Article: Twins Select Nick Burdi in the 2nd round

[tobi0040]

At this point, you're just looking for anything to complain about, right? The Twins kept a kid (and his agent) informed of their thinking. Those bastards!

 

I just don't see the upside. You either pick him or you don't If you don't he knows you had someone ahead of him. If you tell him he is number two he knows the guys in the draft room are ticked they missed their guy. Welcome to the club! Thrilled to have you

[kab21]

I just don't see the upside. You either pick him or you don't If you don't he knows you had someone ahead of him. If you tell him he is number two he knows the guys in the draft room are ticked they missed their guy. Welcome to the club! Thrilled to have you

 

I'm pretty sure that agents and players are not that insecure in thinking they are the top player on everyone's draft board. They likely had a deal already in place with Burdi and they were keeping him informed on whether or not they would pick him. That would not be an insult to anyone.

[Thrylos]

I love this pick. Seen him pitch in 3 occasions the past 2 seasons. He is 21.5 years old and he is practically MLB-ready. I'd compare him to Chapman (who was ranked high as a prospect because people thought he were a starter, and he is a lefty) as far as readiness at the same age goes. I hope he starts this season at A or A+, gets invited to ST in 2015 and sticks. And I hope no craziness about letting him start or changing his mechanics. Let the kid pitch.

[tobi0040]

I'm pretty sure that agents and players are not that insecure in thinking they are the top player on everyone's draft board. They likely had a deal already in place with Burdi and they were keeping him informed on whether or not they would pick him. That would not be an insult to anyone.

 

I will provide two scenarios. You are 21 and about to be drafted, which is sort of exciting. Which would be a better experience and make you feel better about your future employer?

 

A ) some had you at 21 to the Tigers, you are on the board at 43. The team at 46 reaches out to you and says they are watching you but have someone else ahead of you. At 46, they pick you and you know the draft room may be upset they got you and missed out on who they want

 

You are sad that you fell here, but after pick 45 you receive a phone call. The Twins say they have been keeping tabs on you for five years and are really excited that you were available at 46 and they wont to welcome you to the Twins

[DocBauer]

I really like this pick. There are no guarantees, but this kid has real stuff and real possibilities. And yes, I also wonder if he might not be ready pretty quickly. 2015 though? I'm doubting that unless its late in the season, reason being simply that no matter his stuff, he has a little to work on, the majors are nothing like college or even the high minors. Duh. Lol And they might watch his innings a bit this season due to already having a college season under him. Thinking Cedar Rapids and a split season promotion to Ft Meyers. That sets him up for AA next spring.

 

This is not baseball 40 years ago. Closers, setup men and specialists have changed the game. You need a strong pen. Successful teams, even World Series teams, don't always have the deepest bullpens in the game, but they always have that trio or foursome they can really count on. Reflect back on our two series winning teams for instance.

 

Personally, I'd work pretty hard on that change of his, or something similar like a slurve. Not for a tryout as a starter, but just to give him at least a so-so pitch as a third offering he can get across here and there to really get the hitter thinking.

[kab21]

I will provide two scenarios. You are 21 and about to be drafted, which is sort of exciting. Which would be a better experience and make you feel better about your future employer?

 

A ) some had you at 21 to the Tigers, you are on the board at 43. The team at 46 reaches out to you and says they are watching you but have someone else ahead of you. At 46, they pick you and you know the draft room may be upset they got you and missed out on who they want

 

You are sad that you fell here, but after pick 45 you receive a phone call. The Twins say they have been keeping tabs on you for five years and are really excited that you were available at 46 and they wont to welcome you to the Twins

 

They were in contact with him long before #43. They probably worked out a deal before the draft and were staying in contact with his agent during the draft. By telling him that there is one more guy on their board prepares the agent that they might not pick him but that he is close.

