TWINS SIGN ANOTHER SHORTSTOP

[Rosterman]

Major league trade rumors tells us that the Twins have signed a 16-year-old Dominican shortstop for $3 million. 

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/07/twins-to-sign-jelfry-marte.html

 

The Twins have now committed approx $17 million to four young shortstops, all under the age of 22. Nick Gordon, Wander Javier, Royce Lewis and now Jeffry Marte.  

 

Currently they have Polanco and Escobar holding down the position, with thoughts that Polanco would be better suited for second-base if the Twins part ways with Brian Dozier this season or next.

 

Nick Gordon is getting closer, but probably a season away from getting a cup-of-coffee (or more if someone is injured). But then the logjam starts to happen.

 

Players can switch out positions as they progress thru the minors, with talk already of Lewis becoming an outfielder.

 

But $17 million on four unproven (but talented) shortstops? 

 

They are so young. How do you really judge their ultimate batting skills? What do you look for in fielding ability to pay out such sums of money? Is shortstop considered one of the high-buck draftee positions in the sport now compared to 3/4 tool outfielders or starting pitchers (or, in the Twins case of past...bullpen arms).

 

I always wondered about the money paid to players in the draft. If the player becomes a prospect that is tradable, how does the bonus dollars figure into that players worth, compared to a prospect that might've been cheaper (i.e. further down in the draft picture) but better specs for making the big leagues.

[Huddy]

Add Palacios and De La Torre to that list as well. 

[beckmt]

Assuming Dozier is allowed to leave and Polonco moves to second that fixes one hole.  You cannot ever have too much talent and if it becomes an issue you have very valuable trade bait to fix other holes.  I do not ever worry about too much talent.

[brvama]

In my day, and I believe today also, the best athletes tend to play shortstop. Position at the age of 16 really becomes secondary. Should the Twins be fortunate with the success of these SS, it gives them many options including potential trades to fill out their rosters. I also like the fact he's considered a #3 prospect in the international pool.

[kab21]

For years the Twins had no SS/MI depth anywhere in the org and continually used mediocre options in the majors. I really can't complain about having too many MI since they are the most difficult position to find and can command a premium in trades since almost every org needs them. 

 

And I wouldn't call this a logjam. Gordon is a sure MLB'er at this point but even he isn't a lock to be a starter. Javier, Lewis and Marte have a long way to go before they notice a logjam. Some might move off of SS and some might not make it through A ball.

I like the signing and I think the stockpiling shows the foresight to be active in trading prospects (?for pitching?).

[maxisagod]

It's hard to imagine but these guys are all years apart. Even Royce Lewis and Jeffry Marte. Marte will start in the DSL league next year. By the time he's in the Gulf Coast League, Lewis will be A or High A. That's 2-3 years apart on a normal timeline. By the time Marte is ready for the MLB Gordon will almost be a free agent if not signed to an extension. 

[luckylager]

A talented, athletic shortstop can play practically everywhere and, as mentioned before, can be flipped for pitching if there becomes a logjam. Besides,the last few years Twins scouting of Latin American players has produced better results than their homegrown picks. Great pick up!

[jimbo92107]

This goes to my own little theory: Pile up enough pitchers and shortstops, you can make them into a baseball team. Pitchers can change roles, but usually remain pitchers. Shortstops have to be fast, great arm, and you try to find fielders that can hit. Best part is, you can move a shortstop prospect to almost any other position and still have the physical tools to make it work. Maybe not catcher... But you see what I mean. A team full of guys like Eduardo Escobar can be pretty good, and I've read that Esco can even play a little catcher, and I believe we saw him pitch an inning or two in a blowout. 

[Mr. Brooks]

Well Royce Lewis is a SS in the same way that Sano was a SS when we signed him. It's not where he's going to play when he gets to the mlb.

 

And a players bonus doesn't have any effect on tradability. Its a one time payment.

[Oldgoat_MN]

 

This goes to my own little theory: Pile up enough pitchers and shortstops, you can make them into a baseball team. Pitchers can change roles, but usually remain pitchers. Shortstops have to be fast, great arm, and you try to find fielders that can hit. Best part is, you can move a shortstop prospect to almost any other position and still have the physical tools to make it work. Maybe not catcher... But you see what I mean. A team full of guys like Eduardo Escobar can be pretty good, and I've read that Esco can even play a little catcher, and I believe we saw him pitch an inning or two in a blowout. 

Esco has pitched one inning in his career and holds a 0.00 ERA.

He caught an inning this year in MLB.

[SwainZag]

 

In my day, and I believe today also, the best athletes tend to play shortstop. Position at the age of 16 really becomes secondary. Should the Twins be fortunate with the success of these SS, it gives them many options including potential trades to fill out their rosters. I also like the fact he's considered a #3 prospect in the international pool.

 

It's the way it still is.  No one comes up and is listed as a 2B, that only means you don't have the arm to make it from SS, same goes with 3B.  When you are that age you want the arm already strong enough to make the throw from the hole.  

[Thrylos]

At least Gordon and Lewis are likely not going to be SS in the majors.

Sano, Minier, Cuddyer and Plouffe were drafted and signed as SS.   Easy to change positions.   SS tend to get the attention because that's where the most talented with the glove kids play.

 

Non-issue

[SwainZag]

 

At least Gordon and Lewis are likely not going to be SS in the majors.

Sano, Minier, Cuddyer and Plouffe were drafted and signed as SS.   Easy to change positions.   SS tend to get the attention because that's where the most talented with the glove kids play.

 

Non-issue

 

Has there been serious talk about Gordon not sticking at SS?  I haven't read that many reports, but the ones I seem to remember stated that he has the tools to play the position.

[Roaddog]

Not an issue. The best athletes usually play at SS. Develop their bats, eventually they will have a concrete position.

[Seth Stohs]

 

In my day, and I believe today also, the best athletes tend to play shortstop. Position at the age of 16 really becomes secondary. Should the Twins be fortunate with the success of these SS, it gives them many options including potential trades to fill out their rosters. I also like the fact he's considered a #3 prospect in the international pool.

 

Absolutely. If I were in charge of scouting, I don't know that I'd draft anything but shortstops and centerfielders (and pitchers and catchers) out of high school or international free agency.