One To Watch: LHP Mason Melotakis

One of the biggest question marks for the Twins this offseason, and throughout Twins Fest weekend, is the bullpen, specifically, left-handed options for the bullpen. Brian Duensing and Neal Cotts are gone. Fernando Abad has a chance to be a quality arm. But two internal options will get an opportunity to make the team as well. Taylor Rogers and Mason Melotakis were added to the Twins 40-man roster in November and each has a chance to be very good.

We wrote a lot about Taylor Rogers during the last few seasons since he was the Twins 11th-round pick in 2012 out of the University of Kentucky. He was our choice for Starting Pitcher of the Year in 2013 and has moved up a level each year since, as a starter. However, his numbers against left-handers indicate that he could be very good out of the bullpen.

We may know less about Mason Melotakis. So today we’ll get to know a little more about him.

He grew up in Grapevine, Texas, where he was a big Texas Rangers fan.

“I was always a Rangers fan growing up. Me and my dad used to watch them every night. I’ve bled baseball ever since I can remember. We’ve always been at the field, but the Rangers are who we watched until now.”

Now? “Oh, I’m a Twins fan!”

He was a good pitcher in high school, but following his graduation he was not drafted.

“I was undersized in high school. I was tall, but I didn’t get weight. I didn’t get any of my weight until college. I was under the radar in high school. When I got to college, I got weight, muscle came, velo came. Things started to all come together at that point. That’s when being drafted was a possibility.”

He was the Twins 2nd-round pick in 2012 out of Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He was a reliever in college, but he was tried as a starter early in his career.

He split the 2013 season between the rotation and the bullpen. In 2014, he made two starts before the organization decided to keep him in the bullpen for good. It is a decision that Melotakis fully supports.

“I think I’m just going to be a bullpen guy. I enjoy the bullpen. I like that crazy attitude coming in when the game’s on the line and they need you. I like that mentality. I was a closer in college, so having that kind of pressure situation is something I’ve been accustomed to over the years. I enjoy that role.I enjoy relieving, being able to compete every day.”

Unfortunately, a month after being moved back to the bullpen, he started to feel some pain.

“It was all of a sudden. I had never had arm problems. It felt good that day. I was actually throwing harder, and then one pitch, it just kind of happened. It seems like the horror story for everybody.”

He tried for two months to rehab in Ft. Myers, hoping to avoid the dreaded Tommy John surgery. However, on October 14, Melotakis was in New York where Dr. David Altcheck performed the surgery.

It meant that he had to miss the entire 2015 season. He was very disappointed, frustrated.

“It was a frustrating season especially since I was on that Chattanooga team. It was also a big season for me. I wanted to prove myself and show my worth and compete. Sitting out that season was a little frustrating, but it also let’s you know what you’re working toward and kept me motivated.”

Knowing he would need to spend the 2015 season and offseasons in Ft. Myers, Melotakis made a big purchase. “I bought a house (in Ft. Myers) when I found out about surgery, so now I’m going to continue this (workout out there). The guys we have down there, the training staff, the amenities are fantastic.”

Melotakis followed the plan throughout his season of rehab. He was at 11 months (following surgery) when the Twins Florida Instructional League began in late September. He didn’t pitch in games, but he was able to participate.

“ I was throwing bullpens, but it wasn’t in games. I wasn’t able to throw an inning. But I was able to face some guys in a game-like situation, but it was batting practice. It was nice to face hitters and feel like you’re in a game, but nothing’s better than the real deal.”

Reports came out of Ft. Myers that Melotakis was hitting 97 mph again with his fastball. One year after Tommy John surgery, that is quite impressive. More encouraging, he didn’t need to try to come back at that time. He still had the entire offseason to keep working and try to be ready for spring training.

Those reports likely made the Twins’ decision of whether to add him to their 40-man roster, but right before Thanksgiving, Melotakis received a call he had been waiting for but wasn’t sure if he would get.

“I was actually been working toward this. I was hoping, but I knew, having Tommy John, that it was going to be a tough decision for them. I got a call when I was in Ft. Myers, and I was ecstatic. I was by myself. I had just flown in from Texas for three days, and I got a call there. I was celebrating by myself. So when I got home (to Texas), I was able to see my parents and give them a hug and we were all very happy”

It was Rob Antony who called Melotakis. After gathering himself on the phone, Melotakis informed Antony of his plans.

“It’s something you work toward all your life. I told him, honestly, I’m honored to be on the 40- and, but I’m excited to be on the 25-man.”

Lofty goals, but certainly attainable. The Twins will likely be cautious with Melotakis since he has not pitched in a game situation since August of 2014. That said, when spring training starts in mid-February, he will be at 16 months following his surgery. He will be given a shot to make the Opening Day roster.

“I’m going to compete. I plan on competing and getting my name in contention for breaking with the team out of spring training. That’s my goal. It’s been my goal ever since I knew I would be back. I’m looking to compete. I”m hoping to make a name for myself and hopefully earn a spot.”

It really isn’t a case of IF Mason Melotakis will pitch for the Twins. The only question really is WHEN. Will it be Opening Day? There is a chance. Will it be in 2016? There is a very good chance. When a left-hander has the ability to throw 97 mph, he will get an opportunity. But having started, he also was able to develop his other pitchers.

“I actually worked on my change-up a lot when I was rehabbing, and it was actually a good pitch. I’m going to do a three-pitch mix. It’s a fastball, with a two-seam as well, a slurve, and a change-up.”

When this Twins Daily writer was approaching Melotakis in the clubhouse to request an interview, he had to wait a couple of minutes. Torii Hunter was back there, chatting with Melotakis and his parents. Melotakis and his father excitedly got a picture taken with the Twins newest Hall of Famer. What a moment for pitcher and family!

This was Melotakis’ first Twins Fest, but it was not his first trip to Minneapolis and to Target Field. After being drafted by the Twins in 2012, he came to town to take a physical and sign with the team.

“It was beautiful,” He quickly added, “Not that it’s not beautiful now, but it’s fun to see a different season and seeing snow and seeing how Minnesota would be in your mind. Being here just makes you even more hungry.”

Melotakis enjoyed Twins Fest. He knew most of the players, but he was excited to meet the veterans as well and learn from them. He wants to join them at Target Field in the regular season. “I want to be here. That’s the main thing.”

It was also important for him to bring his parents to Twins Fest. He knows that when he gets The Call to the big leagues, they will be there.

“They’re just ecstatic for me. They've been the best supporters that I could possibly want. I just know that they’ll be there, whatever day it is. I get that call. I know they’ll be right there with me.”

Melotakis (pronounced Melo-TACK-is) is a very intriguing player for Twins fans to watch in spring training. If he performs, he could make the Opening Day roster. More likely, he’ll start the season in Chattanooga just to get some innings in. Since he will be 16-17 months post-Tommy John, it really is just a matter of time and confidence.

Like all those other big-time relief pitching prospects in the Twins system, Melotakis has a chance to be a real difference maker in the back of the Twins bullpen for years to come.