Twins Minor League Report (7/2): Anyone Have Any Offense?

[Matt Braun]

Image courtesy of William Parmeter, Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (photo of Dameury Pena)

TRANSACTIONS
INF Jonah Bride outrighted to AAA St. Paul
LHP Kody Funderburk recalled by Twins

Saints Sentinel
St. Paul 1, Gwinnett 2
Box Score
José Ureña: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
HR: None
Multi-hit games: None

The Saints lost a close affair on Wednesday.

With Bailey Ober a fresh victim of the IL, Minnesota’s fully evaporated starting pitching depth threw the rotation’s status into the land of theories and speculation. They need innings, but there are only so many healthy arms. The Twins clarified the situation by sending newcomer José Ureña out for 18 pitches while having Darren McCaughan cover five frames. In short: we know nothing. 

McCaughan did pitch well, with his outing being of the shutout variety.

St. Paul’s lone score arrived in the third when Carson McCusker smoked a single into the outfield, plating Austin Martin on the play.

It seemed like Saints pitching would hold up that one run, yet Pierson Ohl surrendered a deciding two-run shot in the seventh. So it goes. 

Yunior Severino walked three times. He walked six times total in June.

Old friend Sandy León caught for the Stripers and went 0-3. 

The Gwinnett Stripers are an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Their 28th-ranked prospect, outfielder Carlos Rodriguez hit third and doubled once in four trips to the plate.

Wind Surge Wisdom
Wichita 1, Tulsa 2
Box Score
Mike Paredes: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
HR: Ricardo Olivar (9)
Multi-hit games: None

The Wind Surge were walked off on Wednesday.

You may need some sort of scientific equipment to read Mike Paredes’ season ERA. The righty continued his domination, tossing three shutout innings in what is more of the same for the 2021 18th-rounder. He even picked off a runner. 

Ricardo Oliver homered. Our analysis of Wichita’s scoring on Wednesday has concluded.

Gabriel Gonzalez remains one of the hottest hitters in maybe the entire Twins system? In all of minor league baseball? Amongst anyone who plays professional baseball? The superlatives undersell the 21-year-old’s .341/.411/.511 slash line on the season. And he only improved those numbers by going 1-2 with two walks. He also stole a base.

Former Twins farmhand Noah Miller played shortstop for the Drillers and went 1-3 with a walk. He was the highest-ranked prospect for the Drillers playing in Wednesday’s game. 

Kernels Nuggets
Cedar Rapids 6, Quad Cities 5
Box Score
Tanner Hall: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
HR: Billy Amick (1)
Multi-hit games: Billy Amick (2-for-5, HR, R, RBI)

The Kernels eked out a win on Wednesday.

Tanner Hall shook off his previous two clunkers to put forth one of his better starts of the season: a four-shutout-inning outing in which he allowed just one baserunner. He needed just 52 pitches.

Cedar Rapids scored first in the fourth thanks to an RBI groundout by Andy Lugo and a run-scoring wild pitch against the following batter. Then Billy Amick homered in the sixth to extend the lead to three. 

That’s when weird things started to happen. The two teams exchanged runs before Paulshawn Pasqualotto melted down with an uncharacteristic four-run frame, including a back-breaking three-run homer. Matters appeared dire, but then—with the bases loaded—Kyle DeBarge grounded a ball up the middle and the River Bandits' defense blew chunks all over themselves. It scored two runs. We take those.

The River Bandits committed five errors; three of which were catcher’s interferences; with two of those occurring in a critical go-ahead ninth inning. Take a step back, dude. 

The Quad Cities River Bandits are an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Their 21st-ranked prospect, Carson Roccaforte, played center field and homered and doubled in four plate appearances. 

Mussel Matters
Fort Myers 1, Bradenton 2
Box Score 
Michael Carpenter: 1 ⅔ IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
HR: Dameury Pena (5)
Multi-hit games: Dameury Pena (2-for-4, HR, R, RBI)

The Mighty Mussels fell in a low-scoring affair on Wednesday (there’s a pattern if you noticed).

Evidently, Michael Carpenter is not in the baseball gods’ good graces. His recent hot streak turned chilly; a reminder that fortune can switch up fast. No other force is more amazing at turning loving into hatred. 

Adrian Bohorquez pitched on a different wavelength. The Venezuelan righty—mired in a disappointing season to this point—fired off five scoreless frames in relief, punching out five as his fastball topped out at 97.7 MPH. A lone baserunner reached off an errant curveball plunk. It was easily the best start of the year for the 20-year-old.

Fort Myers’ only run came in the sixth thanks to a Dameury Pena homer.

