Steil: Kernels may have 6-8 future Major Leaguers

[Steven Buhr]

In an interview with MetroSportsReport.com writer Jim Ecker, Twins farm director Brad Steil had the following to say about the current CR Kernels"

 

"I think off of this team, you could easily see six to eight of those guys eventually make it to the big leagues."

 

Steil also provided a little bit of an explanation as to why the organization tends to keep players at a given level longer than perhaps other organizations do. "The second time through, teams are going to make adjustments and we want to see how they're going to handle that," he said.

 

Click here for the article.

[pioneers3]

I would like to know his 6-8, but here is my guess

 

1. Buxton

2. Berrios

3. Boyd

4. Duffey

5. Harrison

6. Hicks

7. Walker

8-Goodrum?

 

He may have a few more pitchers on his list, still getting to know those guys.

[cmathewson]

I would like to know his 6-8, but here is my guess

 

1. Buxton

2. Berrios

3. Boyd

4. Duffey

5. Harrison

6. Hicks

7. Walker

8-Goodrum?

 

He may have a few more pitchers on his list, still getting to know those guys.

 

Polanco has to be on the list. I rank him behind Buxton and Berrios and ahead of everyone else on that list.

[pioneers3]

Polanco has to be on the list. I rank him behind Buxton and Berrios and ahead of everyone else on that list.

 

Ya I forgot about Polanco, just because he really hasn't done anything to wow you, just so steady and consistent.

[Seth Stohs]

I agree on Polanco that high. I think Melotakis should be on the list. I really think he was being conservative because there are more than 8 that have a decent change, talent-wise, to get to the big leagues. The reality of it is that so few do. It's tough to get to the big leagues.

[Seth Stohs]

I definitely agree with keeping a real prospects at a level too long rather than pushing them too fast. I agree that promotions of the key prospects shouldn't happen for at least two months because of the reasons given. Teams will adjust. Reports will be updated. Have to see if the player can develop the ability to make adjustments.

 

Last year, Sano had a tremendous April... then he struggled for 3-5 weeks... then he turned it around. This year, he's had a tremendous April. He likely won't post a 1.200 OPS in May. Teams will adjust to him. Pitchers will pitch him differently. Have to see how he adjusts. It's the right thing to do.

[Thrylos]

I suspect that he did not have particular players in mind when he said that 6 to 8 and it was probably a figure of speech. And does not really mean much (and might be more than 8 making it to the majors). The 2002 Quad Cities affiliate had 9 players and the 2003 Fort Myers and New Britain squads had 12 and the 2004 New Britain had 16.

 

Just a number (and probably low if he wanted to say that this Cedar Rapids team is great)

[jorgenswest]

A good list. Encouraging.

 

Hicks is old for the level.

 

Duffy and Melotakis need to be accelerated also. You hope at age 23 next year they start the season in AA or higher.

 

I wonder about Polanco's position as he grows.

[kab21]

A good list. Encouraging.

 

Hicks is old for the level.

 

Duffy and Melotakis need to be accelerated also. You hope at age 23 next year they start the season in AA or higher.

 

I wonder about Polanco's position as he grows.

 

If Polanco doesn't stick in the MI then he doesn't have a place in the majors.

[cmathewson]

If Polanco doesn't stick in the MI then he doesn't have a place in the majors.

 

I see no reason why he can't. Defensively, he's like Escobar, with maybe a little less arm. At least a second baseman. That said, I don't know why he DHs so much. For the sake of his development, they should play him in the field more.

[kab21]

There really isn't any doubt in my mind that he sticks at 2nd I was just confused by the question of where he ends up. His bat only plays in the MI. I am a little disappointed by his defense though. Instead of being a slick fielder I'm getting hints that he's alright at 2B. More will be known later this year when scouting reports come out.

 

I think he's DH'ing so much because the Twins have 3 MI's in CR. I think this works itself out in the next couple of months.

[maxisagod]

I think he's DH'ing so much because the Twins have 3 MI's in CR. I think this works itself out in the next couple of months.

 

Exactly. Besides injuries, if people do expect them to promote Rosario and Sano they will need to infields to take their places in Fort Myers.