K-BB%, 2.61 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 1.12 WHIP, .253 BABIP) to be promoted to AA Chattanooga the end of May. There, his numbers flattened out again (16 GS, 92 IP, 47 K, 4.6 K/9, 11.8 K%, 44 B, 4.3 BB/9, 0.8 K-BB%, 3.03 ERA, 4.49 FIP, 1.47 WHIP, .291 BABIP) before finishing the season in the DL with right biceps tendonitis. Other than a game at Rochester, Stewart spent all last season in Chattanooga starting in 16 games, pitching 77 innings striking out 52 (6.1 K/9, 15.5 K-BB%), walking 45 (5.3 BB/9, 2.1 K-BB%,) hitting 4 and throwing 13 wild pitches. Ended with ta 4.09 ERA, 4.35 FIP, 1.52 WHIP and .296 BABIP. He spent good chunks of the season in the DL with left knee tendonitis.
Here is what I wrote last season about Stewart:
It appears that Stewart's ceiling moved after each of his seasons, from a top of the rotation flamethrower, compared to fellow Texan Roger Clemens when drafted to a bottom of the rotation pitch to contact pitcher who will utilize his ground outs (about 1.8 as many as fly outs for his career) to get bats out. I think that the true is somewhat in between. There are a few things that have stalled Stewart's development: First and foremost Stewart is still learning how to pitch at 23 years old. He was primary football player who was on his way to be a College quarterback before the Twins drafted him and he used to throw the ball past high schoolers in the Houston Catholic School circuit. His stuff is excellent. He has a plus to plus plus four seamer that hits 96, which he alternates with a plus 2 seamer in the low 90s and supplements it with a close to plus hard slider/cutter in the low-mid 80s, an above average high 70s curveball and an average change up. His command is about average at this point and the primary reason of his declining K/BB ratio. The issue with his command is his mechanics that are not smooth. This issue has also caused him the nagging injuries (other than the seashell one) which he has been battling with all his pro career. At this point the Twins and Stewart will be better served by taking a step back and re-examining his mechanics, working on a consistent, repeatable delivery that will help him be successful, instead of rushing him again. If it were up to me, I would have him start 2017 in Extended Spring Training to do this, instead of a league that is 3 years older than him, and move him to AA with a new delivery and confidence and a way to excel, avoid injuries, and reach his potential. Not sure that the Twins will do so...
I feel more that ever that this is a make or break season for him. He was left unprotected for the Rule 5 draft and was not selected; that must have been a wake up call. The Twins just need to do the right thing and try to fix his mechanics, before throwing him out there an having yet another disappointing season, his last before he becomes a minor league free agent...
Likely 2018 path: In the Rochester rotation, depending on health.
31. Ben Rortvedt (16)
DOB: 9/25/1997; Age: 20
Positions: C
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 5'10", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 2nd round in 2016
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A (2017)
ETA: 2021
Ben Rortvedt was drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft from the Verona, WI Area High School. He started his pro career in the GCL where he played in 20 games (59 AB) hitting .203/.277/.254 with 5 BBs and 8 Ks, before he moved up to Elizabethton for the last 13 games of the season where in 40 AB he hit .250/.348/.250 with 5 BB, and 2 K. He mostly batter third, fifth and sixth in the GCL and on the 7th spot in Elizabethton. He was rushed to Cedar Rapids last season, which was forgettable for him. He hit .224/.284/.315 with a .279 wOBA, and 71 wRC+. He also had career worsts in walks (6.5%) and Strikeouts (17.9%). He had reverse splits hitting LHPs remarkably (.311/.400/.393) but neutralized against RHPs (.202/.253/.296). His OPS by month was .229, .510, .953, .575, .711, .364, which indicated that other than a hot spell in June, he was unremarkable the whole season.
He has a good feel in the catcher position which he played in 86 of his 89 total games (he was the DH for 3 games.) Good arm with 36% CS, few issues blocking the ball (15 PB for the season,) but overall a lot of promise, but a lot of youth and development ahead of him to reach his potential that is that of an above average two ways MLB-regular catcher. His hitting tool is just not there, and I am not sure the that Twins did him a favor rushing him to full season ball. There are questions at this point whether his hitting will be good enough for him to have a shot in the majors. Catchers develop later, and maybe slowing down will help the former second round draft pick.
Likely 2018 path: Repeating Cedar Rapids.
Next: 26-30
Here are players 31-35 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
35. Bryan Sammons (--)
DOB: 4/27/1995; Age: 22
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 6'4", Weight: 235 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 8th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: A (2017)
ETA: 2020
Bryan Sammons was drafted in the 8th round of the 2017 draft by the Twins as a Senior from Western Carolina University. The Wilmington, NC native have had an unremarkable College career until he appeared in the Cape Cod league the summer of 2016, winning the title game and going 1-0 with a 1.53 ERA in 10 games (4 starts.) He pitched 29-1/3 innings, with a 1.36 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9, and 7.1 K/9. His senior year he pitched in 16 games (15 GS) for 104-1/3 innings, wiht a 1.20 WHIP, 11.3 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9. He started his pro career at Elizabethton, where he pitched in 7 games (3 starts) for 24-2/3 innings, striking out 31 (11.3 K/9, 32.3 K%), walking 7 (2.6 BB/9, 25 K-BB%) with a 1.46 ERA, 2.76 FIP, and 0.85 WHIP (.228 BABIP). Mid-season after dominating Appalachian League hitters, he moved to the Midwest League Cedar Rapids and continued his successful seasona pitching in 6 games (5 starts) for 25-2/3 innings with 35 strikeouts (12.3 K/9, 31.5 K%) walking 11 (3.9 BB/9, 21.6 K-BB%) with a 3.51 ERA, 3.07 FIP and 1.29 WHIP (.318 BABIP).
The big lefty pitched 154-1/3 innings between college and pros, and has the looks of a rotation workhorse. He held lefties to a .143 batting average and righties to a .235 at Cedar Rapids. His fastball sits at 88-91 and has the ability to change velocities. Also has a curve, slider/cutter, and an changeup that are average but improving.
Likely 2018 path: Starting in the Cedar Rapids rotation, with an outside possibility of moving to Fort Myers based on Spring Training.
34. Derek Molina (--)
DOB: 7/27/1997; Age: 20
Positions: RHP
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 14th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2021
Derek Molina was drafted in the 14th round of the 2017 draft by the Twins as a draft eligible Sophomore from Merced College. The Turlock, CA native transferred there from Cal State Northridge, with the intend of being a two way player, pitcher and shortstop. Even though he hit .356/.456/.550 in 160 AB, the Twins drafted him as a pitcher. In his Sophomore season he pitched for 15 games (1 start) for 28-1/3 IP with a 0.95 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, 13.7 K/9, and 2.5 BB/9. He was assigned to the GCL as a pro and continued his success pitching in 10 games (2 starts) for 16-2/3 innings striking out 21 (11.3 K/9, 33.3 K%), walking 3 (1.6 BB/9, 28.6 K-BB%) with an 1.08 ERA, 1.44 FIP, and 0.90 WHIP (.308 BABIP).
The converted shortstop has a plus mid 90s fastball with a lot of movement, and an above average changeup with a good feel, complemented by a work in progress breaking ball. He has excellent command of all his pitches. Still very raw, but with very high potential and the mentality to close games, if needed (Between College and the GCL he amassed 8 saves in 2017). However the Twins will likely see what he can do as a starter the more accustomed he gets with pitching. He is a player that might jump up these ranking really quickly, in the manner of Brusdal Graterol.
Likely 2018 path: In extended Spring Training and then in the Elizabethton rotation, or pen, depending on the Twins' draft.
33. Alberoni Nunez (--)
DOB: 2/17/1999; Age: 18
Positions: OF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'1", Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Signed as an international free agent on July 2, 2016
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2021
Alberoni Nunez was signed as an international free agent on July 2, 2016 by the Twins from San Domingo, Dominican Republic. His first pro season was in the DSL where he was a monster with the bat (.352/.420/.545, .457 wOBA, 172 wRC+) and played CF and RF. For comparison purposes, Miguel Sano's numbers at the DSL were .344/.463/.547, .485 wOBA and 191 wRC+. Nunez walked 10.4% of the time and struck out only 18.1%, which is really optimistic of someone with a .194 IsoP as an 18 year old. Nunez has some speed as well, stealing 11/19 bases and harvesting 7 triples. An interesting player to follow when he comes Stateside.
Likely 2018 path: In extended Spring Training and then in the GCL outfield
32. Kohl Stewart (17)
DOB: 10/7/1994; Age: 23
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st round in 2013
Professional Experience: 5; Highest level: AAA (2017)
ETA: 2018
Kohl Stewart was drafted by the Twins in the 1st round (4th overall) of the 2013 draft from St Pius X High School in Houston, TX. Stewart is one of those players that elicit a lot of conflicting emotions when evaluated, because of the high expectations based on his potential and drafting position, which he apparently has not come close to fulfilling. He started his professional career in the GCL the year he was drafted and pitched in 6 games, 3 starts, for 16 innings, striking out 16, walking 3, for a 1.69 ERA, and 0.938 WHIP. He also made a start in Elizabethton that season for 4 innings, striking out 8, allowing a hit and a walk, after he recovered from a foot injury he suffered while stepping on a sea shell on the beach. The next season (2014) he moved to single A Cedar Rapids, where, about 3 years younger than the league, he started 19 games (87 IP), struck out 62 (6.4 K/9, 17.2 K%) and walked 24 (2.5 BB/9, 10.5 K-BB%) and finished the season with 2.59 ERA, 3.73 FIP, and 1.138 WHIP (.270 BABIP), while fight shoulder tenderness. After that season MLB.com ranked him 36th best prospect in Baseball, and the Baseball Prospectus ranked him 28th. Stewart had a somewhat disappointing following season in 2015 for the Miracle. He started 22 games after losing about a month in the DL because of elbow inflammation. He pitched 129-1/3 innings had 45 BB (3.1 BB/9, 4.7 K-BB%) and 71 K (12.8 K% and 4.9 K/9) for a 3.20 ERA, 3.45 FIP, and 1.38 WHIP (.308 BABIP) The hope was that the 4th overall pick will miss a lot of bats, as he did in 2013 where in 24 IP in both Rookie teams he walked 4 and struck out 24, but he did not. Potentially his injury was to blame, but that was not a very good season for him. Last season he repeated in the high A Miracle where he improved enough (9 GS, 51-2/3 IP, 44 K, 7.7 K/9, 20.7 K%, 19 B, 3.3 BB/9, 11.7 K-BB%, 2.61 ERA, 3.27 FIP, 1.12 WHIP, .253 BABIP) to be promoted to AA Chattanooga the end of May. There, his numbers flattened out again (16 GS, 92 IP, 47 K, 4.6 K/9, 11.8 K%, 44 B, 4.3 BB/9, 0.8 K-BB%, 3.03 ERA, 4.49 FIP, 1.47 WHIP, .291 BABIP) before finishing the season in the DL with right biceps tendonitis. Other than a game at Rochester, Stewart spent all last season in Chattanooga starting in 16 games, pitching 77 innings striking out 52 (6.1 K/9, 15.5 K-BB%), walking 45 (5.3 BB/9, 2.1 K-BB%,) hitting 4 and throwing 13 wild pitches. Ended with ta 4.09 ERA, 4.35 FIP, 1.52 WHIP and .296 BABIP. He spent good chunks of the season in the DL with left knee tendonitis.
Here is what I wrote last season about Stewart:
It appears that Stewart's ceiling moved after each of his seasons, from a top of the rotation flamethrower, compared to fellow Texan Roger Clemens when drafted to a bottom of the rotation pitch to contact pitcher who will utilize his ground outs (about 1.8 as many as fly outs for his career) to get bats out. I think that the true is somewhat in between. There are a few things that have stalled Stewart's development: First and foremost Stewart is still learning how to pitch at 23 years old. He was primary football player who was on his way to be a College quarterback before the Twins drafted him and he used to throw the ball past high schoolers in the Houston Catholic School circuit. His stuff is excellent. He has a plus to plus plus four seamer that hits 96, which he alternates with a plus 2 seamer in the low 90s and supplements it with a close to plus hard slider/cutter in the low-mid 80s, an above average high 70s curveball and an average change up. His command is about average at this point and the primary reason of his declining K/BB ratio. The issue with his command is his mechanics that are not smooth. This issue has also caused him the nagging injuries (other than the seashell one) which he has been battling with all his pro career. At this point the Twins and Stewart will be better served by taking a step back and re-examining his mechanics, working on a consistent, repeatable delivery that will help him be successful, instead of rushing him again. If it were up to me, I would have him start 2017 in Extended Spring Training to do this, instead of a league that is 3 years older than him, and move him to AA with a new delivery and confidence and a way to excel, avoid injuries, and reach his potential. Not sure that the Twins will do so...
I feel more that ever that this is a make or break season for him. He was left unprotected for the Rule 5 draft and was not selected; that must have been a wake up call. The Twins just need to do the right thing and try to fix his mechanics, before throwing him out there an having yet another disappointing season, his last before he becomes a minor league free agent...
Likely 2018 path: In the Rochester rotation, depending on health.
31. Ben Rortvedt (16)
DOB: 9/25/1997; Age: 20
Positions: C
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 5'10", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 2nd round in 2016
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A (2017)
ETA: 2021
Ben Rortvedt was drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft from the Verona, WI Area High School. He started his pro career in the GCL where he played in 20 games (59 AB) hitting .203/.277/.254 with 5 BBs and 8 Ks, before he moved up to Elizabethton for the last 13 games of the season where in 40 AB he hit .250/.348/.250 with 5 BB, and 2 K. He mostly batter third, fifth and sixth in the GCL and on the 7th spot in Elizabethton. He was rushed to Cedar Rapids last season, which was forgettable for him. He hit .224/.284/.315 with a .279 wOBA, and 71 wRC+. He also had career worsts in walks (6.5%) and Strikeouts (17.9%). He had reverse splits hitting LHPs remarkably (.311/.400/.393) but neutralized against RHPs (.202/.253/.296). His OPS by month was .229, .510, .953, .575, .711, .364, which indicated that other than a hot spell in June, he was unremarkable the whole season.
He has a good feel in the catcher position which he played in 86 of his 89 total games (he was the DH for 3 games.) Good arm with 36% CS, few issues blocking the ball (15 PB for the season,) but overall a lot of promise, but a lot of youth and development ahead of him to reach his potential that is that of an above average two ways MLB-regular catcher. His hitting tool is just not there, and I am not sure the that Twins did him a favor rushing him to full season ball. There are questions at this point whether his hitting will be good enough for him to have a shot in the majors. Catchers develop later, and maybe slowing down will help the former second round draft pick.
Likely 2018 path: Repeating Cedar Rapids.
