Twins Minor League Report (6/26): David Festa Named to Futures Game

[Seth Stohs]

On Monday evening, the MLB Futures Game rosters were named and just one Minnesota Twins prospect will represent the organization in Seattle on July 8th. Wind Surge right-handed starting pitcher David Festa will wear a Twins cap and play in the All Star event. 

In addition, the DSL and FCL Twins played on Monday morning/afternoon. Find out how they did and more. 

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge (photo of David Festa)

A year ago, the Twins were represented at the Futures Game by infielder Spencer Steer and outfielder Matt Wallner, two members of their talented 2019 draft. In 2023, the Minnesota Twins will be represented in the July 8th, pre-All Star game festivities by right-hander David Festa of the Wichita Wind Surge.  Festa is a deserving candidate and a strong prospect for the Twins. The only disappointment is that he is the lone representative for the Twins. 

It really is an honor to get the opportunity to represent your organization, but also a unique opportunity to play with and against some of the best minor-league talents in the game. Nick Gordon got to take a picture with Christina Milian. Alex Meyer, Kennys Vargas and Jose Berrios got to represent the Twins when the 2014 All Star event was held at Target Field. Royce Lewis was mic'd up when he played in the game in 2019. And, it's hard to forget Matt Wallner's blast in last year's game... off a lefty. 

Here is a list of the Twins players to be named to the Futures Game in years past, since it began in 1999. 
1999: Michael Cuddyer, J.C. Romero , 2000: Luis Rivas, Brad Thomas, 2001: Grant Balfour, 2002: Michael Restovich, Justin Morneau, 2003: Joe Mauer, J.D. Durbin , 2004: Jason Kubel, Justin Morneau, 2005: Francisco Liriano, Travis Bowyer, 2006: Trent Oeltjen, 2007: Matt Garza, Matt Tolbert, 2008: Luke Hughes, Denard Span (called up), 2009: Rene Tosoni, 2010: Anthony Slama, Ben Revere, Liam Hendriks, 2011: Liam Hendriks, Kyle Gibson, 2012: Oswaldo Arcia, 2013: Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano, 2014: Trevor May (called up), Jose Berrios, Alex Meyer, Kennys Vargas, 2015: Max Kepler, Jose Berrios, 2016: JT Chargois, 2017: Nick Gordon,  2018: Alex Kirilloff, Lewis Thorpe, 2019: Royce Lewis, 2020: No Game, 2021: Josh Winder, 2022: Spencer Steer, Matt Wallner. 

Alright, back to our regularly-scheduled program/report. Here are the records of the six Twins affiliates through games on Monday. 

St. Paul Saints: 43-31 
Wichita Wind Surge: 28-40
Cedar Rapids Kernels: 42-27
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels: 35-34
FCL Twins: 9-6
DSL Twins: 5-11

Let’s get to the report. As always, please feel free to discuss and ask questions. 

TRANSACTIONS
The Twins released RHPs Orlando Rodriguez and Charlie Neuweiler. They were with Cedar Rapids. Taking their spots are RHPs AJ Labas and CJ Culpepper. (First reported by Jeff Johnson).

The Minnesota Twins also signed OF Francis Florentino and assigned him to the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. He signed from the USPBL. The Dominican outfielder had played 14 games for the Westside Woolly Mammoths. He got on base, hit for power, and ended his time with a 13-game hitting streak. The 23-year-old spent his ages 17-19 years old seasons in the Brewers organization but didn't get out of the rookie leagues. 

His manager in the USPBL was former Twins catching prospect Taylor Grzelakowski . He told The Oakland Press, "Francis was the top player in our league from the very first day he arrived at the USPBL. He has an electric arm that is fun to watch. He led all offensive categories at one point during the season thanks to his big league approach. He can hit the ball anywhere on the field. He will be missed, but we wish him the best of luck and I know he’ll do great things at the next level.”

Florentino becomes the 49th player signed out of the USPBL since it began in 2016, and the Twins have probably signed at least 35% of them including Randy Dobnak and Grzelakowski. (Side Note: I had to check... the Twins have now signed 16 players from the USPBL, or 32%) 

Florentino was the 49th player... Catcher Duncan Hewitt is the 50th. He has signed with the Twins after some time in the USPBL with Grzelakowski's Woolly Mammoths. Hewitt spent five years playing at Butler University. He's played some independent ball, primarily in the USPBL, since 2021. Based on his college and pro numbers, he must be an incredible defensive catcher. 

Just a few weeks ago, the Twins also signed pitcher Kyle Bischoff from the Woolly Mammoths. 

SAINTS SENTINEL
Louie Varland will take the mound for the Saints when their season resumes on Wednesday afternoon at CHS Field. They will be playing Gwinnett, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, the Twins opponent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

WIND SURGE WISDOM
They will remain at home this coming week. 

KERNELS NUGGETS
Infielder Tanner Schobel was named the Midwest League Player of the Week.

MUSSEL MATTERS
Right-hander C.J. Culpepper was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week.

