darwin22

Seth: Just an outstanding analysis of the 1st week for our four affiliates! Although I posted on May 9th thread, I was impressed with what I saw from many on the Wind Surge in the 2 games I saw in Springfield last week. Whitefield and Miranda had a great 1st week and Caleb Hamilton also was productive. Know the managers at all levels want to protect their SPs early in the season, so I'm guessing it will likely into June before we see our rising prospects be able to pitch deeper into games. As for your "lowlights" section, I think its important to update the fans who are following these prospects to report the facts. Hopefully with Celestino, he just had a poor week at the plate. His defense from all reports I've read is MLB quality now. I more concerned with the "Sano-eque" start of Sabato at Fort Myers. Big kid with a productive power bat at UNC, so I can't think he's being overwhelmed at the Low A level. Hope he can get it going soon. Keep up the great work!

Will be interesting to see what size of crowds (not just home opener) tomorrow night the Wind Surge will have against Amarillo this week. Might be a dumb question as I'm not sure if their limiting tickets sold. That was the case in Springfield last week for the 2 games I saw. Even if the crowd size is limited, I hope the fans show are loud and show some enthusiasm. That was NOT the case in Springfield as the Cardinal fans were VERY quiet-----unless prompted by the PA system. Should be a good test for the Surge as Amarillo won 4 of 6 against Tulsa (Dodgers AA team) at home last week.

Nash--Thanks for the update, which has become a daily part of my life as I've chosen to take my time and attention to players who MIGHT develop into players that can help us at the MLB level. Having watched the Wind Surge in person this past week for 2 games in Springfield, its nice to see Aaron Whitefield has continued his torrid start! Average is at .444 with 5 extra base hits (2 HRs) 7 RBI and a 1.315 OPS. Also pleased to see #19 prospect, Jose Miranda, continue to rake. Miranda is hitting .370 with 3 HRs, 7 RBI and a 1.155 OPS. On the other side of things, I hope Gilberto Celestino's first week was an aberration. Celestino looked bad in the two games I saw and finished the week going 3-20 (.150 avg) with 9 K's. That's right there at Sano level--not good. On the pitching front at Wichita, its was nice to see Josh Winder follow up his 1st solid start at Cedar Rapids with a good start tonight ( 5IP, 5 K's with 2 ER allowed) in Springfield. Will be keeping an eye on other SPs--namely Bryan Sammons, Cole Sands and Dakota Chalmers.

Echoing the comments of others, I do appreciate your efforts Nick of putting this information out there. For all the eternal optimists that this season can turn around to be competitive for a playoff slot, I commend you. Saying that, with all due respect, I do seriously question how much those fans actually watch this team? Like many others, I've lived (and mainly died) with this team since I began rooting for the Twins in the early 1970s. A lot of very lean years throughout the 70s and into the early to mid 80s and then again into the 90s. Those teams were hard to watch, but I can honestly say I seldomly questioned their effort and enthusiasm to play this game. With this group--its become exhausting to witness the complete lack of intestinal fortitude required to be successful at this level. Much of whats lacking, I attribute to Baldelli's style as a manager. Attitude reflects leadership. I will say that again. Attitude reflects leadership! This is a soft team that shows the grit and fight of your pet bunny. The one "stat" mentioned that struck me was that the Twins have not won a game all season in which they trailed by more than 1 run. A total system failure that Falvey, Pohlad and the players are responsible for. Since the meltdown in Oakland a few weeks back, I've taken my "time investment" to our minor league prospects. Quite a few, I know only the first week, to be encouraged by. Namely, Matt Canterino (High A Cedar Rapids), Josh Winder (CR & Wichita) as well as Aaron Whitefield (OF-Wichita) and Jose Miranda (2B- Wichita).

If memory serves regarding Sabato's start to season....."Yikes" is an understatement as he's 1-18 (.056) with a huge number of whiffs. Did Falvey have Sano tutoring him in ST?

Focusing on the "positives for the day": SP Saints were crushind Omaha 8-1 before game suspended in 5th inning. #24 prospect, Bailey Ober, had a decent start going 3 IP allowing only 1 ER while recording 3 K's. Ryan Jeffers went 1-2 with 2 RBI and a walk. Keon Broxton---time to get him up to play CF with Buxton's extended time on IL-----is hitting well so far, .333 avg with .845 OPS Wichita Wind Surge keep rolling! 9-3 winner over Springfield to improve to 4-1. Although not a good night for Dakota Chalmers, hitters throughout lineup continue to rake! Jose Miranda (3-6) to raise average to .391; Aaron Whitefield went 2-5 to raise average to .455. Even more encouraging, Gilberto Celestino finally broke out of his slump going 2-4 with an RBI. Surge batters with RISP: 8-24........not a great %, but considering what the "big boys" did today in Detroit---quite impressive.