Next: 26-30
2/7/18
2018 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 36-40
This is the next segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You
can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on
this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are
not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60, 55-51, 46-50 , 41-45. You can find all segments in this series here.
Here are players 36-40 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
40. Aaron Whitefield (59)
DOB: 9/2/1996; Age: 21
Positions: CF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'4", Weight: 200 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on May 19, 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A (2017)
ETA: 2020
Aaron Whitefield was signed by the Twins as an International Free Agent from Brisbain, Australia on May 19, 2015. 2016 was his second professional season (he played 7 games in the GCL in 2015) and it highlighted Whitefield's versatility and steady hitting. He played 51 games in the Rookie Gulf Coast League, starting 17 at CF, 8 at RF, 2 at LF, 5 at 3B and 18 at 1B. He hit .298/.370/.366 with 2 HR, 7 2B, in 217 PA. Struck out 47 times and walked 19, stole 31 bases and was caught 9 times. In addition to the 19 BB, he had 48 singles, which means he attempted to steal 40 of the 67 times he reached first base, which is a very high rate. Last season he moved up to Cedar Rapids and he hit
.262/.318/.414, .330 wOBA, 104 wRC+, had 6.7 BB% and 25.7 K%, and went 33/42 in stolen bases, while playing exclusively at Center field. During the off-season he is still playing in the ABL hitting .292/.364/.425 with 10/31 extra base hits and 10/17 SB.
His bat is advanced for someone with only few years of playing baseball (Whitefield is a converted softball player) and improving. As most converted softball players, he is hitting RHP better that LHP. His slash line against RHP at Cedar Rapids was .276/.333/.415 vs .227/.280/.412 against LHP.
Whitefield is still very raw, but has good instincts both with the glove and the bat. The bat will continue to improve the more he gets adjusted to baseball from softball, and right now it is much ahead of his peers. He is one of the players who might make considerable jumps in prospect lists, since he has all the makings of a five-tool player if his power further (his isoP is up to .158 from .063 last season) improves and his contact tool, esp. vs LHPs also improves. Strikeouts are a concern. He made it all the way to number 40 from 59 in these rankings last year. Still very raw and surviving (and thriving) due to his athleticism, but definitely a player to follow as he is playing against higher competition.
Likely 2018 path: The starting centerfielder at Fort Myers.
39. Wander Valdez, (--)
DOB: 11/22/1999; Age: 18
Positions: 3B
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 200 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on July 2, 2016
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2022
Wander Valdez was signed as international free agent by Twins on July 2, 2016 for a $495,000 bonus. His only professional season was last season at the DSL where he hit .263/.347/.401, with a .364 wOBA, 117 wRC+, 10.9 BB%, 19.2 K%, and .138 isoP, while playing both corner infield positions. He does have a considerable power for a 17 year old, and his arm is plus. Will likely stay at third base, unless he grows considerably. Very good sense for the strike zone and decent speed for his size.
Likely 2018 path: Starting at extended Spring Training and then at the GCL.
38. Lachlan Wells (29), LHSP, 2020
DOB: 2/27/1997; Age: 20
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 6'1", Weight: 185 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on November 21, 2014
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (17)
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. Wells 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). Wells moved all the way to Fort Myers in 2017 where he took a step back. He appeared in 16 games (14 GS) for 81-1/3 IP, striking out 68 (7.5 K/9, 20.1 K%) and walking 19 (2.1 BB/9, 14.5 K-BB%), with a 3.98 ERA, 4.17 FIP, and 1.17 WHIP (.272 BABIP.) All his rate measures were career worst. He missed missed all of July and most of August with an elbow flexor muscle strain, a situation that is concerning, because muscle elbow issues could very easily lead to ligament issues and Tommy John surgery.
Wells throws an above average 90-93 mph fastball, a 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, and a double concern now that he has elbow issues. 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, especially given the fact that he has not pitched in triple digit innings yet.
Likely 2018 path: In the Fort Myers rotation, pending health; moving to Chattanooga mid season.
37. Pedro Garcia (45)
DOB: 7/21/1995; Age: 22
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Signed as an international free agent on October 11, 2015
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2021
The Twins signed Pedro Garcia as an international free agent from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on October 11, 2015. Garcia had his first professional season in the Dominican Summer Rookie League in 2016 and he was the ace of that team, starting 14 games (62-1/3 IP), striking out 69 (10.0 K/9, 28.2 K%), and walking 24 (3.5 BB/9, 18.4 K-BB%). He finished the season with a 5-1 record, 2.17 ERA, 2.50 FIP, 1.01 WHIP (.260 BABIP). Opponents had a very hard time making contact (.181 OBA), especially when hitting from the right side (.155 OBA). In 2017 he move Stateside and joined the GCL after Spring Training. He pitched in 10 games (3 starts) for 48-2/3 innings, striking out 41 (7.6 K/9, 20.7 K%) and walking 17 (3.1 BB/9, 12.1 K-BB%), with a 2.59 ERA, 3.55 FIP, and 0.88 WHIP (.191 BABIP).
Garcia has 3 pitches, a low to mid 90s two seamer fastball with good action, a workable changeup and an above average breaking ball. There is wildness there (he also hit 8 batters and had 7 wild pitches). His ground ball to fly ball rate is 1.3, his mechanics good and his frame projectable. Working on that fastball command will help him take the next step.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training then GCL or Elizabethton, depending his adjustment to commanding the fastball and the Twins 2017 draft.
36. Bailey Ober (--)
DOB: 7/12/1995; Age: 22
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'8", Weight: 215 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 12th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: ELZ (2017)
ETA: 2020
Bailey Ober was drafted in the 12th round of the 2017 draft as a Senior out of College of Charleston (SC.) The Huntersville, NC native missed all his Sophomore season with Tommy John surgery, had a trying Junior season but finished his Senior season strong, pitching 56 innings in 10 starts with a 3.21 ERA, 1.77 BB/9, 11.7 K/9, and 1.20 WHIP. He started his first season as a pro in Elizabethton where he pitched in 6 games (4 GS) and 28 innings, striking out 35 (11.3 K/9, 31.5 K%) and walking 2 (1.0 K/9. 28.8 K-BB%), for a 3.21 ERA, 2.86 FIP, and 0.96 WHIP (.319 BABIP).
Ober at 6-8 is very tall and gives a different look than most hitters are used. He has a 91-93 fastball that he commands very well, a close to plus changeup, a slider and a curve that are average but have potential. He dominated his opponents at Elizabethton, but it will be interesting to see what happens against better competition.
Likely 2018 path: Starting in the Cedar Rapids rotation
Next: 31-35
Here are players 36-40 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
40. Aaron Whitefield (59)
DOB: 9/2/1996; Age: 21
Positions: CF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'4", Weight: 200 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on May 19, 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A (2017)
ETA: 2020
Aaron Whitefield was signed by the Twins as an International Free Agent from Brisbain, Australia on May 19, 2015. 2016 was his second professional season (he played 7 games in the GCL in 2015) and it highlighted Whitefield's versatility and steady hitting. He played 51 games in the Rookie Gulf Coast League, starting 17 at CF, 8 at RF, 2 at LF, 5 at 3B and 18 at 1B. He hit .298/.370/.366 with 2 HR, 7 2B, in 217 PA. Struck out 47 times and walked 19, stole 31 bases and was caught 9 times. In addition to the 19 BB, he had 48 singles, which means he attempted to steal 40 of the 67 times he reached first base, which is a very high rate. Last season he moved up to Cedar Rapids and he hit
.262/.318/.414, .330 wOBA, 104 wRC+, had 6.7 BB% and 25.7 K%, and went 33/42 in stolen bases, while playing exclusively at Center field. During the off-season he is still playing in the ABL hitting .292/.364/.425 with 10/31 extra base hits and 10/17 SB.
His bat is advanced for someone with only few years of playing baseball (Whitefield is a converted softball player) and improving. As most converted softball players, he is hitting RHP better that LHP. His slash line against RHP at Cedar Rapids was .276/.333/.415 vs .227/.280/.412 against LHP.
Whitefield is still very raw, but has good instincts both with the glove and the bat. The bat will continue to improve the more he gets adjusted to baseball from softball, and right now it is much ahead of his peers. He is one of the players who might make considerable jumps in prospect lists, since he has all the makings of a five-tool player if his power further (his isoP is up to .158 from .063 last season) improves and his contact tool, esp. vs LHPs also improves. Strikeouts are a concern. He made it all the way to number 40 from 59 in these rankings last year. Still very raw and surviving (and thriving) due to his athleticism, but definitely a player to follow as he is playing against higher competition.
Likely 2018 path: The starting centerfielder at Fort Myers.
39. Wander Valdez, (--)
DOB: 11/22/1999; Age: 18
Positions: 3B
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 200 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on July 2, 2016
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2022
Wander Valdez was signed as international free agent by Twins on July 2, 2016 for a $495,000 bonus. His only professional season was last season at the DSL where he hit .263/.347/.401, with a .364 wOBA, 117 wRC+, 10.9 BB%, 19.2 K%, and .138 isoP, while playing both corner infield positions. He does have a considerable power for a 17 year old, and his arm is plus. Will likely stay at third base, unless he grows considerably. Very good sense for the strike zone and decent speed for his size.
Likely 2018 path: Starting at extended Spring Training and then at the GCL.
38. Lachlan Wells (29), LHSP, 2020
DOB: 2/27/1997; Age: 20
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 6'1", Weight: 185 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on November 21, 2014
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (17)
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. Wells 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). Wells moved all the way to Fort Myers in 2017 where he took a step back. He appeared in 16 games (14 GS) for 81-1/3 IP, striking out 68 (7.5 K/9, 20.1 K%) and walking 19 (2.1 BB/9, 14.5 K-BB%), with a 3.98 ERA, 4.17 FIP, and 1.17 WHIP (.272 BABIP.) All his rate measures were career worst. He missed missed all of July and most of August with an elbow flexor muscle strain, a situation that is concerning, because muscle elbow issues could very easily lead to ligament issues and Tommy John surgery.
Wells throws an above average 90-93 mph fastball, a 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, and a double concern now that he has elbow issues. 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, especially given the fact that he has not pitched in triple digit innings yet.
Likely 2018 path: In the Fort Myers rotation, pending health; moving to Chattanooga mid season.
37. Pedro Garcia (45)
DOB: 7/21/1995; Age: 22
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Signed as an international free agent on October 11, 2015
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2021
The Twins signed Pedro Garcia as an international free agent from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on October 11, 2015. Garcia had his first professional season in the Dominican Summer Rookie League in 2016 and he was the ace of that team, starting 14 games (62-1/3 IP), striking out 69 (10.0 K/9, 28.2 K%), and walking 24 (3.5 BB/9, 18.4 K-BB%). He finished the season with a 5-1 record, 2.17 ERA, 2.50 FIP, 1.01 WHIP (.260 BABIP). Opponents had a very hard time making contact (.181 OBA), especially when hitting from the right side (.155 OBA). In 2017 he move Stateside and joined the GCL after Spring Training. He pitched in 10 games (3 starts) for 48-2/3 innings, striking out 41 (7.6 K/9, 20.7 K%) and walking 17 (3.1 BB/9, 12.1 K-BB%), with a 2.59 ERA, 3.55 FIP, and 0.88 WHIP (.191 BABIP).
Garcia has 3 pitches, a low to mid 90s two seamer fastball with good action, a workable changeup and an above average breaking ball. There is wildness there (he also hit 8 batters and had 7 wild pitches). His ground ball to fly ball rate is 1.3, his mechanics good and his frame projectable. Working on that fastball command will help him take the next step.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training then GCL or Elizabethton, depending his adjustment to commanding the fastball and the Twins 2017 draft.
36. Bailey Ober (--)
DOB: 7/12/1995; Age: 22
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'8", Weight: 215 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 12th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: ELZ (2017)
ETA: 2020
Bailey Ober was drafted in the 12th round of the 2017 draft as a Senior out of College of Charleston (SC.) The Huntersville, NC native missed all his Sophomore season with Tommy John surgery, had a trying Junior season but finished his Senior season strong, pitching 56 innings in 10 starts with a 3.21 ERA, 1.77 BB/9, 11.7 K/9, and 1.20 WHIP. He started his first season as a pro in Elizabethton where he pitched in 6 games (4 GS) and 28 innings, striking out 35 (11.3 K/9, 31.5 K%) and walking 2 (1.0 K/9. 28.8 K-BB%), for a 3.21 ERA, 2.86 FIP, and 0.96 WHIP (.319 BABIP).
Ober at 6-8 is very tall and gives a different look than most hitters are used. He has a 91-93 fastball that he commands very well, a close to plus changeup, a slider and a curve that are average but have potential. He dominated his opponents at Elizabethton, but it will be interesting to see what happens against better competition.
Likely 2018 path: Starting in the Cedar Rapids rotation
Next: 31-35
2/5/18
2018 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 41-45
This is the next segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You
can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on
this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are
not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60, 55-51, 46-50. You can find all segments in this series here.
Here are players 41-45 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
45. Ryley Widell
DOB: 6/1/1997; Age: 20
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 6'3", Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 7th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: ELZ (2017)
ETA: 2022
The Haiku, HI native was drafted in the 7th round of 2017 by the Twins from Central Arizona College as a draft-eligible Sophomore. He transferred there after an unfortunate Freshman season at Washington State (14 G, 3 GS, 20.1 IP, 8.85 ERA, 2.31 WHIP, 8.4 BB/9, 8.0 K/9). He improved vastly at JuCo pitching in 17 games (16 GS) for 95-2/3 IP, with a 1.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9. As a pro he started in Elizabethton pitching in 8 games (7 GS) for 29-2/3 IP striking out 41 (12.4 K/9, 30.6 K%) and walking 20 (6.1 BB/9, 15.7 K-BB%). He also had 4 wild pitches. He finished with a 2.43 ERA, 4.10 FIP amd 1.52 WHIP (.358 BABIP)
At 6-3/180 Widell is projectible and the hope is that he will add a couple of ticks to his 90-92 mph fastball. He as an above average changeup and has been working with a curveball in Elizabethton. Command and control can be lacking some days; Focusing on commanding the fastball and then working on secondary stuff will be a must for Widell. There is a lot of potential here, but the floor is very low as well.
Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training to work on command and then in the Elizabethton or even Cedar Rapids rotation depending on the Twins' draft.