COMPLEX THOUGHTS from FLORIDA
FCL Twins 3, FCL Rays 6 
Box Score
The Twins fell behind 2-0 after two innings, but they scored single runs in third, fourth and fifth innings to take the lead. However, the Rays scored three runs in the fifth to take the lead and didn’t look back. 

Lefty Cesar Lares gave up five runs on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out four and issued no walks. However, he hit two batters. Ricardo Velez came in and got the final out of the fifth inning. Juan Mercedes gave up one run on three hits and a walk over the final three innings. He struck out four batters. 

Austin Martin’s rehab stint had stalled for nearly three weeks. He returned on Monday and went 1-for-2 with a walk in this game. He played second base and batted second. He had an error as well. Outfielders Andres Centeno and Fredy Michel each went 2-for-4. Bryan Acuna went 1-for-3 with a walk. 

Since we have some space, here are the FCL Twins on the Injured Lists:
7-Day IL: P Anthony Narvaez, IF Yonardy Soto, IF Cole Tate, OF Argenis Jimenez
60-Day IL: C Wilfri Castro,
Injured-Full Season: 1B Alexander Pena,   

COMPLEX THOUGHTS from BOCA CHICA
DSL Twins 3, DSL Rockies 13
Box Score
The Rockies scored three runs in the second inning, and then had two four-run innings to run away with this game. 

Reynel Garcia started and gave up three runs (1 earned) on four hits and two walks. Eduardo Soriano came on and went the next 4 1/3 innings. He was charged with five runs (3 earned) on seven hits and four walks. Oscar Paredes then gave up four runs (3 earned) on four hits and a walk. Jose Ojo was charged with an unearned run on two hits in the ninth inning. 

Ariel Castro went 2-for-4 with his second and third doubles. Jayson Bass went 2-for-4 and drove in a run. Yilber Herrera drove in a run with his sixth double. 

Since we have some space, here are the DSL Twins on the Injured Lists:
7-Day IL: SS Hendry Chivilli,
60-Day IL: P Edgardo Chaviel, P Orlando Rubio,

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Pitcher of the Day – Juan Mercedes (FCL Twins) - 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Hitters of the Day – Ariel Castro (DSL Twins) - 2-for-4, 2-2B(3), 2 R, K, SB(3)

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on the new Twins Top 20 prospects after seeing how they did on Monday.

#2 - Royce Lewis (Minnesota) - Night Game. Not in starting lineup.
#4 - Edouard Julien (Minnesota) - Night Game. Leading off.
#11 - Austin Martin (Rehab FCL Twins) - 1-for-2, BB, E.
#18 - Jose Rodriguez (FCL Twins) - 0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K.

TUESDAY’S SCHEDULE AND PITCHING PROBABLES
Full-season affiliates get an extra day off this week. There are two reasons for that. First, it is approximately the midpoint of their seasons, and secondly, many will play next week because of the Fourth of July and All Star festivities taking place.

FCL Pirates @ FCL Twins (11:00 AM CST) - TBD 
DSL Twins @ DSL Pirates Gold (10:00AM CST) - TBD

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Monday’s games or any other Twins minor league topics! 

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[Mike Sixel]

Great to see Martin back playing!

[FlyingFinn]

Goodness, the Kernels just keep adding good players to their team (Culpepper has really been pitching well) and none of their best players move up to Wichita. They just release the guys at the end of their roster.

Congrats to David Festa. His numbers are mediocre this year but obviously his stuff is impressive. There is a pretty good record of the players who play in this game making it to MLB.

[Seth Stohs]

1 hour ago, FlyingFinn said:

Goodness, the Kernels just keep adding good players to their team (Culpepper has really been pitching well) and none of their best players move up to Wichita. They just release the guys at the end of their roster.

Congrats to David Festa. His numbers are mediocre this year but obviously his stuff is impressive. There is a pretty good record of the players who play in this game making it to MLB.

That's because their top players and top prospects are all where they should be. With the pitchers, it's not unusual to let a previous-year draft pick start in Low A, get his feet wet, dominate and then move up when the Twins start releasing players and AAA players. 

Festa's going to be good. I have no problem with him representing the Twins. I'm only disappointed that the Twins only have one player going. The Brewers have three. 

[terrydactyls]

In the opening paragraph, you say the Twins have two representatives in the Futures game.  Later, you say Festa is the only representative.  Which is it?

[2wins87]

3 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

Congrats to David Festa. His numbers are mediocre this year but obviously his stuff is impressive. There is a pretty good record of the players who play in this game making it to MLB.

Of 52 pitchers in the Texas league with at least 40 innings (he's pitched 51):  10th in K/9, 15th in K/BB, 13th in FIP, 8th in xFIP.

Not dominating quite like he did in the low minors but I'd say still better than mediocre number-wise.

[jkcarew]

51 minutes ago, 2wins87 said:

Of 52 pitchers in the Texas league with at least 40 innings (he's pitched 51):  10th in K/9, 15th in K/BB, 13th in FIP, 8th in xFIP.