This bullpen, collectively, has got to be one of the WORST in Twins history through 32 games. This would include the group (my high schools days) when the legendary, RD, was our closer. Saying that, this squirt gun of an offense (yes I know Kirilloff, Arraez and Buxton are on IL) continues to give us nearly no chance to WIN as our 3 runs today---was the 19th time in 32 games (59.4% of games played) that our collection of "hitters" (using that term very loosely) scored 3 runs (or less) this season. Realize its true for most all MLB teams........the winning % soars when scoring 4+ runs, but its even more true for Twins as they are 9-4 when scoring 4+ runs. Record should be 12-1-------as 3 of those losses------Opening Day Colome meltdown in 9th, bullpen meltdown vs. SEA a few weeks ago (leading 6-0) in 6th and the never to be forgotten 13-12 loss to Oakland---were all games that can be blamed on Rocco and our gas can of a bullpen.

Excellent point in your post. I would go even further to state that AT ANY POINT in ANY GAME given the choice between Astudillo hitting vs. Sano---------any reasonable Twins fans (not related to Sano) would choose El Tortuga for a multitude of reasons. Statistically the ONLY area that Sano is "better" than Astudillo is in drawing walks--Sano with 15 vs. zero for the Turtle. Even giving Sano that...its quite amazing that Astudillo has a better OBP than Sano (.308 to .299). No comparison in .avg (.313 to .129), hits (20 to 8), extra base hits (5 to 3), RBI-(11 to 5), total bases (31 to 14). Moreover, as bad as the Turtle can be (swinging at everything) he at least MAKES CONTACT!! Sano continues to whiff at nearly a fifty percent rate (46.8%) with his 29 K's in his 62 ABs. He's just an automatic out. Sick and tired...when I did watch a game, of hearing Bremer and Morneau ad nauseam talk of how Sano is "taking really good ABs--just missing pitches." Are you kidding me? I know Dick & Justin have to "toe the company line" (never overtly criticizing any player), but, seriously, give me a break. The only reason I honestly believe Sano is back playing getting regular ABs right now is $$ signs! He's making $11m this season and due to make $9.25m in 2022. Falvey and mgmt keep running him out there somehow hoping he can recapture some semblance of the hitter that he was post-All Star Break in 2019/ 65 games: .254 avg with 21 jacks, 55 RBI, .362 OBP and a .939 OPS. The Pohlad group has got to be hoping and praying for "that player" to somehow be reincarnated this season. That way---they can trade him this season to an AL team contending for a playoff slot that needs a DH. If not this season, if Sano can rekindle his 2nd half 2019 mojo-------the hope is some desperate NL GM will make a trade offer for him in the offseason, which would take his $m+ salary off the books for next year. Time to give Astudillo full time duty at 1B until Kirilloff comes off IL to take over.

Count me in also regarding hearing from Wes Johnson regarding the continued implosion of this bullpen as well as the far too frequent struggles of Berrios. I really wonder with Berrios is it a "I'm good Wes, I'm gonna do it MY WAY"--a reluctance to accept coaching/ tweaks to his game. Saying that, Berrios is far from our biggest concern. I will take my responsibility for wanting to see what Derek Law had to offer after a good ST. After today, ughh! Next man up, but who?? This takes me back to the man ultimately responsible for this mess of a bullpen-----Derrick Falvey. Living out of Twin Cities area so I need to ask-----have I missed the media surrounding this team QUESTIONING Falvey on this topic? Knowing how things operate as a fan for 40+ years, I'd guess its a combination of 2 things: 1. The "Minnesota Nice" approach--Never question the team leaders regardless of how awful things have become. 2. Maybe more likely----------when things turn sour, our mgmt/GM "ghosts out"-----Away from team. Unavailable for comment. Fill in the blank____________. As mentioned, this "Groundhog Day" season justs keeps running on a loop. Not surprised at all to see Twins have 16 LOB today. A 1-14 effort by our overvalued and overrated hitters with RISP used to make my blood boil and chairs flipped over. Not anymore. Not worth the investment. Bummer to see Larnach have a rough MLB debut, but I believe much better days are ahead for this young man. Only positive was seeing Donaldson have a good day with 2 extra base hits. My life has been a lot better since I "separated myself" from this team 2+ weeks ago--the MELTDOWN against Oakland in extra innings. No longer do I tune in the game on FSN on a daily basis to invest 3+ hours of my life. I check a score here and there or maybe flip over to see what score is, but no MORE time and faith commitment to this team this season. Spending a lot more time paying attention to prospects in minors. Just returned from 2 days this past week watching Wichita Wind Surge play at Springfield. Nice to see the Surge off to a 3-1 start as seeing our high A team--CR Kernels play well. Life ...and my blood pressure.....is much better.

