Twins Minor League Report (9/7): Saints Slug to a Victory

[Ted Schwerzler]

St. Paul didn’t hit another grand slam on Thursday, but they flashed plenty of power. Wichita grabbed a late lead, and Fort Myers got off to a late start. Check all of the minor league action within.

 

Image courtesy of Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

TRANSACTIONS

• RHP Alex Scherff placed on temporary inactive list by St. Paul
• RHP John Klein promoted from Fort Myers to Cedar Rapids
• The Twins released RHP Chad Donato from Wichita's roster

SAINTS SENTINEL 
St. Paul 10, Louisville 3
Box Score
St. Paul turned to Simeon Woods Richardson on Thursday night, and he was nothing short of lights out. He worked six innings and allowed just a single run on four hits and a walk. The run didn’t come until the sixth inning, and he punched out five on the evening.

It didn’t take long for the electric Saints lineup to produce. Kyle Garlick launched a two-run homer that brought in Trevor Larnach and put St. Paul ahead. Gilberto Celestino nabbed a homer the hard way, an inside-the-park variety, that brought home Jair Camargo in the second inning. Up 4-0, Woods Richardson had a comfortable lead.

For the second time on the night, Garlick spiced things up with a homer. The two-run shot was his 14th of the year, and again plated Larnach in the process. Hernan Perez then singled with both Yunior Severino and Anthony Prato on base, driving both in, and making it an 8-0 ballgame.

In the sixth inning, Prato ripped an RBI single to score Larnach for the third time. With the bases loaded, Celestino drew a walk to drive Garlick in and make it a 10-0 game. Louisville recorded their first run in the sixth inning, and then plated a pair in the eighth inning, but it wasn’t nearly enough to make this one a game. While Austin Martin didn't make his mark with the bat tonight, he certainly made his presence felt with the glove.

The Saints recorded a whopping 14 hits on Thursday with Larnach, Garlick, Severino, Prato, and Camargo all recording a pair each.

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Wichita 2, Corpus Christi 1
Box Score
The Wind Surge gave the ball to Pierson Ohl on Thursday night and he worked 5 1/3 innings allowing one run on four hits. Ohl also gave up a walk while striking out four. His one mistake came on a home run that Chad Stevens sent to left field.

Wichita jumped out to an early advantage when Seth Gray crushed his ninth home run of the season. A second inning solo shot represented the game’s first run. Corpus Christi responded with a solo shot of their own in the bottom half and the game stayed tied until the ninth inning.

Needing some separation to avoid extras, Wichita made things happen in the ninth inning. Willie Joe Garry Jr. stole second base, and when catcher C.J. Stubbs sailed the throw, he came around the score. The costly miscue put Corpus Christi behind by a run with only three runs to work with.

Picking up six hits on the night, no one recorded more than one hit for Wichita. The late run was enough to win it.

KERNELS NUGGETS
Wisconsin 11, Cedar Rapids 6
Box Score
C.J. Culpepper made the start on Thursday night for the Kernels, and unfortunately it was a tough outing for him. He lasted just two innings while allowing seven runs on seven hits. Culpepper also walked two and struck out just one. Despite a very good season, this wasn’t an outing to hang his hat on.

Trailing 7-0 by the third inning, the Kernels didn’t fold and looked to bounce back. Jefferson Morales doubled home Misael Urbina to put Cedar Rapids on the board. In the fourth inning Luke Keaschall added another when he singled home Jorel Ortega. Then in the fifth inning, Kala’i Rosario kept up his hot-hitting while blasting his 21st dinger of the season. The three-run shot also scored Noah Miller and Emmanuel Rodriguez while bringing the Kernels within two.

Wisconsin added a pair of runs back in the fifth inning to push it back to a four-run lead. Adding another pair in the seventh inning, it was an 11-5 game and Cedar Rapids found themselves staring at a sizeable deficit once again.

Attempting to mount a comeback, the Kernels gained a run back when Rodriguez drew a bases loaded walk in the eighth inning to score Keaschall. They couldn't capitalize with other runners on base however. Unable to add in the ninth inning, the Kernels dropped the contest by five.

The Kernels had just five hits Thursday night, and while Rosario posted three RBI, no one added multiple hits.

MUSSEL MATTERS
Bradenton 9, Fort Myers 5(F/7)
Box Score
With inclement weather in the area, the start of Thursday night’s tilt for the Marauders and Mighty Mussels was delayed. After finally getting underway, Miguelangel Boadas took the ball for Fort Myers.

