Behind the Fence: Twins hold HS PreDraft Tryouts

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Draft time is quickly approaching as it's less than three weeks away so it's crunch time for the MLB teams front offices and the Twins are no exception. This weekend the Twins invited seven players to come out to see the complex/facilities as well as workout for the scouts. The most well known was 3B/SS Luis Curbelo and was joined by infielders Fransisco Thomas and Nick Derr, catchers Henry Matais and Bryan Torres, and pitcher Josh Wincowski. RHP JC Flowers was present but did workout as he was a late minute addition and was ready to pitch which is where most teams are looking to draft him at. Below is a miniscouting report on each one in the squad as well as picture and video.

 

 

 

Luis Curbelo
6’3 195lbs
3B/SS
R/R
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Baseball Academy

Luis A. Curbelo is a tall athletic kid who has really filled out since I last saw him in October at the WWBA Championship in Jupiter, FL playing for the Orlando Scorpions. Curbelo has played mainly SS in HS and on his traveling teams. Even though he's already gotten bigger in six months, he still has plenty of physical projection left as he ages. Curbelo is a natural righty with a wide stance who starts his bat and hands high before bringing them quickly through the zone. With his plus bat speed, it's not out of the question to envision him producing 25 homers as he develops. Defensively, he's not staying at shortstop due to his growing size and the lack of range that comes with it. Still he has good footwork, a strong accurate arm and surprising speed. Curbelo was the most impressive of the bunch and the scouts agree as he's a Top 100 prospect. His signability is a question as he's committed to the University of Miami and as his mom said "we have an amount in mind...but he does want to play pro ball".

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tij4E8QnEWA

 

 

Nick Derr
6’0 180lbs
SS/2B
R/R
Sarasota FL
IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)

Nick Derr is a strong athletic player who is built like a football player. He was a teammate of Curbelo's on the WWBA Championship squad in 2015, but was limited in playing time. Derr starts his hands high, loads and then uses a leg kick to drive the ball. His right handed swing gets long at times and he does not get cheated with his swings as he is has a very aggressive stroke. Defensively, he got a look at 3B/SS/2B, with second looking like his best position. At any of the positions, he showed a very strong arm, probably the best of the crew at tryouts but his footwork was a little slow and he's not the quickest at transferring the ball. Derr is committed to Florida State but could forgo the scholarship for a chance at chasing his dreams, he reminded me of a young Brian Dozier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOFiQZJYodg

 

 

Fransisco Thomas
6’2 200lbs
SS/3b
S/R
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Osceoloa HS (FL)

Francisco Thomas is a very athletic who is a legit switch hitter with good bat speed and similar swing from both sides although his swing from the left side is more advanced. His right handed swing looks choppy at times. Defensively, his glove action was the best at the tryouts, very fluid footwork and a very strong arm. He made a couple of plays in drills that illicitted a few "oh yeahs" from the quiet Twins scouts. He looked like he can stay at SS for the time being but as he ages 3B could be a better spot for him. He's committed to San Diego State which shouldn't be a problem to buy him out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUIA18bbLv0

 

 

Josh Winckowski
6’3 190
RHP
Fort Myers FL
Cypress Lake HS

Josh Winckowski is a tall slim righty who projects well physically as he develops. He works from over the top with a long stride, in his tryout he had issues repeating his delivery and release point. When he is on, he throws a 86-90 mph fastball with bowling ball sinking action with a curveball that has 11-4 break. Winckowski also features a 78-80 mph slider and a 80-84 mph changeup. He's committed to Florida SW State College and isn't considered more than a third day draft pick (Rounds 11-40).

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icDidN3oaoM

 

Bryan Torres
6/1 180lb
C
R/R
Sabana Hoyos, PR
Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (PR)

Torres showed off good raw skills with good pull power as he hit one BP ball over the fence, of course he also hit two Twins' scouts rental cars. Torres is very long legged and armed, he's still very skinny but will bulk up once he gets to the states. Defensively, Torres has alot of work to do as his throws from home to second were high arcing. Outside of that, there is little information available on the kid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U3t_paIuog

 

 

Henry Matais
6’0 200lbs
C
R/R
Coral Springs, FL
Coral Springs HS

Matais is physical strong and stout, with large forearms and a thick lower half. Offensively, he features a short stride with a compact swing that helps him get around quickly. Defensively, his transfer from glove to hand was solid and his arm strength is good just a little wild. As with Torres, there is little information available on the high schooler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn0FEC1pHNs

 

 

 

JC Flowers
6’3 180lbs
RHP/OF
R/R
Orange Park, FL
Trinity Christian Academy 

 

Flowers didn't participate in drills at tryouts as his mom said they were asked last minute. Flowers is extremely athletic probably more so than anyone else in attendance. I've seen Flowers at a few of the local Perfect Game events in Fort Myers but also at the WWBA in October, offensively he's projected to add future power as he bulks up his frame. His swing is short and compact with wide spread stance, and is very fast out of the box. Still it looks like his future is on the mound as Flowers has improved his mechanics and increased his velocity. When I saw him in June in Ft. Myers compared to October in Jupiter, he didn't look like the same player, as he physically matured he learned how to pitch. He throws from a 3/4 arm slot and hides the ball well. In October, JC's fastball was 89-92 with a 78-82 mph curveball that could be downright filthy at times. The curve has 10/4 break with heavy spin, he also throws a 79-81mph slider and a developing change at 81-83 mph. Flowers has committed to Kentucky and after talking to his mom, it might be hard to get him out of it. Flowers looks to be a Day 2 draftee (Rd 3-10).

 

There is no official word but heard from a couple of players that there is suppose to be another set of HSers coming out next weekend as well.  As always if there is anything going on at the complex, I'll report it.  If you want more EXST, GCL, or Instructional League videos you can always visit my YouTube Channel or check out my Flickr Page. 

 

[Mike Sixel]

Awesome. Thanks

[goulik]

Thank you for all this info!! Most interesting read on TD I have seen in the last couple of weeks! Thank you!!

[diehardtwinsfan]

It would be nice to have Frank Thomas as a Twin...