Article: Q&A with Lewis Thorpe

[Seth Stohs]

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=2441-Q-A-with-Lewis-Thorpe

[Shane Wahl]

How recent is this picture? He really looks like such a kid.

 

Oh don't mind me, just need to work on my third and fourth pitches this coming year after I turn 18 . . . .

[mini_tb]

Thank you for the interview.

 

That's appears to be quite the inverted W.

[Chance]

Seth, you're awesome. Thanks again for your hard work and dedication to TD.

 

Is there a chance, with a good showing in EST, that he could join Cedar Rapids without going to E-Town? I know that you want players to develop, and take their time (he's only 18ish!), but 66-6 K:BB is pretty filthy. Why not challenge the kid a little? He seems to have the right mindset. Would it really stunt his development if he goes to A-ball after a few weeks in EST and experiences some growing pains? It may actually be good for him, because right now it's coming to easy for him.

[Chance]

That's appears to be quite the inverted W.

 

I've heard this before, but I'm not sure if that is a bad thing, good thing, or just a thing. Is there any significants to this delivery?

[twinsfan34]

This kid, along with Buxton seem so down to earth. That's one thing I'm really enjoying about seeing these 'kids' develop as players. They don't seem to just be looking for the money or the fame. It's a joy and there's a humility in how they do things, a respect for the sacrifices others have done so they could get to the point where they are. Ultimately, I think things like that will really help their development in the long run as determination, will, and acknowledgement of having to work hard and working to give a gift to someone else often results in greater results.

 

Very refreshing, thanks for going out of your way to get this interview.

[Celebrity Weddings!]

I've heard this before, but I'm not sure if that is a bad thing, good thing, or just a thing. Is there any significants to this delivery?

 

It's apparently a bad thing, responsible for a curiously diverse set of arm injuries.

 

That conclusion is not necessarily supported by research.

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Seth: good work as usual.

 

I too would like to see the Twins organization take a chance on this Aussie kid and start him in Cedar Rapids instead of Extended Spring Training. Lets see if he can handle low A batters right off.

[twinsfan34]

Seth: good work as usual.

 

I too would like to see the Twins organization take a chance on this Aussie kid and start him in Cedar Rapids instead of Extended Spring Training. Lets see if he can handle low A batters right off.

 

Totally agree.

 

Based on interviews by Byron Buxton, he said Low-A pitchers are basically 'locating' a fastball and a changeup anyway. That seems to be what Thorpe already does quite well - noting his BB/SO per IP numbers.

 

High-A and the Arizona Fall League pitchers will mix in more sliders and curves. And if they can begin to locate them, go to AA.

 

So, if Buxton's assessments are correct (they seem in line). It would seem that Thorpe would be in the mix for that A-/A+ level.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Considering both Stewart and Gonsalves had no problems with the appy league and Thorpe was putting up numbers better than both of them, I'd probably put all 3 in Cedar Rapids next season. I could see weekend trips lined up to catch those 3 on a Fri/Sat/Sun.

[Shane Wahl]

A question I have is: do we have information about how many "innings" guys pitch in EST and if that factors into next seasons innings limit? Otherwise, 44 innings isn't a lot to build off of if going to Cedar Rapids.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Thanks for the interview Seth. You might want to clarify who "Mark Ellis" is, in this context (Australian baseball coach?), so readers don't confuse him with the veteran MLB second baseman.

[TRex]

Don't forget he went to Instructional League and the international tournament, so I imagine he is in the 70 inning range.

 

I don't know if he is on CRs opening day roster, as that gets a 'good' pitcher ~130 innings. However, I think he may start in the MWL prior to mid-June before the Appy league starts.

[Otto von Ballpark]

I was looking for similarly dominant GCL pitching performances (good news: there aren't many), and I found Clayton Kershaw 2006. Kershaw jumped to low-A the next year, but he was about ~8 months older than Thorpe, and perhaps more importantly, a much bigger kid (6'3", 215 lbs when drafted, as compared to Thorpe's listed 6'1", 160 lbs).

[Shane Wahl]

I was looking for similarly dominant GCL pitching performances (good news: there aren't many), and I found Clayton Kershaw 2006. Kershaw jumped to low-A the next year, but he was about ~8 months older than Thorpe, and perhaps more importantly, a much bigger kid (6'3", 215 lbs when drafted, as compared to Thorpe's listed 6'1", 160 lbs).

