Kirilloff Could Provide Boost to Top Hitting Prospects

Larnach is actually having a decent first full-year in the organization.  Seems to be some hope he will develop into a fine player.  Only problem is, there might not be any place to play him.

Lewis has been hitting better of late and I suspect by year's end he will have the numbers to support his lofty ranking.  Could be an argument that Kirilloff deserves the #1 ranking in the organization, but hopefully he will no longer be a prospect come October.

The other player on this list that really concerns me is Javier.  They gotta get him on the field because I still believe he can and will be special.

Thanks for this Cody.

I read this in a recent Keith Law chat, wondering if anyone has heard this from another source?

Mike G: Worried about Royce Lewis’s slow start?

Keith Law: About his start, no. About the changes to his mechanics – he’s gotten very noisy, with a hitch now and multiple triggers – yes.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but in terms of adding Javier to the 40-man, isn't that only if they don't want him to be rule V eligible?  Unless he tears it up and somehow makes it to AA this year, I can't envision any organization using a 25 man spot next year on him.

Larnach is actually having a decent first full-year in the organization. Seems to be some hope he will develop into a fine player. Only problem is, there might not be any place to play him.

 

Lewis has been hitting better of late and I suspect by year's end he will have the numbers to support his lofty ranking. Could be an argument that Kirilloff deserves the #1 ranking in the organization, but hopefully he will no longer be a prospect come October.

 

The other player on this list that really concerns me is Javier. They gotta get him on the field because I still believe he can and will be special.

I'll be surprised if Kirilloff comes up before September, though I'd love to be wrong.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but in terms of adding Javier to the 40-man, isn't that only if they don't want him to be rule V eligible? Unless he tears it up and somehow makes it to AA this year, I can't envision any organization using a 25 man spot next year on him.

Javier is the Twins #4 prospect, per mlb pipeline.

Prospects like that are never available in the Rule V draft. He'd be a lock to go #1 overall, IMO.

Javier is the Twins #4 prospect, per mlb pipeline.
Prospects like that are never available in the Rule V draft. He'd be a lock to go #1 overall, IMO.

Unfortunately, Mr. Brooks, I fear you are correct.  Gotta believe the Twins will add him, no matter what.  But we have to get this kid back on the field and playing some baseball.  

There is also the Minor League portion of the rule V draft that I would be concerned about

Kirilloff has been raking again over his first week.  I bet we see him get a lot of work at first, and if he can cut it defensively there, he will get a call this year.  This is only if he keeps raking, and Cron continues to flounder where he is.  Cron has been good defensively, from my eye test, but has been replacement level at best hitting.  A few big hits but if Kirilloff can continue to show his bat is ready I think he will get a chance at some point and see what he does with it.  

This will also require potential injuries to others as well.  I do not expect team to drop Cron with how he is playing at this point, he is still at least keeping on team. 

The minor league portion of Rule 5 is very different. Each minor league club gets to protect a certain number of players too, in addition to the guys already protected on the MLB 40-man. Anyone viewed as remotely on the bubble for the major league Rule 5 draft would certainly be protected for the minor league portion.

Thank you for the clarification.

Right now, Javier is graded as a Future Value (FV) of 45+ at Fangraphs.

 

The Orioles top pick in Rule 5 this year was an infielder with FV 40. Burdi was FV 40 when he was picked 3rd. Most of the guys picked in Rule 5 don't even get FV scores, which shows you their relative status as prospects!

 

Barring some unusual collapse or injury this season, I think Javier would be a guaranteed Rule 5 selection if left unprotected, and likely the top pick. One of the rebuilding clubs would easily grab a $4 mil international signing from a few years ago at the cost of a roster spot. His checkered health history might even make it easier to stash him on the DL for a portion of the season too.

Totally fair.  I forgot we're in an era where half of the league isn't really competing.