Bradenton is an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. A talented system, the best of their well-regarded youngsters populate their AAA team, leaving their 8th-ranked prospect, Wyatt Sanford as the Marauders' most notable player. He went 0-4. 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Adrian Bohorquez
Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Dameury Pena

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed:

#1 – Walker Jenkins (Wichita) - 0-3, BB
#4 – Kaelen Culpepper (Wichita) - 1-4, K
#9 – Brandon Winokur (Cedar Rapids) - 0-3, R, BB, K
#10 – Kyle DeBarge (Cedar Rapids) - 1-5, 2B, K
#12 – Billy Amick (Cedar Rapids) - 2-for-5, HR, R, RBI, K
#13 – Gabriel Gonzalez (Wichita) - 1-2, 2 BB
#18 – Ricardo Olivar (Wichita) - 1-4, HR, R, RBI, 3 K
#19 – Danny De Andrade (Cedar Rapids) - 0-3, R, BB, K
#20 – Payton Eeles (St. Paul) - 1-3, BB, K

THURSDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
St. Paul @ Gwinnett (6:05 PM) - RHP Cory Lewis
Wichita @ Tulsa (6:30 PM) - LHP Connor Prielipp
Cedar Rapids @ Quad Cities (6:00 PM) - RHP Jose Olivares
Fort Myers @ Bradenton (5:30 PM) - RHP Dylan Questad
FCL Orioles @ FCL Twins (9:00 AM) - TBD
FCL Orioles @ FCL Twins (Game Two) - TBD
DSL Twins @ DSL Cardinals (10:00 AM) - TBD

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[Doctor Gast]

"St. Paul’s lone score arrived in the third when Carson McCusker smoked a single into the outfield, plating Payton Eeles on the play."

It was Martin who scored the lone run from 2B on a smoked single to LF, not Eeles. The throw home also helped to advance the runners to 2B & 3B, which should have sparked a rally.

[FlyingFinn]

In the Kernels game, for their opponent, the catcher committed 4 errors in the game, 1 throwing error and 3 catchers interferences. Wow, he has to learn to back up a little more!

[mikelink45]

With our offensive offense I wish we gave Carson a week straight of starts and see if he could do something.  What have we got to lose?

[tony&rodney]

35 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

With our offensive offense I wish we gave Carson a week straight of starts and see if he could do something.  What have we got to lose?

The Twins made a decision on him, which was clear.

[thelanges5]

Good to see Amick back from the IL. Could be our future 1B. 

[Matt Braun]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

"St. Paul’s lone score arrived in the third when Carson McCusker smoked a single into the outfield, plating Payton Eeles on the play."

It was Martin who scored the lone run from 2B on a smoked single to LF, not Eeles. The throw home also helped to advance the runners to 2B & 3B, which should have sparked a rally.

ah **** I screwed that up huh 

[Trov]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

With our offensive offense I wish we gave Carson a week straight of starts and see if he could do something.  What have we got to lose?

Well he has been terrible down in AAA since he got sent down.  Yeah, Wallner has been as bad at the plate, but Wallner is better on defense, which is not saying a ton but his arm is extra elite, plus Wallner has shown he can hit at MLB level.  So beyond him who would you put him in line up for?  Bader glove is too good to take out for a hope the guy can hit, despite his terrible few at bats.  Larnach is doing just fine, no need to pull him. Buck I think not.  

[Doctor Gast]

46 minutes ago, Matt Braun said:

ah **** I screwed that up huh 

No problem

[LewFordLives]

The Twins haven't had a true leadoff hitter in a while (Denard Span?).  Maybe Gabriel Gonzalez can be that guy.

[jmlease1]

A little thin on the offense in the system, but it goes that way from time to time. Nice to see GG continuing to play well: can't complain about a hit and 2 walks. He's really having a great season, and has to be rising up the prospect rankings. Twins seem to have him in a good place, he's been healthy this season, and is well positioned to maybe get a cup of coffee in AAA this year. Good for him, hope he keeps it up.

Interesting to see Noah Miller; he still looks the same to me. Good defense, might hit for average, no power, seems destined to be a utility guy for a team with good hitting and defensive needs in the infield for a few years at best. Doncon is having a poor, injury-filled season, but I don't see Miller being more than organizational filler at this point. Trade looks like one that will mean little for either team.

Very nice outing for Bohorquez; he's got talent, but he needs to find some consistency throwing strikes. It'll be interesting to see if this kind of start gets him on a run, or if he keeps having games where he can't find the zone without taking something off...which leads to him getting hit. in 10 outings this only the 2nd time he hasn't given out 2+ free passes; both games where he's kept the walks down he's done well. The formula for success for him doesn't look that complicated, but getting him through it is the tough part.