Late posting to last nights Wind Surge 7-6 loss to Springfield as I didn't have my log in information with me. Attended Wednesday nights game also-- a better result. Impressions from last nights game: A quick game through 6 innings as SF held a 1-0 lead going into the 7th inning. The Surge had numerous scoring opportunities, but like "another team" we know all too well about-----couldn't get a key hit. That changed promptly in the 7th inning as the Surge tied the game on a bases loaded walk to Morales. Aaron Whitefield then blasted a grand-slam to left center on a 2-2 pitch to give the Surge a 5-1 lead. That was short lived as the bullpen quickly gagged away the lead allowing Springfield to score 5 runs in their half of the inning. The go ahead run scored on a 2-out single to LF. Surge tied it up in the top of the 8th on a "gift" double---pop fly to RF off bat of Damek Tomscha scoring Andrew Bechtold from 1B. Cardinals quickly took the lead back on a lead off solo shot off Alex Phillips. Surge had a golden opportunity to tie/retake the lead in top of 9th as Morales drew a lead off walk and Whitefield ripped a double to LF to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. At that point the Surge must've channeled their "Twins mojo"-------as Celestino whiffed, Miranda popped up (on the 1st pitch) and Palacios hit a weak fly ball to LF. On a positive note-------I was impressed with the performance of Cole Sands, who started the game. Sands (#16 Twins prospect) is a nice size kid (6'3/ 215) that was drafted in 5th round in 2018 out of Florida St. Sands pitched well in 2019 going 7-3 with a 2.68 ERA/ 1.03 WHIP over 18 starts, mainly between Cedar Rapids and Fort Myers. Sands, on a pitch count, threw 73 pitches in 4.1 IP before getting pulled. That pitch count must improve moving forward, but Sands allowed only 2 hits and 2 walks. He did strikeout 3 over those 4.1 IP. One other positive came from the bat of Caleb Hamilton (C-1B). Hamilton went 3-4 with 2 doubles and a single. Good to see that as Hamilton struggled in 2019 (.224 avg in 335 AB's between Fort Myers and AA Pensacola). Looking forward to seeing Surge again as I have tickets for their June 15-16 games against Springfield at home. Hope to see Balazovic pitch then as well as Chalmers or Josh Winder. Does anyone know if Winder got promoted to Wichita? I thought I saw some report of this today. I know he had a strong 1st outing the other night for the CR Kernels.

Late posting to Wind Surge 5-4 win on Wednesday night as I didn't have my account log in info with me. Anyway, attended game with my spouse (Cardinal fan) after driving down from KC area. I would echo many of your sentiments as Surge definitely benefited from poor defense (2 errant pick off throws for errors) and the 8 walks you mentioned. I would add the following impressions: Hitters Celestino: Had a rough game going 0-3 with 3 K's with 2 of those whiffs coming with a runner on 3B with less than 2 outs. He did draw 2 walks though. Jose Miranda: Showed some serious "oppo power" with his 2-out, 2-run HR to RF to give 2-0 lead in top of 3rd. Also drew a walk. Aaron Whitefield: Had a nice game going 2-3 with an RBI triple in the 7th. Drew a walk and also stole a base. He had a "sip of coffee" with the Twins in 2020 getting 1 AB. Looks like he's added some weight without sacrificing any of his speed. Team RISP: Not good......1-7 Team K's: Also not good-----13 whiffs in 34 AB's--------sounds like another team many of us know...huh?? Pitching SP Bryan Sammons: Big LH (6'4/235lb) was 8th rd pick in 2017 out of Western Carolina. He pitched well in 2019 starting 24 games between high A (Fort Myers) and AA Pensacola. Pitched much better than his final line indicated (3 ER in 4.1 IP). Sammons was pulled in 5th with runners on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out after his pitch count hit 70. When hooked, he allowed 5 hits, but had ZERO walks and had struck out 6. His final line---2 additional ER was due to RP Neff allowing a 2-out, 2 strike 3-run HR to Cardinals 9-hole hitter. RP: Ryan Mason: A little older dude-------26, drafted in 2016 out of Cal. RHP with good size like Sammons (6'6/215) who pitched to a 2-0 record in 2019 with AA Pensacola recording 7 Sv's in 8 opportunities over 15 games. I was impressed with Mason as he recorded the SV getting the final 4 outs of the game--3 by strikeout. Mason consistently hit 95mph on the gun. He struck out #3 Cardinal prospect (#38 overall MILB) Nolan Gorman to end the 8th with a runner on 1B. Then had a solid 9th with 2 more K's and a popup to end the game.

