Article: Seth's Preliminary Top 50 Twins Prospects: Part 4 (21-25)

[Seth Stohs]

The Twins season came to an end on Sunday. It was an encouraging game as it relates to the future. Guys who were fixtures near the top of these rankings in recent years had a great day.. Byron Buxton, Max Kepler and Miguel Sano each reached three times in the game. Buxton showed elite speed with an inside-the-park home run. It was his tenth homer of the season. Sano launched his 25th homer, a three-run shot. Jose Berrios gave up one run in five innings for the in.

 

It was a nice way to end a terrible season for the Twins. A great reminder of what the talent the Twins have developed in their farm system can do for them in years to come.

 

Today, we continue our Top Twins Prospect ranking by looking at my choices for Twins prospects 21-25. This is in interesting group of five prospects. There are a couple of guys that are nearly MLB ready. There is another player who has just begun in professional career. There are a couple of guys hoping to come back from Tommy John surgery in 2017.

 

 

Part 1 (41-50)

Part 2 (31-40)

Part 3 (26-30)

 

Continue on to read part four, to learn more about prospects 21 through 25. Feel free to join the discussion in the comments section, ask questions and discuss the prospects.REMINDER: Players eligible to be on this list include players who remain eligible for Rookie of the Year voting in 2017. That is to say, hitters with less than 130 at-bats and pitchers with less than 50 innings. There is also service time consideration. (The list is preliminary. Following research for the Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook 2017 - which Cody Christie, Jeremy Nygaard and I are working on - I’ll provide my final Top 30 prospects list.)

 

Top Prospects 21-25

 

#25 – Brusdar Graterol - 20 – RHP – Did Not Pitch

 

If there is a surprise name in this Top 50 prospect ranking, I’m guessing it would be Brusdar Graterol. In 2015, he was a 16-year-old who struck out 17 and walked one in 11.2 innings in the DSL. Unfortunately, his season came to an early end and he came to the States to have his elbow examined. Soon after, he had Tommy John surgery. He missed the entire 2016 season rehabbing. Reports came out last week that Graterol was hitting 97 mph in the Twins Florida Instructional League. He just turned 18 at the end of August. If he can return to the pre-injury success he had as a 16 year old, along with continuing to add more velocity, he has a chance to keep improving. At 6-1 and already 220 pounds and just 18 years old, he has the world of potential.

 

#24 – Ben Rortvedt - 19 – C – GCL Twins/Elizabethton Twins

 

Rortvedt turned 19 years old last week. The Wisconsin prep was touted as one of the best catchers in the 2016 draft and the Twins used their second-round pick to grab him. So much can happen from high school to the big leagues, but most scouts seem to believe that Rortvedt could be a rare kid who can stick at catcher while still being able to hit. Rortvedt has a very strong arm and he’s a very good athlete behind the plate. He has plenty of work to do as he grows and moves up. Offensively, the lefty-swinging Rortvedt has a very quick bat. In time, he has the potential to provide plenty of extra-base pop. He played 20 games in the GCL and hit .203/.277/.254 (.531). He moved up to Elizabethton and played in 13 regular season games. He hit .250/.348/.250 (.598). He also started behind the plate for the E-Twins in the playoffs. There is a chance he starts next season in Cedar Rapids, though it’s probably more likely he starts in extended spring with the opportunity to play for the Kernels before the short-season leagues start.

 

#23 – Trevor Hildenberger - 25 – RH RP – Ft. Myers Miracle/Chattanooga Lookouts

 

Hildenberger was the Twins 24th-round pick in 2014 out of Cal-Berkeley. He was the Twins Daily Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year in 2015 when he posted a 1.55 ERA and a 0.72 ERA between Cedar Rapids and Ft. Myers. He backed it up in 2016 by repeating as Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year. He posted a 0.75 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP between Ft. Myers (six games) and Chattanooga (32 games). Unfortunately, his season ended at the end of July. He’s currently in Ft. Myers rehabbing some elbow tendinitis. Hopefully he will be back to 100% by spring training as he has a chance to be in the big league bullpen early in 2017. Hildenberger is a side-winding right-hander who throws anywhere from 90-94. He’s got a good slider and a good change-up. He throws a ton of strikes (1.1 BB/9) while still missing a lot of bats (9.9 K/9).

 

#22 – Lewis Thorpe - 20 – LHP – Did Not Pitch

 

It has been a long couple of years for Lewis Thorpe. In 2014, he had a strong showing in Cedar Rapids. However, as their regular season came to an end, he was shut down with elbow issues. In spring training 2015, he was pitching bullpens and feeling good. Then one day, his elbow blew out. Weeks later, he had Tommy John surgery. He spent 2015 and most of last offseason in Ft. Myers rehabbing. In spring training 2016, he was throwing bullpens and feeling good. Soon after the season began, he had to be shut down and missed significant time with mono. So he has now missed two full season and has to be itching to get back on the mound. As a refresher, Thorpe is an Australian who has pitched well in international competitions. He came onto the prospect scene in 2013 when he grew bigger and hit 95 mph while pitching in the GCL. In 2014, the then-18-year-old held his own and actually struck out a batter per inning against older Midwest League competition. Thorpe is smart, knows how to pitch and has all of the pitches. Hopefully he can return to 100% in 2017 and soon get back to where he was.

