Article: Twins Minor League Report (5/5): Whoomp! (There Hicks Is)

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Doug Bernier was pulled from Rochester's game on Tuesday evening and he will be joining the Twins as Eduardo Nunez was placed on the DL with a left oblique strain. Bernier can be added to the 40-man in the spot of suspended Ervin Santana.

 

After a scary scene Tuesday night, it’s been revealed that Chattanooga’s Levi Michael suffered a high ankle sprain while sliding into second base. If you saw the play, you probably expected much worse. It’s a tough break for Michael, who has missed extended periods of time throughout his professional career.

 

Wilkin Ramirez was activated from Rochester’s disabled list. He takes the spot vacated by recently-promoted Eddie Rosario.

 

Let's take a look at the on-field action for Tuesday night.RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 15, Indianapolis 10

Box Score

 

An offensive explosive for the Red Wings, led by Aaron Hicks. The Wings got contributions from all the starters and held on after jumping out to a 10-0 first inning lead.

 

Hicks led off the game with a ground-rule double. This started off an inning that saw 14 batters come to the plate with seven hits, three doubles and ten runs scored.

 

Hicks scored twice, came a home run short of the cycle and improved his batting average to .318. He would have had a chance to complete the cycle, but was pinch-hit for by Wilkin Ramirez in the eighth inning.

 

Josmil Pinto and James Beresford also had three-hit games.

 

The pitching staff was unimpressive, but did enough to get the win. Starter Jason Wheeler gave up five runs (two home runs) in five innings. Stephen Pryor gave up three runs in 2.1 and even #FreeLesterOliveros got roughed up for two runs on four hits (and allowed all three of his inherited runners from Pryor to score). He recorded two outs.

 

A.J. Achter finished off the game with a perfect three-groundout ninth inning.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga - OFF

 

Hopefully a day off doesn’t cool Byron Buxton off, as the Southern League Player of the Week has been on an absolute tear over the last 10 games.

 

The Lookouts have used a hot start in May to propel themselves back to the top of a jumbled Southern League North, where they are tied with Tennessee among five teams who sit within two games of each other.

 

Alex Wimmers will be on the mound tomorrow.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 6, Bradenton 3 (15 innings)

Box Score

 

For the 10th time already this season (in only 26 games), the last-place Miracle provided their fans with “free baseball”.

 

Aaron Slegers really settled down after allowing two first-inning runs. He was able to complete seven innings on 86 pitches. He struck out one and walked one.

 

Madison Boer, J.T. Chargois and Brian Gilbert (credited with the win) all made scoreless appearances. Brandon Peterson walked four and allowed an extra-inning tying run to score.

 

Todd Van Steensel navigated a dicey bottom half of the 15th inning to pick up the save.

 

The offense managed 13 hits, but many players had seven plate-appearances and the team batted only .217 on Tuesday night.

 

Mitch Garver had two hits, two walks and drove in two, but didn’t play the last third of the game after being lifted for a pinch-runner in the 11th inning.

 

Zach Granite, Bryan Haar and Jason Kanzler also contributed multi-hit games. Kanzler, who also stole two bases, has seen his batting average creep back up to .218 after a very slow start.

 

Niko Goodrum drove in two runs with a triple in the 15th inning.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 7, Wisconsin 3

Box Score

 

The Kernels improved to 15-11 thanks to hanging up crooked numbers in two of the first three innings and getting a very solid game from a trio of pitchers.

 

After a Wisconsin error, the Kernels were able to plate two in the first inning. Nick Gordon scored on the misplay and Trey Vavra scored on T.J. White's groundout.

 

The Kernels gave the runs back in the second inning.

 

In the third inning, DH Jorge Fernandez had a three-run double to give Cedar Rapids the lead for good. Fernandez had three hits on the night, including two doubles.

 

Gordon added RBI singles in both the fourth and the sixth inning to provide insurance runs. He also stole his second base.

 

Mat Batts earned his third win, pitching six innings and striking out four. He allowed three runs, but only one was earned. Randy LeBlanc and C.K. Irby combined to pitch three scoreless innings.