Steve: Excellent work with these updates. Living in KC area------headed to Springfield, MO tomorrow morning to see the next 2 games for the Wind Surge. A much needed diversion from this dumpster fire of a season at MLB level. Hoping to see Cole Sands and Dakota Chalmers start these games.

On a brighter note...........we need that don't we after ANOTHER blown game, other than the Saints loss at Omaha our other 3 affiliates all won tonight!! Wichita (AA) beat Springfield (STL) 2-0------scoring 2 runs in 8th. Josh Winder with 4.2 shutout IP with 6K's and only 1 BB allowed. Headed to Springfield tomorrow morning to see the next 2 games for the Wind Surge. Hoping to see Cole Sands and Dakota Chalmers pitch the next 2 nights. Our CR Kernels broke out the bats with some early runs and coasted to a 7-0 win over the Peoria (STL) Chiefs. And finally...... our low A- Fort Myers Mussells came back with a 4-run 9th inning (imagine that...it is allowed to score in the 9th inning!!) to overcome a 3-2 deficit to beat Bradenton 6-3. At this point-------this is where my attention and investment will be.

Agree 100% with all of your comments. After 45+ years of following this team day to day, I'm at the point, I can't/won't invest my time into this group. The "stat" that goes a long way into showing how BAD this team is with their bullpen and offense was mentioned by Bremer after Rogers coughed up the lead in the 9th. The Twins have been outscored 17-1 in the 9th inning this year. Not a misprint. 17-1. Making things even worse-------like we need that-------when you factor in the 6 extra inning losses with the Twins being outscored 11-2 (just in the 10th inning) they've now been outscored in the 9th and 10th inning 28-3. Yes, 28-3. Where is Falvey's accountability in this fiasco? His decision to bring Colome in. His decision to do NOTHING to upgrade bullpen by bringing in a quality LH RP. Please don't tell me Thielbar and Thorpe are the answer. Other than the dumpster dive signing of Robles, who's had his ups and downs, Falvey's offseason work is worthy of a FAILING grade.

Seth-----As others have mentioned, I appreciate your work on this as I'm excited, like others to see baseball again......well at least baseball not being butchered by who's playing in Minneapolis (with the exception of a handful of players. Was wondering if you could help me (and possibly others out) to the destination for the following players---------Top 30 prospects in Twins organization-------that I got off of mlb.com-----(see below). I've found all but the following 5 players by reviewing the AAA, AA, High A and Low A rosters you posted today. Prospect Rank 10: Misael Urbina-OF #18 Edwar Colina- RHP #20 Emmanuel Rodriguez-OF #25 Marco Raya- RHP #29 Danny DeAndre-- SS Posted on your Wind Surge update, but got 2 trips planned to see Wind Surge-----next week for opening series in Springfield and middle of June (15-16) in Wichita against SF Cards. I have family in Des Moines area----so only a short 2-hour trip over to Cedar Rapids to see the Kernels, which I hope to make in July.

Nice to see this information Seth as it gives me a needed DIVERSION from the dumpster fire playing at Target Field. Especially interesting for me (living in KC area) as I'll be able to check out the Surge on their 1st road trip next week as they travel to Springfield, MO to open up against the Cardinals AA squad. Have tickets for Wed and TH night. Although disappointing to learn that I'll miss seeing Balazovic (IL), I'm hoping to see either Winder or Sands pitch game 3 of their series Wed. night and possibly Chalmers on TH. Also looking forward to seeing how Celestino, Miranda and others look to start the season. Are there any other Twins fans planning on attending this series in Springfield---May 4-9th. If so, respond back as it would be fun to meet some fans there.