44. Yeltsin Encarnacion (--)
DOB: 6/28/1998; Age:19
Positions: IF
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 5'11", Weight: 170 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 2014
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2023
Encarnacion who is from Azua, Dominican Republic, was signed as international free agent by Twins on September 2014. His first pro season in the DSL he hit an encouraging .286/.384/.333, .363 wOBA, 114 wRC+ as a 17 year old, with 12.5 BB% and 15.5 K%. He repeated the DSL in 2016 and regressed, other in the K%, hitting .220/.330/.270 with .310 wOBA, 86 wRC+, 12.4 BB% and 9.1 K%. In 2017, back in the DSL as a 19 year old he had a breakthrough season, both as far as contact and power goes: He hit .318/.408/.523, .445 wOBA, 165 wRC+, with 12.4 BB/9, and 11.3 K/9.
Encarnacion has played all infield positions but 2B is likely his best position. He has a strong enough arm to play the left size of the infield, but his defensive instincts and surehandedness are not that developed. This .205 IsoP last season is impressive in any league, and especially by a 5-11, 170 lbs 19 year old infielder. For example the 5-10, 185 lbs Eduardo Escobar who as a 28 year old had a power break through for the Twins had a .195 isoP last season. Encarnacion is a contact machine who does not mind taking a walk here and there. If that contact results in hits like it did last season when facing tougher competition, the future will be bright for him, even though his glove will be dragging behind. Likely 2018 Path: Extended String Training .
Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then at the GCL
43. Jacob Pearson (--)
DOB: 6/28/1998; Age:19
Positions: OF
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6'1", Weight: 185 lbs
Acquired: Traded by the Angels
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: AZL (2017)
ETA: 2023
Jacob Pearson was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft by the Angels from West Monroe (LA) High School and was signed for an over-spot bonus. He was traded to the Twins for IFA allowance. In his first pro appearance in the Angels' Rookie Arizona League (the equivalent of the GCL) he hit .226/.302/.284 with a .286 wOBA and 69 wRC+ in 176 PA. He had an 8.5 BB% and 21 K%. Stole 5/8 bases and had 8/27 extra base hits (no HRs).
Pearson was the top prep player from Louisiana and can play all OF positions including CF. He has played first base as well. He has good game speed, excellent feel for the game, hustle, and doubles power. His arm is one of his weaknesses, and depending on how much he grows, the right side of the infield might be his future. Played exclusively at the OF with the Angels, but this might change in the Twins' organization.
Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then at Elizabethton, depending on the Twins' draft.
42. Jake Reed (25) RHRP
DOB: 9/29/1992; Age: 25
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 5th round in 2014
Professional Experience: 4; Highest level: AAA (2016, 2017)
ETA: 2018
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 (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 started 2016 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. Last season he also started at Chattanooga, but stayed only 5 games before he moved to Rochester, where he pitched in 22 games for 30-2/3 innings striking out 25 (7.3 K/9, 20.7 K%), walking 11 (3.2 BB/9, 11.6 K-BB%) with a 2.05 ERA, 3.40 FIP, and 1.14 WHIP (.281 BABIP)
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. Last season he regressed a bit and this off-season, even though, unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, unlike two of his teammates he was not selected. 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 at this point has been passed by several other RHRPs, but all it will take is an opportunity to get a major league job, do well and hold into it. Reed was ranked as the Twins' 16th best prospect in 2015 and 2016, dropped to 25th last season and to 42nd now, to reflect his status in the Twins' RHRP pecking order.
Likely 2018 path: At the Rochester pen with a potential call to the majors, depending on performance and needs.
41. Ricky De La Torre (--)
DOB: 4/21/1999; Age: 19
Positions: SS
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 175 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 6th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2023
The Juana Diaz, PR, native, Ricky De La Torre was selected by the Twins in the 6th round of the 2017 draft from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. As a 17 year old in his first pro season at the GCL he did well. He hit .268/.341/.359 with a .339 wOBA, 104 wRC+, 9.4 BB%, and 22.9 K%. He was 5/11 in stolen bases, a number that should be improved. His .092 IsoP and 9/34 extra base hits, including 3 home runs is very hopeful. So it his power projectibility and his strong arm and potential ability to stay at SS.
He played at short, second, and third, but does project as a (yet another) shortstop with moderate to high ceiling. Tools and projection is there, but he needs improvement in contact, defensive instincts and concentration, in general. At just 18, there is no reason that this will not happen.
Likely 2018 path: Starting at extended Spring Training and then either repeating GCL or at Elizabethton depending on the Twins' draft.
Next: 36-40
Here are players 41-45 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
45. Ryley Widell
DOB: 6/1/1997; Age: 20
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 6'3", Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 7th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: ELZ (2017)
ETA: 2022
The Haiku, HI native was drafted in the 7th round of 2017 by the Twins from Central Arizona College as a draft-eligible Sophomore. He transferred there after an unfortunate Freshman season at Washington State (14 G, 3 GS, 20.1 IP, 8.85 ERA, 2.31 WHIP, 8.4 BB/9, 8.0 K/9). He improved vastly at JuCo pitching in 17 games (16 GS) for 95-2/3 IP, with a 1.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9. As a pro he started in Elizabethton pitching in 8 games (7 GS) for 29-2/3 IP striking out 41 (12.4 K/9, 30.6 K%) and walking 20 (6.1 BB/9, 15.7 K-BB%). He also had 4 wild pitches. He finished with a 2.43 ERA, 4.10 FIP amd 1.52 WHIP (.358 BABIP)
At 6-3/180 Widell is projectible and the hope is that he will add a couple of ticks to his 90-92 mph fastball. He as an above average changeup and has been working with a curveball in Elizabethton. Command and control can be lacking some days; Focusing on commanding the fastball and then working on secondary stuff will be a must for Widell. There is a lot of potential here, but the floor is very low as well.
Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training to work on command and then in the Elizabethton or even Cedar Rapids rotation depending on the Twins' draft.
44. Yeltsin Encarnacion (--)
DOB: 6/28/1998; Age:19
Positions: IF
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 5'11", Weight: 170 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 2014
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2023
Encarnacion who is from Azua, Dominican Republic, was signed as international free agent by Twins on September 2014. His first pro season in the DSL he hit an encouraging .286/.384/.333, .363 wOBA, 114 wRC+ as a 17 year old, with 12.5 BB% and 15.5 K%. He repeated the DSL in 2016 and regressed, other in the K%, hitting .220/.330/.270 with .310 wOBA, 86 wRC+, 12.4 BB% and 9.1 K%. In 2017, back in the DSL as a 19 year old he had a breakthrough season, both as far as contact and power goes: He hit .318/.408/.523, .445 wOBA, 165 wRC+, with 12.4 BB/9, and 11.3 K/9.
Encarnacion has played all infield positions but 2B is likely his best position. He has a strong enough arm to play the left size of the infield, but his defensive instincts and surehandedness are not that developed. This .205 IsoP last season is impressive in any league, and especially by a 5-11, 170 lbs 19 year old infielder. For example the 5-10, 185 lbs Eduardo Escobar who as a 28 year old had a power break through for the Twins had a .195 isoP last season. Encarnacion is a contact machine who does not mind taking a walk here and there. If that contact results in hits like it did last season when facing tougher competition, the future will be bright for him, even though his glove will be dragging behind. Likely 2018 Path: Extended String Training .
Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then at the GCL
43. Jacob Pearson (--)
DOB: 6/28/1998; Age:19
Positions: OF
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6'1", Weight: 185 lbs
Acquired: Traded by the Angels
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: AZL (2017)
ETA: 2023
Jacob Pearson was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft by the Angels from West Monroe (LA) High School and was signed for an over-spot bonus. He was traded to the Twins for IFA allowance. In his first pro appearance in the Angels' Rookie Arizona League (the equivalent of the GCL) he hit .226/.302/.284 with a .286 wOBA and 69 wRC+ in 176 PA. He had an 8.5 BB% and 21 K%. Stole 5/8 bases and had 8/27 extra base hits (no HRs).
Pearson was the top prep player from Louisiana and can play all OF positions including CF. He has played first base as well. He has good game speed, excellent feel for the game, hustle, and doubles power. His arm is one of his weaknesses, and depending on how much he grows, the right side of the infield might be his future. Played exclusively at the OF with the Angels, but this might change in the Twins' organization.
Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then at Elizabethton, depending on the Twins' draft.
42. Jake Reed (25) RHRP
DOB: 9/29/1992; Age: 25
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 5th round in 2014
Professional Experience: 4; Highest level: AAA (2016, 2017)
ETA: 2018
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 (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 started 2016 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. Last season he also started at Chattanooga, but stayed only 5 games before he moved to Rochester, where he pitched in 22 games for 30-2/3 innings striking out 25 (7.3 K/9, 20.7 K%), walking 11 (3.2 BB/9, 11.6 K-BB%) with a 2.05 ERA, 3.40 FIP, and 1.14 WHIP (.281 BABIP)
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. Last season he regressed a bit and this off-season, even though, unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, unlike two of his teammates he was not selected. 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 at this point has been passed by several other RHRPs, but all it will take is an opportunity to get a major league job, do well and hold into it. Reed was ranked as the Twins' 16th best prospect in 2015 and 2016, dropped to 25th last season and to 42nd now, to reflect his status in the Twins' RHRP pecking order.
Likely 2018 path: At the Rochester pen with a potential call to the majors, depending on performance and needs.
41. Ricky De La Torre (--)
DOB: 4/21/1999; Age: 19
Positions: SS
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 175 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 6th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2023
The Juana Diaz, PR, native, Ricky De La Torre was selected by the Twins in the 6th round of the 2017 draft from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. As a 17 year old in his first pro season at the GCL he did well. He hit .268/.341/.359 with a .339 wOBA, 104 wRC+, 9.4 BB%, and 22.9 K%. He was 5/11 in stolen bases, a number that should be improved. His .092 IsoP and 9/34 extra base hits, including 3 home runs is very hopeful. So it his power projectibility and his strong arm and potential ability to stay at SS.
He played at short, second, and third, but does project as a (yet another) shortstop with moderate to high ceiling. Tools and projection is there, but he needs improvement in contact, defensive instincts and concentration, in general. At just 18, there is no reason that this will not happen.
Likely 2018 path: Starting at extended Spring Training and then either repeating GCL or at Elizabethton depending on the Twins' draft.
Next: 36-40
2/3/18
Fixing the MLB Free Acency and CBA issues
It is very obvious with the way that this off-season has been as far as free agent signings, that there is something seriously broken with the was that the player compensation situation has been at the MLB.
Up until very recently the MLB players were compensated for what they did, vs. what they were expected to do in their future contracts. This has led to monster 10 year contracts for 30+ year old players who were impossible to live to the expectations. It has also led to poverty-level wages for a whole bunch of players, in the minor leagues, with no minimum minor league contract levels, a five- to six-year control of players as minor leaguers, and an additional 6 years of team control (the last through arbitration) at the major league level. So a player who was drafted as a 21 year old in college, could be after 5 years of control in the minors making a pittance, and 3 years of control in the majors making the minimum (which is a pretty nice $600K or so), before hoping to increase that in his age 29 through 31 seasons via an arbitration, and then hitting it big via free agency.
However, with the increase of analytically-based GMs and Front Offices, there is the realization that ages 32+ usually represent the declining seasons of a player (esp. post the steroid era) and teams do not want to play that much. And nobody should blame them. Players should be paid when they produce the most, which is a the peak of their careers.
The system is broken both ways.
I think that the following changes will help, come the new CBA, to create a more fair situation for everyone and for the fans to see a more competitive sport:
I think that these measures will establish better competitive balance among teams, will pay the most to players who perform the best in their primes, pay the minor league players living wages, and stop unethical trainers from taking advantage of impoverished children.
What do you all think?
Up until very recently the MLB players were compensated for what they did, vs. what they were expected to do in their future contracts. This has led to monster 10 year contracts for 30+ year old players who were impossible to live to the expectations. It has also led to poverty-level wages for a whole bunch of players, in the minor leagues, with no minimum minor league contract levels, a five- to six-year control of players as minor leaguers, and an additional 6 years of team control (the last through arbitration) at the major league level. So a player who was drafted as a 21 year old in college, could be after 5 years of control in the minors making a pittance, and 3 years of control in the majors making the minimum (which is a pretty nice $600K or so), before hoping to increase that in his age 29 through 31 seasons via an arbitration, and then hitting it big via free agency.
However, with the increase of analytically-based GMs and Front Offices, there is the realization that ages 32+ usually represent the declining seasons of a player (esp. post the steroid era) and teams do not want to play that much. And nobody should blame them. Players should be paid when they produce the most, which is a the peak of their careers.
The system is broken both ways.
I think that the following changes will help, come the new CBA, to create a more fair situation for everyone and for the fans to see a more competitive sport:
- Establish a salary cap and a salary floor at 1.5x and .5x the previous season's MLB average. Based on the opening day of 2017 that would be between $207M and $69M in 2018.
- Going over would mean forfeiting draft picks: $10M = 1st round, $5M = 2nd round, $2.5M = 3rd round for multiple seasons (i.e if you go over by $25M you would lose next seasons' top 3 rounds and the following round 1 picks)
- Going under the floor will result to a. forfeit the league subsidies by the same amount of dollar a team is under, plus b.forfeiting draft picks at the same rate as going over. So no more "tanking" for draft picks.
- Establish a minimum salary of $15 (EST, Rk, ssA), $20 (A), $25 (A+), $30 (AA), $35 AAA per hour, for minor league players. Based on 1500 hrs (9 months), those salaries become: $22.5K, $30K, $37.5K, $45K, and $52.5K a season at the different levels.
- Unless extended, everyone hits free agency after his age 25 season, with the age based on player's age on opening day.
- The concept of arbitration ceases to exist. 25 year old free agents who are entering their primes will be getting into contracts that will reward what they expected to gain during their primes.
- Maximum guaranteed contracts should be 5 years. Options are allowed if the two parties agree. "No trade" clauses go away (and they have been pretty much irrelevant recently.)
- There will be no international free agents. Everyone, including Asian and Cuban professional players will have to go through the draft, like in the NBA, with minimum age of signing 17 (the equivalent of a High School senior). This will stop the Latin American children from taking advantage by "trainers" and sold to the highest bidder. It will also stop teams from getting the best players from the Asian leagues or the Cuban league, just because they have more money.
- The salary cap and floor will be based on all the $ spend by a team to players' salaries, both in the MLB and MiLB. Most teams had about 300 minor and major leaguers last season. The total minor league investment according to this proposal would have been about $10-11 million annually.
- Draft picks can be traded.
- The concepts of "International Allowance", "Qualifying offer", "Supplementary picks" etc cease to exist.
- A first three round draft pick who is not willing to sign with the team that selected him, will not be eligible for the following years' draft.
I think that these measures will establish better competitive balance among teams, will pay the most to players who perform the best in their primes, pay the minor league players living wages, and stop unethical trainers from taking advantage of impoverished children.
What do you all think?
2/2/18
2018 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 46-50
This is the next segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You
can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on
this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are
not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60, 55-51. You can find all segments in this series here.
