Twins Add Two in Compensation Round

As expected, the Twins drafted Georgia OF Byron Buxton second overall (though it came with a little uncertainty after Carlos Correa, not Mark Appel, went first).

Shortly after 9:30 local time, the Twins were back on the clock. Conventional wisdom suggested the Twins were going to take local product Mitch Brown.

Instead, the Twins pegged Puerto Rican P Jose Orlando Berrios. Berrios is the third Puerto Rican to go in the top two rounds and only the second to go as high as the supplemental round.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

(perfectgame.org)

Berrios is a late-bloomer that really excelled this spring in the Excellence Tournament. He added over 20 pounds to his six foot frame (to bring him up to 180) over the winter. Twins fans will be happy to know that the team added a guy who throws in the mid-90s, with a low-80s slider and the potential to throw an average to above-average change-up.

Prospect-wise, Berrios's upside is of a #2 starter, but it will probably be the summer of 2014 before we see him playing full-season ball. At the least, Berrios could become a power-reliever with a high-90's fastball in shorter spurts. Though he's committed to Miami Dade JC, Berrios is a safe bet to sign quickly for near the $1.55m pick value and will make his debut this summer for the GCL Twins.

Ten picks (and only ten minutes) later the Twins stood back at the podium and surprised many of us with the selection of Georgia Tech RP Luke Bard. Bard is the younger brother of Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard.

Bard tore a lat muscle (similar to Roy Halladay) this spring and hasn't pitched since the end of March. Before injuring himself, Bard was in the first-round conversation as a power-reliever, throwing a mid-90s fastball with a decent slider.

It is only my opinion, but I believe the Twins will give Bard the opportunity to start. The Twins will want to see Bard throw before signing him, which I believe they will in late June or early July, for a little less than pick value. I expect Bard - if healthy - to be on a similar path as Madison Boer - pick up relief innings in Elizabethton and Beloit in 2012 before getting a chance to start in low-A ball next spring.

All in all, today should be considered a very successful day by Twins fans.

The Twins will have the 3rd pick of the second round. I would be surprised if Mitch Brown doesn't hear his name called.

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