Article: Twins Minor League Report (5/18): Masterful Milone

[Cody Christie]

Another Monday means that each minor league level announces their player of the week honors. Twins-affiliated players have been littering the awards so far this season and that trend continued on Monday.

 

Left-handed pitcher Tommy Milone was named the International League Pitcher of the Week. He only made one start over the last week but he tossed eight shutout innings while allowing three hits, all singles, striking out 12 without issuing a walk. To start the game, he struck out five straight batters. No batters reached scoring position against him and he faced the minimum in six of his eight innings of work.

 

Top prospect Jose Berrios was also honored on Monday. The right-handed pitcher was honored as the Southern League's Pitcher of the Week. He tossed a nine innings complete game shutout for his fourth win of the season. He struck out eight and walked two while limiting the opposition to two hits, both singles.

 

Both pitchers were scheduled to be on the mound today so let's see how they fared.RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 3, Durham 0

Box Score

Tommy Milone is sick of being in the minor leagues and he is making that pretty clear with his performance since being demoted. On 115 pitches, Milone tossed a complete game shutout. He scattered six hits but used 13 strikeouts to get out of any jams. In three starts since being demoted, he has yet to allow a run and he has struck out 33 batters in 23.1 innings. (As Seth writes today, Tommy Milone Is Making A Statement.)

 

Josmil Pinto provided the most important hit when he cranked a two-run home run with two outs in the sixth inning. Eric Farris reached base three times, scored a pair of runs and stole a base. James Beresford drove in a run and collected a double. Wilkin Ramirez hit his second double of the season.

 

With the win, Rochester improved to 21-16 ahead of their double header with Durham tomorrow. The team has won three of their last four games and they haven't lost a series since May 8-9 against Louisville.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 2, Montgomery 4

Box Score

Jose Berrios couldn't follow up his memorable performance from last week. He was limited to five innings in this game as he allowed three runs on five hits while striking out five and walking one. Some of the outs he gave up were long fly balls so the results look better than they could have been. Even with the rough day, Berrios still has an ERA under 2.90 for the season.

 

The bullpen trio of Nick Burdi, Zack Jones, and DJ Johnson combined to pitch four perfect innings. Burdi struck out three in two innings of work and Jones struck out the side in the eighth. Dallas Gallant gave up a run on a couple of hits without recording an out.

 

The Lookouts didn't have many opportunities on the offensive side of the ball as the team went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position. Jorge Polanco picked up a couple of hits to raise his average to .314. Max Kepler had the only other hit in the game, a two-run home run. It was his first of the season.

 

With the loss, Chattanooga drops to 23-15 on the season. It was their second consecutive loss after winning five games in a row. The Lookouts had not lost two game in a row this month until today.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Fort Myers 11, Bradenton 5

Box Score

The fireworks were out in Fort Myers on Monday evening as the club pounded out 12 hits and 11 runs including two three-run innings. Chad Christensen went 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles and a run. Jason Kanzler scored three times, drove in three runs, and both his hits were for extra-bases. Engelb Vielma hit his second double, scored two runs and stole his tenth base. Niko Goodrum also crossed the plate twice.

 

The offensive explosion meant the Miracle were able to dance around three fielding errors. Vielma had a throwing error, his sixth of the season. Goodrum was charged with a fielding error, his eight of the season. Logan Wade was the only starter not to reach base and he had his sixth error.

 

Aaron Slegers started and didn't allow an earned run over five innings of work. He struck out two and walked two. Alex Muren pitched two perfect innings while striking out one. Todd Van Steensel got beat up a little in his two innings of work as he allowed three runs on five hits but he did strike out three.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 7, Peoria 3

Box Score Completion from 5/14

In a game started last Thursday when the first four innings were played, Cedar Rapids found themselves in an early hole after Stephen Gonsalves surrendered two runs in the top of the first inning but the Kernels offense came pouring back. Over the next two innings, Cedar Rapids plated six runs to take the lead for good. The only thing that slowed the offense down was rain and a wet playing surface that suspended play before the fifth inning.

 

Trey Vavra had a good game at the plate with two hits including his fourth home run and his eighth double. He knocked in three of the team's runs and all of his RBIs came with two outs. Tanner English reached base three times via a triple, single and walk as he scored two runs. Nick Gordon drove in a run and scored two runs.

 

After the rough top of the first, Gonsalves calmed down before the rain started to fall. He pitched four innings while allowing two earned runs on four hits with four strikeouts and no walks. Keaton Steele started the game today in his Kernels debut and earned his first victory. He pitched five innings, allowed one earned run and had six strikeouts.

