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From Keith Laws chat today about two of the arms above Do you think Rob Kaminsky can go 1st round right now? [h=6]Klaw (1:21 PM) [/h] I think he's a little below that. It's possible he goes first round, but if you're asking me to pinpoint a range for him, I'd say he's more likely to go in picks 31-45 than in picks 16-30. Is Phil Bickford a first rounder? If not how come? [h=6]Klaw (2:02 PM) [/h] Possibly, more likely second roundish, sounds like he's more arm strength than pitcher, really lacks a breaking ball.

From Keith laws chat Ihave heard Kohl Stewart's name going as high as #5 to Cleveland. Is he top 10 for sure?[h=6]Klaw (1:29 PM) [/h] He's top 10 on talent, but not certainly going in that range. Also don't see Cleveland taking him, not if either Bryant or Moran is on the board.

I meant to get this up yesterday but I was a little too busy. The draft is closing in on us and while most of us are focused on the number 4 pick, there could be a lot of value in the 43rd pick. While the Twins have historically taken a lot of college arms in later rounds they have taken a HS arm, J.O. and Boyd, the last two years in the top 55 picks. Like the college list there is no way to know if the guys will be there at 43 on draft day. Also, this obviously isnt a complete list of HS arms but a good place to start. Kyle Serrano, RHP, 6" 190 lbs, Farragut (Tenn.) HS "Tennessee coach Dave Serrano must be bemoaning his bad luck, as his Friday-night starter for 2014 has been so good this season that even familial ties won't be enough to get him on campus -- not with a mid-90s fastball and a 70-grade curveball." Law Best pitch- 70 curve ball Hunter Harvey, RHP, 6'3" 175 lbs, Bandys (N.C.) HS "The son of former All-Star closer Bryan Harvey, this North Carolina high school product has used a strong spring to move up Draft boards. He's gained some strength and has a fresh arm after not playing summer ball. Harvey will throw his above-average fastball up to 94 mph. He throws a curve and a changeup, both of which are a bit inconsistent but have the chance to be Major League average pitches. And he has more room to add strength, so there might be more in the tank" Mayo Best pitch- 55-60 fastball. Matt Krook, LHP, 6'2" 190 lbs, St.Ignatius Prep (Cal.) "The NoCal product has some serious arm strength, touching 94 mph with his fastball, and there's projection for more in the tank as he matures. He throws a curve and a changeup, and both have the chance to be at least Major League average pitches in the future, though both are inconsistent right now. So is his command, and he hasn't always maintained his velocity deep into starts" Mayo Best pitch- 60 Fastball Devin Williams, RHP, 6'3" 175 lbs, Hazelwood West HS (No.) "An athletic right-hander with a somewhat narrow frame but very quick arm, Williams hits 95 mph and shows two solid secondary offerings." Law Best pitch: 60 fastball Connor Jones, RHP, 6'1" 190 lbs, Great Bridge HS ( Va.) "The Virginia high school right-hander is committed to the University of Virginia, often a tough one to sign prepsters away from. Teams will undoubtedly try, given Jones' three-pitch mix and good pitcher's frame. Jones can run his fastball up to 93 mph and he throws it with a ton of sink, which should lead to many ground-ball outs in the future. His slider and changeup will need refinement, but both should be decent secondary pitches in the future for him." Mayo Best pitch- 60 fastball Phil Bickford, RHP, 6'4" 200 lbs, Oaks Christian (Cal.) "He has the ideal pitching frame and great arm action. He's been up to as high as 96 with his fastball and it has some good sink to it. He throws both a slider and a changeup, though they aren't as consistent as his fastball. The breaking ball is the better of the two, but both have the chance to be at least Major League average pitches in the future. He's composed on the mound and is generally around the strike zone, though improved command will be needed at the next level." Mayo Best pitch- 60-65 fastball Rob Kaminsky, LHP, 6" 190 lbs, St. Joseph regional HS ( N.J.) "He has two plus pitches, with his fastball, thrown 92-95 mph, and a hard breaking ball. He has a good feel for his changeup, though he hasn't used it much in his high school career. He also has a pretty good idea of what he's doing on the mound, but he's not the biggest guy in the world, leading some to worry about durability." Mayo Best pitch- 60-65 fastball Jacob Brentz, LHP, 6'2" 190 lbs, Parkway South HS ( Mo.) "Brentz has hit 97 mph several times and might have touched triple digits, depending on who you ask. He also possesses a soft curveball that has decent rotation." Law Best pitch- 65-70 fastball Logan Shore, LHP, 6'2" 185 lbs, Coon Rapids HS (Minn.) "Shore is a good-sized left-hander who runs the fastball to 93-94 mph with a good curveball -- but his school's season starts today, so he hasn't really been scouted this spring, even as other states' schedules are winding down." Law Best pitch- 60 fastball Will Crowe, RHP, 6'3" 225 lbs, Pigeon Forge (Tenn.) "Crowe is a big, very physical right-hander who is committed to South Carolina. He has an above-average curveball and has been up to 93 mph with his fastball. He might be a high-maintenance body as he matures." Law Best pitch- 55-60 curveball Ian Clarkin, LHP, 6'2" 190 lbs, James Madison (Cali) "He throws his fastall up to 92-93 mph and a power curve. His breaking ball and changeup are both average, giving him the makings of a good three-pitch mix. His results over the summer were a bit mixed, throwing well at the Area Code Games, but struggling with fastball command elsewhere. That didn't keep him from getting a ton of attention this spring, though he's dealt with some inconsistencies during his senior season as well. The raw stuff from the left side should keep many first-round teams interested on Draft day." Mayo Best pitch-55-60 fastball Stephon Gonsalves, LHP, 6'5" 190, Cathedral Catholic HS (Cali) "A high school lefty, Gonsalves had a very good summer, pitching well at the Area Code Games and the Perfect Game All-American Classic, though an inconsistent spring had some wondering just how high he'd go on Draft day. This is a pretty decent class for prep southpaws, and with his size and projectability, Gonsalves has the upside to be the best of the lot. He uses a full overhand delivery to fire 88-91 mph fastballs, though he was up to 93 mph at the Perfect Game Classic. He'll throw a plus changeup at times to go along with a slurve, which is a bit of a concern to scouts." Mayo Best pitch- 55-60 fastball Dustin Driver, RHP, 6'2" 210 lbs, Wenatchee HS (Wash.) "Driver has some good stuff, with a fastball that's already touching 93-94 mph and a power breaking ball to go along with it. He threw very well at the Area Code Games, showing a good feel for mixing his fastball, breaking stuff and even a changeup. And while some feel he may be a reliever when all is said and done, there's plenty to like about this young right arm.As good as his raw stuff is, he gets equally strong, if not better, marks for his mound presence, instincts and competitiveness, all of which add up to a very bright future." Mayo Best pitch-55-60 fastball Hunter Green, LHP, 6'4" 180 lbs, Warren East HS (Ky.) "A lanky lefty from rural Kentucky, Green has a long arm action in back but hides the ball well before relase, with an average fastball and chance for a plus breaking ball." Law Best pitch- 50-55 fastball Once again, there is no way to tell currently if these arms A) will be available at 43 HS arm rankings are volatile and there is no guarantee they will be ranked this high by draft day and C) where the Twins actually rank them. Also, as I said before, this isn't a complete list of HS arms but just a general list. If you missed the college arms list here is the link: http://twinsdaily.com/twins-minor-league-talk/6187-potential-2013-twins-second-round-draft-picks-college-arms.html

