Article: Twins Select Nick Burdi in the 2nd round

[jokin]

Sure, but this is also a pitch that is not even close to necessary to have success as a RP/Closer, especially when big heat is paired with a wipeout slider coming in hot as well. Examples exist everywhere. As mentioned, Perkins doesn't throw anything but FB's and SL's.

 

A third pitch is most times a requirement for starters, but you can scrap it in relief if other pitches are of Burdi's caliber. It can be a "show-me" offering if he needs it, though.

 

All true, but he gave up a hit in both appearancea last weekend, both on FBs. If college hitters can guess right and occasionally hit his best stuff, he may have to to upgrade that change in the bigs.

[kab21]

RP'ers only throw 15-20 pitches in a game. It's going to be difficult to develop a 3rd pitch and use it enough that it is remotely effective.

 

Using a single time that a college hitter squared up and hit a high 90's heater doesn't mean anything. Nobody should expect anyone to never give up A hit. Statistically speaking college hitters weren't squaring up anything against Burdi this season. He gave up 15 total hits in 32 IP. The ONE hit you saw was an aberration and not worth slowing down Burdi's rise to the majors.

[Thrylos]

Did anyone else see him close out the Super Regional on Saturday night? He struck out the last 2 guys on pitches that seemed to explode into the ground, like he was throwing a split-finger FB, leaving the batters swinging at dirt. I don't know if that's what the pitch was, but for sure, it was unhittable at any level. The night before, he finished off the last guy on 2 consecutive nasty sliders.

 

Yeah. That was his changeup that "needs work"

[jokin]

RP'ers only throw 15-20 pitches in a game. It's going to be difficult to develop a 3rd pitch and use it enough that it is remotely effective.

 

Using a single time that a college hitter squared up and hit a high 90's heater doesn't mean anything. Nobody should expect anyone to never give up A hit. Statistically speaking college hitters weren't squaring up anything against Burdi this season. He gave up 15 total hits in 32 IP. The ONE hit you saw was an aberration and not worth slowing down Burdi's rise to the majors.

 

Actually, as I stated, I saw TWO hits, one in each appearance on consecutive nights. Just some food for thought.

[kab21]

Actually, as I stated, I saw TWO hits, one in each appearance on consecutive nights. Just some food for thought.

 

TWO is pretty statistically...

[jorgenswest]

Burdi is signed and will start in Cedar Rapids.

 

The Midwest League is a good starting point and will not hold him back. It is up to Burdi. He can advance quickly. The most recent fast moving college relievers started at a similar level.

 

I look forward to reading the reports from the Knuckleballs blog and possibly Seth. Cedar Rapids folks better get out to the ballpark soon. He may not be there long.

[Steven Buhr]

I'm pretty sure the Twins heard that Seth was planning on being in Cedar Rapids this weekend and that prompted them to get this deal done now so Burdi can debut this weekend.

[jokin]

TWO is pretty statistically...

 

 

Who mentioned statistics?....I could only state an opinion based on two televised appearances, of course, he then got hit pretty hard in his 3rd appearance since being drafted, as well...so there's that...just sayin' is all, nothing about statistics, which remain impressive--->Let's give Burdi some time to develop and see how he translates to professional ball. (Hopefully it's a very short period of time, but for now, what we know for certain is that that FB looked somewhat hittable, for whatever reason(s) in 3 straight college appearances).

[TRex]

...so what you're saying is that Seth is to blame for the Twins not starting Burdi in Fort Myers:roll:! Way to go, Seth

[Seth Stohs]

...so what you're saying is that Seth is to blame for the Twins not starting Burdi in Fort Myers:roll:! Way to go, Seth

 

 

I am happy to accept that blame!

[diehardtwinsfan]

Well, for supposedly being one of the best arms in the Twins organization right now, his debut in Cedar Rapids could have gone a bit better. He walked each batter he faced, all of whom came around to score.

[DJSim22]

Well, for supposedly being one of the best arms in the Twins organization right now, his debut in Cedar Rapids could have gone a bit better. He walked each batter he faced, all of whom came around to score.

 

But how could that be? I've been told repeatedly on these boards that BUrdi is already better than Burton, Guerrier, Thielbar, Duensing, Swarzak, Deduno, and Perkins?

[twinsfan34]

yeah...faced 4 guys, walked 4 guys. So bascially, he's unhittable.

[JB_Iowa]

Maybe we should have a little larger sample size.

[Steven Buhr]

There will be some chirping here about Burdi and that's fine. But he'll be fine.