In the first inning, Nate Baez doubled with Jay Harry scoring and the Mighty Mussels were on the board first. Yohander Martinez added another with a single during the third inning that scored Danny De Andrade. Leading 2-0, the Mighty Mussels gave both back in the fourth inning and saw the Marauders tie the contest.

Bradenton jumped on top of Fort Myers with three runs in the fifth inning. The Mighty Mussels weren't ok with playing from behind and immediately stormed back. De Andrade doubled home Ricardo Olivar before Baez traded places with him on a double of his own. Martinez then singled to drive in Baez and make it a tie ballgame.

The Marauders loaded the bases in the top of the seventh inning and rather than emerge unscathed, the Mighty Mussels gave up a grand slam. The 9-5 lead was going to be difficult to overcome with just three outs left. Fort Myers couldn't mount a late comeback and that was enough to do them in.

With both squads recording ten hits on the evening, Fort Myers saw two each come from De Andrade, Baez, and Martinez.

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Pitcher of the Day – Simeon Woods Richardson (St. Paul) - 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Hitter of the Day – Kyle Garlick (St. Paul) - 2-3, 3 R, 4 RBI, 2 HR(14), 2 BB

PROSPECT SUMMARY
We will again keep tabs on the Twins top prospects. You’ll probably read about them in the team sections, but if they aren’t there, you’ll see how they did here. 

Here’s a look at how the current Twins Daily Top 20 performed:

#3 - Emmanuel Rodriguez (Cedar Rapids) - 0-2, R, RBI, 3 BB
#7 - Austin Martin (St. Paul) - 1-6, 2 K
#8 - Tanner Schobel (Wichita) - 1-3, BB, K
#10 - Luke Keaschall (Cedar Rapids) - 1-4, R, RBI, BB, K
#13 - Kala’i Rosario (Cedar Rapids) - 1-5, R, 3 RBI, HR(21), BB, K
#14 - Yunior Severino (St. Paul) - 2-6, R, 2 K
#15 - Simeon Woods Richardson (St. Paul) - 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
#17 - Danny De Andrade (Fort Myers) - 2-3, 2 R, RBI, 2B(20)

FRIDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
St. Paul @ Louisville (6:15PM CST) - RHP Randy Dobnak
Wichita @ Corpus Christi (7:05PM CST) - RHP Marco Raya
Cedar Rapids @ Wisconsin (6:40 CST) - RHP Zebby Matthews
Bradenton @ Fort Myers (6:00PM CST) - RHP Matt Gabbert

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Thursday’s games!

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[mikelink45]

I hope the FO is thinking of trade possibilities this winter with the players in St Paul who will be blocked in Minneapolis.  They all look really good.  If only the pitchers were as exciting as the hitters.  Woods-Richardson looks like he has potential for a promotion soon and with Balazovic and Headrick struggling this year he might have passed them on the homegrown list.

[Doctor Wu]

It's becoming increasingly realistic that Martin deserves a shot with the big league club, but the chances of that happening this year remain slim, although any injuries may necessitate a callup. But what happens next year? Martin looks like his best fit is in the outfield, but among the outfielders this year, who does he replace? We've got guys like Larnach and Nick Gordon, maybe Taylor again as a backup, maybe Kepler again too, and don't forget Wallner. or even Castro ... and maybe an overdue Buxton return. Seems like too many cooks in the kitchen. What do you all see happening next season?

[TwinsDr2021]

4 minutes ago, Doctor Wu said:

It's becoming increasingly realistic that Martin deserves a shot with the big league club, but the chances of that happening this year remain slim, although any injuries may necessitate a callup. But what happens next year? Martin looks like his best fit is in the outfield, but among the outfielders this year, who does he replace? We've got guys like Larnach and Nick Gordon, maybe Taylor again as a backup, maybe Kepler again too, and don't forget Wallner. or even Castro ... and maybe an overdue Buxton return. Seems like too many cooks in the kitchen. What do you all see happening next season?

IMO, one of Gordon and Castro have to go (It would be Gordon for me) and one of Larnach and Wallner have to go. Martin kind of takes both of the spots of the guys that leave. I think Kepler stays and Taylor goes (if they believe Castro and Martin are capable back ups) if the Twins are playing on Buxton DH's like this year then you have to bring in a real CF or keep Taylor.