Not dominating quite like he did in the low minors but I'd say still better than mediocre number-wise.

I’d say when you add a 5.12 ERA and a 1.431 WHIP to that, ‘mediocre’ is a pretty fair term, as far as 2023 results go.

Now, that doesn’t mean the stuff/potential is mediocre. The org must like that part of it a whole lot, or he wouldn’t be our one and only representative.

 

[jkcarew]

Schobel separating himself prospect wise from Miller and Salas?

At least seeming like he’s way ahead of them right now which shouldn’t be surprising, I guess…as Schobel is also 2 years older.

Fwiw, Twins seem NOT to see Schobel as a SS option. Not one appearance there this year, even on off days for Miller.

[2wins87]

6 hours ago, jkcarew said:

I’d say when you add a 5.12 ERA and a 1.431 WHIP to that, ‘mediocre’ is a pretty fair term, as far as 2023 results go.

Now, that doesn’t mean the stuff/potential is mediocre. The org must like that part of it a whole lot, or he wouldn’t be our one and only representative.

 

I don't think ERA is meaningless, but it's much less important for a prospect than those peripheral stats. I'd be much more down on him if he had a 2 ERA but wasn't striking guys out and had a bunch of solo home runs off him.

[nclahammer]

When I saw that pitcher Orlando Rodriguez was released, I was a bit surprised.   Just saw him start and pitch 5 shutout innings for the Kernels on Sunday and he's 7-2 on the season.  This is where statistics do not tell the whole story.   I then noticed that he was the oldest player on the Cedar Rapids roster (born in 1995) and 5-7 years older than many of his teammates and his competition.  Looking to give younger arms some more innings and looks, who have a higher ceiling, that may someday help out the big club.  That's what the minor leagues are all about, player development.

[Seth Stohs]

16 hours ago, terrydactyls said:

In the opening paragraph, you say the Twins have two representatives in the Futures game.  Later, you say Festa is the only representative.  Which is it?

That'll teach me to try to work ahead! I wrote ahead, assuming two because that's pretty normal... Missed that one with my post-announcement note. 

[Seth Stohs]

14 hours ago, jkcarew said:

Schobel separating himself prospect wise from Miller and Salas?

At least seeming like he’s way ahead of them right now which shouldn’t be surprising, I guess…as Schobel is also 2 years older.

Fwiw, Twins seem NOT to see Schobel as a SS option. Not one appearance there this year, even on off days for Miller.

Prospect-wise, I don't think people should rank Schobel ahead of Miller or Salas, just because they are two or more year younger and playing at the same level. 

He's playing well, and that's terrific. He's adding the power more of late, seems to take good plate appearances. He's probably put himself in a spot where if there is a need at 2B or 3B at Wichita (injury, or maybe Severino gets promoted), he could get the call instead of going back to Yake. 

And no, I don't think there was ever any thought about Schobel playing SS. He did in college, but I think they moved him to 2B right after the draft. Miller is so good there, and Salas could play there, and I think that Ross has even spent some time there. I rank Ross higher than Schobel... but they're close. 

 

 

[chpettit19]

A little surprised not to see Lee headed to the futures game. He's not exactly lighting AA on fire, but would have guessed he'd be someone they targeted. Totally possible they had too many IFers from other squads so he didn't fit (I haven't checked the rosters to see who made it). I really enjoy that game, and look forward to seeing what Festa can do against some big names.

[Seth Stohs]

7 hours ago, nclahammer said:

When I saw that pitcher Orlando Rodriguez was released, I was a bit surprised.   Just saw him start and pitch 5 shutout innings for the Kernels on Sunday and he's 7-2 on the season.  This is where statistics do not tell the whole story.   I then noticed that he was the oldest player on the Cedar Rapids roster (born in 1995) and 5-7 years older than many of his teammates and his competition.  Looking to give younger arms some more innings and looks, who have a higher ceiling, that may someday help out the big club.  That's what the minor leagues are all about, player development.

Yeah, if you read the Jeff Johnson article I linked to, he notes that it's one of the crazier things he's seen in all his years. 

[jkcarew]

2 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

I rank Ross higher than Schobel... but they're close.

Because of the potential of Ross’s power tool?

How do they compare defensively?

[nclahammer]

2 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

Yeah, if you read the Jeff Johnson article I linked to, he notes that it's one of the crazier things he's seen in all his years. 

Thank you Seth, just checked it out.   Still it's a quite intriguing move.

[Seth Stohs]

33 minutes ago, jkcarew said:

Because of the potential of Ross’s power tool?

How do they compare defensively?

They've played Ross at SS ... three times. Probably pretty similar. I just like the small college thing and think that he's got more room to grow... and he's already good. 

[DocBauer]

Disappointed we are only sending 1 player, but very happy for Festa. 

A whopping 8.1 IP after being drafted in 2021. Excelled at 2 levels of A ball in 2022. And while some if his numbers clearly show he's a work in progress, he's got some really good numbers as well, and seemingly great potential at AA already in his 2nd season. And now he gets this honor.

Really excited to see what the future holds in store for him!