Article: Twins Minor League Intrasquad Game 2

[Seth Stohs]

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php/2735-Twins-Minor-League-Intrasquad-Game-2

[Steve Lein]

Did you happen to stand by the guys on the radar guns for any of these guys at all? I just ask because when I've watched, I could tell a guy like Hermsen wasn't throwing as hard as others, and when I went to watch the guns, that was confirmed (80-84). But then there were the guys who "looked" like their FB had good-life, but the guns wouldn't back that observation up (86-89). AND THEN there were guys whose FB's looked pretty unspectacular, but they would light-up the guns (92-95). It wasn't easy to pin down an actual "hard thrower" from just watching them, because they are all so different in how they "look."

 

I don't have any problem with those observations, I guess I'm just more curious if you collected any data to go along with them?

[Tibs]

Thanks again, Seth. We truly have an exciting amount of potential in the minors. The pitchers we have that aren't considered top prospects excite me.

[TRex]

Hey Seth, has Buxton switched from the #7 he wore last year (it looks like #9 in your picture). If so, there isn't any conflict on the MLB roster and we can start on our homemade jerseys!

[Seth Stohs]

No data. I just looked at how hitters reacted to pitches, get jammed, out front, etc.

[Seth Stohs]

Hey Seth, has Buxton switched from the #7 he wore last year (it looks like #9 in your picture). If so, there isn't any conflict on the MLB roster and we can start on our homemade jerseys!

 

He is wearing #9, so I'm assuming he's going to continue with that.

[lightfoot789]

How did some of the Big (stature) prospects look defensively and offensively? Vargas; Walker; D. Hicks; Etc. - Just wondering how some of the future power guys are doing? Heard Vargas has been the talk of the camp (MLB) in many circles. Better all around player than most thought. Your views?

[lightfoot789]

And it seemed like most of the players ended up wearing different numbers than they wore in spring training camps last year. Their affiliated teams (Miracle / Kernes / etc.) might not have those numbers or if they do have those numbers - it may not be in their respective size. I'm sure Vargas would have a problem finding his size in every number .

[James]

I must have missed the memo, but when did Dereck Rodriguez convert to a pitcher? He was drafted as an outfielder if I'm not mistaken.

[Jim Crikket]

Yeah, I don't think I'd put much stock in what # the minor leaguers are wearing during spring training. I'm not sure how much choice they get. Seems like someone puts their name on the back of a jersey roughly their size, without too much regard to the number on it, and hangs it in their locker.

[clutterheart]

So I should give up the dream of Polanco being our SS of the future? I was hopeful when Ryan said this offseason that he will play short.

Goodrum's got to pretty happy to see him struggle there.

[ScottyB]

Ruesse, who's down in Ft. Meyers right now mentioned on his show that his front office sources would like to try to move Burton and Duensing. Anyone else hear this from any other sources?

[Seth Stohs]

How did some of the Big (stature) prospects look defensively and offensively? Vargas; Walker; D. Hicks; Etc. - Just wondering how some of the future power guys are doing? Heard Vargas has been the talk of the camp (MLB) in many circles. Better all around player than most thought. Your views?

 

Walker has struggled defensively. Heard he had a big triple today.

 

Vargas in BP is pretty exciting. He looks fine on Defense, but he's not going to be great.

 

Hicks is solid with the glove, more nimble than he may look

[Seth Stohs]

I must have missed the memo, but when did Dereck Rodriguez convert to a pitcher? He was drafted as an outfielder if I'm not mistaken.

 

I posted it last Tuesday in my minor league spring training preview, and it had been alluded to on Twitter throughout the winter.

[Seth Stohs]

So I should give up the dream of Polanco being our SS of the future? I was hopeful when Ryan said this offseason that he will play short.

Goodrum's got to pretty happy to see him struggle there.

 

It was one day. He's got a really good glove. He'd be fine with more playing time there. I just think he's a second baseman. Niko Goodrum is a very good defensive shortstop.

[Seth Stohs]

Ruesse, who's down in Ft. Meyers right now mentioned on his show that his front office sources would like to try to move Burton and Duensing. Anyone else hear this from any other sources?

 

I can confirm that there are rumblings, but can't confirm is the front office people are actually saying that. In fact, I'd be really surprised, knowing some in the front office, if they would be that forward about it to anyone.

[oldguy10]

Isn't it almost implied in MLB circles that Burton and/or Duensing will be shipped thus no need for Twins management to be forward or not regarding the two pitchers? Sure seems to be the case in my mind.