[Trov]

1 hour ago, Doctor Wu said:

It's becoming increasingly realistic that Martin deserves a shot with the big league club, but the chances of that happening this year remain slim, although any injuries may necessitate a callup. But what happens next year? Martin looks like his best fit is in the outfield, but among the outfielders this year, who does he replace? We've got guys like Larnach and Nick Gordon, maybe Taylor again as a backup, maybe Kepler again too, and don't forget Wallner. or even Castro ... and maybe an overdue Buxton return. Seems like too many cooks in the kitchen. What do you all see happening next season?

Martin will get a shot as a super utility guy, if not starting CF depending on Buck's health.  Castro will come back most likely to play same roll he did this year, and the FO and Rocco love guys like Castro, a switch hitter that can play just about any position at least decent.  It allows them to pinch hit early in game because he can get moved around.  Being Martin is showing some level of that too, they will want to look at him.  

Gordon will be DFA this year.  The FO and Rocco have never been huge on him, mainly because of his injuries and never taken off huge.  He missed this year due to broken leg and the roster crunch will get him.  I am sure they will look to shop him first, but my guess no team bites and he get DFA.  

I also guess Taylor is not resigned.  They will shop Larnach but he could get DFA too if no deals can be had. Kepler based on what he has done this second half will get his option picked up is my guess. Really, Buck's health will cause a lot of things to get shifted around, but Martin will get his shot some time next year, if he does not break camp. 

[jmlease1]

1 hour ago, Doctor Wu said:

It's becoming increasingly realistic that Martin deserves a shot with the big league club, but the chances of that happening this year remain slim, although any injuries may necessitate a callup. But what happens next year? Martin looks like his best fit is in the outfield, but among the outfielders this year, who does he replace? We've got guys like Larnach and Nick Gordon, maybe Taylor again as a backup, maybe Kepler again too, and don't forget Wallner. or even Castro ... and maybe an overdue Buxton return. Seems like too many cooks in the kitchen. What do you all see happening next season?

Martin bats RH and can play any of the three positions in the OF well. I'm finding myself agreeing with Gleeman and assuming that Kepler will be on the team until they actually trade or cut him. Wallner has done enough to be a presumptive starter for next season. If Buxton is expected to be healthy enough to play CF next season, then they'll need 2 more OF to fill out the roster. Martin looks like a great fit to fill the RH option: younger, cheaper, and with more upside at the plate than Taylor (even if he doesn't have Taylor's defensive rep). Castro is a super-utility guy who plays infield and OF, and almost certainly will be on the roster. Realistically there's 2 bench spots left and both might go to primary infielders.

Gallo is gone for sure. Taylor is a real maybe (he's had a good year, but the defense has slipped some and expecting him to repeat one of his best offensive seasons at age 33 might be optimistic) and might be gone in free agency. Gordon's lost season has him on the outside looking in, unfortunately for him. If Polanco isn't moved, he has one of the last two spots for sure. So Gordon, Larnach, Miranda, and Farmer are all fighting for one spot. (Vazquez, Jeffers, Kirilloff, Julien, Correa, Lewis, Kepler, Buxton, Wallner, and Castro all feel like locks right now along with Polanco if he's not dealt, but I feel like he's in the same boat as Kepler: assume he's here until he's actually gone) That's 11 position players, and they'll keep 13. Martin is a good fit IMHO, but the Twins have been willing to make a guy force his way on the roster to maintain depth.

There will be some tough calls coming up, but also a bunch of good talent. It'll be interesting to see if they roll with the young guys or bring in a vet like they did with Solano next season.

[Trov]

SWR has been looking very good since July.  His walks are still high, but my understanding AAA walks are up overall due to the robo umps.  However, in last 90 days, his OPS allowed is just .627, in last 28 days it is .597.  He may be walking guys, but he is striking them out too, but more importantly, he is not giving up hits generally. His batting average against is below .200 since July, after having over .300 for most of first half the season. 

I think he will build off this and will play the Ober/Varland roll next year, filling in when injuries set in, and maybe force his way into rotation like Ober did. 