[LambchoP]

Is Maccaghen an option for a few spot starts? His numbers are better than Raya, Lewis, Morris or Dobnak. Give him a chance to start and bring Adams up to replace Wentz. Twins need to make a move for more pitching, and not rentals. 

[D.C Twins]

I also see Miller carving out a MLB career as a Defense bench piece on an otherwise good offensive team 

[mikelink45]

3 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

The Twins made a decision on him, which was clear.

The twins make many decisions but that doesn't mean I agree with them. 

[mikelink45]

1 hour ago, Trov said:

Well he has been terrible down in AAA since he got sent down.  Yeah, Wallner has been as bad at the plate, but Wallner is better on defense, which is not saying a ton but his arm is extra elite, plus Wallner has shown he can hit at MLB level.  So beyond him who would you put him in line up for?  Bader glove is too good to take out for a hope the guy can hit, despite his terrible few at bats.  Larnach is doing just fine, no need to pull him. Buck I think not.  

DH

[rdehring]

Come here every day.  When I look at the Wichita Box Score, seems GG did something well.  Has me just shaking my head with a big smile on my face.  Being a fan of the Twins, haven't been a lot of smiles for a while.

Great article, Matt.  But you did miss one big bit of news.  DeBarge was thrown out attempting to steal for the second time this year.  If I knew how to do one of those smiley things here, I would.  (you do have that, don't you?)

[tony&rodney]

36 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

The twins make many decisions but that doesn't mean I agree with them. 

Same here.

[tony&rodney]

13 minutes ago, rdehring said:

Come here every day.  When I look at the Wichita Box Score, seems GG did something well.  Has me just shaking my head with a big smile on my face.  Being a fan of the Twins, haven't been a lot of smiles for a while.

Great article, Matt.  But you did miss one big bit of news.  DeBarge was thrown out attempting to steal for the second time this year.  If I knew how to do one of those smiley things here, I would.  (you do have that, don't you?)

If you can try to watch Wichita and Cedar Rapids play (via milb.com). You will learn quite a bit in a couple of games about Gonzalez.

DeBarge was trying to steal home. Tough to do.

[tony&rodney]

2 hours ago, Trov said:

Well he has been terrible down in AAA since he got sent down.  Yeah, Wallner has been as bad at the plate, but Wallner is better on defense, which is not saying a ton but his arm is extra elite, plus Wallner has shown he can hit at MLB level.  So beyond him who would you put him in line up for?  Bader glove is too good to take out for a hope the guy can hit, despite his terrible few at bats.  Larnach is doing just fine, no need to pull him. Buck I think not.  

McCusker sat for more than a week without playing and he slumped badly on his return to the Saints. Everyone should have expected that. Sitting was a real reality check on his chances. He has been the Saints best player by far all season and had a rope last night too. I have no idea if there is any chance he could be successful one level up, but without an opportunity it is also impossible to fail or succeed. FWIW, I'm not pushing a call up of McCusker but merely stating what is supportable.

I have watched a ton of McCusker's at bats and seen his play in right field as well. Wallner is not better at all defensively. Matt's reads off the bat are much worse than Carson's. Wallner takes forever to unleash a throw and increasingly he is not accurate. It seems like Wallner is frustrated with his hitting. McCusker reliably hits the cutoff man. Wallner has had success at the MLB level and the Twins are sold on him. We all hope Big Matt finds the ball again and doesn't carry his at bats into the field like it seemed Julien did when he bombed. Hopefully Wallner begins his turnaround today. As it stands I don't believe he will be chosen for the All Star Game. Maybe next year.

[rdehring]

36 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

If you can try to watch Wichita and Cedar Rapids play (via milb.com). You will learn quite a bit in a couple of games about Gonzalez.

DeBarge was trying to steal home. Tough to do.

Thanks, I hadn't seen that he was stealing home.  Gotta love that young man.

[DocBauer]

6 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

McCusker sat for more than a week without playing and he slumped badly on his return to the Saints. Everyone should have expected that. Sitting was a real reality check on his chances. He has been the Saints best player by far all season and had a rope last night too. I have no idea if there is any chance he could be successful one level up, but without an opportunity it is also impossible to fail or succeed. FWIW, I'm not pushing a call up of McCusker but merely stating what is supportable.