 

He showed something that can't be taught... a consistent 96-99 mph fastball. Yeah, he was all over the place with it, but I think it's probably premature to write him off quite yet.

 

And honestly, the occasional lesson in humility for a young player that's probably never experienced that kind of failure isn't always a terrible thing, either.

[DJSim22]

There will be some chirping here about Burdi and that's fine. But he'll be fine.

 

He showed something that can't be taught... a consistent 96-99 mph fastball. Yeah, he was all over the place with it, but I think it's probably premature to write him off quite yet.

 

And honestly, the occasional lesson in humility for a young player that's probably never experienced that kind of failure isn't always a terrible thing, either.

 

Just pointing out people need to calm down and let the kid pitch. Some here wanted him in a Twins uniform right now when he isn't ready. Heard the same crazy things over the years about Wimmers, Boer, ect. Patience is needed.

[gunnarthor]

His command was a concern in the draft and I think we sometimes overrate college hitters. I'm not sure a noraml college team is better than a team in A ball. So Burdi probably threw stuff today that might have gotten swings/misses in college but the guys he was facing were a bit better at laying off of balls out of the zone. I think Burdi will be fine but he could be another Shooter Hunt.

[drivlikejehu]

You don't draft a college reliever that high if he is a project. I thought it was an awful pick and this certainly is not very promising.

[jokin]

There will be some chirping here about Burdi and that's fine. But he'll be fine.

 

He showed something that can't be taught... a consistent 96-99 mph fastball. Yeah, he was all over the place with it, but I think it's probably premature to write him off quite yet.

 

And honestly, the occasional lesson in humility for a young player that's probably never experienced that kind of failure isn't always a terrible thing, either.

 

Seth Stohs @SethTweets · 3h

On the bright side, Burdi's pitch velocities were: 99, 98, 97, 97, 96, 98, 99, 98, 98, 96, 98, 88 SL, 97, 98, 97, 97, 97, 89 SL, 96, 96, 97

 

That's 2 sliders out of 21 pitches thrown. In watching him throw for Louisville in the CWS, his out pitch was consistently coming from his slider. It looks like the kid was a victim of his own adrenaline today. And that's all this is, just one day. I can't believe there are posters already writing Burdi off. C'mon fellas, even college pitchers have learning curves when they hit the professional ranks.

[diehardtwinsfan]

There will be some chirping here about Burdi and that's fine. But he'll be fine.

 

He showed something that can't be taught... a consistent 96-99 mph fastball. Yeah, he was all over the place with it, but I think it's probably premature to write him off quite yet.

 

And honestly, the occasional lesson in humility for a young player that's probably never experienced that kind of failure isn't always a terrible thing, either.

 

No one is writing him off. There was a lot of consternation about the fact that he wasn't started in A+ or AA. Sounds to me like he has his work cut out for him in Cedar Rapids right now.

[Seth Stohs]

He'll be fine. It was cool to watch the radar gun readings. He wasn't close today. Minor league report should be posted soon with quotes from Burdi.

[jokin]

No one is writing him off. There was a lot of consternation about the fact that he wasn't started in A+ or AA. Sounds to me like he has his work cut out for him in Cedar Rapids right now.

 

Well, there are a few who have made some fairly big assumptions based on one game

And how much concern was out there, really from Burdi starting out in CR? The Twins scouts have been on this guy since he was in high school, I am hereby going on record and will state that I'm more than willing to give the Twins, and Burdi, the benefit of the doubt, for at least one more game.

 

Well, for supposedly being one of the best arms in the Twins organization right now, his debut in Cedar Rapids could have gone a bit better. He walked each batter he faced, all of whom came around to score.

 

 

 

You don't draft a college reliever that high if he is a project. I thought it was an awful pick and this certainly is not very promising.

 

 

 

I think Burdi will be fine but he could be another Shooter Hunt.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Only one of those quotes indicates giving up, and that author made it clear he wasn't a fan of the pick in the first place. But as for Burdi starting in CR, there were a number of posters who thought he should have been in A+ or AA to start and weren't happy about this assignment.

[jokin]

Only one of those quotes indicates giving up, and that author made it clear he wasn't a fan of the pick in the first place. But as for Burdi starting in CR, there were a number of posters who thought he should have been in A+ or AA to start and weren't happy about this assignment.

