Article: Cody's Post-Draft Top Prospects: 10-6

[Cody Christie]

In the aftermath this year's MLB Draft, it can be fun to reevaluate where an organization stacks up in the prospect department. For better or worse, franchises can make it or break it with their selections in the draft. It's also important for teams to be able to build from within to help manage the bottom line.

 

Minnesota's top prospect list is littered with highly drafted players over the last handful of years. Players like Nick Gordon, Tyler Jay and Kohl Stewart have all been taken with first round picks. Ideally, these players will form the nucleus of Minnesota's next championship winning club.

 

The Twins took Royce Lewis with the first overall pick. Where will he fall in among the team's top prospects?10. Daniel Palka, OF, 25-- Current Level: Triple-A

Preseason Rank: 12

Palka hasn't been hitting for as much power as he did in his first season in the Twins organization. However, he has lowered his Triple-A strikeout percentage from 38.6% last year to 24.6% in 2017. The Twins added him to the 40-man roster this off-season so he could have been a call away from making his big league debut. Unfortunately, he broke his left index finger at the end of April which will keep him on the DL for a chunk of this season. His potential continues to be high but he is going to have to come back strong from this injury and fight his way on to the 2018 Twins roster.

 

9. Felix Jorge, RHP, 23-- Current Level: Double-A

Preseason Rank: 10

Like Palka, Jorge was added to the Twins 40-man roster this past off-season. As a 23-year old, he is over a year younger than the competition in the Southern League. He's off to a tremendous start with an 8-1 record and the Lookouts have gone 12-1 in games he has started this season. Jorge isn't overpowering but he finds a way to get outs. Last year at Double-A, he posted a 3.9 SO/9 and he has improved that number to 6.2 in 2017. He's struck out over 100 batters in back-to-back seasons while being younger than the competition. Jorge might not be a front-line starter but he could settle into a very important pitching role on a future Twins roster.

 

8. Tyler Jay, LHP, 23-- Highest Level: Double-A

Preseason Rank: 5

One of the most disappointing stories out of spring training this year was the Twins deciding to move Tyler Jay to the bullpen. When the Twins took Jay with a top-10 pick, they were hoping to shift him from the bullpen to a starting rotation. There were some ups and downs during his first two professional seasons and it sounds like both Jay and the new Twins front office felt like this was the best decision. He's only made a couple of appearances this season as he has dealt with bicep tendinitis. Baseball bullpens are evolving with players no longer being limited to one inning or one batter. Jay could develop into a late inning weapon much like Cleveland's Andrew Miller.

 

7. Lewin Diaz, 1B, 20-- Highest Level: Low-A

Preseason Rank: 9

Diaz is making his mark during his first taste of full-season action. Though he's over a year younger than the competition in the Midwest League, Diaz is hitting .271/.314/.446 with a career-high 21 doubles. Even though he is a power-hitter, he has been able to control his strikeout numbers with 45 strikeouts in 274 plate appearances. Defense will never be his calling card but he can make the plays he needs to make at first base. While there might be some defensive struggles, Diaz has the bat to impact the game. The Kernels clinched a first-half playoff spot on Sunday and Diaz was one of the main cogs leading them to the postseason.

 

6. Wander Javier, SS, 18- Highest Level: Dominican Summer League

Preseason Rank: 7

In July of 2015, Javier made a splash when the Twins signed him for $4 million dollars. He was limited to nine games during the 2016 season as he dealt with hamstring issues. In this very small sample he hit .308/.400/.654 with five of his eight hits being for extra bases. With the addition of first overall pick Royce Lewis, it will be interesting to see how at-bats are handled to start the year in the GCL. Both Javier and Lewis will need repetitions but who will be able to stand out above the crowd. All of the tools are there for Javier and he will need to showcase them this season as the Twins shortstop picture is starting to fill-up in the minor leagues.

 

How would your rankings look? Leave a COMMENT and start the discussion.

 

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[nytwinsfan]

I don't understand. You rank these 5 ahead of Enlow and to a lesser extent, Rooker?!?!

 

Becaue Gordon, Lewis, Romero, Gonsalves, Kirilloff have to be 1-5. What am I missing here?

 

I'd rank it:

 

15. Leach

14. Diaz

13. Wade

12. Blankenhorn

11. Jay

10. Garver

9. Rooker

8. Granite

7. Javier

6. Enlow

5. Kirilloff

4. Gonsalves

3. Romero

2. Lewis

1. Gordon

Edited June 20, 2017 by nytwinsfan

[Respy]

I hadn't thought about the possibility of Javier and Lewis starting this year on the same team.  I'd think Javier will start at DSL or GCL, and Lewis at Elizabethton?