I have watched a ton of McCusker's at bats and seen his play in right field as well. Wallner is not better at all defensively. Matt's reads off the bat are much worse than Carson's. Wallner takes forever to unleash a throw and increasingly he is not accurate. It seems like Wallner is frustrated with his hitting. McCusker reliably hits the cutoff man. Wallner has had success at the MLB level and the Twins are sold on him. We all hope Big Matt finds the ball again and doesn't carry his at bats into the field like it seemed Julien did when he bombed. Hopefully Wallner begins his turnaround today. As it stands I don't believe he will be chosen for the All Star Game. Maybe next year.

You watch a lot of MILB that I just don't have time to do. I wish I did. Im a HUGE believer in Wallner, and think his defense is underrated, though not great. I really don't know how good McCusker is, or is not, defensively. I understand he has a good arm.

I have serious doubts about the 6' 8" McCusker ever being able to control the zone enough to be a viable hitter at the ML level. BUT, if he COULD control the zone ENOUGH to K about 30-35%...which I know is high...but could BB just enough to make pitchers work, with his tremendous power, I could still see a .225-.230 hitter with DANGEROUS power. It's the power and his ability to scare pitchers enough for not giving them easy outs that could make him a decent 5th OF/DH option. The problem is, even for a team struggling for offense, the FO seems blind to guys they signed, but won't give a chance to because of expectations. But you NEVER KNOW unless you allow opportunity. 

Unfortunately for McCusker, his opportunity was a couple weeks ago. And he BARELY PLAYED. Right now, there isn't opportunity. 

While I'm NOT a FO hater, one of my biggest beefs with them is not giving opportunities to players already on hand. I much prefer the Brewers philosophy at this point.

[DocBauer]

6 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

McCusker sat for more than a week without playing and he slumped badly on his return to the Saints. Everyone should have expected that. Sitting was a real reality check on his chances. He has been the Saints best player by far all season and had a rope last night too. I have no idea if there is any chance he could be successful one level up, but without an opportunity it is also impossible to fail or succeed. FWIW, I'm not pushing a call up of McCusker but merely stating what is supportable.

I have watched a ton of McCusker's at bats and seen his play in right field as well. Wallner is not better at all defensively. Matt's reads off the bat are much worse than Carson's. Wallner takes forever to unleash a throw and increasingly he is not accurate. It seems like Wallner is frustrated with his hitting. McCusker reliably hits the cutoff man. Wallner has had success at the MLB level and the Twins are sold on him. We all hope Big Matt finds the ball again and doesn't carry his at bats into the field like it seemed Julien did when he bombed. Hopefully Wallner begins his turnaround today. As it stands I don't believe he will be chosen for the All Star Game. Maybe next year.

You watch a lot of MILB that I just don't have time to do. I wish I did. Im a HUGE believer in Wallner, and think his defense is underrated, though not great. I really don't know how good McCusker is, or is not, defensively. I understand he has a good arm.

I have serious doubts about the 6' 8" McCusker ever being able to control the zone enough to be a viable hitter at the ML level. BUT, if he COULD control the zone ENOUGH to K about 30-35%...which I know is high...but could BB just enough to make pitchers work, with his tremendous power, I could still see a .225-.230 hitter with DANGEROUS power. It's the power and his ability to scare pitchers enough for not giving them easy outs that could make him a decent 5th OF/DH option. The problem is, even for a team struggling for offense, the FO seems blind to guys they signed, but won't give a chance to because of expectations. But you NEVER KNOW unless you allow opportunity. 

Unfortunately for McCusker, his opportunity was a couple weeks ago. And he BARELY PLAYED. Right now, there isn't opportunity. 

While I'm NOT a FO hater, one of my biggest beefs with them is not giving opportunities to players already on hand. I much prefer the Brewers philosophy at this point.

[DocBauer]

So I lost my entire post due to WHATEVER. (Heavy sigh).

Parades is a late round pick. He's done very well in his role overall, but doesn't K enough to be a viable prospect. If he sticks to the pen exclusively, and gets his K numbers up, he might have a chance as a middle reliever.

There have been discussions that Bohorquez could be an excellent RP. But for a 20yo with good stuff, I'd keep him starting for now. Hopefully an appearance like this will get him back on track.

I'm really surprised to be saying this, is it possible Gabriel Gonzalez as a top 100 prospect a couple years ago might be accurate? I've heard he has a really good arm. But I've also heard he's a poor OF defensively. Albeit it was a really high sky with wind, the one time I've seen him as ST and he looked lost. That's a poor 1 game represention for any prospect. And again, I can't believe I'm saying this for ANY prospect, much less a 21yo, but when you are doing THIS WELL in the same 34 games you spent at A+, why would the FO not just accept lightening in a bottle and get him to AAA? I could understand them seeing something we don't in his development that they want to smooth out. 

But I've never understood not promoting lightening players.