 

Cedar Rapids 0, Peoria 1 (7 innings)

Box Score Regularly Scheduled Game

The Kernels bats cooled off for the second game of the night. In fact, the team was one Zack Larson single away from being part of a seven inning no-hitter. Nick Gordon had the only opportunity to bat with a runner in scoring position after Tanner English had stolen second base with two outs. This is the closest the Kernels came to scoring a run.

 

Matt Batts took the loss after pitching all six innings but he put together some impressive numbers. He only allowed one earned run and he struck out 12 including multiple strikeouts in five of his six frames. It was the first time all season he struck out more than seven and it was his first loss of the month.

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Tommy Milone, Rochester Red Wings

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Chad Christensen, Fort Myers Miracle

 

TUESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Rochester vs. Durham (10:05 am CST) – RHP Chih-Wei Hu (Triple-A Debut)

Rochester vs. Durham (6:05 CST) – RHP Alex Meyer

Chattanooga vs. Montgomery (6:15 CST)- RHP Greg Peavey

Ft. Myers vs. Bradenton (6:05 CST) – RHP Ethan Mildren

Cedar Rapids @ Peoria (11:00 am CST) - RHP John Curtiss

 

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss the Monday games.

 

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[bulldozier14]

Why doesn't Milone have a spot in a rotation somewhere? His career MLB ERA is right around 4, and that includes a year at 3.74 and half a year at 3.55. He's only 28 and seems like he should be a middle of the rotation guy, not in AAA.

[Ncgo4]

Who is this guy? He sure isn't anyone from the Twins roster earlier this year. But isn't this the way managers dream it'll work? Slight injury or lack of performance so you send them down to AAA to get them back in shape or to wake them up and a light bulb goes off!

 

I cannot imagine his next start isn't in the Bigs. Good luck Tommy!

[Seth Stohs]

I'm excited for Chih-Wei Hu's spot start today with the Red Wings. He's been (along with Stephen Gonsalves) the best pitcher in the Twins farm system this year. He's only made about 6 starts in High-A and about 8-9 in Low-A, and now an opportunity like this. I think it's exciting for the 21-year-old. 

 

How do TD Readers think he'll do this morning?

[whosafraidofluigirussolo]

This is not directly related to the above, but I just was looking over the Chattanooga roster - do they really not have a single left-handed pitcher on that team?

[HitInAPinch]

I'll shoot out my 2 words of wisdom on Milone and pitchers like him

1.  He's throwing a lot of breaking balls against minor league hitters.  His success isn't all that surprising. 

2.  Pitchers who make their living on slow-moving change-ups and curves have much more success pitching in locations where the humidity is high.  Like Durham [current humidity 76%] and Rochester [current humidity 75%].

[jokin]

 

I'm excited for Chih-Wei Hu's spot start today with the Red Wings. He's been (along with Stephen Gonsalves) the best pitcher in the Twins farm system this year. He's only made about 6 starts in High-A and about 8-9 in Low-A, and now an opportunity like this. I think it's exciting for the 21-year-old. 

 

How do TD Readers think he'll do this morning?

 

The Durham club is going to be pretty prickly after getting sliced and diced by crafty Tommy Milone yesterday evening.  Provided they didn't drink away their sorrows and are severely hung over this morning, I have a feeling they will be in the mood for hunting bear.

 

If Hu can make a minimum qualifying quality start- 6 IP 3 ER with decent control- or a little better, that would be a huge shot in the arm for his confidence, as well as his chances going forward (as well as a shot across the bow of all the other pitching prospects currently ranked ahead of him).

 

One thing's for sure, the Twins felt confident enough to throw him in the deep end of the pool, life is full of opportunities, I hope Hu grabs it and starts to make believers out of the rest of us.

[blairpaul715]

 

I'm excited for Chih-Wei Hu's spot start today with the Red Wings. He's been (along with Stephen Gonsalves) the best pitcher in the Twins farm system this year. He's only made about 6 starts in High-A and about 8-9 in Low-A, and now an opportunity like this. I think it's exciting for the 21-year-old. 

 

How do TD Readers think he'll do this morning?

Well , i am hoping for a 9 inning no-hitter ...........but realistically, i am hoping he can get 5 innings and 3 runs or less and less than 6 hits and no more than 1 or 2 walks......................if he does that it will be considered successful to me, heck anything other than being shelled will be a success for coming up from Hi A...............................but even if he gets shelled , it wont change my current opinion of him, and it would let him know he needs work. I know i will be on my computer following gameday.

Edited May 19, 2015 by blairpaul715

[spinowner]

 

I'll shoot out my 2 words of wisdom on Milone and pitchers like him

1.  He's throwing a lot of breaking balls against minor league hitters.  His success isn't all that surprising. 

2.  Pitchers who make their living on slow-moving change-ups and curves have much more success pitching in locations where the humidity is high.  Like Durham [current humidity 76%] and Rochester [current humidity 75%].