Here are players 46-50 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
50. Colton Burns (--)
DOB: 10/19/1995; Age: 22
Positions: OF
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 18th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2021
Colton Burns was drafted by the Twins in the 18th round of the 2017 draft as a Junior from the University of California Santa Barbara. The Palmdale, CA native transferred there from the JuCo College of the Canyons. As a junior he played the OF and filled in at second base because of injuries. He hit .308/.422/.389 with 9/57 extra base hits and 5/10 SB. His first season as a pro was at the GCL where he hit .282/.423/.385, .393 wOBA, 138 wRC+, and had 16.3 BB% and 23.5 K% and was 8/11 in SB.
Burns is very raw but has a true 70 speed and excellent plate discipline. He had some issues with contract his first time around with wooden bat, but this will be a matter of adjustment. He projects as a left fielder or centerfielder in the future. He is a player with tools similar to current Twins' OF Zack Granite.
Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then Elizabethton.
49. Hector Lujan (--)
DOB: 8/23/1994; Age: 23
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 220 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 35th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (2016)
ETA: 2020
Hector Lujan was drafted by the Twins in the 35th round of the 2015 draft from Westmont College as a junior. The Corona, CA native went to University of California Santa Barbara as a freshman and sophomore but decided to transfer to get more opportunities to pitch. In his Junior year he pitched 23 innings in 20 games out of the pen with a 4.30 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 9.8 K/9 and 5.9 BB/9. A mechanical change in the pros reduced the walks (2.5/9 at GCL in 2015 and 2.6/9 in Elizabethton in 2016), but previously to last season, he was fairly ineffective: in 2015 at GCL he pitched in 15 games (18 IP) with 16 K (8 K/9, 20.8 K%), 5 BB (2.5 BB/9, 14.3 K-BB%), with a 5.00 ERA, 2.70 FIP and 1.39 WHIP. In 2016 he appeared in 19 games with Elizabethton pitching for 35-1/3 innings and had 30 K (7.6 K/9, 18.8 K%), 10 BB (2.6 BB/9, 12.5 K-BB) and a 5.35 ERA, 4.99 FIP and 1.39 WHIP. That season he pitched a game for the Miracle (1 IP, 1 ER, 1 HR, 1 K). Last season a different Hector showed up in Cedar Rapids and dominated as the closer for most of the season. He appeared in 42 games (54 IP), stuck out 54 (9 K/9, 26.5 K%) walked only 8 (1.3 BB/9, 22.5 K%) and finished with 1.33 ERA, 2.79 FIP and 0.91 WHIP (.277 BABIP).
Two things happened for Lujan that helped those results: His fastball gained a couple of ticks to 96-97 mph and he learn how to command and control it better. It has a lot of movement and it is a plus pitch at this point. Add a hard slider with plus flashes but solidly at above average and an average to above average changeup and Lujan might be on the fast track if he starts producing at higher levels.
Likely 2018 Path: Closer at the Fort Myers Miracle.
48. Kerby Camacho (--) C, 2021
DOB: 11/23/1997; Age: 20
Positions: C
Bats: S, Throws: R
Height: 5'10", Weight: 175 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 11th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: GCL (2015, 2017)
ETA: 2023
The Twins drafted the Arecibo, PR native in the 11th round of the 2015 draft from the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy. His first professional season in the DSL was disappointing (.093/.169/.167, .176 wOBA, 9 wRC+. He lost all of his second season to a 60 day suspension testing positive for the anabolic steroid Nandrolone. He return to the GCL in 2017 where he was much improved: .246/.378/.328 slash line with a .349 wOBA and a 111 wRC+ in 74 PA.
He projects to stay at Catcher where he is pretty good with the glove cutting down 29% of the would be base stealers. He is good at calling games and pretty sure-handed as a backstop making no errors last season. He is a switch hitting catcher, which is not a small feat by itself. Still pretty raw and still question marks, and not only because he is another steroid strike away from major consequences on his development, but he is one to keep your eye on.
Likely 2018 Path: Catching at Elizabethton.
47. Tom Hackimer (--) RHP
DOB: 6/28/1994; Age: 20
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 5'11", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 4th round in 2016
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A+ (2017)
ETA: 2019
The New Hyde Park, NY Native was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 4th round of the 2016 draft from St. John's University as a Senior. He was a Physics majors with a 3.62 GPA and decided to go back to finish after being drafted by the Mets as a Junior. In his senior year at the Big East conference he pitched in 28 games (53-2/3 IP) striking out 71 (11.9 K/9) and walking 19 (3.2 BB/9). He finished with 8 saves, 1.17 ERA and 0.800 WHIP. As a pro that season (2016) he was assigned to Cedar Rapids where he pitched in 21 games (26-1/3 IP), struck out 26 (8.9 K/9, 22.8 K%), walked 12 (4.1 BB/9, 12.3 K-BB%) and hit 7 batters. He had a 2.39 ERA, 4.16 FIP and 1.25 BABIP. He repeated Cedar Rapids to start the 2017 season, pitching 16 games (24 IP), striking out 28 (10.5 K/9, 30.8 K%), walking 3 (1.1 BB/9, 27.5 K-BB%) and hitting 4 batters. His ERA was 1.50, FIP 2.04 and WHIP 0.58 (.196 BABIP). He moved up to Fort Myers where he pitched in 27 games (37-1/3 IP) stuck out 43 (10.4 K/9), walked 19 () and hit 7 batters. He finished with a 1.93 ERA, 3.10 FIP, and 1.02 WHIP (.221 BABIP). He followed with an appearance in the Arizona Fall League where he pitched 11-2/3 innings in 10 games with 7.7 K/9, 5.4 BB/9, 2.31 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.
Hackimer did not allow a HR this season. He allowed 1 at Cedar Rapids in 2016 and none in 4 NCAA seasons. He is an extreme ground ball pitcher, allowing 2-4 as many time ground balls as fly balls. He is a submarine pitcher with a fastball that runs 89-92 and moves a lot (thus the walks and HBPs) and has a good Frisbee slider. Control will make or break Hackimer, but he is fast tracked to the majors.
Likely 2018 Path: In the Fort Myers' pen with a move to Chattanooga mid-season.
46. Andrew Vasquez (52) LHP, 2019
DOB: 9/14/1994; Age: 24
Positions: LHP
Bats: S, Throws: L
Height: 6'6", Weight: 228 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 32nd round in 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (2017)
ETA: 2019
Andrew Vasquez was drafted by the Twins in the 32nd round of the 2015 draft from Westmont College where he transferred as a senior from University of California Santa Barbara where he pitched his first 3 collegiate seasons. The California native was Highly recruited out of High School after finishing 5-1 with 1.54 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 52-1/3 IP and being a switch hitting first baseman. His freshman season he started 15 games (88-2/3 IP) had 106 strikeouts (10.6 K/9) and 63 BB (6.4 BB/9) with a 1.93 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. The next 2 seasons the wheels fell off and his ERA ballooned to mid 4s, before dropping to 3.06 after his transfer. The problem? Andrew Vasquez is an unusual pitcher. One has to think of him as a knuckleballer, but unlike a knuckleballer, Vasquez bread and butter pitch is his curveball that he throws most of the time. And it is a beautiful slow curveball that sits at the high 60s low 70s, which most of the time is a plus plus pitch that misses bats and induces very weak contact when it does. He occasionally throws a mid 80s fastball that was just a step above a playground pitch at college but improving. Missing bats is what Vasquez does, but when he misses the plate with his curveball and the hitters are sitting on his fastball, the results have been disastrous. All of his collegiate career he was given more walks than hits. His strikeout numbers (13.1 K/9) and hits (4.8 hits per 9 innings) have been stellar his senior year, but walks were the problem (5.7 BB/9). In his first pro-season with the Twins, Vasquez transitioned to the pen in the Gulf Coast League where the trent continued. He pitched 12-1/3 innings in 12 games, striking out 22 (16.1 K/9) allowing 10 hits (7.3 H/9) but walking 15 (11 BB/9). He started 2016 in extended spring training and looks like something clicked for Vasquez. He moved to Elizabethton for 4 games, pitched 10 innings striking out 15 (13.5 K/9, 38.5 K%) allowing 6 hits (5.4 H/9) and walking only 4 hitters (3.6 BB/9, 28.2 K-BB%) ending up with an 0.90 ERA, 2.46 FIP, and 1.00 WHIP (.333 BABIP.) He was promoted to Cedar Rapids where the success continued: He came of the pen in 13 games for 28-1/3 innings, with 36 K (11.4 K/9, 31.6% K%), 12 BB (3.8 BB/9, 21.1 K-BB%) and 13 H (4.1 H/9) translating into a 1.59 ERA, 2.63 FIP and 0.88 WHIP (.210 BABIP). He begun last season at Cedar Rapids for 14 games (22-1/3 IP), striking out 33 (13.30 K/9, 36.7 K%) and walking 10 (4.0 BB/9, 25.6 K-BB%), with an 1.61 ERA, 2.02 FIP and 1.12 WHIP (.326 BABIP). He moved up to Fort Myers, pitching in 23 games for 35-2/3 inning, striking out 52 (13.1 K/9, 34.4 K%) and walking 11 (2.8 BB/9, 27.2 K-BB%.) He finished with and 1.51 ERA, 1.82 FIP and 1.21 WHIP (.390 BABIP.) He moved on to the Arizona Fall Leauge where he pitched in 11 Games, 12-2/3 IP, 1.38 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 3.6 BB/9 and 1.11 WHIP.
It has to be mentioned that Vasquez has not allowed a home run as a pro player. As mentioned earlier, even though a secondary pitch, his 88-90 mph fastball has improved this season and he has been also toying with a slurve that sits at high 70s to low 80s and has improved to above average. He is lethal against LHBs. He is a very interesting prospect who will live and die with the control and command of his curveball and if that holds up in higher levels, he might be a fast riser. The benefit he has as a reliever that he did not have as a starter is that he can reduce his exposure when his command and control is not there.
Likely 2018 Path: In the Fort Myers' pen with a move to Chattanooga mid-season; aggressively, could start the season in AA.
Next: 41-45
Here are players 46-50 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
50. Colton Burns (--)
DOB: 10/19/1995; Age: 22
Positions: OF
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 18th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2021
Colton Burns was drafted by the Twins in the 18th round of the 2017 draft as a Junior from the University of California Santa Barbara. The Palmdale, CA native transferred there from the JuCo College of the Canyons. As a junior he played the OF and filled in at second base because of injuries. He hit .308/.422/.389 with 9/57 extra base hits and 5/10 SB. His first season as a pro was at the GCL where he hit .282/.423/.385, .393 wOBA, 138 wRC+, and had 16.3 BB% and 23.5 K% and was 8/11 in SB.
Burns is very raw but has a true 70 speed and excellent plate discipline. He had some issues with contract his first time around with wooden bat, but this will be a matter of adjustment. He projects as a left fielder or centerfielder in the future. He is a player with tools similar to current Twins' OF Zack Granite.
Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then Elizabethton.
49. Hector Lujan (--)
DOB: 8/23/1994; Age: 23
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 220 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 35th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (2016)
ETA: 2020
Hector Lujan was drafted by the Twins in the 35th round of the 2015 draft from Westmont College as a junior. The Corona, CA native went to University of California Santa Barbara as a freshman and sophomore but decided to transfer to get more opportunities to pitch. In his Junior year he pitched 23 innings in 20 games out of the pen with a 4.30 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 9.8 K/9 and 5.9 BB/9. A mechanical change in the pros reduced the walks (2.5/9 at GCL in 2015 and 2.6/9 in Elizabethton in 2016), but previously to last season, he was fairly ineffective: in 2015 at GCL he pitched in 15 games (18 IP) with 16 K (8 K/9, 20.8 K%), 5 BB (2.5 BB/9, 14.3 K-BB%), with a 5.00 ERA, 2.70 FIP and 1.39 WHIP. In 2016 he appeared in 19 games with Elizabethton pitching for 35-1/3 innings and had 30 K (7.6 K/9, 18.8 K%), 10 BB (2.6 BB/9, 12.5 K-BB) and a 5.35 ERA, 4.99 FIP and 1.39 WHIP. That season he pitched a game for the Miracle (1 IP, 1 ER, 1 HR, 1 K). Last season a different Hector showed up in Cedar Rapids and dominated as the closer for most of the season. He appeared in 42 games (54 IP), stuck out 54 (9 K/9, 26.5 K%) walked only 8 (1.3 BB/9, 22.5 K%) and finished with 1.33 ERA, 2.79 FIP and 0.91 WHIP (.277 BABIP).
Two things happened for Lujan that helped those results: His fastball gained a couple of ticks to 96-97 mph and he learn how to command and control it better. It has a lot of movement and it is a plus pitch at this point. Add a hard slider with plus flashes but solidly at above average and an average to above average changeup and Lujan might be on the fast track if he starts producing at higher levels.
Likely 2018 Path: Closer at the Fort Myers Miracle.
48. Kerby Camacho (--) C, 2021
DOB: 11/23/1997; Age: 20
Positions: C
Bats: S, Throws: R
Height: 5'10", Weight: 175 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 11th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: GCL (2015, 2017)
ETA: 2023
The Twins drafted the Arecibo, PR native in the 11th round of the 2015 draft from the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy. His first professional season in the DSL was disappointing (.093/.169/.167, .176 wOBA, 9 wRC+. He lost all of his second season to a 60 day suspension testing positive for the anabolic steroid Nandrolone. He return to the GCL in 2017 where he was much improved: .246/.378/.328 slash line with a .349 wOBA and a 111 wRC+ in 74 PA.
He projects to stay at Catcher where he is pretty good with the glove cutting down 29% of the would be base stealers. He is good at calling games and pretty sure-handed as a backstop making no errors last season. He is a switch hitting catcher, which is not a small feat by itself. Still pretty raw and still question marks, and not only because he is another steroid strike away from major consequences on his development, but he is one to keep your eye on.
Likely 2018 Path: Catching at Elizabethton.