 

#21 – Zack Granite - 24 – OF – Chattanooga Lookouts

 

Granite turned 24 years old just after his season with the Lookouts came to an end. It was a breakthrough season for the speedy outfielder from Staten Island. After an injury-plagued 2014 season, 2015 was his first full-season as a pro. In 2016, he was pushed up to AA at the start of the season. He was the instigator at the top of the Lookouts lineup the rest of the season. He hit .295/.347/.382 (.729) with 18 doubles, eight triples and four home runs. He led all of minor league baseball with 56 stolen bases. A 14th-round pick in 2013 out of Seton Hall, Granite stands six-feet tall and 175 pounds. Granite’s speed is his best tool at this stage. It helps him on the bases and gives him great range in the outfield. He has the range to play center field, but his arm likely will push him to left. Could the Twins add him to the 40-man roster? Could he be a fourth-outfielder for the Twins as early as 2017?

So there you have it, my choices for Twins prospects 21-25. We’ll be back tomorrow with Part 5, Prospects 16-20.

 

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[gil4]

On yesterday's list, several people were surprised Vielma was ranked so low, and I thought the same thing.  It's always difficult to weigh potential for players at different stages of their careers, but I'd have a tough time ranking him behind a pitcher whose career consists of 11.2 innings in the DSL and who is coming off TJ surgery.  Really, I think I would have him above everyone on this list - MLB-ready glove at SS, good OBP, young enough to progress.  If he doesn't have a MLB career, I will be more surprised than going 0-5 on any of today's list even making it to the majors. 

[bluechipper]

Yeah I'm not sure I can get behind Brusdar Graterol even making the top 50, and especially not the top 25. Reports of 89-92 doesn't really produce a ton of excitement for me either. I'd like to wait until he has some actual production before ranking him this high.

[bluechipper]

The guy that I'm most looking forward to seeing is Lewis Thorpe. Hopefully he can put together a nice recovery year next year and put his career back on track. Also, how is he still only 20 years old? It seems like he's been around forever.

[SarasotaBill]

Graterol sounds interesting but too high.

 

I would have swap Hildenberger and Granite.

 

Hildenberger was drafted low and people may compare him to Slama but his control is five times better.

 

Thorpe could be top ten a year from now.

[gunnarthor]

Thorpe's the obvious big name on here - baseball prospectus ranked him in their top 101 before his injury.  Rortvedt seems low here and I'm not excited about the other three but hopefully I'm wrong.  

[Mike Sixel]

I think Rortvedt is too low also, but I won't know until I see more names.

 

I think Granite has a real shot to be a 4th OF. That's worth a lot, also. He has an outside chance to be a regular, imo.

 

This part excites me more already, than the previous ones.

[DocBauer]

Poor Thorpe. What more can this kid have happen to him. If there is such a thing as Karma, he's due nothing but health and prosperity at this point. Really looking forward to seeing him bounce back this season. Healthy, he may have reached AA this past season.

 

Hopefully Hildenberger's injury was as mild as it sounds. Losing his last month hopefully won't set him back much.I wonder how quickly we may see him in the Twins bullpen. He is very intriguing, throws hard and from the side. A completely different look for the opposition.

 

I probably paid more attention to English over Granite. That has certainly changed. I'm still a little concerned about pop in his bat to keep opposing pitchers and defenses honest, but he could make for an excellent 4th OF/PR. And if he keeps this up, I wonder about him pushing Rosario, who I like a lot, for the starting LF spot and hitting at the top of the order, pushing Buxton and/or Polanco down a spot in the order.

[Seth Stohs]

Catching up on some comments, here are a few thoughts:

 

1.) Rortvedt feels like he's too low on my list. He could move up. In fact, I think MLB Pipeline has him in the top ten, I think. I just wasn't ready to do that quite yet. 

 

2.) Graterol is the name that I think would incite most discussion. He was a terrific prospect pre-injury, and it sounds like he's coming back from TJ surgery well. This is an example of a guy with bigger upside, but he has (obviously) a LONG way to go. Most likely, he'll fall out of the top 30 by the time I put together my final prospect rankings, but he is a name that Twins prospect followers should get to know.

 

3.) Hildenberger would probably be a little higher, but the elbow thing makes me nervous (Even if he isn't worried), he'll be 26 next season, and I often have an unfair bias (in prospect rankings only) against relievers in general.

 

4.) Granite probably deserves to be higher. I just couldn't do it. 

 

5.) And yes, Thorpe was a Top 10 guy two years ago, and very deservingly. And yes, he's still just 20 years old despite missing two fully seasons. By midseason, he could jump right back up.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I'd love to know what is going on with Thorpe.  Is he still recovering from mono?

[Seth Stohs]

 

I'd love to know what is going on with Thorpe.  Is he still recovering from mono?

 

No. He's in Ft. Myers working... but he lost a month of time and plenty of strength during that time, so he had to be built up again. He should be ready next year by Opening Day... I hope!