From what I can tell on the defensive side they are almost the same. Both have huge arms, are more athletic than they look, have good hands, but don't have the footwork or concentration for 3B. While people keep saying they will end up 1B in the future I see RF like a better option..... You know, other than the fact this guy you might have heard named Arcia is out there already.

While prefer Stewart to either Bryant or Manaea, I'm pretty sure it is going to come down to one of the college guys. Most mocks have Manaea but the potential of have Bryant and Sano in the middle of the line up as early as mid 2014 is exciting.

From Christopher crawfords chat: [TABLE=width: 0] [TD=class: chatmsgtext viewer_text][TABLE=width: 0] [/TD] Comment From Ryan Why Meadows over Frazier? [/TABLE] [/TABLE] [TABLE=width: 0] [TD=class: chatmsgtime, bgcolor: #F6F6F6]4:49 [/TD] [TD=class: chatmsgtext altcaster_text][TABLE=width: 0] [/TD] Personal preference of the guy who I know can play centerrfield over the guy that I'm leaning towards can't. Frazier can hit -- that bat speed is insane -- but I don't think he's as project-able as some of the other guys in this class. [TABLE=width: 0] [TD=class: chatmsgtext viewer_text][TABLE=width: 0] Comment From Kelly Is it just me, or does Meadows' swing just not look very fluid? [/TABLE] [/TABLE] [TABLE=width: 0] [TD=class: chatmsgtime, bgcolor: #F6F6F6]5:24 [TD=class: chatmsgtext altcaster_text][TABLE=width: 0] [/TD] It's not the prettiest thing in the world, but his hand-eye coordination is fantastic and I think he'll respond well to coaching. [/TABLE] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TABLE]