[JB_Iowa]

Ruesse, who's down in Ft. Meyers right now mentioned on his show that his front office sources would like to try to move Burton and Duensing. Anyone else hear this from any other sources?

 

I don't know what the rumblings might be but I found this blog by Berardino interesting:

 

http://blogs.twincities.com/twins/2014/03/12/twinsights-brian-duensings-immediate-future-could-be-in-question/

 

 

I didn't realize how the money situation worked on arbitration eligible players -- but obviously it could have some impact here.

[ashbury]

He is wearing #9, so I'm assuming he's going to continue with that.

 

So NOW we know who was really pulling the strings on the Doumit trade.

[MinnFan4Life]

Did you happen to stand by the guys on the radar guns for any of these guys at all? I just ask because when I've watched, I could tell a guy like Hermsen wasn't throwing as hard as others, and when I went to watch the guns, that was confirmed (80-84). But then there were the guys who "looked" like their FB had good-life, but the guns wouldn't back that observation up (86-89). AND THEN there were guys whose FB's looked pretty unspectacular, but they would light-up the guns (92-95). It wasn't easy to pin down an actual "hard thrower" from just watching them, because they are all so different in how they "look."

 

I don't have any problem with those observations, I guess I'm just more curious if you collected any data to go along with them?

 

To Steve & anyone else who may be interested. I saw this question posted before going to the fields on Wednesday. It was the first games vs other teams. Our Rochester and New Britian groups took on Pawtucket and Portland rosters from the Red Sox. BJ Hersem, I was told by players charting pitches, etc. - was throwing 87 - 89 with has fastball. Talked to him after his two innings. I got the standard "It felt good" response. "Still working on things". He didn't have any feeling on his velocity, when I asked. He did say he would like to tighten up location on some of his pitches. He was missing away and off the plate.

 

The only other pitcher I got numbers on was Trevor May, pitching for Rochester. Virgil Vasquez (who is very cool and very friendly) was kind enough to tell me that May was throwing 92-94 with his fastball.

[MinnFan4Life]

It was one day. He's got a really good glove. He'd be fine with more playing time there. I just think he's a second baseman. Niko Goodrum is a very good defensive shortstop.

 

Talking to some field pers. Overall, they view Polanco as primarily a second baseman who COULD play some short. They will get him more work at short. Scouting report on him right now is a guy who can make spectacular plays that others cant, but for too often misses the routine plays that should be made.

I've also frequently talked to Niko Goodrum. He is a great kid, very polite and pretty humble. He likes Jorge, wouldn't route against him for his own personal gain - I tells me he is only worried about his own game. Isn't keeping track of what others are doing. Goodrum has a GREAT glove. The question with him is can his bat be enough at the major league level. I saw Jim Dwyer talking to Goodrum, in length, after he was replaced in the game vs the Red Sox minor league guys. Nearly 10 minutes or so. Talked about set up and position of his hands to handle certain pitches

[lightfoot789]

Who have the coaches seemed to be impressed with offensively? I heard Harrison was raking it pretty good in other reports. I'm curious as to whom is hitting well? Who do the coaches seem happy with in terms of having made adjustments since last season?

 

Niko can definitely make some spectacular plays look routine dfensively. He can play 2nd / 3rd / or SS as well as any of our present prospects as well. Incredible arm / Range / Instincts

[oldguy10]

If Goodrum has a GREAT glove and I am talking Belanger great then there is no doubt in my mind that he should be the regular shortstop for years to come. How does Goodrum compare to Simmons also?

[Seth Stohs]

Goodrum is a very good glove, but he's not Belanger yet. He has good range and a strong arm. he's very consistent, makes the routine plays. He's tall and is solid. He's not Simmons. He's not Florimon. He's very good.

 

Polanco definitely is (and looks) much more comfortable at second base. I think they just want to keep him getting ground balls at shortstop for flexibility. He can be OK over there.

[lightfoot789]

Derek Jeter had 50+ errors one minor league season. Goodrum will be a solid defender and his OBP has always been good . As he gains consistency on the routine play and continues to make the spectacular plays - He will rival Santana for the SS of the future.

 

Any word on the Hitters in minor league games?

[stringer bell]

I was behind the screen when several guys threw. The velo was there for anyone to see. May looked terrific for two innings, but couldn't get through the third. Correia was consistently at 89 with his FB.

[Halsey Hall]

So who would I look for Stringer? We probably bumped into each other.