Article: J.O. Berrios Continues The Climb

[Ted Schwerzler]

Going into the 2015 season, few Twins prospects brought more intrigue than Jose Berrios. The 2012 first-round pick (32nd overall), has flown through the minor leagues, and his sights were set even higher. Suggesting he wanted to make a splash in spring training, Berrios is now staring his final hurdle in the face.As I reported late last night, Berrios has received a promotion to Triple-A Rochester. After pitching to the tune of a 3.08 ERA along with a 9.18 K/9 ratio, Minnesota decided a new challenge was needed for their young star.

 

Source: Jose Berrios will be promoted to Triple-A Rochester, official announcement coming soon. #MNTwins

— Ted (@tlschwerz) June 30, 2015

 

Being pushed up to Triple-A Rochester, Berrios will become the youngest player on the roster by nearly three years. At just 21 years old, he is making his Triple-A debut significantly faster and earlier than both Trevor May (24) and Alex Meyer (24) before him. Joining Double-A Opening Day starter Tyler Duffey in Rochester, Berrios will help to create an even more formidable starting rotation.

In 2014, the Twins sped Berrios through their entire system. Starting the season at High-A Fort Myers, Berrios went on to pitch 16 games before heading to Double-A New Britain. Eight starts later, Berrios found him ending his season with a start at Triple-A Rochester. Now at the highest rung of the farm system for good, it will be on Berrios to prove he's ready for his next challenge.

 

Found within nearly every top 100 prospect list heading into the 2015 season, Berrios still has his fair share of doubters. Chief amongst those may be ESPN Insider Keith Law. Law ranked Berrios in the 90s when going through his top 100 list, only to move him into the top 25 after re-evaluating part way through 2015. The climb has no doubt been impressive, but it isn't over yet.

At just 6' 0", Berrios has often been knocked for his low plane and the lack of life that may cause his pitches. At the Double-A level, Berrios has been able to survive on pure stuff, and over-match many hitters. As he embarks on the next challenge at Triple-A, Berrios will be forced to perfect his pitching as a whole, and show he has what it takes for the big leagues.

Right now, the Twins have more starting options than at any time in recent memory. With the scales starting to tip from quantity to quality, it could be Berrios who highlights that transition. Expecting a September call-up may not be out of line, and betting against the young phenom doesn't appear to be in anyone's best interests.

 

For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

 

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[Madre Dos]

What a great kid.  He is polite, friendly and easy going....oh yeah, he can throw a baseball really fast with accuracy.  Good Luck Jose! 

[DarrenVahtra]

I can't wait to see this kid in a twins uni. He sounds like everything you want to root for. It would also be nice to have a true ace again. No pressure young fella

[AlwaysinModeration]

Bullpen this year? Man it would have been nice to have Meyer come into the game yesterday. Twins need some help in the pen quick.

[HitInAPinch]

With the Twins rapidly disintegrating bullpen, I venture to guess Berrios is the next callup.  

[Grizz_09]

Cannot wait to see this kid in the majors. So obvious how much passion he has for the game....and he's pretty damn good too...

[RaymondLuxuryYacht]

And now Polanco goes to AAA - sure glad I didn't book a trip to Chattanooga for later this season

[spinowner]

This is the track I expected for Buxton and Sano as well--some time in AAA before being brought to the big club. I think it's good to get him regular starts for Rochester rather than inconsistent appearances in the bullpen for the Twins.

[Madre Dos]

 

And now Polanco goes to AAA - sure glad I didn't book a trip to Chattanooga for later this season

We went to see the Lookouts when they were playing the Tennessee Smokies (only 100 miles from Elizabethton).  The kids didn't know we were coming and I got Row 1 Seats 1 & 2 right next to their dugout.  What fun to surprise Adryan, Jose, Miguel, Jairo and Jorge.