Sorry to have to inject scientific fact, but humid air is less dense than dry air. And warm air is less dense than cold air. Lower density means lower air resistance. Higher density has the opposite effect. That's why there are fewer home runs in cold weather. Breaking pitches will break more in cold dry air and break less in warm humid air. Air is also less dense at higher altitudes, which is most evident at Coors Field. The second highest elevation in the majors is Atlanta, which, coupled with warm humid conditions in the southeast during summer months, makes that location the second most favorable for home runs and the second least favorable for breaking ball pitchers.

[DJL44]

If Milone likes pitching when it is humid he should do well in Target Field in August.

[Seth Stohs]

 

This is not directly related to the above, but I just was looking over the Chattanooga roster - do they really not have a single left-handed pitcher on that team?

 

They're all in Rochester.

[HitInAPinch]

 

Sorry to have to inject scientific fact, but humid air is less dense than dry air. And warm air is less dense than cold air. Lower density means lower air resistance. Higher density has the opposite effect. That's why there are fewer home runs in cold weather. Breaking pitches will break more in cold dry air and break less in warm humid air. Air is also less dense at higher altitudes, which is most evident at Coors Field. The second highest elevation in the majors is Atlanta, which, coupled with warm humid conditions in the southeast during summer months, makes that location the second most favorable for home runs and the second least favorable for breaking ball pitchers.

Actually, I didn't know that.  I was thinking more of humidity on a pitcher's ability to grip the baseball.  There's almost nothing in internet search engines about it, but I did find one: 

Quora "The best answer to any question"   

 

Does humidity affect the break of breaking pitches in baseball?

 

The simple answer is "yes" because humidity allows a pitcher to get a better grip on the ball. A better grip, i.e., one that doesn't slip as the pitch is delivered, allows for greater precision in pitching mechanics.

[blairpaul715]

 

I'm excited for Chih-Wei Hu's spot start today with the Red Wings. He's been (along with Stephen Gonsalves) the best pitcher in the Twins farm system this year. He's only made about 6 starts in High-A and about 8-9 in Low-A, and now an opportunity like this. I think it's exciting for the 21-year-old. 

 

How do TD Readers think he'll do this morning?

 

Well , i am hoping for a 9 inning no-hitter ...........but realistically, i am hoping he can get 5 innings and 3 runs or less and less than 6 hits and no more than 1 or 2 walks......................if he does that it will be considered successful to me, heck anything other than being shelled will be a success for coming up from Hi A...............................but even if he gets shelled , it wont change my current opinion of him, and it would let him know he needs work. I know i will be on my computer following gameday.

Actual

6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 W, 6 K, 93 pitches, 55 strikes........................fantastic outing!!!!!

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

This is not directly related to the above, but I just was looking over the Chattanooga roster - do they really not have a single left-handed pitcher on that team?

Brett Lee should be in Chattanooga--he is still at Ft. Myers--hopefully will be promoted soon.

[shs_59]

Nolasco is walking a tight rope,

 

 

if the Pirates rock him today.

 

 

MILLONE up, Bye bye either Pelfrey or Nolasco.

 

Ricky needs to earn his way up here, by owning AAA battles at least somewhat like Millone has done.

 

Screw the 12 $ million per that you're paying Nolasco , its about what makes the CLub a BETTER CLUB and that is 

 

 

TOMMY MILLONE   not Ricky Nolasco.

[jokin]

 

Actual

6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 W, 6 K, 93 pitches, 55 strikes........................fantastic outing!!!!!

 

He beat my forecast, too.  He became a little wild in his last couple innings, but still came up with big pitches to get out of trouble.  I like eyewitness reports about hitting 94 on the gun, and especially missing so many veteran bats.  My Hu skepticism dropped quite a bit today, as I pondered below, this shakes up the whole prospect leaderboard, and puts everyone on notice.

 

 

 

The Durham club is going to be pretty prickly after getting sliced and diced by crafty Tommy Milone yesterday evening.  Provided they didn't drink away their sorrows and are severely hung over this morning, I have a feeling they will be in the mood for hunting bear.

 

If Hu can make a minimum qualifying quality start- 6 IP 3 ER with decent control- or a little better, that would be a huge shot in the arm for his confidence, as well as his chances going forward (as well as a shot across the bow of all the other pitching prospects currently ranked ahead of him).

 

One thing's for sure, the Twins felt confident enough to throw him in the deep end of the pool, life is full of opportunities, I hope Hu grabs it and starts to make believers out of the rest of us.

 

Edited May 19, 2015 by jokin