Article: Twins Minor League Report (8/8): Tiempo Para La Maquina!

[Seth Stohs]

It’s safe to say that 21-year-old right-hander, JO Berrios, is putting up numbers to be noticed. In his last five starts with the Red Wings, he is 3-1 with a 1.59 ERA. In 34 innings, he has given up 24 hits, walked eight and struck out 31. Opponents are hitting .200/.272/.333 (.604) off him. In 22 starts between Rochester and Chattanooga, he is 11-4 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in 135.1 innings. If it isn’t already, it is getting close to the time to bring him up.After throwing 139.1 innings totally in 2014, it is likely that he has an innings limit of 160 to 170 innings this year.

 

And, there were six other games in the Twins farm system, and plenty of highlights to report in today’s minor league report.

 

TRANSACTIONS

 

A few quick notes on the transactions of the day:

• Caleb Thielbar, DFAd last week, was claimed by the San Diego Padres. He’ll report to their AAA affiliate.
• Eric Fryer, DFAd on Thursday night, cleared waivers and accepted his outright to Rochester.
• As we mentioned here last night, Jake Reed was sent down to Ft. Myers.
• In Chattanooga, Brandon Peterson was activated from the disabled list.
• Chris Paul promoted to Cedar Rapids from E-Town.
• Lewin Diaz promoted to E-Town from the GCL Twins.
• Down in the GCL, Roberto Gonzalez was activated from the DL, while MiLB.com reports Aaron Whitehead was activated from the restricted list.

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 3, Charlotte 0

Box Score

 

The Red Wings scored two runs in the second inning on a long Oswaldo Arcia, two-run homer. That proved to be more than enough for JO Berrios in this game.

The right-hander was again terrific, making it difficult for the Twins to not call him up. He threw seven shutout innings. He gave up just five hits, walked one and struck out nine batters. He improved to 3-1 with a 3.02 ERA in AAA; Mark Hamburger and Michael Tonkin each threw a scoreless relief inning. Hamburger struck out one. Tonkin struck out two to earn his 10^th save.

 

Arcia went 2-4 in the game, and the homer was his tenth with the Red Wings. Byron Buxton was back in the leadoff spot. In his second rehab start, he played center field. He went 1-3 with a walk and stole his first base. James Beresford was 2-4.

 

The Red Wings improved to 58-56 on the season.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 3, Mobile 9

Box Score

 

Aaron Slegers made his AA debut on Saturday and performed adequately. He gave up two runs in the third inning and that was it until the seventh when he gave up two more. In total, he went seven innings and gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits and a walk. He struck out three. Adrian Salcedo pitched a quiet eighth inning. He came back out for the ninth and was charged with five runs. DJ Johnson allowed his inherited runners to score before getting the final two outs.

 

Travis Harrison was the lone Lookout with more than one hit. Niko Goodrum hit his second triple and stole his 13^th base. Max Kepler hit his 11^th triple.

 

The Lookouts are now 59-49 on the season.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 1, Palm Beach 4

Box Score

 

Newcomer Omar Bencomo made his Florida State League and Twins organization debut on Saturday night. He started with three scoreless innings. However, he and the Miracle were done in by a four-run fourth inning. Bencoo went five innings and gave up four runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks. Tyler Jay struck out three in his inning. He gave up a hit and a walk. Jake Reed made his Miracle debut, giving up one hit but tossing a scoreless inning. Nick Burdi struck out two in a perfect ninth.

 

The Miracle managed just six hits. Logan Wade went 2-4 and drove in the team’s lone run. Mitch Garver went 1-3 with a triple. He scored the run.

 

The Miracle are now 61-52.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 8, Bowling Green 2

Box Score

 

Sam Gibbons’ scoreless innings streak ended at 28.1 when he gave up two runs in the seventh inning on Saturday night in Cedar Rapids. He gave up two runs (just one earned) on six hits and a walk in seven innings. He struck out four. Nick Anderson came on for his Twins organization and Kernels debut and worked a flawless inning. Luke Bard gave up three hits but no runs in a scoreless ninth.

 

Tanner English went 2-4 with his 21^st double and eighth triple in this game. TJ White went 2-3 with a walk and his 13^th and 14^th Kernels doubles. The score was cut to 3-2 in the top of the seventh, but Brian Navarreto’s three run home (his second homer of the year) gave the Kernels some cushion.

 

The Kernels are 65-47 overall this season.

 

E-TOWN E-NOTES

Elizabethton 10, Bluefield 4

Box Score

 

It was a good night for the Twins offense. Jermaine Palacios had another three-hit night. He went 3-5 with his fifth double. He also stole his second base. All eight others in the lineup had one hit. LaMonte Wade walked and added his seventh home run, a three-run blast. Chris Paul added his third homer. Brad Hartong and Brian Olson each added a double.