47. Tom Hackimer (--) RHP
DOB: 6/28/1994; Age: 20
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 5'11", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 4th round in 2016
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A+ (2017)
ETA: 2019
The New Hyde Park, NY Native was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 4th round of the 2016 draft from St. John's University as a Senior. He was a Physics majors with a 3.62 GPA and decided to go back to finish after being drafted by the Mets as a Junior. In his senior year at the Big East conference he pitched in 28 games (53-2/3 IP) striking out 71 (11.9 K/9) and walking 19 (3.2 BB/9). He finished with 8 saves, 1.17 ERA and 0.800 WHIP. As a pro that season (2016) he was assigned to Cedar Rapids where he pitched in 21 games (26-1/3 IP), struck out 26 (8.9 K/9, 22.8 K%), walked 12 (4.1 BB/9, 12.3 K-BB%) and hit 7 batters. He had a 2.39 ERA, 4.16 FIP and 1.25 BABIP. He repeated Cedar Rapids to start the 2017 season, pitching 16 games (24 IP), striking out 28 (10.5 K/9, 30.8 K%), walking 3 (1.1 BB/9, 27.5 K-BB%) and hitting 4 batters. His ERA was 1.50, FIP 2.04 and WHIP 0.58 (.196 BABIP). He moved up to Fort Myers where he pitched in 27 games (37-1/3 IP) stuck out 43 (10.4 K/9), walked 19 () and hit 7 batters. He finished with a 1.93 ERA, 3.10 FIP, and 1.02 WHIP (.221 BABIP). He followed with an appearance in the Arizona Fall League where he pitched 11-2/3 innings in 10 games with 7.7 K/9, 5.4 BB/9, 2.31 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.
Hackimer did not allow a HR this season. He allowed 1 at Cedar Rapids in 2016 and none in 4 NCAA seasons. He is an extreme ground ball pitcher, allowing 2-4 as many time ground balls as fly balls. He is a submarine pitcher with a fastball that runs 89-92 and moves a lot (thus the walks and HBPs) and has a good Frisbee slider. Control will make or break Hackimer, but he is fast tracked to the majors.
Likely 2018 Path: In the Fort Myers' pen with a move to Chattanooga mid-season.
46. Andrew Vasquez (52) LHP, 2019
DOB: 9/14/1994; Age: 24
Positions: LHP
Bats: S, Throws: L
Height: 6'6", Weight: 228 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 32nd round in 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (2017)
ETA: 2019
Andrew Vasquez was drafted by the Twins in the 32nd round of the 2015 draft from Westmont College where he transferred as a senior from University of California Santa Barbara where he pitched his first 3 collegiate seasons. The California native was Highly recruited out of High School after finishing 5-1 with 1.54 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 52-1/3 IP and being a switch hitting first baseman. His freshman season he started 15 games (88-2/3 IP) had 106 strikeouts (10.6 K/9) and 63 BB (6.4 BB/9) with a 1.93 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. The next 2 seasons the wheels fell off and his ERA ballooned to mid 4s, before dropping to 3.06 after his transfer. The problem? Andrew Vasquez is an unusual pitcher. One has to think of him as a knuckleballer, but unlike a knuckleballer, Vasquez bread and butter pitch is his curveball that he throws most of the time. And it is a beautiful slow curveball that sits at the high 60s low 70s, which most of the time is a plus plus pitch that misses bats and induces very weak contact when it does. He occasionally throws a mid 80s fastball that was just a step above a playground pitch at college but improving. Missing bats is what Vasquez does, but when he misses the plate with his curveball and the hitters are sitting on his fastball, the results have been disastrous. All of his collegiate career he was given more walks than hits. His strikeout numbers (13.1 K/9) and hits (4.8 hits per 9 innings) have been stellar his senior year, but walks were the problem (5.7 BB/9). In his first pro-season with the Twins, Vasquez transitioned to the pen in the Gulf Coast League where the trent continued. He pitched 12-1/3 innings in 12 games, striking out 22 (16.1 K/9) allowing 10 hits (7.3 H/9) but walking 15 (11 BB/9). He started 2016 in extended spring training and looks like something clicked for Vasquez. He moved to Elizabethton for 4 games, pitched 10 innings striking out 15 (13.5 K/9, 38.5 K%) allowing 6 hits (5.4 H/9) and walking only 4 hitters (3.6 BB/9, 28.2 K-BB%) ending up with an 0.90 ERA, 2.46 FIP, and 1.00 WHIP (.333 BABIP.) He was promoted to Cedar Rapids where the success continued: He came of the pen in 13 games for 28-1/3 innings, with 36 K (11.4 K/9, 31.6% K%), 12 BB (3.8 BB/9, 21.1 K-BB%) and 13 H (4.1 H/9) translating into a 1.59 ERA, 2.63 FIP and 0.88 WHIP (.210 BABIP). He begun last season at Cedar Rapids for 14 games (22-1/3 IP), striking out 33 (13.30 K/9, 36.7 K%) and walking 10 (4.0 BB/9, 25.6 K-BB%), with an 1.61 ERA, 2.02 FIP and 1.12 WHIP (.326 BABIP). He moved up to Fort Myers, pitching in 23 games for 35-2/3 inning, striking out 52 (13.1 K/9, 34.4 K%) and walking 11 (2.8 BB/9, 27.2 K-BB%.) He finished with and 1.51 ERA, 1.82 FIP and 1.21 WHIP (.390 BABIP.) He moved on to the Arizona Fall Leauge where he pitched in 11 Games, 12-2/3 IP, 1.38 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 3.6 BB/9 and 1.11 WHIP.
It has to be mentioned that Vasquez has not allowed a home run as a pro player. As mentioned earlier, even though a secondary pitch, his 88-90 mph fastball has improved this season and he has been also toying with a slurve that sits at high 70s to low 80s and has improved to above average. He is lethal against LHBs. He is a very interesting prospect who will live and die with the control and command of his curveball and if that holds up in higher levels, he might be a fast riser. The benefit he has as a reliever that he did not have as a starter is that he can reduce his exposure when his command and control is not there.
Likely 2018 Path: In the Fort Myers' pen with a move to Chattanooga mid-season; aggressively, could start the season in AA.
Next: 41-45
1/31/18
2018 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 51-55
This is the third segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You
can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on
this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are
not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60. You can find all segments in this series here.
Here are players 51-55 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
55 Carlos Suniaga, (--)
DOB: 5/26/1997; Age: 20
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 187 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 19, 2014
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: ELZ (2017)
ETA: 2022
Carlos Suniaga is a late bloomer pitcher from Margarita Venezuela. He was signed by the Twins as a 17 year old, played his first professional season the the DSL as an 18 year old and other than having good control of his fastball things were tough for him: He appeared in 23 games, all out of the pen for 50 IP, struck out 35 (6.3 K/9, 15.6 K%) and walked only 6 (1.1 BB/9, 12.9 K-BB%), but had a 1.54 WHIP and ended up with a 6.48 ERA and 3.99 FIP. He repeated the DSL as a 19 year old in 2016 with stellar results: 16 G, 6 GS, 57-2/3 IP, 58 K (9 K/9, 25 K%), 13 BB (2 BB/9, 19.4 K%), 1.01 WHIP, 2.03 ERA and 1.83 FIP. In 2017 he came to the States and played in the GCL as a 20 year old (about half a year less than average age for the league) and his success continued: He appeared in 11 games, 6 starts for 48 IP, stuck out 38 (7.1 K/9, 19.4 K%), walked 12 (2.3 BB/9 and 13.3 K-BB%), with a 1.00 WHIP, 1.69 ERA and 3.51 FIP. He pitched one game (3-1/3 innings) for the Elizabethton Twins where he allowed only one hit, no runs, and struck out 4 hitters.
Suniaga's best pitch is his change up that has plus flashes. His sinker is heavy and has improved much this season to say that it is an above average pitch. He throws it at 90-92 mph and has good control of it. When it works, he generates about twice as many ground balls as fly balls. He has been experimenting with a breaking ball, but at this point it is a work in progress. He has an effortless 3/4 arm delivery and good mechanics that will allow him to get deep into games once he develops.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and in the Elizabethton rotation.
54 Ruben Santana, (--)
DOB: 11/30/1997; Age: 20
Positions: IF
Bats: S, Throws: R
Height: 5'6", Weight: 160 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 15, 2015
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2023
Ruben Santa who is from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic was signed as a 17 year old in 2015. His first professional season in 2016 he hit .248/.300/.297 with a .299 wOBA and 80 wRC+. He repeated the DSL last season and he improved vastly hitting .340/.418/.453 with .427 wOBA and 154 wRC+. Additionally, he walked as many times as he struck out.
He played every single infield position last year, even though at 5'9", middle infield is probably his calling. His arm is accurate enough to play shortstop. The switch hitter has been hitting well from both sides of the plate, however he has more power from the left side, hitting against RHPs. Yet another Latin American middle infielder in the footsteps of Louis Arraez and Jermaine Palacios. It will be interesting to see how he performs Stateside.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and all over the infield for the GCL Twins
53 Alex Robles, (--)
DOB: 7/7/1995; Age: 22
Positions: OF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'0", Weight: 200 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 30th Round of the 2017 draft
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL
ETA: 2022
Alex Robles was drafted by the Twins in the 30th round of Austin Peay State University. The Senior from Tuscon, AZ, was a two way player thoughout his college career. He pitched in 71 games (50 starts) and ended with a 28-19 record, 4.53 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 7.8 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9. As a hitter he hit .336/.410/.477 with his senior year being his best hitting .347/.414/.551 with a .204 IsoP and a sustainable .366 BABIP (his NCAA average BABIP was .368). He walked 20 times, struck out 32 and hit 10 HR (22.5 AB/HR) and 11/14 SB. His pitching was the worst of his career as a Senior when he started only 10 of 23 games, had a 6.75 ERA and 1.54 WHIP. He was drafted by the Twins as an outfielder and played 18 games at RF, 8 games at LF, 13 at 1B, 2 at 2B, and 8 at 3B. He hit a very respectable .324/.369/.407 with 8 BB, 14 K, 3 HR, and 10/14 SB in 199 PA, the first time he played with a wood bat. Actually it was the second time, since he went to the Cape Cod League as a pitcher in the summer of 2015. There he was hittless in 12 AB.
His arm is strong and his fielding at the corner OF positions and at 1B is acceptable. Cannot see him ending up long term at 3B or 2B, because he lacks the instincts and range for those positions and tends to be erratic and uncomfortable. His .082 isoP was the lowest of his career, but there is the wooden bat to blame here. At this point his bat is ahead of his glove that will catch up once he is dedicated to fewer positions. Very good contact tool, despite his longish swing, very good eye, and good instincts on the bases.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and 1B/OF at Elizabethton.
52 Jaylin Davis, (39)
DOB: 7/1/1994; Age: 23
Positions: OF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'1", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 24th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A+ (2017)
ETA: 2019
Jaylin Davis was drafted by the Twins in the 24th of the 2015 draft as an outfielder from Appalachian State University. The Greensboro, NC native missed almost all his junior season with a shoulder injury that was later diagnosed as a labrum tare and was operated upon. Davis lost all of 2015 in the disabled list for that reason. Last season he started in extended Spring Training and was assigned to Elibatheton. His college numbers (career: .268/.337/.411 10 HR, 22/28 SB in 126 games and 482 PAs with .143 isoP and .331 BABIP) were solid but not close in predicting how Davis will do in his first pro season. In 12 games (47 AB) in Elizabethton he hit .277/.346/.745 with 7 HR, and 2 SB, an unreal .468 isoP and a .353 BABIP. He walked 4 times and struck out 23 (for a scary 44.2 K%). Hot streak or not, his stint with Elizabethton was enough for the Twins to promote the 22 year old to Cedar Rapids for the last 52 games of the season. There at 192 AB, he hit .250/.339/.469 with 9 HRs and 3/3 SB. His isoP was .219 and BABIP .328. He walked 21 times and struck out 64 (29.4 %). Davies has power, but that 6.7 AB/HR at Elizabethton was unsustainable and dropped to a 21.3 AB/HR in Cedar Rapids, which, even though respectable, is not elite. Surprisingly he started the 2017 season at Cedar Rapids where he hit as well (.267/.316/.486, .357 wOBA, 123wRC+, 20.9 AB/HR) as his 2016 season. However upon promotion to Fort Myers he frizzled (.237/.288/.335, .291wOBA, 81 wRC+, 71.7 AB/HR, 30.0 K%, 5.2 BB%)
Interestingly enough, his biggest problem was against opposite side pitchers. He hit just .207/.250/ .293 against LHPs. He did have a better August (.310/.362/.425 overall) which means that Fort Myers might not be the end of the train for Davis, but he has to produce better than this from the corner OF position. Davis can play all 3 OF positions, but RF is his best position. He did have 17 assists there between Cedar Rapids and Fort Myers last season.
Likely 2018 path: Davis will likely start the 2017 season at Fort Myers with a mid-season promotion to Chattanooga, if the numbers are there.
51 Cody Stashak (55)
DOB: 6/4/1994; Age: 23
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 169 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 13th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: AA (2017)
ETA: 2019
Cody Stashak was drafted by the Twins in the 13th round of the 2015 draft from St. Johns University. The New Jersey native majored in Criminology and St. John's was his second College, transfering there in 2015 from Cumberland (NJ) County (Junior) College, where he was a two way player, starting pitcher and outfielder. His pitching record was 16-5 with a 2.92 ERA, including 7 complete games and 130 Ks in 129-1/3 innings. He was very good as a position player as well, hitting .359 with 23 2B, 7 3B, 7 HR, and 91 RBI in 104 games, helping his team reach number 1 in national NJCAA Division III ranking and second in the 2014 NJCAA Division III World Series. In St. Johns he made 16 starts (85-2/3 IP), struck out 69 (7.3 K/9) and walked 24 (2.9 BB/9), ending up with a 3.57 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He begun his professional career at Elizabethton in 2015, where he started 10 games (44-2/3 IP), struck out 53 (10.7 K/9, 29% K%) and walked 11 (2.2 BB/9, 23 K-BB%) and finished with a 5-2 record, 3.43 ERA, 3.18 FIP, and 1.119 WHIP (.310 BABIP). He begun last season at EST and moved up to A Midwest League Cedar Rapids where he appeared in 18 games (17 starts and a 4 IP relief appearance) pitching 105-1/3 innings, striking out 80 (6.8 K/9, 18.8 K%) walking 30 (2.6 BB/9, 11.8 K-BB%), finishing with a 3.16 ERA, 3.39 WHIP and 1.139 WHIP (.279 BABIP). He was promoted to the A+ Florida State League Fort Myers in August where he pitched 3 games for 16-2/3 innings, with 10K and 3 BB, 0.54 ERA, 2.59 FIP, 0.960 WHIP (.260 BABIP), before going to the disable list with "shoulder discomfort" for the rest of the season. His 2017 season was limited because of injuries and he lost the best part of 2 months (including a 3 game rehab stint at the GCL) At Fort Myers he starte a total of 16 games (83-1/3 IP) striking out 72 (7.8 K/9, 21.4 K%) and walking 20 (2.16 K/9, 15.5 K-BB%), finishing with a 3.89 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 1.10 WHIP (.279 BABIP). He pitched 3 scoreless games from the AA pen at the end of the season allowing 4 hits and striking out 10 in 6 innings.