[Respy]

Correction: I see reports of Lewis starting at GCL, and some speculation that Javier as well would start in GCL.  Maybe they plan to rotate Royce into the outfield a bit?

[AZTwin]

Hmm maybe they don't like Javier as much as we would hope

[Seth Stohs]

 

Correction: I see reports of Lewis starting at GCL, and some speculation that Javier as well would start in GCL.  Maybe they plan to rotate Royce into the outfield a bit?

 

Lewis will be a priority prospect in the GCL. He will play 4-5 times a week, mostly at shortstop, but they may move him around some. I would suspect they'll push Javier to E-Town so that he too can play a lot of SS. I think Lewis will also eventually get to E-Town too.

[joey emerson]

you have a relief pitcher, a number 5 starter and adam brett walker 2.0 in your top ten. Talk about a very weak farm system.i personally have jay and palka outside the top 15 ill take guy like wade garver blankenhorn enlow rooker granite leach all have more upside and or are more proven

[jsteve96]

 

I don't understand. You rank these 5 ahead of Enlow and to a lesser extent, Rooker?!?!

 

Becaue Gordon, Lewis, Romero, Gonsalves, Kirilloff have to be 1-5. What am I missing here?

 

I'd rank it:

 

15. Leach

14. Diaz

13. Wade

12. Blankenhorn

11. Jay

10. Garver

9. Rooker

8. Granite

7. Javier

6. Enlow

5. Kirilloff

4. Gonsalves

3. Romero

2. Lewis

1. Gordon

you can't put enlow in your rankings when he hasn't even signed yet dude. Blankenhorn has to be ahead of Granite and Jay too. been crushing A ball pitching so far this year. Tyler Jay should not be in top 20. 

[AZTwin]

you can't put enlow in your rankings when he hasn't even signed yet dude. Blankenhorn has to be ahead of Granite and Jay too. been crushing A ball pitching so far this year. Tyler Jay should not be in top 20.

Not much difference between a guy who hasn't signed but will and a guy who has signed but hasn't played yet. Also, have you seen what Granite is doing in AAA??

[Seth Stohs]

 

I don't understand. You rank these 5 ahead of Enlow and to a lesser extent, Rooker?!?!

 

Becaue Gordon, Lewis, Romero, Gonsalves, Kirilloff have to be 1-5. What am I missing here?

 

I'd rank it:

 

15. Leach

14. Diaz

13. Wade

12. Blankenhorn

11. Jay

10. Garver

9. Rooker

8. Granite

7. Javier

6. Enlow

5. Kirilloff

4. Gonsalves

3. Romero

2. Lewis

1. Gordon

 

My rankings from 2-3 weeks ago when I updated my Top 40, and where I would include the new guys... 

 

1 - Nick Gordon

   - Royce Lewis

2 - Stephen Gonsalves

3 - Fernando Romero

4 - Alex Kirilloff

5 - Lewin Diaz

6 - Adalberto Mejia (no longer a 'prospect')

7 - Wander Javier 

   - Brent Rooker

8 - LaMonte Wade

9 - Tyler Jay

10 - Travis Blankenhorn

     - Blayne Enlow

11 - Daniel Palka 

12 - Felix Jorge 

13 - Mitch Garver 

14 - Zack Granite 

15 - Jermaine Palacios

     - Landon Leach

16 - Brusdar Graterol

 

 

I mention that just as another list for comparison and definitely encourage others to do the same. It's easy to say I disagree with this player or that ranking, but when you put together a list, you have to pick this player or that player and it is fun.

[AZTwin]

Looks fun. I'll try mine:

 

1. Gordon

2. Lewis

3. Romero

4. Gonsalves

5. Granite

6. Diaz

7. Kiriloff

8. Javier

9. Rooker

10. vielma

11. Enlow

12. Jorge

13. Blackenhorn

14. Palacios

15. Palka

16. Jay

17. Thorpe

18. Graver

19. Leach

20. Graterol

21. Whitefield

22. Rotrvoedt(sp?)

23. Stewart

24. Curtis

25. Reed

[Cory Engelhardt]

Here is my top 15 after the draft....

1) Lewis

2) Gordon

3) Romero

4) Enlow

5) Kiriloff

6) Gonsalves

7) Javier

8) Rooker

9) Rortvedt

10) Blackenhorn

11) Diaz

12) Leach

13) Thorpe

14) Jay

15) Granite

 

 

[Mike Sixel]

Ya, I can't have an injured RP in my top 10, no way. If Jay is top 10, this team is in serious trouble. Palka? Over rated because of his power, imo.

 

Gordon

Lewis

Gonsalves

Romero

...

...

