Through the Fence: On the Backfields 5/16/2015

[Bob Sacamento]

As usual, I was on the backfields on Saturday 5/16 to watch the Twins take on the Red Sox in Extended Spring Training and Alexis Tapia (Sano's personal pick to watch out for) was absolutely dealing in Game 1.  In 4 IP, he struck out 5 walked none and gave up two hits, his fastball was hitting 92-96mph, averaging 93-94.  Of his 62 pitches (42 strikes, 20 balls), he threw 36 fastball (30 strikes, 6 balls), 21 sliders (12 strikes, 9 balls averaing 79-84mph), and 6 changeups (all balls avg 78-86mph).

 

  Afterwards, he was relieved by Johan Quezada, who pitched an inning, giving up two hits, a walk, and striking out none.  In his one inning, he threw 23 pitches (11 strikes and 12 balls), 21 fastballs (10 strikes, 11 balls, hitting 93-96mph averaging 95) and 2 changeups (1 strike and 1 ball, 73-75mph). In the sixth, Netherlands prospect Matz Schutte threw one inning, giving up a hit, walking none and striking out one.  He threw 18 pitches (11 strikes, 7 balls), 10 fastball (6 strikes and 4 balls hitting 83-85 mph), 6 curveballs (4 strikes and 2 balls, 67-69mph) and 2 changeups (one strike one ball 67-69mph).

 

Mexican prospect Leonel Zazueta came on to finish off the final two innings for the win and was dominating.  Keep an eye on him Twins' fans as he looked impressive.  He pitched 2 IP, gave up 1 hit, no walks, and struck out four.  He threw 33 pitches (21 strikes and 12 balls, of those he threw 20 fastballs (16 strikes and 4 balls, hitting 87-92mph averaging 91mph), 9 sliders (4 balls and 5 strikes, 81-83mph) and 4 changeups (1 strike and balls, hitting 84-86mph).

 

 

 

Here's Zazueta with the strikeout.

 

 

In Game 2, Andro Cutura started the game and put up a line of 3 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K.  Cutura threw 53 pitches ( 29 strikes and 24 balls), of that he threw 38 fastballs (25 strikes, 13 balls, 87-94mph averaging 89mph)  He was followed up by Brandon Poulson who was extremely erratic in 2/3 IP of 0 hits, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K.  Poulson threw 29 pitches (17 balls and 12 strikes), 28 as fastballs (17 balls, 11 strikes, 90-98mph averaging 94mph.  After Bradon walked one, RHP Randolph Perez came on and relieved  Poulson's mess going 1 1/3 IP giving up no hits, not walks, and striking out one while only throwing 15 pitches of which were 11 fastballs (7 strikes and 4 balls, hitting 87-92mph averaging 89mph), 3 curveballs (2 strikes and 1 ball, hitting 75mph), 1 changeup (1 strike at 80mph).

 

 

In the bottom of the 7th Callan Pearce out of South Africa came into the game and had butterflies early on as I watched him in the bullpen.  In 1/3 IP, he gave up 3 hits, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K while throwing 23 balls (13 balls and 10 strikes) 20 fastballs (12 balls and 8 strikes hitting 87-90mph),

 

Zach Hayden came on to a very sticky situation and performed quite admirally, going 1 2/3 IP, giving up 2 weal singles, 1  walk and 3 strikeouts.  Of his 26 pitches, he threw 17 strikes and 9 balls.  Zach's fastball was 90-94mph (15 strikes and 8 balls), 3 curveballs (2 strikes and 1 ball, 80-81mph)

 

Jose Abreu finished off the game throwning the final inning going one inning giving up no hits no walks and one strikeout.  Of his 11 pitches, he threw 9 strikes, 2 balls. he threw 6 pitches fastballs all for strikes (90-93mph) and 4 changeups (86-87mph), and 1 curveball (79mph).

[blairpaul715]

Thanks, nice to know what is going on in Extended, anything on the position players??

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Thanks, nice to know what is going on in Extended, anything on the position players??

Well the three guys I've been watching the most for the Twins have been Roberto Gonzalez, Lewin Diaz, and Amaurys Minier.  Gonzalez flashes plus tools all around, a very strong and accurate arm that the Red Sox squad no longer challenges for extra bases.  He works counts as he appears to have a game plan in set when he takes the box, still his contact rate needs work .  In the power department, he's shown good potential with gap-doubles power, as for his wheels he's still recovering from a serious knee injury but he's a smart baserunner and when fully recovered a real possibility to climb quickly.

 

The other two Lewin Diaz and Amaurys Minier are the next wave of big thumpers for the organization, Diaz is listed at 6'3 271lbs and he looks every bit of that if not more.  Physically, he loks like Kennys Vargas and has a similar jovial attitude.  He's listed in the outfield but he's been getting the bulk of his playing time at 1B.  He's definately learning the postion still yet is baking good strides.  At the plate, he more or less hacks most of the time and when he makes connection the ball goes far, very far.  Still the contact needs worked on and his swing needs shortened, his worst problem is swinging at high heat. 

 

Amaurys Minier has been playing the corner outfield postions, getting his feet wet and still working on his routes.  His plate approach is more advanced than Diaz' at this point and has a better hit tool as well.  His game reminds me of Sano's and he's physically aliken to him as well.  I'll post pics and video later.