Injuries aside, Stashak has been a very steady pitcher. The strikeout to walk ratio, other that his short Elizabethton stint in 2015, is a tad lower than optimal, allowing more contact than necessary, which combined with the fact that he is a fly ball pitcher (about 2 fly outs per ground out) make one worry whether Stashak will have success in higher levels of professional ball. He throws an above average 88-92 mph fastball that he commands well complements with an above average curveball. He has been also working on a changeup and a slider/cutter. Stashak is a player who can move though a system fast if a couple of his pitches develop to a plus level and his control improve. His small sample size success at the Chattanooga pen at the end of last season, makes one wonder whether he can shine in the pen if his fastball gets a couple of ticks.
Likely 2018 Path: Starting the season in the Chattanooga rotation
Next: Prospects 46-50
Here are players 51-55 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
55 Carlos Suniaga, (--)
DOB: 5/26/1997; Age: 20
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 187 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 19, 2014
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: ELZ (2017)
ETA: 2022
Carlos Suniaga is a late bloomer pitcher from Margarita Venezuela. He was signed by the Twins as a 17 year old, played his first professional season the the DSL as an 18 year old and other than having good control of his fastball things were tough for him: He appeared in 23 games, all out of the pen for 50 IP, struck out 35 (6.3 K/9, 15.6 K%) and walked only 6 (1.1 BB/9, 12.9 K-BB%), but had a 1.54 WHIP and ended up with a 6.48 ERA and 3.99 FIP. He repeated the DSL as a 19 year old in 2016 with stellar results: 16 G, 6 GS, 57-2/3 IP, 58 K (9 K/9, 25 K%), 13 BB (2 BB/9, 19.4 K%), 1.01 WHIP, 2.03 ERA and 1.83 FIP. In 2017 he came to the States and played in the GCL as a 20 year old (about half a year less than average age for the league) and his success continued: He appeared in 11 games, 6 starts for 48 IP, stuck out 38 (7.1 K/9, 19.4 K%), walked 12 (2.3 BB/9 and 13.3 K-BB%), with a 1.00 WHIP, 1.69 ERA and 3.51 FIP. He pitched one game (3-1/3 innings) for the Elizabethton Twins where he allowed only one hit, no runs, and struck out 4 hitters.
Suniaga's best pitch is his change up that has plus flashes. His sinker is heavy and has improved much this season to say that it is an above average pitch. He throws it at 90-92 mph and has good control of it. When it works, he generates about twice as many ground balls as fly balls. He has been experimenting with a breaking ball, but at this point it is a work in progress. He has an effortless 3/4 arm delivery and good mechanics that will allow him to get deep into games once he develops.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and in the Elizabethton rotation.
54 Ruben Santana, (--)
DOB: 11/30/1997; Age: 20
Positions: IF
Bats: S, Throws: R
Height: 5'6", Weight: 160 lbs
Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 15, 2015
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2023
Ruben Santa who is from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic was signed as a 17 year old in 2015. His first professional season in 2016 he hit .248/.300/.297 with a .299 wOBA and 80 wRC+. He repeated the DSL last season and he improved vastly hitting .340/.418/.453 with .427 wOBA and 154 wRC+. Additionally, he walked as many times as he struck out.
He played every single infield position last year, even though at 5'9", middle infield is probably his calling. His arm is accurate enough to play shortstop. The switch hitter has been hitting well from both sides of the plate, however he has more power from the left side, hitting against RHPs. Yet another Latin American middle infielder in the footsteps of Louis Arraez and Jermaine Palacios. It will be interesting to see how he performs Stateside.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and all over the infield for the GCL Twins
53 Alex Robles, (--)
DOB: 7/7/1995; Age: 22
Positions: OF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'0", Weight: 200 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 30th Round of the 2017 draft
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL
ETA: 2022
Alex Robles was drafted by the Twins in the 30th round of Austin Peay State University. The Senior from Tuscon, AZ, was a two way player thoughout his college career. He pitched in 71 games (50 starts) and ended with a 28-19 record, 4.53 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 7.8 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9. As a hitter he hit .336/.410/.477 with his senior year being his best hitting .347/.414/.551 with a .204 IsoP and a sustainable .366 BABIP (his NCAA average BABIP was .368). He walked 20 times, struck out 32 and hit 10 HR (22.5 AB/HR) and 11/14 SB. His pitching was the worst of his career as a Senior when he started only 10 of 23 games, had a 6.75 ERA and 1.54 WHIP. He was drafted by the Twins as an outfielder and played 18 games at RF, 8 games at LF, 13 at 1B, 2 at 2B, and 8 at 3B. He hit a very respectable .324/.369/.407 with 8 BB, 14 K, 3 HR, and 10/14 SB in 199 PA, the first time he played with a wood bat. Actually it was the second time, since he went to the Cape Cod League as a pitcher in the summer of 2015. There he was hittless in 12 AB.
His arm is strong and his fielding at the corner OF positions and at 1B is acceptable. Cannot see him ending up long term at 3B or 2B, because he lacks the instincts and range for those positions and tends to be erratic and uncomfortable. His .082 isoP was the lowest of his career, but there is the wooden bat to blame here. At this point his bat is ahead of his glove that will catch up once he is dedicated to fewer positions. Very good contact tool, despite his longish swing, very good eye, and good instincts on the bases.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and 1B/OF at Elizabethton.
52 Jaylin Davis, (39)
DOB: 7/1/1994; Age: 23
Positions: OF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'1", Weight: 190 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 24th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A+ (2017)
ETA: 2019
Jaylin Davis was drafted by the Twins in the 24th of the 2015 draft as an outfielder from Appalachian State University. The Greensboro, NC native missed almost all his junior season with a shoulder injury that was later diagnosed as a labrum tare and was operated upon. Davis lost all of 2015 in the disabled list for that reason. Last season he started in extended Spring Training and was assigned to Elibatheton. His college numbers (career: .268/.337/.411 10 HR, 22/28 SB in 126 games and 482 PAs with .143 isoP and .331 BABIP) were solid but not close in predicting how Davis will do in his first pro season. In 12 games (47 AB) in Elizabethton he hit .277/.346/.745 with 7 HR, and 2 SB, an unreal .468 isoP and a .353 BABIP. He walked 4 times and struck out 23 (for a scary 44.2 K%). Hot streak or not, his stint with Elizabethton was enough for the Twins to promote the 22 year old to Cedar Rapids for the last 52 games of the season. There at 192 AB, he hit .250/.339/.469 with 9 HRs and 3/3 SB. His isoP was .219 and BABIP .328. He walked 21 times and struck out 64 (29.4 %). Davies has power, but that 6.7 AB/HR at Elizabethton was unsustainable and dropped to a 21.3 AB/HR in Cedar Rapids, which, even though respectable, is not elite. Surprisingly he started the 2017 season at Cedar Rapids where he hit as well (.267/.316/.486, .357 wOBA, 123wRC+, 20.9 AB/HR) as his 2016 season. However upon promotion to Fort Myers he frizzled (.237/.288/.335, .291wOBA, 81 wRC+, 71.7 AB/HR, 30.0 K%, 5.2 BB%)
Interestingly enough, his biggest problem was against opposite side pitchers. He hit just .207/.250/ .293 against LHPs. He did have a better August (.310/.362/.425 overall) which means that Fort Myers might not be the end of the train for Davis, but he has to produce better than this from the corner OF position. Davis can play all 3 OF positions, but RF is his best position. He did have 17 assists there between Cedar Rapids and Fort Myers last season.
Likely 2018 path: Davis will likely start the 2017 season at Fort Myers with a mid-season promotion to Chattanooga, if the numbers are there.
51 Cody Stashak (55)
DOB: 6/4/1994; Age: 23
Positions: RHP
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'2", Weight: 169 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 13th round in 2015
Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: AA (2017)
ETA: 2019
Cody Stashak was drafted by the Twins in the 13th round of the 2015 draft from St. Johns University. The New Jersey native majored in Criminology and St. John's was his second College, transfering there in 2015 from Cumberland (NJ) County (Junior) College, where he was a two way player, starting pitcher and outfielder. His pitching record was 16-5 with a 2.92 ERA, including 7 complete games and 130 Ks in 129-1/3 innings. He was very good as a position player as well, hitting .359 with 23 2B, 7 3B, 7 HR, and 91 RBI in 104 games, helping his team reach number 1 in national NJCAA Division III ranking and second in the 2014 NJCAA Division III World Series. In St. Johns he made 16 starts (85-2/3 IP), struck out 69 (7.3 K/9) and walked 24 (2.9 BB/9), ending up with a 3.57 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He begun his professional career at Elizabethton in 2015, where he started 10 games (44-2/3 IP), struck out 53 (10.7 K/9, 29% K%) and walked 11 (2.2 BB/9, 23 K-BB%) and finished with a 5-2 record, 3.43 ERA, 3.18 FIP, and 1.119 WHIP (.310 BABIP). He begun last season at EST and moved up to A Midwest League Cedar Rapids where he appeared in 18 games (17 starts and a 4 IP relief appearance) pitching 105-1/3 innings, striking out 80 (6.8 K/9, 18.8 K%) walking 30 (2.6 BB/9, 11.8 K-BB%), finishing with a 3.16 ERA, 3.39 WHIP and 1.139 WHIP (.279 BABIP). He was promoted to the A+ Florida State League Fort Myers in August where he pitched 3 games for 16-2/3 innings, with 10K and 3 BB, 0.54 ERA, 2.59 FIP, 0.960 WHIP (.260 BABIP), before going to the disable list with "shoulder discomfort" for the rest of the season. His 2017 season was limited because of injuries and he lost the best part of 2 months (including a 3 game rehab stint at the GCL) At Fort Myers he starte a total of 16 games (83-1/3 IP) striking out 72 (7.8 K/9, 21.4 K%) and walking 20 (2.16 K/9, 15.5 K-BB%), finishing with a 3.89 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 1.10 WHIP (.279 BABIP). He pitched 3 scoreless games from the AA pen at the end of the season allowing 4 hits and striking out 10 in 6 innings.
Injuries aside, Stashak has been a very steady pitcher. The strikeout to walk ratio, other that his short Elizabethton stint in 2015, is a tad lower than optimal, allowing more contact than necessary, which combined with the fact that he is a fly ball pitcher (about 2 fly outs per ground out) make one worry whether Stashak will have success in higher levels of professional ball. He throws an above average 88-92 mph fastball that he commands well complements with an above average curveball. He has been also working on a changeup and a slider/cutter. Stashak is a player who can move though a system fast if a couple of his pitches develop to a plus level and his control improve. His small sample size success at the Chattanooga pen at the end of last season, makes one wonder whether he can shine in the pen if his fastball gets a couple of ticks.
Likely 2018 Path: Starting the season in the Chattanooga rotation
Next: Prospects 46-50
1/29/18
A top Twins' prospect sporting Detroit Tigers' attire: A slap in the Twins' face
Here is it. In all his glory. G Cinco aka Nick Gordon:
2018 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: 56-60
This is the second segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are not in this list here. You can find all segments in this series here.
Here are players 56-60 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
60 Jesus Toledo (--)
DOB: 8/25/1999; Age: 18
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 5'11", Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Signed on July 8, 2016 from Venezuela
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2022
Jesus Toledo signed with the Twins as an International Amateur Free Agent on July 8th ot 2016 from San Juan de los Morros, Venezuela, but did not start his professional career until last season. But when he started, it was quite a start. He started the season without allowing a run in 20-2/3 IP (4 starts, 1 relief appearance) had 4 more decent starts in July (14 IP, 3.86 ERA) and ran out of steam in August (1 start, 4 relief appearances 10-2/3 IP). His numbers for last season were: 14 G, 9 GS, 45-1/3 IP, 30 K (15.9 K%, 6.0 K/9), 17 BB (3.4 BB/9, 6.9 K-BB%), 1.26 WHIP (.293 BABIP), 2.38 ERA, 3.88 FIP.
The lefty Venezuelan, who is around 6 feet tall with a true sinker and above average change up, should not be overlooked, not only because you know who, but because his stuff is that good, even though his endurance may not be at this point, which is mainly a being in shape and consistent training issue. He pitches to contact at this point allowing twice as many ground balls than fly balls, and only 2.5% of the later resulting in a home rum. He is more evective against lefties, but not bad against righties. Developing a breaking ball, improving his sinker and change and commanding his sinker better, will allow him to miss bats in the future.
Likely 2018 path: In the US for String Training, extended Spring Training and starting at the CGL
59 Carson Crites (--)
DOB: 1/18/1995; Age: 23
Positions: 2B
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'0", Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 25th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: ELZ (2017)
ETA: 2022
Crites who was born in Oklahoma City and went to High School in Amarillo, TX, was drafted as a senior in the 25th round of the 2017 draft from Southeastern Louisiana University. He established himself as power-speed threat his Senior year with 14 HR and 15 SB in 59 games (231 AB) while hitting .299/.386/.554. In his first season as a pro he hit .300/.349/.453 (.363 wOBA, 115 wRC+) in 38 games (166 PA). He just hit 4 HRs and stole 4 bases (in 7 attempts,) but he hit 11 doubles and overall had 50% extra base hit to hit ratio for a .153 isoP, while walking 10 (6% BB%) and striking out 28 (16.9% K%) times, which indicates that home run power will come upon further adjustment to the wood bat.
Crites is a second baseman with a lot of grit. He is a bit older than the league average but he was drafted as a Senior. As a hitter, he utilizes the whole field and has about equal ground ball to fly ball ration. His .339 BABIP is similar to his .344 NCAA average (range .398-.304) so it seems sustainable. He is a similar type player to the current Twins' second baseman Brian Dozier, before the latter became a pure pull ball hitter as a major league player. At the same age and the same level, he is a bit more advanced than Dozier was as far as power (.153 vs .078 isoP) and speed (4.6 vs 4.0 fangraphs Speed) but not contact (.363 vs .392 wOBA). However players develop differently and it will be interesting to see how Crites will develop as he gets accustomed to the wooden bat.
Likely 2018 path: Starting the season in Cedar Rapids (A)
58 Ben Rodriguez (--) C/1B
DOB: 11/9/1994; Age: 23
Positions: C/1B
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'6", Weight: 235 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 38th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2022
Ben Rodriguez was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 38th round of the 2017 draft from Pepperdine University. The Scottsdale, AZ native was named the number 1 catcher from AZ in his High School senior class and was in the top 100 catchers in the nation in that class; however he was not drafted and went to Pepperdine University. He had a break through junior season (.289/.401/.533, 9HR, 21 BB, 48 K, in 135 PA) but a rough landing in his senior season (.230/.311/.378, 19 BB, 62 K, in 196 PA). He did rebound considerable at the GCL later last season (.290/.395/.457, 22 BB, 43 K, .404 wOBA, 144 wRC+ in 162 PA). This 1.95 K/BB ratio was his career best so far. Rodriguez played 5 games (out of 50) at catcher, but at 6'6" and 235, he has already likely outgrown the position and he appears to be a first baseman in the future.