[jokin]

I really like this pick. There are no guarantees, but this kid has real stuff and real possibilities. And yes, I also wonder if he might not be ready pretty quickly. 2015 though? I'm doubting that unless its late in the season, reason being simply that no matter his stuff, he has a little to work on, the majors are nothing like college or even the high minors. Duh. Lol And they might watch his innings a bit this season due to already having a college season under him. Thinking Cedar Rapids and a split season promotion to Ft Meyers. That sets him up for AA next spring.

 

This is not baseball 40 years ago. Closers, setup men and specialists have changed the game. You need a strong pen. Successful teams, even World Series teams, don't always have the deepest bullpens in the game, but they always have that trio or foursome they can really count on. Reflect back on our two series winning teams for instance.

 

Personally, I'd work pretty hard on that change of his, or something similar like a slurve. Not for a tryout as a starter, but just to give him at least a so-so pitch as a third offering he can get across here and there to really get the hitter thinking.

 

Burdi sits at 34 innings, his workload this spring shouldn't be a huge factor in what the Twins ultimately decide to do. After watching him tonight in the NCAA Superegionals, his throwing motion didn't appear to be as violent as has been alleged. And having said that, he dropped a few FBs that hit the gun at 99MPH, and then his 88-90 mph slider is what he threw twice in a row to get the last out of the game, so he must be pretty confident with it as an additional out pitch.

 

During the broadcast, Mike Radcliff sounded open to where Burdi starts out with the Twins, TK pushed him on Cedar Rapids and Radcliff didn't say "no". I'd like to see the Twins make some adjustments in Burdi's delivery to insure his health and longevity...and if all goes well, starting out in AA with a shot at an early call-up in 2015. Burdi hasn't had a blown save going into the 9th inning for the Cardinals since May of 2012. Unless he has fooled everybody who has scouted him, somehow, thus far, it would be foolish to waste this fireballer for very long in the minors.

[Monkeypaws]

Came across this, with a nice video segment on the specialness of a 100 mph heater:

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2047357-nick-burdi-prospect-profile-for-minnesota-twins-2nd-round-pick

[cmathewson]

100 MPH fastball, 93 MPH slider, second round. What's the problem?

[diehardtwinsfan]

It sounds like he's going to be a reliever, but I'd have Cuellar teaching him a change up as soon as possible.

[VandyTwinsFan]

I was looking up the upcoming Vanderbilt vs. Louisville college world series match-up and found this nice little video. "Louisville's Nick Burdi 'pissed' about draft." Apparently he didn't think too highly of dropping to the second round. He says the Twins are getting one of the most determined players in the draft. The young man is ready to play.

 

There's a chance to seem him this Saturday at 8pm on ESPN2's coverage of the CWS. You should also get a chance to see Tyler Beede (#14 Giants) and Kyle Funkhouser (13-2, 1.73 ERA, 2015 draft eligible), both of which are very good pitchers. Go Vandy! I still hope to see Burdi pitch, just not in a save situation.

[JB_Iowa]

At least one Detroit blogger thought Burdi might be the answer to some of Detroits bullpen woes:

 

http://motorcitybengals.com/2014/06/05/draft-day-nick-burdi-tigers-best-option/

 

 

So maybe Burdi had some reasonable late 1st/early 2nd round expectations.

 

Assume the Twins can't sign him until Louisville is out of the CWS?

[Major League Ready]

Anyone care to guess which of the 2-9 picks our favorite team will attempt to convert to a starter?

[Vervehound]

Anyone care to guess which of the 2-9 picks our favorite team will attempt to convert to a starter?

 

cederoth, clay and curtiss.

[Thrylos]

cederoth, clay and curtiss.

 

Cederoth has been a starter. He was put to the pen to "save his arm" for the pros this season. So no conversion. He just needs a third pitch

[gunnarthor]

cederoth, clay and curtiss.

 

Yeah, this is a pretty good guess. Curtiss for sure.

[TNTwinsFan]

"I think he's gonna pitch in the big leagues this summer."-Louisville Head Coach on Nick Burdi's determination.