 

Onesimo Hernandez started and gave up two runs on five hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out three and did not walk a batter. Josh Guyer gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk in 1.2 innings. Jose Abreu struck out three and walked one in 1.2 scoreless.

 

The E-Twins evened their season record at 22-22.

 

GCL TWINS TAKES

Game 1 – GCL Twins 0, GCL Red Sox 3

Box Score

 

The GCL Twins are playing a lot of doubleheaders lately after missing nearly a week with Southwest Florida rains.

 

In game one, Lefty Lachlan Wells started. He gave up two runs on four hits over three innings. He walked three and struck out four. Moises Gomez came on and gave up a run on two hits and a walk in two innings. Brandon Poulson went two innings and gave up just one hit. He struck out three.

 

Not a lot of offense for the Twins in this one. Lewin Diaz went 2-3. Kolton Kendrick was 1-2 with a walk.

 

 

Game 2 – GCL Twins 3, GCL Red Sox 4

Box Score

 

Game 2 was started by Miguel Gonzalez. He went 4.2 innings and gave up three runs on eight hits. He walked two and struck out four. Johan Quezada went an inning and gave up one run on one hit and one walk. He struck out two. Callan Pearce got the final out.

 

Christian Cavaness went 2-2 with a walk. He stole two bases. Luis Arraez went 2-3 with a walk and his 12^th double. Ariel Montesino doubled for the second time. Bryant Hayman added a pinch-hit double, his fifth of the year.

 

The GCL Twins are now 21-18 on their season.

 

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – JO Berrios, Rochester Red Wings

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Jermaine Palacios, Elizabethton Twins

 

 

SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Rochester @ Charlotte (4:05 CST) – RHP Michael Bowden

Mobile @ Chattanooga (1:15 CST) – TBD

Ft. Myers @ Palm Beach (12:05 CST) – RHP Ryan Eades

Bowling Green @ Cedar Rapids (2:05 CST) – RHP Randy LeBlanc

Bluefield @ Elizabethton (5:00 CST) – RHP Miles Nordgren

GCL Twins – No Game Scheduled

 

 

Feel free to leave any questions or comments below.

 

Click here to view the article

[roger]

I am glad I don't have to make the decision on Berrios.  But I am thinking one or two more starts at Rochester, then move him to the bullpen for a couple weeks.  Bring him up in September to pitch out of the bullpen.  That gives him a taste of what it is like in Minnesota and pitching to big league hitters without a lot of pressure. 

 

But Mr. Ryan has to clear a spot or two this winter because Berrios sure looks to be about ready!

[Shane Wahl]

If the Twins want to make a run at the WC still this year, I would advise calling up Berrios before Sept. 1 for obvious reasons.

 

By the way, I like the promotion of Diaz! That is a solid, aggressive move.

[mikelink45]

Look at the Twins season - tell me a real reason for keeping Berrios in the minors?  Some kids are ready at 21 and do not look back - JO looks like one of them. 

 

No more Duffey, Jepson, Achter... bring this kid up and even if he has to go down again the ride to the top will begin.

 

[clutterheart]

I wonder why they promoted Diaz. He is hitting better recently singles but his power numbers are not great.

Dont he and Minier play the same position (DH)

[Mike Sixel]

Duffey is better than Berrios right now, that's what we were told by the FO..........

[bird]

 

Duffey is better than Berrios right now, that's what we were told by the FO..........

 

 

They said no such thing.

 

[jokin]

Uhh, Mike is correct, actually, they kinda did:

 

The Twins discussed a few options, including Jose Berrios, but believed Duffey was more prepared.

“We think, where he’s at, he’s a guy we don’t think is going to be intimidated or fearful of challenging a major league lineup,” Molitor said. “ … It’s a little bit of a tough first start, we know that, given their lineup. But hopefully he responds to it.”

 

 

And from the Pioneer Press:

 

Others to receive consideration were right-hander Jose Berrios and left-hander Taylor Rogers.

“We looked at our options,” Molitor said. “(Berrios’) name was brought up. The people that we talked to down there  — pitching coach, manager, our scouts that have seen him also — they thought Duffey would be more prepared or qualified to be the guy to get this opportunity.”

 

 

"More Prepared"... "More Qualified"

 

These things are pretty easily verified.

Edited August 9, 2015 by jokin

[diehardtwinsfan]

yeah, I'm guessing the front office looks at more than just a box score to determine readiness. 

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

 

 

But Mr. Ryan has to clear a spot or two this winter because Berrios sure looks to be about ready!

 

I'm really curious what Ryan will do this offseason here.  I think Milone will likely be on the block, but even if he's shipped off and Pelfrey is presumably allowed to walk, you have Hughes, Santana, Nolasco, Gibson, and May in those 5 spots.  Eventually, someone will hit the DL for a time and give them an opportunity to use Rochester, but there's going to be a few deserving arms to choose from.  I think Berrios has the highest ceiling of those arms, but Duffey and Rogers certainly will be making a case as well.