[DJL44]

I think Taylor will get a lot of attention in free agency this offseason. There are very few center fielders available. Bellinger and Bader are the only guys under 30. Of the rest only Kiermaier had a better season than Taylor. I don't think the Twins will be the high bidder.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

51 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

Martin bats RH and can play any of the three positions in the OF well. I'm finding myself agreeing with Gleeman and assuming that Kepler will be on the team until they actually trade or cut him. Wallner has done enough to be a presumptive starter for next season. If Buxton is expected to be healthy enough to play CF next season, then they'll need 2 more OF to fill out the roster. Martin looks like a great fit to fill the RH option: younger, cheaper, and with more upside at the plate than Taylor (even if he doesn't have Taylor's defensive rep). Castro is a super-utility guy who plays infield and OF, and almost certainly will be on the roster. Realistically there's 2 bench spots left and both might go to primary infielders.

Gallo is gone for sure. Taylor is a real maybe (he's had a good year, but the defense has slipped some and expecting him to repeat one of his best offensive seasons at age 33 might be optimistic) and might be gone in free agency. Gordon's lost season has him on the outside looking in, unfortunately for him. If Polanco isn't moved, he has one of the last two spots for sure. So Gordon, Larnach, Miranda, and Farmer are all fighting for one spot. (Vazquez, Jeffers, Kirilloff, Julien, Correa, Lewis, Kepler, Buxton, Wallner, and Castro all feel like locks right now along with Polanco if he's not dealt, but I feel like he's in the same boat as Kepler: assume he's here until he's actually gone) That's 11 position players, and they'll keep 13. Martin is a good fit IMHO, but the Twins have been willing to make a guy force his way on the roster to maintain depth.

There will be some tough calls coming up, but also a bunch of good talent. It'll be interesting to see if they roll with the young guys or bring in a vet like they did with Solano next season.

I think Lee will beat out Gordon, Larnach, Miranda and possibly Farmer. Lee will play 3B with Lewis moving to 2B and Julien to 1B and DH and Kirilloff to 1B and LF. That gives the Twins a capable SS playing at 3B, SS, and 2B. I worry about the sophomore slump for Wallner, Lewis and Julien. But then I am a natural worrier. 

[roger]

Looking at today's box scores, Miller getting another 2 walks caught my eye.  See that in 517 PA this year, he has 58 walks.  That's a walk rate of over 11%.  I tend to recall he regularly has a walk or two in the box scores I see.  Is a bit over 11% a good walk rate?  

 

[HrbieFan]

3 hours ago, Doctor Wu said:

It's becoming increasingly realistic that Martin deserves a shot with the big league club, but the chances of that happening this year remain slim, although any injuries may necessitate a callup. But what happens next year? Martin looks like his best fit is in the outfield, but among the outfielders this year, who does he replace? We've got guys like Larnach and Nick Gordon, maybe Taylor again as a backup, maybe Kepler again too, and don't forget Wallner. or even Castro ... and maybe an overdue Buxton return. Seems like too many cooks in the kitchen. What do you all see happening next season?

If Larnach could stay healthy, he could really give a team a boost. I just don't trust him as a Twin.  This winter should be the time to sell low on him and give him a shot with a rebuilding team. He could hit 30 HR or he could be on the DL the entire season 

[mikelink45]

I am high on Taylor and the discussion on the teams WAR leaders seems to agree with me. I have seen a lot of criticism of him, but he has been a really valuable option - more than Farmer, Gallo, Luplow.

[DJL44]

13 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I am high on Taylor and the discussion on the teams WAR leaders seems to agree with me. I have seen a lot of criticism of him, but he has been a really valuable option - more than Farmer, Gallo, Luplow.

If the Twins sign Taylor it will need to be at the beginning of free agency because he will not last on the market long. That would answer a lot of questions (negatively) about Buxton's knee.

I think they'll roll with Castro, Gordon and Martin in CF next year with the hope that Martin wins that competition.

[mikelink45]

38 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

If the Twins sign Taylor it will need to be at the beginning of free agency because he will not last on the market long. That would answer a lot of questions (negatively) about Buxton's knee.

I think they'll roll with Castro, Gordon and Martin in CF next year with the hope that Martin wins that competition.

You are probably right, but Taylor is a better option than Castro and Gordon for me and Martin is unproven. 

[RpR]

7 hours ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

I think Lee will beat out Gordon, Larnach, Miranda and possibly Farmer. Lee will play 3B with Lewis moving to 2B and Julien to 1B and DH and Kirilloff to 1B and LF.

Snowballs chance in hell for that.