Rodriguez has very intriguing power (easy 70 on the 80 grade scale) and mashes lefties (.431/.500/.707 in 58 AB in GCL), however his long swing is not effective against same size pitching (.212/.346/.317 in 104 AB in the GCL) and neutralized by breaking balls outside the zone. He is much older for his league (+2.6 years that the average player), however it was his first time as a pro and was drafted as a senior. The power intrigue is there, and overall his transition to wood has proven positive. Cutting down the strikeouts and finding a way to attack right hand pitching will go a long way towards his development.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and then Elizabethton (Rk) with potential trips to Cedar Rapids if the need appears.
57 Nelson Molina, (47)
DOB: 4/30/1995; Age: 22
Positions: IF
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 175 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 11th round in 2013
Professional Experience: 5; Highest level: AA (2017)
ETA: 2020
Nelson Molina was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 11th round of the 2013 MLB Draft from the Antonio Luchetti High School in Arecibo, PR. He has been developing slowly for the Twins, starting and repeating the GCL level his first two seasons, moving to Elizabethton in 2015 and to A level Cedar Rapids in 2016. He was drafted as a SS, but has played every infield and the corner outfield positions, concentrating at third base before last season and moved to 2B primarily this season, while still playing 1B, 3B, SS, LF and RF. Molina had good plate discipline, but had a hard time making contact. Something clicked for him in 2016 at Cedar Rapids, hitting .300/.374/.381 overall (with only a 13.9 K% and 9.9 BB%) and .321/.383/.419 against RHPs. However last season at Fort Myers (he also had 11 AB in 3 games at Chattanooga) he regressed to a .243/.285/.342 slash line overall and .249/.285/.358 against RHPs.
He is tall and lanky with limited power, but the potential to establish it as he grows. He has some speed, stealing 12 bases in Elizabethton, but this season he only had 6 attempts (and 5 SB.) He has been improving with the glove, esp. after being moved away from third base that is his worse position. His bat used to be ahead of his glove, but caught up last season in the wrong direction. The Twins like his versatility but the key to making it to the majors will be his bat. There are early indications that his 2016 .755 OPS, .354 wOBA, 125 wRC+ season at Cedar Rapids might be the exception, since he could not repeat his BABIP (.349) which regressed last season to .275 that is a bit better than his .258 career average. At 22 he is still young but next season will be his 6th as a professional and likely a make or break season.
Likely 2018 path: On the Chattanooga roster as a utility player
56 Sandy Lugo, (--) RHP
DOB: 3/26/1995; Age: 22
Positions: IF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'0", Weight: 170 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the minor league portion of the 2017 Rule 5 draft from Reds
Professional Experience: 4; Highest level: A+ (2017)
ETA: 2020
The Twins drafted Sandy Lugo in the minor league portion of the 2017 Rule 5 draft from the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds signed the Las Matas de Farfan, Dominican Republic native on May 14, 2014. Lugo moved fairly quickly in their system playing in the DSL that season: 19 G, 2 GS, 49-2/3 IP, 61 K (11.1 K/9, 28.9 K%) 16 BB (2.9 BB/9, 21.3 K-BB%) 2.90 ERA, 1.91 FIP, 1.19 WHIP and 13 wild pitches. The 2015 season Lugo came to the States cruising through their Arizona League Rookie squad in 4 games and moving up to high altitude Rookie Pioneer League Billings Mustangs where he appeared in 13 games with 17-2/3 IP, striking out 23 (11.7 K/9, 28.1 K%), walking 8 (4.1 BB/9, 18.3 K-BB%) with a 5.60 ERA, 4.54 FIP and 1.47 WHIP. In 2016 he moved to the Midwest League (A) Dayton Dragons where he appeared in 30 games for 55 innings, striking out 77 (12.6 K/9, 34.4 K%) walking 13 (2.1 BB/9, 28.6 K-BB%) and throwing 8 wild pitches with a 2.45 ERA, 2.91 FIP and 1.07 WHIP. Last season after 5 games in Dayton, he moved to High A Daytona (Florida State League) where he appeared in 42 games, pitched 64-1/3 innings, struck out 82 (11.5 K/9, 28.6 K%), walked 40 (5.6 BB/9, 14.6 K-BB%), threw 16 wild pitches hit 5 batters, and had a 5.32 ERA, 3.87 FIP, and 1.41 WHIP.
The twenty-two year old has a 91-94 mph fastball that on occasion touches a couple ticks more, but his best pitch is a true plus upper 70s curveball. His problem has been command and control of his fastball, which has abandoned him at times. The Twins have probably seen enough of his the past 2 seasons in the Midwest and Florida State Leagues to think that they can help him command his fastball to go with his plus curveball. The key for Lugo is to do exactly that and get ahead in the count. Otherwise hitters who can recognize the spin of the ball will just ignore the curve and sit on his fastball. Definitely a work in process but the potential is there
Likely 2018 path: Repeating the FSL with the Miracle to start the season with a possible promotion to Chattannooga depending on command of the fastball.
Next: 55-51
Here are players 56-60 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--)
60 Jesus Toledo (--)
DOB: 8/25/1999; Age: 18
Positions: LHP
Bats: L, Throws: L
Height: 5'11", Weight: 180 lbs
Acquired: Signed on July 8, 2016 from Venezuela
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: DSL (2017)
ETA: 2022
Jesus Toledo signed with the Twins as an International Amateur Free Agent on July 8th ot 2016 from San Juan de los Morros, Venezuela, but did not start his professional career until last season. But when he started, it was quite a start. He started the season without allowing a run in 20-2/3 IP (4 starts, 1 relief appearance) had 4 more decent starts in July (14 IP, 3.86 ERA) and ran out of steam in August (1 start, 4 relief appearances 10-2/3 IP). His numbers for last season were: 14 G, 9 GS, 45-1/3 IP, 30 K (15.9 K%, 6.0 K/9), 17 BB (3.4 BB/9, 6.9 K-BB%), 1.26 WHIP (.293 BABIP), 2.38 ERA, 3.88 FIP.
The lefty Venezuelan, who is around 6 feet tall with a true sinker and above average change up, should not be overlooked, not only because you know who, but because his stuff is that good, even though his endurance may not be at this point, which is mainly a being in shape and consistent training issue. He pitches to contact at this point allowing twice as many ground balls than fly balls, and only 2.5% of the later resulting in a home rum. He is more evective against lefties, but not bad against righties. Developing a breaking ball, improving his sinker and change and commanding his sinker better, will allow him to miss bats in the future.
Likely 2018 path: In the US for String Training, extended Spring Training and starting at the CGL
59 Carson Crites (--)
DOB: 1/18/1995; Age: 23
Positions: 2B
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'0", Weight: 195 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 25th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: ELZ (2017)
ETA: 2022
Crites who was born in Oklahoma City and went to High School in Amarillo, TX, was drafted as a senior in the 25th round of the 2017 draft from Southeastern Louisiana University. He established himself as power-speed threat his Senior year with 14 HR and 15 SB in 59 games (231 AB) while hitting .299/.386/.554. In his first season as a pro he hit .300/.349/.453 (.363 wOBA, 115 wRC+) in 38 games (166 PA). He just hit 4 HRs and stole 4 bases (in 7 attempts,) but he hit 11 doubles and overall had 50% extra base hit to hit ratio for a .153 isoP, while walking 10 (6% BB%) and striking out 28 (16.9% K%) times, which indicates that home run power will come upon further adjustment to the wood bat.
Crites is a second baseman with a lot of grit. He is a bit older than the league average but he was drafted as a Senior. As a hitter, he utilizes the whole field and has about equal ground ball to fly ball ration. His .339 BABIP is similar to his .344 NCAA average (range .398-.304) so it seems sustainable. He is a similar type player to the current Twins' second baseman Brian Dozier, before the latter became a pure pull ball hitter as a major league player. At the same age and the same level, he is a bit more advanced than Dozier was as far as power (.153 vs .078 isoP) and speed (4.6 vs 4.0 fangraphs Speed) but not contact (.363 vs .392 wOBA). However players develop differently and it will be interesting to see how Crites will develop as he gets accustomed to the wooden bat.
Likely 2018 path: Starting the season in Cedar Rapids (A)
58 Ben Rodriguez (--) C/1B
DOB: 11/9/1994; Age: 23
Positions: C/1B
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'6", Weight: 235 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 38th round in 2017
Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017)
ETA: 2022
Ben Rodriguez was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 38th round of the 2017 draft from Pepperdine University. The Scottsdale, AZ native was named the number 1 catcher from AZ in his High School senior class and was in the top 100 catchers in the nation in that class; however he was not drafted and went to Pepperdine University. He had a break through junior season (.289/.401/.533, 9HR, 21 BB, 48 K, in 135 PA) but a rough landing in his senior season (.230/.311/.378, 19 BB, 62 K, in 196 PA). He did rebound considerable at the GCL later last season (.290/.395/.457, 22 BB, 43 K, .404 wOBA, 144 wRC+ in 162 PA). This 1.95 K/BB ratio was his career best so far. Rodriguez played 5 games (out of 50) at catcher, but at 6'6" and 235, he has already likely outgrown the position and he appears to be a first baseman in the future.
Rodriguez has very intriguing power (easy 70 on the 80 grade scale) and mashes lefties (.431/.500/.707 in 58 AB in GCL), however his long swing is not effective against same size pitching (.212/.346/.317 in 104 AB in the GCL) and neutralized by breaking balls outside the zone. He is much older for his league (+2.6 years that the average player), however it was his first time as a pro and was drafted as a senior. The power intrigue is there, and overall his transition to wood has proven positive. Cutting down the strikeouts and finding a way to attack right hand pitching will go a long way towards his development.
Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and then Elizabethton (Rk) with potential trips to Cedar Rapids if the need appears.
57 Nelson Molina, (47)
DOB: 4/30/1995; Age: 22
Positions: IF
Bats: L, Throws: R
Height: 6'3", Weight: 175 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the 11th round in 2013
Professional Experience: 5; Highest level: AA (2017)
ETA: 2020
Nelson Molina was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 11th round of the 2013 MLB Draft from the Antonio Luchetti High School in Arecibo, PR. He has been developing slowly for the Twins, starting and repeating the GCL level his first two seasons, moving to Elizabethton in 2015 and to A level Cedar Rapids in 2016. He was drafted as a SS, but has played every infield and the corner outfield positions, concentrating at third base before last season and moved to 2B primarily this season, while still playing 1B, 3B, SS, LF and RF. Molina had good plate discipline, but had a hard time making contact. Something clicked for him in 2016 at Cedar Rapids, hitting .300/.374/.381 overall (with only a 13.9 K% and 9.9 BB%) and .321/.383/.419 against RHPs. However last season at Fort Myers (he also had 11 AB in 3 games at Chattanooga) he regressed to a .243/.285/.342 slash line overall and .249/.285/.358 against RHPs.
He is tall and lanky with limited power, but the potential to establish it as he grows. He has some speed, stealing 12 bases in Elizabethton, but this season he only had 6 attempts (and 5 SB.) He has been improving with the glove, esp. after being moved away from third base that is his worse position. His bat used to be ahead of his glove, but caught up last season in the wrong direction. The Twins like his versatility but the key to making it to the majors will be his bat. There are early indications that his 2016 .755 OPS, .354 wOBA, 125 wRC+ season at Cedar Rapids might be the exception, since he could not repeat his BABIP (.349) which regressed last season to .275 that is a bit better than his .258 career average. At 22 he is still young but next season will be his 6th as a professional and likely a make or break season.
Likely 2018 path: On the Chattanooga roster as a utility player
56 Sandy Lugo, (--) RHP
DOB: 3/26/1995; Age: 22
Positions: IF
Bats: R, Throws: R
Height: 6'0", Weight: 170 lbs
Acquired: Drafted in the minor league portion of the 2017 Rule 5 draft from Reds
Professional Experience: 4; Highest level: A+ (2017)
ETA: 2020
The Twins drafted Sandy Lugo in the minor league portion of the 2017 Rule 5 draft from the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds signed the Las Matas de Farfan, Dominican Republic native on May 14, 2014. Lugo moved fairly quickly in their system playing in the DSL that season: 19 G, 2 GS, 49-2/3 IP, 61 K (11.1 K/9, 28.9 K%) 16 BB (2.9 BB/9, 21.3 K-BB%) 2.90 ERA, 1.91 FIP, 1.19 WHIP and 13 wild pitches. The 2015 season Lugo came to the States cruising through their Arizona League Rookie squad in 4 games and moving up to high altitude Rookie Pioneer League Billings Mustangs where he appeared in 13 games with 17-2/3 IP, striking out 23 (11.7 K/9, 28.1 K%), walking 8 (4.1 BB/9, 18.3 K-BB%) with a 5.60 ERA, 4.54 FIP and 1.47 WHIP. In 2016 he moved to the Midwest League (A) Dayton Dragons where he appeared in 30 games for 55 innings, striking out 77 (12.6 K/9, 34.4 K%) walking 13 (2.1 BB/9, 28.6 K-BB%) and throwing 8 wild pitches with a 2.45 ERA, 2.91 FIP and 1.07 WHIP. Last season after 5 games in Dayton, he moved to High A Daytona (Florida State League) where he appeared in 42 games, pitched 64-1/3 innings, struck out 82 (11.5 K/9, 28.6 K%), walked 40 (5.6 BB/9, 14.6 K-BB%), threw 16 wild pitches hit 5 batters, and had a 5.32 ERA, 3.87 FIP, and 1.41 WHIP.
The twenty-two year old has a 91-94 mph fastball that on occasion touches a couple ticks more, but his best pitch is a true plus upper 70s curveball. His problem has been command and control of his fastball, which has abandoned him at times. The Twins have probably seen enough of his the past 2 seasons in the Midwest and Florida State Leagues to think that they can help him command his fastball to go with his plus curveball. The key for Lugo is to do exactly that and get ahead in the count. Otherwise hitters who can recognize the spin of the ball will just ignore the curve and sit on his fastball. Definitely a work in process but the potential is there
Likely 2018 path: Repeating the FSL with the Miracle to start the season with a possible promotion to Chattannooga depending on command of the fastball.
Next: 55-51
1/26/18
2018 Twins Off-Season top 60 Prospect List: Introduction
I usually start and post my top 60 Twins' prospect list a bit earlier that this (last year the first post was January 10th) because I want to pay full attention to Spring Training when that starts, and it starts soon. However, I waited longer this season because I expected the Twins to make moves that may affect this list. They really did not. If such a move occurs, and a newcomer is ranked 35th, I will keep the original list intact, rank the newcomer 35a and the previous number 35 prospect 35b. It will be interesting to see what the future brings as far as this aspect is concerned. I will be posting in reverse rankings starting next week, from number 60 to number 1, in chunks of 5, and a final summary post, total 13 posts. I am hoping to be posting up to 3 a week to finish by the end of February.