 

Side note, but I don't believe (could be wrong here) that Berrios is a 40 man decision this offseason.  I wouldn't mind him as a September callup, but I'd rather not waste an option on him next season unless the plan is to have him in the majors next year. 

[jokin]

 

TRANSACTIONS

A few quick notes on the transactions of the day:

•  
• Chris Paul promoted to Cedar Rapids from E-Town.
•  

E-TOWN E-NOTES
Elizabethton 10, Bluefield 4
Box Score

It was a good night for the Twins offense. Jermaine Palacios had another three-hit night. He went 3-5 with his fifth double. He also stole his second base. All eight others in the lineup had one hit. LaMonte Wade walked and added his seventh home run, a three-run blast. Chris Paul added his third homer. Brad Hartong and Brian Olson each added a double.

 

 

Chris Paul's promotion was a logical move.

 

LaMonte Wade is also slightly older than the Appy League average, seems he might be deserving as well.  Why not share time with Tanner English and get Wade up to finish out the season in CF/RF in the Midwest League?

 

Palacios is definitely blocked at Cedar Rapids by Gordon, and the kid just turned 19.  Probably just fine to leave him in E-Town for now.  Perhaps they can give him a look-see when Cedar Rapids starts their playoffs?

[brvama]

I believe Berrios doesn't have to be added until after the 2016 season.

[jokin]

 

I believe Berrios doesn't have to be added until after the 2016 season.

 

Yep.  But I bet he is up by September.

[jimbo92107]

 

Uhh, Mike is correct, actually, they kinda did:

 

 

And from the Pioneer Press:

 

 

"More Prepared"... "More Qualified"

 

These things are pretty easily verified.

Two things:

First, we have little reason to think JO Berrios would have done much better than Tyler Duffey did against the raging bats of Toronto. Which of those two would you rather have traumatized by that experienced, Duffey or Berrios?

Second, Duffey clearly was about as nervous and adrenalized as a young guy could get without having a heart attack. His disastrous debut revealed almost nothing about his future career. Despite this one instance, Duffey is not known for hurling a heaping helping of homers.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Look at the Twins season - tell me a real reason for keeping Berrios in the minors?  Some kids are ready at 21 and do not look back - JO looks like one of them. 

 

No more Duffey, Jepson, Achter... bring this kid up and even if he has to go down again the ride to the top will begin.

 

Duffey is on the same prospect plane that Trevor May was at this time one year ago... Let's not start bashing him because he got beat up in his MLB debut against the best team in baseball.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Duffey is better than Berrios right now, that's what we were told by the FO..........

 

And by me, and at the time that decision was made, I 100% stand by it... I didn't say it was by a lot, but Duffey earned that promotion and he deserves to still be up here. That said, Berrios is at the point where he should be up too.

 

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

I'm really curious what Ryan will do this offseason here.  I think Milone will likely be on the block, but even if he's shipped off and Pelfrey is presumably allowed to walk, you have Hughes, Santana, Nolasco, Gibson, and May in those 5 spots.  Eventually, someone will hit the DL for a time and give them an opportunity to use Rochester, but there's going to be a few deserving arms to choose from.  I think Berrios has the highest ceiling of those arms, but Duffey and Rogers certainly will be making a case as well.

 

Side note, but I don't believe (could be wrong here) that Berrios is a 40 man decision this offseason.  I wouldn't mind him as a September callup, but I'd rather not waste an option on him next season unless the plan is to have him in the majors next year. 

 

Like Buxton, Berrios doesn't (or didn't) need to be added to the 40-man roster until after the 2016 season. 

 

Like Buxton, if Berrios is ready to contribute now, they will call him up. I agree that a September call-up, unless they're still contending, doesn't make much sense.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Chris Paul's promotion was a logical move.

 

LaMonte Wade is also slightly older than the Appy League average, seems he might be deserving as well.  Why not share time with Tanner English and get Wade up to finish out the season in CF/RF in the Midwest League?

 

Palacios is definitely blocked at Cedar Rapids by Gordon, and the kid just turned 19.  Probably just fine to leave him in E-Town for now.  Perhaps they can give him a look-see when Cedar Rapids starts their playoffs?

 

Wade isn't doing what Max Murphy did a year ago in E-Town. He's been very solid, but it's OK to leave him there a bit. I wouldn't be surprised if he moves up for the playoffs.

 

Palacios also has like 6 games played in E-Town. I'd for sure let him finish out the season there. 

[DocBauer]

Duffey is on the same prospect plane that Trevor May was at this time one year ago... Let's not start bashing him because he got beat up in his MLB debut against the best team in baseball.