 

That's an interesting result of your search! I see that Kershaw also pitched 122 innings that next year. I think that maybe 100 could be somewhat reasonable. I often think that innings limits end up slowing down some of these prospects too much in the Twins' system.

[Seth Stohs]

Let's not forget that he threw 44 innings in the GCL, from late June through mid-August. Remember, he was also throwing/pitching in Extended Spring Training from March through mid-June, so you can likely at least double the innings he threw in the GCL, then the international tournament, and then Instructs.

[Thrylos]

This kid, along with Buxton seem so down to earth. That's one thing I'm really enjoying about seeing these 'kids' develop as players. They don't seem to just be looking for the money or the fame. .

 

I agree about them being down to early. However a gently reminder:

 

In order for an average college graduate to match what Buxton made in one year, he/she has to work 100-120 years. For an average high school graduate (Buxton's education level), it will take 200-250 years of work

 

So no wonder he is not worried about money...

 

Perspective.

[Shane Wahl]

I agree about them being down to early. However a gently reminder:

 

In order for an average college graduate to match what Buxton made in one year, he/she has to work 100-120 years. For an average high school graduate (Buxton's education level), it will take 200-250 years of work

 

So no wonder he is not worried about money...

 

Perspective.

 

Good lord, Thrylos. I mean you are 100% correct. But still, good lord.

[nicksaviking]

Nice interview, this guy is exciting. Looks like the pics could use a bit of an update though, he seems to have filled out quite a bit:

 

 

I think we got something here.

 

Edit: Also, I can't find a profile video of his current delivery, but that pic of him in the Doncaster uniform is his Australian team. For all I know there should be concerns about his delivery but it's likely been adjusted in some manor since playing pro-ball.

[Steve Penz]

It's apparently a bad thing, responsible for a curiously diverse set of arm injuries.

 

That conclusion is not necessarily supported by research.

 

 

The inverted W name is funny. Why not just call it an M? I think you are right. I think the high elbow in the throwing arm can cause a violent snap when coming through and can lead to issues because of the elbow stress.

[orangevening]

The inverted W name is funny. Why not just call it an M? I think you are right. I think the high elbow in the throwing arm can cause a violent snap when coming through and can lead to issues because of the elbow stress.

 

totally off topic; but why is it called a "double U", when it should be called a "double V"

[the_youngster]

Probably my favorite part is how adement he is about reducing his walks. He walked six in 44 innings! Granted he was pitching against young hitters who swing away, but a kid with naturally good stuff and a focus on control is certainly nice to see.

[ashbury]

totally off topic; but why is it called a "double U", when it should be called a "double V"

 

S'il était français, il serait en effet le dire de cette façon.

 

/ disclaimer - Google Translate is entirely responsible if this means I actually just ordered a bowl of stewed umbrellas

[YourHouseIsMyHouse]

Lewis Thorpe: At about 15 is when all the scouts started chatting to me. The Twins have a lot of Australians, and I wanted to feel comfortable, and I did.

 

Looks like we're FINALLY getting some benefits from those Australians.

[big dog]

Any guy who both golfs and plays putt-putt is all right by me. Good on ya!

[TRex]

... putt putt isn't the new word for 'night putting' is it Spalding?

[twinsfan34]

I agree about them being down to early. However a gently reminder:

 

In order for an average college graduate to match what Buxton made in one year, he/she has to work 100-120 years. For an average high school graduate (Buxton's education level), it will take 200-250 years of work

 

So no wonder he is not worried about money...

 

Perspective.

 

I give you, perspective:

 

[h=1]Promise of MLB stardom won't keep Byron Buxton off lawnmower for hours of yard work[/h]

It is pointed out to Buxton, a centerfielder whom the Minnesota Twins paid $6 million to sign last year, that he is, uh, rich and probably could pay someone to cut the acres of grass at his new house, his old house and his aunt's house – almost eight hours of total mowing. To which he replies, without missing a beat, "I'd rather do it myself."

[Otto von Ballpark]

He uses a riding mower, though. Just another member of the "privileged class"

[mnfanforlife]

Mark Ellis? What was the South Dakotan doing in Australia?