The Twins Most and Least Aggressive Prospect Assignments

They are all good to me. The aggressive assignments all have some struggles (E-Rod with batting average). E-Rod leads the team (maybe the league) in RBI's. He walks, strikes out, and hits extra base hits. No singles yet this year. He seems to be a clutch player, getting big time hits when needed.

Julien’s arm action will cost some outs. They will miss out on some double plays and close plays at first base. I am not sure it gets much better in AAA though repetition and foot work in the position can help. That kind of work would be easier to do in AAA. If he can show his bat will make up for those lost outs he needs to stay. He has a window to show his bat belongs at the top of a major league line up. It is up to him.

It seems a real stretch to think that Brooks Lee was least aggressive. He is 22 with virtually no time at AA. How many drafted last year are above his level? If that is the best you found then the Twins were very aggressive in their promotions this year.

The Angels just called up Zach Neto who was drafted 5 spots after Brookes Lee. They say he is up for the long term and have moved former Twin Gio Urshela to first base. I’d prefer that the Twins move a little slower in developing all the youngsters on the above list but I cant help but wonder if at least 3 of them are with the varsity when we make a deep run in the playoffs this October! 

2 minutes ago, Jocko87 said:

I wouldn't read too much into comping Neto and Lee, the Angels have nothing at SS holding him back and are in win now mode trying to get Ohtani to believe in the future.  Urshela already has 6 starts platooning with David Fletcher at SS and they can't win that way.  If Lee was in the Angles org he might have broke camp with them.

I agree! I hope for Neto’s sake that the lack of milb development doesn’t mess him up long term. In the same thought light tho, I can see Lee getting the August call up if he is crushing it in AA and we keep sending guys to the IL all summer long.  If Erod does the same in Iowa, he will likely be moved up to AA in June or July.  As always I worry that Buxton will trip on a blade of grass and end his season early which could then lead to Erod being on the post season roster and since it seems like he lives for the big moments…. He could be given a spot to show off….

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

I'm quite interested in Prielipp, both from seeing the individual player develop and as a gauge of how aggressive they are willing to be. 

No chance now to be aggressive. He's back on the IL.

Just now, Jocko87 said:

Shoot, didn't see that. What is it for?

 "to see team doctors for evaluation of surgically repaired left elbow."

I'm always in favor of promoting aggressively.  Who is the hot prospect at SS in St. Paul blocking Lee?  No one.  I'm O.K. with Lee at AA only if he's in St. Paul by 2-3 weeks into May.  Julien belongs with the major league team.  Some of this will depend when Farmer is able to come back but they need Julien at the top of the order against RH pitchers and maybe full time.  I have to admit, I've been very impressed with Louie Varland every time he's pitched for the Twins.  

AAA is for "4-A", break-glass, veterans...and prospects that have noting to prove at AA.

Julien fits that bill, so AAA was appropriate. You can see that he has plenty of work to do...including on defense...before he's in a starting major-league lineup. And you don't bring him up to sit on the bench and PH.

Lee, does have a little to prove in AA. I'm fine with that start.

I like the aggressiveness. Although, Rodriguez is worrying me a bit with his 50% K rate. Yep, 50%.

18 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

 "to see team doctors for evaluation of surgically repaired left elbow."

Not good to hear. Let's hope this "evaluation" is only a normal one and that he's cleared to pitch again ASAP. 

I would disagree that Lee is the least aggressive.  This is his first full season of pro ball.  They were super aggressive on moving him all the way up to AA by season end.  Could they have tried AAA off the bat, sure, but then he would be in the more aggressive.  I am sure you can find someone on the prospect list that is much less aggressive than Lee.  I would put Walner in the least aggressive over both Lee and Juilien being he is in AAA, and has repeated that level even after getting some MLB time last year. At least with Lee he barely played AA last year, and Juilien moved up a level.