 

I get very excited when a rookie makes his debut, especially a SP. seems there are only two outcomes: 1) kid does great, owns the other team, who...BTW...probably has next to nothing for a scouting report...OR...2) kid is amped, tries/throws too hard and is gone in 4 or less. Guess we know what happened here. But I agree he was the logical and right choice at the time.

 

Assuming you weren't going to do the right thing, the smart thing, and put May back in the rotation where he belongs. Not stretched out? Please. He belongs there, can be stretched out again in a couple starts, (probably) and you have an 8 MAN BULLPEN to come in when he hits his wall.

 

Regardless, to me, the only real regret with the Duffy shot is that he isn't going to get another one right away to rebound. And that's a shame! I think he's proven he has the stuff/potential to have a future, as a quality reliever if nothing else.

[DocBauer]

I'm really curious what Ryan will do this offseason here.  I think Milone will likely be on the block, but even if he's shipped off and Pelfrey is presumably allowed to walk, you have Hughes, Santana, Nolasco, Gibson, and May in those 5 spots.  Eventually, someone will hit the DL for a time and give them an opportunity to use Rochester, but there's going to be a few deserving arms to choose from.  I think Berrios has the highest ceiling of those arms, but Duffey and Rogers certainly will be making a case as well.

 

Side note, but I don't believe (could be wrong here) that Berrios is a 40 man decision this offseason.  I wouldn't mind him as a September callup, but I'd rather not waste an option on him next season unless the plan is to have him in the majors next year.

 

Hate to sacrifice a 40 man spot for Berrios and bring him up in September for a casual look/single sip of coffee unless TR and the Twins in general are willing and ready to fully and legitimately consider him for a rotation spot next ST.

 

Your primary question is an intriguing one that flips through my mind frequently. Barring a trade, which I believe is a strong possibility, (see; young ML catcher), the rotation should be Hughes, Gibson, Santana, May and Nolasco, Milone, Berrios, Duffey and Rogers. That's a lot of youth and potential mixing with a bunch of proven veteran status to work with. Berrios is the future there, even if they decide to be conservative with him. I believe Rogers for the port side and Duffey, especially with his reliever background, should also be considered bullpen candidates. Soooo much competition, depth and potential here Gang! Don't give up on Nolasco. Healthy, he really is a nice presence.

 

Remember when we weren't even sure how to fill a 5 man rotation?

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

 

yeah, I'm guessing the front office looks at more than just a box score to determine readiness. 

 

You mean like service time?

[bird]

Again, the truth of the matter is that the FO did NOT say Duffey is better than Berrios, ever. There isn't a person anywhere who believes that. You guys know that.

 

Go ahead and argue that Berrios would have been a better choice, and I might be right there with you. But I'm sorry, to phrase it as if the FO actually SAID Duffey is better  than Berrios is a deliberate attempt to shed them in a bad light, and that is getting so tiresome, OK? Why do we have to constantly resort to this kind of comment? It doesn't spur honest discussion, does it?

Edited August 10, 2015 by birdwatcher

[drjim]

 

And by me, and at the time that decision was made, I 100% stand by it... I didn't say it was by a lot, but Duffey earned that promotion and he deserves to still be up here. That said, Berrios is at the point where he should be up too.

 

I agreed with this as well.

 

I thought the timing of the need combined with fact only a a couple starts were needed and the fact he was being fed into the Toronto crucible made the decision to bring up Duffey more prudent.

 

Not sure I would agree going forward if it is an extended look. Probably time to bring up Berrios.

[Mike Sixel]

How is saying "he gives us a better chance to win", not saying he was better for that moment? I don't know how else to parse that phrase.

[Seth Stohs]

From the time they called up Duffey, Berrios has gone from 3 consecutive good starts to 5 consecutive good starts.

 

At the time of the call up, Duffey was the right call and I believe he was the one that gave them a better chance to win. We don't know if Berrios would have done well. Maybe he would have, but no way to know. Berrios is the better prospect. It didn't make him the right call at that time.

 

Right now, it's clear that Berrios is pitching better and looks ready. Duffey hasn't pitched since his outing against the Blue Jays. 

[Mike Sixel]

Hope to see Berrios soon, and Duffey in the bullpen soon.

[jokin]

 

Hope to see Berrios soon, and Duffey in the bullpen soon.

 

And Rogers...

[diehardtwinsfan]

You mean like service time?

Service time, makeup, attitude, approach, results, tenure, age, and probably a hundred other things that I haven't mentioned here. There's lots of factors that come into play with these decisions.

[bird]

 

How is saying "he gives us a better chance to win", not saying he was better for that moment? I don't know how else to parse that phrase.

 

Who has a higher ceiling, Kohl Stewart or Tyler Duffey? Now, who gives us a better chance to win right now? Exactly. Duffey gives us a better chance to win right now. No need to parse phrases here.