[carlito_b]

Surprised to see Thorpe this low. Him and Romero have the two highest ceilings in our system. A lefty starter who hits mid 90s with a potential legit strike out pitch. Health aside I think Thorpe has been the most intriguing and promising pitching prospect we've had. Hopefully he'll bounce back like Romero did this year. He could still debut in the majors by 23 very realistically which is crazy considering how long he's been around and off the mound

[clutterheart]

 

He has the range to play center field, but his arm likely will push him to left

 

Granite - I didn't know arm strength was an issue for him.  That sucks. I really liked the season he put together.  I would leave him off the 40 man but I am looking forward to him playing in Rochester next year.  - Hopefully I can see a game or two of his.

 

Rortvedt - He was really bad offensively in the GCL.  And unless he is looks to be a wiz behind the plate I think your ranking is pretty right on.  He is young, and has the talent to improve.  But moving him to the top 20 doesn't seem right.  

[diehardtwinsfan]

yeah, I think Rortvedt is probably a bit too high.  Let's see him prove it.  I'd imagine time fully dedicating himself to his craft would allow for a much better showing in Etown next season... that would be my hope there.  At that point, I'd move him up a bit more.

[Mr. Brooks]

If Granite can't play cf he can't play in the majors. His bat will never be acceptable in a corner spot.

[Seth Stohs]

 

If Granite can't play cf he can't play in the majors. His bat will never be acceptable in a corner spot.

 

He can play center... he just doesn't have a real strong arm.

 

And, with Buxton in CF, he can be a leadoff hitting type of fourth outfielder. 

 

There's value in that.

[Guest]

Seth, this is a lot of fun! I'm wondering if anyone who could possibly be on the list is going to be left out. Here are some names that I don't think I've seen yet.

 

AAA:,Walker, Palka, Garver, Wheeler, Baxendale, Reed, Busenitz;

AA: Turner, Stewart, Jorge, Gonsalves, Jay, Jones, Burdi;

Hi A: Romero, Landa, Wade;

A: Arraez, Blankenhorn, Silva, Wells, Hackimer;

Rookie: Diaz, Kirilloff, Minier;

GCL: Whitfield, Ynoa; and

Javier.

 

That's 28 names. Perhaps I missed some that have already been mentioned, but arguments could be made for others in the system. Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing whom you put in your top 20.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Seth, this is a lot of fun! I'm wondering if anyone who could possibly be on the list is going to be left out. Here are some names that I don't think I've seen yet.

AAA:,Walker, Palka, Garver, Wheeler, Baxendale, Reed, Busenitz;
AA: Turner, Stewart, Jorge, Gonsalves, Jay, Jones, Burdi;
Hi A: Romero, Landa, Wade;
A: Arraez, Blankenhorn, Silva, Wells, Hackimer;
Rookie: Diaz, Kirilloff, Minier;
GCL: Whitfield, Ynoa; and
Javier.

That's 28 names. Perhaps I missed some that have already been mentioned, but arguments could be made for others in the system. Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing whom you put in your top 20.

 

Heck you left off Gordon....

[Guest]

Heck you left off Gordon....

Thanks. Unintentional omission. I probably missed others, also.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Thanks. Unintentional omission. I probably missed others, also.

 

It's a long list! I just thought it was funny since we just spent another 100 comments arguing over him....or maybe that was last thread...

[Guest]

It's a long list! I just thought it was funny since we just spent another 100 comments arguing over him....or maybe that was last thread...

Too many change-ups in the catchers mask.

[Thrylos]

I had Graterol 28th in my last off-season list, good to see a player who did not throw a single pitch in the US soil get  love

 

Totally warming up to Granite.  56 SB with a close to 1:1 BB:K ratio in AA and close to .300 BA is pretty close to eye popping.  Total lack of power or not.  He is putting close to Ben Revere numbers (compare their AA numbers) without getting half the attention.

 

I think that Thorpe with 2 seasons out of baseball is ranked pretty high.  I'd rather see him throw a pitch (or 200 close to his previous level) to believe that he will actually have a career

 

And, unless you are up for a big surprise, counting down that far makes me think that someone is omitted.  A guy who would win the comeback prospect of the year for the Twins.  Hint: He had his best season at the plate, played all over the field decently despite some nagging injuries.  Former second round draft pick.

 

Agreed re: Rortvedt's ranking.  He has all the makings of a stud catcher, if he can adjust to the wooden bat.  And he has not yet.  Give him another year or two and he could be a top 10 prospect in this organization, but not now...

Good stuff.

 

And, officially, the Twins are 0-0

Edited October 3, 2016 by Thrylos

[Han Joelo]

Love it.  Thanks as always for these.  I like that you slotted Brusdar in there so high.  I'd never heard of him before, so it makes my eyes open.  I have no idea if you have him in the right spot.  In a year, you could look foolish--he could way too high, but maybe he is the type of prospect that rises quickly, and you have him too low.  Great example of a "scouting" prospect, I assume.

 

If the "almost there prospects" are Zach Granite and Trevor Hildenberger, and the "projectable" guys include Rortveldt and Thorpe in the 20's, I think the system looks pretty healthy.