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Mat Batts, Cedar Rapids

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Aaron Hicks, Rochester

 

WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Rochester @ Indianapolis (12:35 CST) – RHP Mark Hamburger is listed as the scheduled starter; however, LHP Tommy Milone is expected to take his spot in the rotation.

Chattanooga vs Jackson (6:15 CST) – RHP Alex Wimmers

Ft. Myers @ Bradenton (5:30 CST) – RHP Chih-Wei Hu

Cedar Rapids @ Wisconsin (5:35 CST) – RHP John Curtiss

 

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[COtwin]

Anyone see the redwing game? I watched on game cast and it seems like there is more of a trend for Hicks in putting the ball in play with two strikes. They pitched him away and he hit it away for an infield hit. I think that is as impressive as the triple or double. Hicks often looked overmatched with two strikes in the past. Has anyone else noticed that he is having more of a gameplay with his at bats?

[Shane Wahl]

What on earth does poor James Beresford need to do to get a cup of coffee? How about they see how *he* responds in a few spot starts and as a utility player playing three infield positions? Bernier? What on earth? Beresford is a lot like Herrmann, in my view. The ceiling is utility, so the "play every day" line doesn't fit.

[joemama]

 

What on earth does poor James Beresford need to do to get a cup of coffee? How about they see how *he* responds in a few spot starts and as a utility player playing three infield positions? Bernier? What on earth? Beresford is a lot like Herrmann, in my view. The ceiling is utility, so the "play every day" line doesn't fit.

I thought the same thing when I read Bernier got the promotion. All I can come up with is that perhaps Bernier offers a little more of a positional complement to Escobar than Beresford does?

[jokin]

 

What on earth does poor James Beresford need to do to get a cup of coffee? How about they see how *he* responds in a few spot starts and as a utility player playing three infield positions? Bernier? What on earth? Beresford is a lot like Herrmann, in my view. The ceiling is utility, so the "play every day" line doesn't fit.

 

Apparently you can never  have enough veteraniness, even of the AAAA kind.

 

Actually, it's more of the same old same old: rewarding the loyal good scouts who re-up with the Twins after they reach free agency.  It definitely makes little sense in a year where you would think they want to evaluate any and every potential future prospect for 2016 and beyond.

[jokin]

 

WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
Rochester @ Indianapolis (12:35 CST) – RHP Mark Hamburger is listed as the scheduled starter; however, LHP Tommy Milone is expected to take his spot in the rotation.


 

 

The Red Wings website lists a third option for tomorrow's starter, Pat Dean.

[jokin]

 

What on earth does poor James Beresford need to do to get a cup of coffee? How about they see how *he* responds in a few spot starts and as a utility player playing three infield positions? Bernier? What on earth? Beresford is a lot like Herrmann, in my view. The ceiling is utility, so the "play every day" line doesn't fit.

 

They're probably also pretty sure that when they inevitably remove Bernier from the roster, he won't get claimed.  Probably a lot closer call with Beresford going up and coming back down.  Feel bad for the guy, not much more he can do, performance-wise, is there?

[jokin]

Any word on who gets the call to replace Michael?  Not any obvious choices at the ready based on performance, Goodrum probably qualifies based on seniority, would they give Gordon a quick look at AA?

[gbg]

"The offense managed 13 hits, but many players had seven plate-appearances and the team batted only .217 on Tuesday night."

 

They were 13 of 54 last night, so they actually hit .241 for the evening. They are hitting .217 for the year. It's confusing the way MiLB.com does that.

[gbg]

 

 

 

Actually, it's more of the same old same old: rewarding the loyal good scouts who re-up with the Twins after they reach free agency.

Beresford re-upped with the Twins after he reached free agency, too.

[HitInAPinch]

It's nice to see Hicks put up good numbers.  OK, make that pretty awesome numbers, but in only 22 games.

After reading Molitor's comments in spring training and more recently, I think he's having an huge influence on Hicks. 

[LimestoneBaggy]

 

They're probably also pretty sure that when they inevitably remove Bernier from the roster, he won't get claimed.  Probably a lot closer call with Beresford going up and coming back down.  Feel bad for the guy, not much more he can do, performance-wise, is there?