 

Yes there were, but that very small number of posters doesn't indicate that it was a general consensus. Shooter Hunt's name was actually invoked, after one freaking game!, another had apparently written him off BEFORE one freaking game, while "another" poster was dubious about Burdi "supposedly being one of the best arms in the organization":D

[Jeremy Nygaard]

John Manuel told us on our Hangout two weeks ago that some college guys go through a "let-down" stage when they move from big-time college baseball to the low-level minors. Burdi was just pitching in the College World Series. And he's a closer, who seem to strive more on adrenaline than others. And his "professional" debut. There's just a lot of things that could have led to this rough outing.

 

Obviously, these are all just excuses... but I'm willing to excuse this appearance.

[drivlikejehu]

Only one of those quotes indicates giving up, and that author made it clear he wasn't a fan of the pick in the first place. But as for Burdi starting in CR, there were a number of posters who thought he should have been in A+ or AA to start and weren't happy about this assignment.

 

Nowhere did I "give up" on him. Posters here love to throw that around - oh look, people are "giving up" on so-and-so. Having concerns is not "giving up" and I don't really appreciate having my posts miscontrued.

 

Besides which, you missed the point - taking Burdi that high only makes sense if he is relatively low-risk, because relievers have limited upside. Being unable to throw the ball anywhere near the plate in his first outing doesn't scream 'low-risk' to me.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Nowhere did I "give up" on him. Posters here love to throw that around - oh look, people are "giving up" on so-and-so. Having concerns is not "giving up" and I don't really appreciate having my posts miscontrued.

 

Besides which, you missed the point - taking Burdi that high only makes sense if he is relatively low-risk, because relievers have limited upside. Being unable to throw the ball anywhere near the plate in his first outing doesn't scream 'low-risk' to me.

 

I should have stated it differently. My apologies. You didn't like the pick (as is your right). I was addressing the comments about people giving up on him. I'd note though that Burdi was considered by many to be first round talent. The Tigers were thinking about grabbing him with their pick. I don't think we reached, and if he hits that ceiling, I'm quite fine with getting a shut down 8th/9th guy in the second round.

[jokin]

Nowhere did I "give up" on him. Posters here love to throw that around - oh look, people are "giving up" on so-and-so. Having concerns is not "giving up" and I don't really appreciate having my posts miscontrued.

 

Besides which, you missed the point - taking Burdi that high only makes sense if he is relatively low-risk, because relievers have limited upside. Being unable to throw the ball anywhere near the plate in his first outing doesn't scream 'low-risk' to me.

 

I watched Burdi three times in the CWS. I, too, have concerns, and have previously posted them. I'm thinking he's going to need to throw an occasional effective change to keep major league hitters honest. His stuff was electric, to be sure. But college hitters were squaring up on his 98 MPH FB in all 3 games that I watched- is that indicative that it's coming up flat to the plate? The slider was his out pitch, and he's going to have to get professional players to bite on it. This is all going to require developmental time, hopefully much less than the typical college pitcher, of course- I'm under the assumption that the Twins scouts are aware of this as a factual statement. They have watched him since high school, have drafted him previously, and are convinced his stuff is a cut above the typical college arm, and is going to translate.

 

The reason your post was micsonstrued was in how you phrased your response. It is your opinion about drafting relief pitchers and their project status, not fact. Burdi was listed as high as a middle first-rounder on many scouting reports- these are opinions from paid national experts. Communication is a two-way street- misconstrual comes with the territory for all of us amateurs.

[drivlikejehu]

The reason your post was micsonstrued was in how you phrased your response. It is your opinion about drafting relief pitchers and their project status, not fact. Burdi was listed as high as a middle first-rounder on many scouting reports- these are opinions from paid national experts. Communication is a two-way street- misconstrual comes with the territory for all of us amateurs.

 

There is nothing in my post at all that consitutes "giving up" on him. Nothing. It is impossible to legitimately construe my post that way.

 

Clearly, I would not have drafted him, as I said immediately after the pick was made. But that's a separate issue. What concerns me about his debut is that the pick was justified based on the premise that he could move quickly through the system - a notion not exactly reinforced by his debut.

[tobi0040]

There is nothing in my post at all that consitutes "giving up" on him. Nothing. It is impossible to legitimately construe my post that way.

 

Clearly, I would not have drafted him, as I said immediately after the pick was made. But that's a separate issue. What concerns me about his debut is that the pick was justified based on the premise that he could move quickly through the system - a notion not exactly reinforced by his debut.

 

Can move quickly was said about Bullock, Gutieriez, etc. I think too often guys that throw hard are given this label.

 

It is way too early to tell if Burdi will move up quick or not, I didn't like the pick at the time either, but I agree this outing is not that important.