From Christopher crawfords chat: [TABLE=width: 0] [TD=class: chatmsgtext viewer_text][TABLE=width: 0] [/TD] Comment From Porter Any chance that Jonathon Crawford goes in the first round? [/TABLE] [/TABLE] [TABLE=width: 0] [TD=class: chatmsgtime, bgcolor: #F6F6F6]5:09 [/TD] [TD=class: chatmsgtext altcaster_text][TABLE=width: 0] [/TD] Sure, late. Going to depend on if a team thinks he can A. Start or B. can be a fast-track reliever. One of the biggest disappointments of 2012, in my opinion. [/TABLE] [/TABLE]

Christopher Crawford had a chat tonight and said: [TABLE=width: 0] [TD=class: chatmsgtext viewer_text]What [TABLE=width: 0] position do you see Kris Bryant playing? [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TABLE] [TABLE=width: 0] [TD=class: chatmsgtime, bgcolor: #F6F6F6]5:25 [/TD] [TD=class: chatmsgtext altcaster_text][TABLE=width: 0] [/TD] I give him every possible chance to play third-base. If that doesn't work out right field, but I am still one who believes he can handle the hot corner. [/TABLE] [/TABLE]

Last paragraph I mentioned I didn't put windle on because he has his own thread already. While Manaea and Windle would be a solid two college arms I prefer several of the higher upside HS arms in the second round. I was going to post the HS pitcher list today but didn't have time. Will do it tomorrow

May ended with 7 scoreless innings 4/3 K/BB ratio. Solid outing.

I have Frazier one spot ahead of Meadows on my own list but i understand where cf vs corner OF come into plays. As Twins fans we have been so spoiled with great CFers that we forget how rare they are.

From Jim call is about Blair: Where is Aaron Blair, RHP from Marshall University looking to go in the draft? Is 1st round a real possibility? Jim Callis: He could go at the end of the first round. He had a very good summer in the Cape and his velocity has been up this spring. Sounds like he could possibly be there at 43 for the Twins.

From Jim call is at BAs chat today: Who would you rather have: Buxton or the 2013 draft field? Jim Callis: Buxton. If with the chance to redo on Appeal he is still going with Buxton.

From Jim m call is chats today: Clint Frazier or Austin Meadows...who do you take and why? Thanks Jim Callis: I'm in the minority at Baseball America, but I like Meadows slightly more. Frazier has the more explosive bat but I prefer Meadows' all-around package a little more. Jim, who are your personal favorite future impact hitters in this draft class? Jim Callis: If I can pick one each from high school and college, I'll say Georgia HS outfielder Clint Frazier and San Diego third baseman Kris Bryant. Are the Twins destined to take a college pitcher at #4 or will they take the best player available, even if that means another high school outfielder out of Georgia? I've followed the draft long enough to believe they should take the best player available, regardless of position. Jim Callis: I think they'd like to go BPA, but I can't see them taking another young outfielder when they have so many and need pitching so desperately.

From Jim call is chat today: How does Kohl Stewart compare to former pitcher/quarterbacks like Archie Bradley and Zach Lee? Seems like he has Bradley-esque stuff with Lee's build. Anyone else come to mind for you? Thanks, Jim. Jim Callis: In terms of stuff, I think Bradley has more (and showed it more consistently) than Stewart, who has more than Lee. In pro ball, Lee has settled in as a guy with average to solid stuff who can really pitch. Twins draft question. I think drafting a SP is imperative, but I don't think you pass on best available for best available that is closest to the majors, given their current roster make-up. So, if Appel and Gray are gone, which they most likely will be, do the Twins go Manaea or is there a high school SP that they should target even though it will require more patience? Thanks. Jim Callis: I'd take Manaea. At his best, Kohl Stewart could put himself in that discussion, but I'd take Manaea over him.

From Jim call is chat today: Jim, who are your personal favorite future impact hitters in this draft class? Jim Callis: If I can pick one each from high school and college, I'll say Georgia HS outfielder Clint Frazier and San Diego third baseman Kris Bryant. Moran lasts until pick 9 in June's draft? Jim Callis: Tough call. I think he goes right around there, could go either way.