 

This is one of those decisions in a vacuum that will drive you nuts....then you look at how they situated the initial 40-man, and it makes sense now.....I'd be surprised to see Beresford getting a shot prior to September unless they jettison some 40-man filler.

[Cody Christie]

 

The Red Wings website lists a third option for tomorrow's starter, Pat Dean.

 

According to Josh Whetzel,

Wed: Pat Dean

Thur: Taylor Rogers

Fri: Tommy Milone

 

https://twitter.com/JoshWhetzel/status/595710171239870466

[sane]

I'd be surprised to see Beresford getting a shot prior to September unless they jettison some 40-man filler.

 

Bernier is the future jettisoned 40-man filler, unless someone elsegoes on the 60-day DL to replace E.Santana.

[mikelink45]

Let's call up a new GM!  The idea of filling the roster with nice safe guys is getting old.  Hicks should get the Rosario call up and see if the lessons are in place, Beresford should get a seat on the MLB bench, Olivaros should be in the pen and in June we should see Buxton.  Let's get a GM who is willing to make some moves that feature youth.

[DocBauer]

They're probably also pretty sure that when they inevitably remove Bernier from the roster, he won't get claimed.  Probably a lot closer call with Beresford going up and coming back down.  Feel bad for the guy, not much more he can do, performance-wise, is there?

 

I think this is about right. I was greatly disappointed in the Bernier move, especially as it feels of late Molitor and company are leaning more and more to youngsters. But if I saw correctly, Nunez's stay was back dated a few days already, so this is probably a short stay. Meanwhile, Beresford keeps playing daily. A little disappointing to be sure, but in this case, I think I get it.

[Tibs]

 

Any word on who gets the call to replace Michael?  Not any obvious choices at the ready based on performance, Goodrum probably qualifies based on seniority, would they give Gordon a quick look at AA?

I don't know the severity of the injury, but high ankle sprains usually aren't a two week thing. A high ankle sprain can easily take over a month to recover from, many times 6 weeks or more. I'm assuming his replacement won't be getting just a quick look at AA.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

 

The Red Wings website lists a third option for tomorrow's starter, Pat Dean.

 

Good find. As of late last night, it was still Hamburger. The day off they had early this week allowed them skip a fifth starter and start Dean on normal rest.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Before we overreact to the "Bernier move", let's remember that as recently as last year, there would have been no move. Nunez hasn't played for a few days, but every other player that wasn't able to go for more than a few days has been placed on the DL. All the pitchers and Arcia. The Twins are now willing to make that "short-term" move, which I'm happy about, but the rationale behind who's been added (Thielbar, Rosario and Bernier) certainly isn't consistent. 

 

It's all good for Brian Duensing, the move has taken the attention away from how brutal he's been. 

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Also, Doug Bernier is a future coach and, right now, Danny Santana could use some help at shortstop. Getting a two-week mentor could pay dividends.

[Paul Pleiss]

DOUG BERNIER! I'M SO EXCITED, I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT. I'M ABOUT THE LOSE CONTROL AND I THINK I LIKE IT.

 

*throws up all over myself.

[ashbury]

DOUG BERNIER! I'M SO EXCITED, I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT. I'M ABOUT THE LOSE CONTROL AND I THINK I LIKE IT.

 

*throws up all over myself.

I'll have what Paul's having, but half as much.

[Sam Morley]

I don't know the severity of the injury, but high ankle sprains usually aren't a two week thing. A high ankle sprain can easily take over a month to recover from, many times 6 weeks or more. I'm assuming his replacement won't be getting just a quick look at AA.

See: Ricky Rubio.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I'd be surprised to see Beresford getting a shot prior to September unless they jettison some 40-man filler.Bernier is the future jettisoned 40-man filler, unless someone elsegoes on the 60-day DL to replace E.Santana.

its not like there aren't options. Nunez, Stauffer, Milone, Schafer,Boyer, and they are all on the DL or active roster

[shs_59]

Also want to point out for Ft. Myers how well Alex Swim is doing..... iF YOU'RE SWIM You've got to be excited about the prospect of being our future Chris Herrmann type.

 

you know maybe 3 years or so from now. a guy who can catch, and handle multiple other postions and flash a decent bat.