The inclusion criteria from my list is different than those for most prospect lists that include everyone with rookie eligibility as a prospect. As far as this list is concerned, anyone who has made it to the majors has "graduated" from prospect status, so is ineligible. I am including an additional criterion this year: everyone for whom 2018 will be his age 26 or older season, will be excluded because he "came of age" to be regarded as a prospect.
As a baseline here is the Twins 2017 off-season top 60 prospect list, and here is that summary with links to individual profiles and scouting reports.
There is a lot of churn in the Twins top 60 from 2017 to 2018. Only 27 players are returning from the 2017 list and there are 33 new comers, and some highly ranked.
Here are the players who were in the 2017 list, but dropped for reasons other than performance, with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis, and the reason they were dropped:
Daniel Palka (7) OF, - claimed on waivers
Adalbelto Mejia (9) LHP, - graduated
Mitch Garver (10) C, - graduated
Nick Burdi (12) RHRP, - selected on Rule 5 draft
Engelb Vielma SS (14), - claimed on waivers
Mason Melotakis (18), LHRP, - came of age
Amaurys Minier (19) OF/1B, - released
Huascar Ynoa (20), RHSP, - traded
Justin Haley (21) RHP, - returned from Rule 5 pick
Felix Jorge (23), RHSP, - graduated
Niko Goodrum (26), CF/IF, - graduated, left as a MiLB FA
Trevor Hildenberger (27) RHP - graduated
D.J. Baxendale, (28) RHP; - came of age
Dereck Rodriguez, (34) RHP – - came of age, left as a MiLB FA
John Curtiss, (35) RHP; - graduated
Travis Harrison (37), OF/1B, - released
Aaron Slegers (38), RHP - graduated
Levi Michael (40), 2B, - came of age
Brandon Peterson (42), RHRP, - came of age, left as a MiLB FA
Zach Granite, (43) OF, - graduated
Jason Wheeler (51) LHP, - graduated, traded
Michael Cederoth (60) RHP - Released
The following 4 players came to the organization too late to be included in the 2017 list, or were not there for other reasons, but they are excluded from the 2018 list:
(--) LHP Gabriel Moya - graduated
(--) LHP Dietriech Enns - graduated, came of age
(--) RHP Nick Anderson - came of age
(--) C Wynston Sawyer - came of age
As last season, unless he becomes a full-time professional baseball player, Griffin Jax will not be included because of high risk
The following 10 players were included in the 2017 list (ranking in parenthesis) but dropped from the 2018 list, due to performance, progression, and/or better newcomers:
Michael Theophanopoulos (33), LHP
Brandon Lopez (41) SS
Humberto Maldonado (44) OF
Tyler Benninghoff, (46) RHP
Taylor Clemensia (48) LHP
Eduardo Del Rosario (49) RHP
Jordan Balazovic, (50) RHP
Zander Wiel, (53) 1B
Colton Davis (56) RHP
Williams Ramirez (57) RHP
Next: Twins prospects 56-60
The inclusion criteria from my list is different than those for most prospect lists that include everyone with rookie eligibility as a prospect. As far as this list is concerned, anyone who has made it to the majors has "graduated" from prospect status, so is ineligible. I am including an additional criterion this year: everyone for whom 2018 will be his age 26 or older season, will be excluded because he "came of age" to be regarded as a prospect.
As a baseline here is the Twins 2017 off-season top 60 prospect list, and here is that summary with links to individual profiles and scouting reports.
There is a lot of churn in the Twins top 60 from 2017 to 2018. Only 27 players are returning from the 2017 list and there are 33 new comers, and some highly ranked.
Here are the players who were in the 2017 list, but dropped for reasons other than performance, with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis, and the reason they were dropped:
Daniel Palka (7) OF, - claimed on waivers
Adalbelto Mejia (9) LHP, - graduated
Mitch Garver (10) C, - graduated
Nick Burdi (12) RHRP, - selected on Rule 5 draft
Engelb Vielma SS (14), - claimed on waivers
Mason Melotakis (18), LHRP, - came of age
Amaurys Minier (19) OF/1B, - released
Huascar Ynoa (20), RHSP, - traded
Justin Haley (21) RHP, - returned from Rule 5 pick
Felix Jorge (23), RHSP, - graduated
Niko Goodrum (26), CF/IF, - graduated, left as a MiLB FA
Trevor Hildenberger (27) RHP - graduated
D.J. Baxendale, (28) RHP; - came of age
Dereck Rodriguez, (34) RHP – - came of age, left as a MiLB FA
John Curtiss, (35) RHP; - graduated
Travis Harrison (37), OF/1B, - released
Aaron Slegers (38), RHP - graduated
Levi Michael (40), 2B, - came of age
Brandon Peterson (42), RHRP, - came of age, left as a MiLB FA
Zach Granite, (43) OF, - graduated
Jason Wheeler (51) LHP, - graduated, traded
Michael Cederoth (60) RHP - Released
The following 4 players came to the organization too late to be included in the 2017 list, or were not there for other reasons, but they are excluded from the 2018 list:
(--) LHP Gabriel Moya - graduated
(--) LHP Dietriech Enns - graduated, came of age
(--) RHP Nick Anderson - came of age
(--) C Wynston Sawyer - came of age
As last season, unless he becomes a full-time professional baseball player, Griffin Jax will not be included because of high risk
The following 10 players were included in the 2017 list (ranking in parenthesis) but dropped from the 2018 list, due to performance, progression, and/or better newcomers:
Michael Theophanopoulos (33), LHP
Brandon Lopez (41) SS
Humberto Maldonado (44) OF
Tyler Benninghoff, (46) RHP
Taylor Clemensia (48) LHP
Eduardo Del Rosario (49) RHP
Jordan Balazovic, (50) RHP
Zander Wiel, (53) 1B
Colton Davis (56) RHP
Williams Ramirez (57) RHP
Next: Twins prospects 56-60
1/24/18
Final results of 2018 Hall of Fame vote and what happened to the 4 Twins' players on it
Here are the final results of the 2018 HOF vote. Former Twins' players in bold:
Class of 2018:
Chipper Jones: 410 votes (97.2%)
Vladimir Guerrero: 392 votes (92.9%)
Jim Thome: 379 votes (89.8%)
Trevor Hoffman: 337 votes (79.9%)
Staying on the ballot:
Edgar Martinez: 297 votes (70.4%)
Mike Mussina: 268 votes (63.5%)
Roger Clemens: 242 votes (57.3%)
Barry Bonds: 238 votes (56.4%)
Curt Schilling: 216 votes (51.2%)
Omar Vizquel: 156 votes (37.0%)
Larry Walker: 144 votes (34.1%)
Fred McGriff: 98 votes (23.2%)
Manny Ramirez: 93 votes (22.0%)
Jeff Kent: 61 votes (14.5%)
Gary Sheffield: 47 votes (11.1%)
Billy Wagner: 47 votes (11.1%)
Scott Rolen: 43 votes (10.2%)
Sammy Sosa: 33 votes (7.8%)
Andruw Jones: 31 votes (7.3%)
Removed from the ballot:
Jamie Moyer: 10 votes (2.4%)
Johan Santana: 10 votes (2.4%)
Johnny Damon: 8 votes (1.9%)
Hideki Matsui 4 votes (0.9%)
Chris Carpenter: 2 votes (0.5%)
Kerry Wood: 2 votes (0.5%)
Livan Hernandez: 1 vote (0.2%)
Carlos Lee: 1 vote (0.2%)
Orlando Hudson: 0 votes
Aubrey Huff: 0 votes
Jason Isringhausen: 0 votes
Brad Lidge: 0 votes
Kevin Millwood: 0 votes
Carlos Zambrano: 0 votes
One former Twins' player is elected to the Hall of Fame, while 3 former Twins' players were removed from future consideration.
Class of 2018:
Chipper Jones: 410 votes (97.2%)
Vladimir Guerrero: 392 votes (92.9%)
Jim Thome: 379 votes (89.8%)
Trevor Hoffman: 337 votes (79.9%)
Staying on the ballot:
Edgar Martinez: 297 votes (70.4%)
Mike Mussina: 268 votes (63.5%)
Roger Clemens: 242 votes (57.3%)
Barry Bonds: 238 votes (56.4%)
Curt Schilling: 216 votes (51.2%)
Omar Vizquel: 156 votes (37.0%)
Larry Walker: 144 votes (34.1%)
Fred McGriff: 98 votes (23.2%)
Manny Ramirez: 93 votes (22.0%)
Jeff Kent: 61 votes (14.5%)
Gary Sheffield: 47 votes (11.1%)
Billy Wagner: 47 votes (11.1%)
Scott Rolen: 43 votes (10.2%)
Sammy Sosa: 33 votes (7.8%)
Andruw Jones: 31 votes (7.3%)
Removed from the ballot:
Jamie Moyer: 10 votes (2.4%)
Johan Santana: 10 votes (2.4%)
Johnny Damon: 8 votes (1.9%)
Hideki Matsui 4 votes (0.9%)
Chris Carpenter: 2 votes (0.5%)
Kerry Wood: 2 votes (0.5%)
Livan Hernandez: 1 vote (0.2%)
Carlos Lee: 1 vote (0.2%)
Orlando Hudson: 0 votes
Aubrey Huff: 0 votes
Jason Isringhausen: 0 votes
Brad Lidge: 0 votes
Kevin Millwood: 0 votes
Carlos Zambrano: 0 votes
One former Twins' player is elected to the Hall of Fame, while 3 former Twins' players were removed from future consideration.
1/19/18
What does one of the newest predictive measurements tell about the Twins' bats in 2018?
With the recent slew of raw data we have about hitters, based on Statcast, new metrics based on that raw data have been developed to predict hitter performance, based on objective measurements, such as bat exit speed and launch angle. One of these metrics is the expected weighted on base average, or xwOBA. It is meant to compare directly to wOBA, in a manner similar to that of xFIP to FIP comparison's for pitchers. And in the same manner if xFIP-FIP is a positive number for a player, as a baseline, you expect a player to improve next season, and the opposite if it is a negative numbers. Of course, this is one factor, and additional factors, like training, mechanics change, adding muscle etc, will affect future performance; however, unlike xwOBA-xOBA, they are hard to measure.
wOBA tries to measure a player's total offensive performance based on a series of weighted operations on offensive events on a players. The link will give you some basic information on the metric. xwOBA is a similar formula based on Statcast exit speed and launch angle. The link explains in detail the metric.
Here are the xwOBA for the 2017 Twins' batters in two groups:
The ones expected to improve in 2018:
The ones expected to decline in 2018:
As indicated only Joe Mauer, and in a lesser degree, Jason Castro are projected to improve, as far as the 2018 startling 9 of the Twins go. Pretty much everyone else is projected to decline.
If one looks at several projections about what the 2018 will do, which are based on xwOBA, expect them to show an overall decline in wins.
There is a silver lining: Other than Brian Dozier (and free agent Chris Gimenez,) most of the Twins' hitters expected to decline based on this formula are young, and the other factors like development, changes in mechanics, could easily trump these projections. If the 2017 Twins' hitters were an older bunch, things would have been different.
wOBA tries to measure a player's total offensive performance based on a series of weighted operations on offensive events on a players. The link will give you some basic information on the metric. xwOBA is a similar formula based on Statcast exit speed and launch angle. The link explains in detail the metric.
Here are the xwOBA for the 2017 Twins' batters in two groups:
The ones expected to improve in 2018:
The ones expected to decline in 2018:
As indicated only Joe Mauer, and in a lesser degree, Jason Castro are projected to improve, as far as the 2018 startling 9 of the Twins go. Pretty much everyone else is projected to decline.
If one looks at several projections about what the 2018 will do, which are based on xwOBA, expect them to show an overall decline in wins.
There is a silver lining: Other than Brian Dozier (and free agent Chris Gimenez,) most of the Twins' hitters expected to decline based on this formula are young, and the other factors like development, changes in mechanics, could easily trump these projections. If the 2017 Twins' hitters were an older bunch, things would have been different.
1/18/18
The Twins sign free agent LHP...
...Jim Kaat, 79, to a Front Office role.
No. Kaat cannot pitch.
The rest of hot stove is still lukewarm.
No. Kaat cannot pitch.
The rest of hot stove is still lukewarm.
12/26/17
Which former Twins' closer was Zach Duke's best man, and 8 more random facts about the newest Twin.
The Twins announced that they have signed LHP Zach Duke to an one year contract. Here are some random facts about the newest Twin:
- His full name is Zachary Thomas Duke, was born on April 19th, 1983 in Clinton,Tx. He is listed 6-2 and 210 lbs, and bats and throws left. Was drafted in the 20th round (594th overall) of the 2001 draft by the Pitsburgh Pirates from Midway High School in Waco, TX. Currently lives in Gallatin, TN, with his wife since 2007 Kristin Gross.
- His best man was former Twins closer Matt Capps.
- Zach Duke was the Pirates top prospect in 2005, according to Baseball America, and top 34th prospect in baseball, a season where Joe Mauer was the top prospect, Delmon Young the 3rd best, Jason Kubel the 17th, Phillip Humber the 50th, Jesse Crain the 63rd and J.D Durbin the 70th, a spot ahead of Cole Hamels.
- Zach Duke had Tommy John surgery and his left flexor muscle repaired the first week of October of 2016. His recovery time (287 days) was the shortest among major league pitchers the last 10 years, and 9th shortest of all time. He was throwing off a mound after just 190 days. Thus his 2017 numbers should be viewed under this light.
- Nine seasons before his Tommy John surgery in 2007, Duke was placed in the 60 day DL with tendonitis and UCL inflammation that was resolved with rest and rehab. In 2010 he went to the 15 day DL with a flexor pronator (the muscle he repair during his recent surgery) strain.
- Zach Duke appeared in 226 games from 2014 to 2016. This is Everyday Eddie territory. Duke's new bullpen coach appeared in 231 games from 1996 to 1998
- He has pitched for the Pirates (6 seasons), Diamondbacks (1), Nationals (1.5), Reds (0.5), Brewers(1), White Sox (1.5), and Cardinals(1.5). With the Pirates he exclusively wore uniform number 57; has also worn 19, 29, 30, 33, and 59, in the other stops of his career. He also pitched for the Astros during the 2012 Spring Training, and was released before he signed with Washington.
- His largest contract was with the Chicago White Sox for 3 years and $15 million from 2015-2017. He signed an one year "just over" $2 million contract with the Twins, with another ~$1.5 M in "attainable" incentives
- Duke hit his first MLB home run, a 3-run shot, on May 28, 2011, his first start with the Diamondbacks, off Bud Norris.
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