From Jim Callis chat today: Jim, Ryne Stanek was in the conversation for 1st overall pick by scouts/writers prior to the season. He struggled early with command and slid but his last 5 starts have been nothing short of excellent (0.54 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 32 K/8 BB, 33.2 IP). I know Gray and Appel have raised the bar for the #1 overall pick but shouldn't Stanek be somewhere right after those 2? Seems like writers are still not showing him a lot of love Jim Callis: Stanek could go in the 7-15 range, he's definitely back on track.

Thanks for the link. Pretty good article. Law has Thurman ranked 21 on his board and after scouting him earlier this month said he sees him going in the 20-30 range. Like Marco Gonzales, he most likely will be gone by 43 but you never know!

I completely agree Jeremy. I was actually surprised about the success rate. While I agree Bradley is a better overall prospect than Stewart, I think Stewart might have a higher upside. After seeing him pitch live I think if you fix his mechanics he can eventually hit 100. I'm not a professional scout but he is already hitting 96-97 with flawed mechanics.

Crap, Harvey was a college guy....my bad! Still, pretty solid group if pitchers. I'm all for Stewart at 4.

The problem with Mayo's list is that it hasn't been updated in over a month. A lot of guys have risen and dropped since his last update. Looking at Laws list that was updated last week he has Crawford at 42, I think, and Wall completely off it. Just how these guys haven fallen in the past month there is still a month+ to regain their previous draft status. Once again their is no way to know who will be there, I just wanted to put some sort of list together for people. Personally, I like HS crop of pitchers a lot better.

I want to expand, literally, on a point Jeremy made about HS pitchers. If we expand it to high school pitcher taken in the top 10 picks instead of top 5 over the past 10 years the is changes drastically. 2012- Max fried (7th) 2011-Bundy (4th) and Archie Bradley (7th) 2010- Tallion (2nd) and Matt Harvey (7th) 2009- Matt Hobgood (5th), Zack Wheeler (6th), and Jacob Turner (9th) 2008- None taken 2007- Jarrod Parker (9th) and Bumgarner (10th) 2006- Clayton Kershaw (7th) 2005- None taken 2004- Mark Rogers (5th) and Homer Bailey (7th) 2003- John Danish (9th) Goes from 4 guys to 14. Rodgers and Hobgood being the busts that Jeremy was talking about. On a side note, when the Os drafted Hobgood at 5 it was considered a giant reach and he wasn't even on some experts top 50 lists. Turner isn't a bust yet but if he doesn't figure things out soon he might join Hobgood and Rogers. Outside of those three the rest of the list looks pretty solid. Tallion, Fried, Bundy, and Bradley are all top prospect with ace potential. Harvey and Wheeler have had pretty impressive starts to their young careers. Parker and Bailey took longer then expected but put up impressive WARs last year of 3.9 and 2.5. Kershaw and Bumgarner are sort of good and while John Danks pitched poorly last year he owns a career WAR of 19.6.

From Christopher Crawford-"After missing the beginning of the year due to a strained right shoulder, St. Pius X (Houston) High School's Kohl Stewart has been nothing short of dominant in his first five starts. Stewart went seven shutout innings against St. Thomas Catholic while giving up two hits and striking out 10. The Texas A&M football commit did walk four, but once again his stuff was upper-echelon, and he's sure to land in the top half of the first round." I was actually at this game and Stewart was just dealing. I heard some people mentioned he hit 96 a few times.

From Christopher Crawford when talking a scout about Frazier-" The [bat] speed is plus-plus," said an AL West scout. "He gets the bat through the zone faster than anyone in this class. It's really a numbers game, though. If you think he's a center fielder, there's no reason to think he's not a top-five pick. If you think he ends up in a corner, then it's a lot tougher to justify taking him that high. Ultimately, I think he goes in the first dozen or so picks, but it's going to be tough for a lot of teams to pass on that offensive ability." Frazier hit his 13th hr of the year this weekend.

Don't 100% count Bryant out of playing 3B or RF just yet. While I agree he profiles as a 1B, with some good couching maybe he can get to be serviceable at either 3B or RF. He has an incredibly strong arm and while he isn't the fastest guy he is a lot more athletic than he looks. Heck, people questioned if longo could play 3B before he got drafted and look at him now.