Absolutely.........with the way this season has gone, if I can make a trip to Minnesota, it will be to see the Saints at CHS Field as I won't waste my $$ seeing this misfit group of players at TF. Never made it to a Saints game in SP, but would sure enjoy the experience.

Will need to put some more time into researching this, but for tonight I'll tackle this by listing the players on the current 40-man roster, I don't want to see for 2022: C: Garver: Only making $1.875m this year and ARB 1 eligible next year. He's proved that his 2019 productive season was a complete aberration. Infielders: SS- Nick Gordon: No explanation needed Lin & Riddle: see comment on Gordon OFers Cave: Like Garver, not making much, but ARB 1 eligible. He's proved why he's nothing more than a below average 4th OFer with his abysmal season: .182 avg with only 2 RBI in 66 ABs with an awful OPS of .538. Garlick: Looking more and more like a ST wonder. Waffle iron for a glove Rooker: Unless Twins find a buyer for Sano in offseason, which is highly unlikely as he's due $9.25m next year, I don't see where he fits. His glove and arm are worse than Garlick SPs Shoemaker and Happ: Pretty easy decision. Making $10m this season combined. Got to think $10m could be used to find 2 veteran bullpen arms that have some life left in their arms RPs DFA tomorrow------Colome. Pohlad won't enjoy eating his $5.6mill due for next season, but this needs to be done now! Thielbar: Nice story of his comeback, but he's shown the jig is up. Shaun Anderson: Won't be missed. Really wonder why he was added to 40 man roster to start with. Smeltzer: Seems to need a change of scenery. Respect his tenacity and fight back from cancer, but he's been given opportunities and seems to be no better than a AAAA pitcher. By my count that's 13 players who could/should be gone off 40man roster heading into 2022. Others sure to depart-----Cruz and Simmons------both unrestricted FA's next season. A lot of work to do for Falvey-Levine, but hopeful that several on the current 40 man roster, namely-----Balazovic, Chalmers, Colina, Duran and Ober--------show enough in minors this season to be key pieces in 2022 or 2023. Others on 40-man that I hope to see enough improvement from this season to contribute next year would be Ben Rortvedt © and Gilbert Celestino-OF. Kind of surprised that Trevor Larnach isn't on current 40, but hope that he'll show enough to be in line for starting LF slot to start next year.

Breaking News!! In an effort to get Colome "going" in a less stressful high leverage situation......trusted sources are reporting that Bal-dummy has chosen Colome to be our opener tomorrow!! In some parallel universe Seinfeld world-------this would be called, "the Costanza"---just to do the opposite!! If every instinct Baldelli has had has proved wrong, then doing the OPPOSITE has to be the answer...right? Well, at least his spreadsheet support this move.

I had to do the same thing--------focusing on my mental health----after last TH's meltdown in Oakland. Didn't watch 1 pitch of 3-game series against PItt----didn't miss much as our mighty pop gun f*rt of an offense only put up 6 runs over 3 games. I refuse to INVEST any of my time in this team at this point. I do have to say my spouse of 28 years is a lot happier not having to endure my daily expletive filled tirades. Physically and emotionally I've felt much better the last 5 days and have found other activities to occupy my time that keep my sanity and blood pressure at close to good levels. Saying that, I do plan on INVESTING multiple hours into watching the NFL draft this weekend-----------hoping Spielman does the SMART thing by investing in our OL or DL with #14 pick in 1st round.

Call me a "fair weather" fan if you want.......Twins fan since 1972 as a 7-year old, but I didn't watch last night and glad I didn't invest any time today into this collection of coddled, soft and apathetic underachievers. 0-22 from the top 6 in your lineup against one of the WORST SP's in MLB--really? Will spend the rest of the season checking out the younger players at AA Wichita, High A Cedar Rapids and Fort Myers. A big waste of nearly $200 purchasing the MLB package on DirectV, but at least my wife can enjoy (at times) watching her favorite team. This franchise is headed in the wrong direction------which starts at the top with Falvey/Levine down to the dugout-----Baldy and to the players. A very sad commentary as I don't see any accountability from management and little if any fire/grit from players on the field. 30 years since last WS..............last playoff win in 2004...........last playoff series win in 2002. 18 straight playoff losses. I'm done.