Kriiloff (this is all hope, no evidence)

Meija

Wade/Granite (they'll both play in the majors, imo, for some time, maybe not stars, but play)

Diaz

Rooker

Enlow

Garver

 

After the top 4, I have little confidence there is a legit starter for sure. Still kind of a weak system, imo.

[joey emerson]

1. Gordon
2. Lewis
3. Romero
4. Gonsalves
5. Kirilloff
6. Diaz (6-8 i feel are all interchangeable i put diaz first because he has more experience)
7. Enlow
8. Javier

9. Wade (big fan of his crazy walk rates and low strikeout rates its why i have him ahead of rooker)

10. Rooker

11. Blackenhorn

12. Graver

13. Granite

14. Jorge

15. Palacios

16. Leach

17. Graterol

18. Thorpe

19. Arraez

20. Jay

 

then the 20s are filled with bullpen arms 

[joey emerson]

 

Ya, I can't have an injured RP in my top 10, no way. If Jay is top 10, this team is in serious trouble. Palka? Over rated because of his power, imo.

 

Gordon

Lewis

Gonsalves

Romero

...

...

Kriiloff (this is all hope, no evidence)

Meija

Wade/Granite (they'll both play in the majors, imo, for some time, maybe not stars, but play)

Diaz

Rooker

Enlow

Garver

 

After the top 4, I have little confidence there is a legit starter for sure. Still kind of a weak system, imo.

yea i agree a weak system most of the talent is either high upside young guys that have a lot to prove an long way to go or defensive replacements, bullpen arms or number 4 starters 

[Mike Sixel]

 

yea i agree a weak system most of the talent is either high upside young guys that have a lot to prove an long way to go or defensive replacements, bullpen arms or number 4 starters 

 

Granite and Wade are interesting, they have skills that are often under valued because they aren't loud skills. I have no idea if they can hit enough or not, but I find them much more interesting than Palka.

 

I think weak was the wrong word. I'd say "not strong enough, considering how high they have been drafting". Both Stewart and Jay not being anything close to what they could be is killing them.

[tobi0040]

I really hope Lewis was the top guy on our board. Because I don't think Enlow being behind Palka and Jorge justifies not taking the best guy.

[joey emerson]

 

Granite and Wade are interesting, they have skills that are often under valued because they aren't loud skills. I have no idea if they can hit enough or not, but I find them much more interesting than Palka.

 

I think weak was the wrong word. I'd say "not strong enough, considering how high they have been drafting". Both Stewart and Jay not being anything close to what they could be is killing them.

that is what happens when you take the "safer" picks the first 5 rounds with college relievers over the last 5 years they took a lot of them:  Luke Bard, Mason Melotakis, J.T. Chargois, Zack Jones, Ryan Eades, Nick Burdi, Michael Cederoth, Sam Clay, Jake Reed, Alex Robinson, Griffin Jax and Tom Hackimer ( ithink most of them when straight to relievers or made a couple starts then put in the pen. eades might have been a starter for a bit but idk) and they have not even hit on any of those Fast to the major guys for the bullpen 

[gunnarthor]

I wouldn't say it's a weak system, I'd say it's a really young system. Right now, we have maybe 5 guys in AA/AAA that are semi-exciting or better (Gordon's a stud, Romero, Gonsalves ... Granite? Wade?). The bullpen group - Jay, Burdi, Reed, Chargois, Melotakis has been, for the most part, disappointing beyond my worst fears. I suppose we should note that Curtiss has been good.

 

But in the low minors, wow. Lewis is the proverbial toolshed. Kiriloff, Blankenhorn, Diaz, Rooker, Javier are pretty exciting and potentially really big bats. I like Miranda and Baddoo a ton and am really looking forward to how they play now that they've gained a bunch of muscle. Enlow, Leach, Balozovic and Benninghoff are all really young high upside arms that fans have been clamoring for for years. I think this will be the first time since Sano and Rosario were destroying low A pitching and fighting for the HR title that we'll be focusing on the low minors.

[Mike Sixel]

 

I wouldn't say it's a weak system, I'd say it's a really young system. Right now, we have maybe 5 guys in AA/AAA that are semi-exciting or better (Gordon's a stud, Romero, Gonsalves ... Granite? Wade?). The bullpen group - Jay, Burdi, Reed, Chargois, Melotakis has been, for the most part, disappointing beyond my worst fears. I suppose we should note that Curtiss has been good.