[TNTwinsFan]

Anyone think Burdi is in Twins pen in 2014?

[cmb0252]

Anyone think Burdi is in Twins pen in 2014?

 

I would like the pick a lot better if he does.

[kab21]

Assume the Twins can't sign him until Louisville is out of the CWS?

 

Basically yes. If he signed then he couldn't play in the CWS and players aren't giving that up.

[jokin]

I was looking up the upcoming Vanderbilt vs. Louisville college world series match-up and found this nice little video. "Louisville's Nick Burdi 'pissed' about draft." Apparently he didn't think too highly of dropping to the second round. He says the Twins are getting one of the most determined players in the draft. The young man is ready to play.

 

There's a chance to seem him this Saturday at 8pm on ESPN2's coverage of the CWS. You should also get a chance to see Tyler Beede (#14 Giants) and Kyle Funkhouser (13-2, 1.73 ERA, 2015 draft eligible), both of which are very good pitchers. Go Vandy! I still hope to see Burdi pitch, just not in a save situation.

 

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.

[nicksaviking]

Anyone think Burdi is in Twins pen in 2014?

 

No. Not because he couldn't, but because there are 6 bullpen arms in Rochester all worthy of a call up and that doesn't even take into account the possibility that Correia, Deduno or Pelfrey may be forced into the pen when they lose their rotation spot.

 

Even if he's better, the Twins often promote/infill with the "next guy in line" philosophy.

[jorgenswest]

Sign him. Put him in the Midwest League. Give Nick Burdi the opportunity to dominate.

 

That is more aggressive than the Braves were with Kimbrel. He pitched three levels his first year but started in the Appalachian League.

 

Paco Rodriguez made it to the majors in the year he was drafted. He started in the Midwest League.

[Steve Lein]

I'd put him in AA right away. There's no need for him to prove domination against lower-level minor league competition. He's done that already in college. Starting in Fort Myers would be okay too, as long as he moved up quickly if domination is displayed.

[nicksaviking]

I would probably need a change of pants if I saw that Burdi was put in AA. The Twins haven't even had a draftee start the year in Low A the last two years. Not even the college arms with polish or major conference experience.

[Steve Lein]

I know, just saying what I'd do! But Burdi is also a different case. He's not a starter and was universally touted as the most MLB-ready player of the draft, with a lot of those same people saying he'd be effective in an MLB bullpen right now. I think it's a disservice to him, and to the team, if he's not fast-tracked more than a normal guy.

[SDTwinsFan]

Why are so many calling for him to try to learn a new pitch? Perk only has two pitches, and he is pretty good.... As for trying him as a starter, it would just delay him helping the big club. I love this pick.

[jokin]

Why are so many calling for him to try to learn a new pitch? Perk only has two pitches, and he is pretty good.... As for trying him as a starter, it would just delay him helping the big club. I love this pick.

 

I noted that Burdi did give up a line drive single on Saturday on a straight-line FB that, IIRC, was clocked at 97 or 98. A more effective change-up will definitely help keep major league hitters a little more off-balance, when looking specifically for the big heater.

[Dman]

No. Not because he couldn't, but because there are 6 bullpen arms in Rochester all worthy of a call up and that doesn't even take into account the possibility that Correia, Deduno or Pelfrey may be forced into the pen when they lose their rotation spot.

 

Even if he's better, the Twins often promote/infill with the "next guy in line" philosophy.

 

 

Yep don't forget they will want him try and learn a third pitch and be careful with his arm this year. They also won't want to waste his mlb service time figuring things out in the bigs that he can learn in the minors.

 

 

My guess is he shows up next year sometime after the super 2 deadline. If he is as good as advertised they will make room for him then.

 

Next year it is going to be hard to keep the young guys down on the farm. Most all the top prospects should show up for the Twins next year at some point during the season. 2015 should be fun.

[Steve Lein]

A more effective change-up will definitely help keep major league hitters a little more off-balance, when looking specifically for the big heater.

 

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.