 

But in the low minors, wow. Lewis is the proverbial toolshed. Kiriloff, Blankenhorn, Diaz, Rooker, Javier are pretty exciting and potentially really big bats. I like Miranda and Baddoo a ton and am really looking forward to how they play now that they've gained a bunch of muscle. Enlow, Leach, Balozovic and Benninghoff are all really young high upside arms that fans have been clamoring for for years. I think this will be the first time since Sano and Rosario were destroying low A pitching and fighting for the HR title that we'll be focusing on the low minors.

 

good point, which is why I changed my post later....

 

It's definitely got few good prospects at AA and AAA, and is loaded with guys very low in the minors that we don't know enough about yet.

[melshmeister]

1 Gordon
2 Lewis (Drafted #1 for DEF upside, which gives him strong floor to go along with sky ceiling)
3 Gonsalves
4 F. Romero
5 Thorpe (obviously high on L.Thorpe)
6 Javier (big drop-off after #6, IMO)
7 L.Diaz
8 Rooker
9 Kiriloff
10 Granite
11 Blankenhorn
12 Enlow
13 Jay
14 L.Wade
15 M.Garver
16 Palacios
17 Whitefield
18 N.Burdi
19 Leach
20 Curtiss
21 Vielma (obviously low on Vielma)
22 Rortvedt/Graterol (Rortvedt has started hitting!)
24 R.Rosario/L.Bard/F.Jorge
27 Palka/Eades/Reed
30 K.Stewart/Z.Jones

 

** forgot about Luis Arraez... I'd put him #11 ahead of Blank'

Edited June 20, 2017 by melshmeister

[Tom Froemming]

Here goes nothin' ...

1. Gordon

2. Lewis

3. Romero

4. Gonsalves

5. Javier

6. Kiriloff

7. Jay 

8. Rortvedt 

9. Thorpe

10. Stewart

11. Diaz

12. Enlow

13. Garver

14. Blankenhorn

15. Rooker

 

16. Is a 15-way tie between the following (in no particular order): Granite, Jorge, Chargois, Wade, Melotakis, Vielma, Palka, Burdi, Palacios, Hildenberger, Leach, Graterol, L. Wells, Ynoa, Arraez

[Tom Froemming]

Oh, and Tyler Wells, Edgar Corcino, Andrew Vazquez, Luke Bard and a dozen other guys should be mentioned in that tie for 16th

[Mike Sixel]

Enlow being that low.......the Twins can't think that way, since they clearly liked him the best of all the day 2 guys, and bought him out of college.

[Vanimal46]

Sigh... remember when Jay was a top 5, even top 3-ish prospect in the organization?

[howieramone2]

 

that is what happens when you take the "safer" picks the first 5 rounds with college relievers over the last 5 years they took a lot of them:  Luke Bard, Mason Melotakis, J.T. Chargois, Zack Jones, Ryan Eades, Nick Burdi, Michael Cederoth, Sam Clay, Jake Reed, Alex Robinson, Griffin Jax and Tom Hackimer ( ithink most of them when straight to relievers or made a couple starts then put in the pen. eades might have been a starter for a bit but idk) and they have not even hit on any of those Fast to the major guys for the bullpen 

You have never heard anyone from the Twins, say any of these players were fast to the majors. Melotakis, Chargois, Jones, Burdi, and Bard have all missed a great deal of time due to injuries and injuries are part of the game.

[howieramone2]

 

Sigh... remember when Jay was a top 5, even top 3-ish prospect in the organization?

Don't worry you will again. It seems the world has become unglued because of early injuries to Jay and Stewart. These things have a way of straightening themselves out on the way to Target Field.

[Steve Lein]

Palka and Jorge wouldn't crack my top 10 I don't think, but Jorge for sure would be in the next group.

 

I'd have Rooker and Enlow in near the back end.

[joey emerson]

 

You have never heard anyone from the Twins, say any of these players were fast to the majors. Melotakis, Chargois, Jones, Burdi, and Bard have all missed a great deal of time due to injuries and injuries are part of the game.

then what is the point of taking college relievers so early in the draft? so they spent about 1/3rd of the picks in the  first 5 rounds of drafts since 2012 taking college relievers who they do not think will make it to the majors fast instead of taking starters who they can develop and they could move them to the pen if that fails. 

[gunnarthor]

 

then what is the point of taking college relievers so early in the draft? so they spent about 1/3rd of the picks in the  first 5 rounds of drafts since 2012 taking college relievers who they do not think will make it to the majors fast instead of taking starters who they can develop and they could move them to the pen if that fails. 

Our former draft director thought that college fireballers were a good bet for two reasons, keeping in mind the high failure rate of guys taken in those rounds - 1) less mileage on their arm and 2) if they can't be converted to starters, they can still be used in the bullpen.

 

The Twins went hard on that philosophy in 2014 although Burdi was a legit pick for a second rounder. Most mocks had him going in the first round.