Thrylos

top of my head: Carlos Beltran last season, probably more there

As much as based on 138 at bats

Danny Santana is to Molitor what Nick Punto was to Gardenhire. Case Closed

Lemme see: Begun the season with .261 isoP and 15.3 AB/HR in Elizabethton (138 AB) Ended the season with .132 isoP and 91 AB/HR in Cedar Rapids (91 AB) Survey says...

methinks that this opens the door for a Mike Napoli/Chris Carter signing...

So it might cost Park. Interesting move.

I think that there will be a 3-way battle for the second MLB-level catcher, and the one who will hit LH pitching better will win that spot. Hard to tell who is ahead right now, but the 2 younger ones might have a leg up After a .505 OPS season at Fort Myers, I see Navarreto as a candidate for release not promotion. I just cannot see him at AA over any of the 3 names you have with Miracle. I suspect that Olson stats at AA with either another FA catcher or Garcia up there as well, with Navarreto repeating at Fort Myers, along with Murray and Silva. I cannot see Silva and Rortvedt in the same team. I think that as prospects go, I am a bit more pessimistic, because I just have 3 catchers (Garver, Rortvedt, and Silva, in that order) in my top 60 Twins' prospects. And Garver's ceiling projects as that of a potential average starter at the position. Hard to tell about the other two because they are so young, in a position that requires more development than most positions to make it to the bigs. Definitely a position for the Twins to focus on the draft or in trades. That 3 year contract to Castro means that they will not likely need someone before 2020, but that someone might not be in the organization yet...

I am afraid that since they kept the same long time pitching coordinator and the same pitching coaches throughout the organization who are part of the problem, that they are not looking for a solution at least in 2017 and will spend the season evaluating what they have as minor league development personnel. So likely we will have to wait at least until 2018 for implementation of the plans.

4.5 HR/FB last season and AL hitters have a collective career .294/.346/.453 line in 355 PA. Interesting to see.

Per Heyman. Sounds like a major league deal. Someone needs to go off the 40-man roster.

Well... I think of Haley as a reliever. Having him ranked above both Reed and Jorge (whom I also think of as a reliever) says something As a matter of fact, I only ranked 2 relievers above Haley.

What 87 win team are you talking about?

(or the 2007 or the 2006...)

Too early to predict wins for next year... That said, I suspect Perkins will be better in 2017 because he will not play at all, instead of single-handedly losing one game You might as well stick a fork in Perkins

Trout is a no-brainer there Kipnis, Seager, Keuchel, Goldschmidt were in that draft also

I was expecting some changes as far as the coordinators go... Rasmussen has been the pitching coordinator for ever and pretty much proven that he cannot help develop pitchers. Maybe 2017 an evaluation period of all of them as pretty much all of the Twins' staff goes. Still surprising.

re: Golden Spikes winner: Good idea, other than a simple detail: It is awarded after the draft So the 2016 winner, Kyle Lewis, was the Mariners' first round pick before he got the award last season. You can look at the finalists (historic list here,) but about 2/3 or them are miss...

Romero has the same issues with Jay. Not everyone is convinced that he will be a starter. This is the issue with most of the Twins pitching prospects other than Gonsalves and maybe Stewart, even though I heard some of that regarding Stewart as well... So if someone thinks that Jay & Romero are future relievers, they are off their top 100. If someone thinks that they are starters, they are in. Thus the discrepancy

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---------- You can find the introductory segment in this series, including my criteria for eligibility to be a prospect and the list of the 2016 top 40 players who graduated as prospects or are not in the system, here. Here is my 2016 Twins off-season top 40 prospects list (summary of 1-40) for reference. This is the countdown for players ranked 51-55th in the system. You can find players 56-60 here, players 51-55 here, 46-50 here, 41-45 here, 36-40 here, 31-35 here, 26-30 here and all segments in the series here. 25. Jake Reed (16) DOB: 9/29/1992; Age: 24 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 190 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 5th round in 2014 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: AAA (2016) ETA: 2017 Jake Reed was drafted by the Twins in the 5th round of the 2014 draft from the University of Oregon as a Junior. The Tuscon, AZ native was a starter both of his first collegiate seasons and was converted to a closer in his junior season where he excelled pitching in 31 games (37 IP), striking out 34 (8.3 K/9), walking 15 (3.7 BB/9) finishing with 1.95 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 13 saves. He continued the season in Elizabethton where he over-matched the opposition (4 G, 6 IP, 8 K, 0 BB, 1 H, 0 R, 3 SV) to a degree that the Twins moved him all the way to A level Cedar Rapids where he appeared in 16 games, pitching 25 innings with 31 K (11.2 K/9, 34.4 K%), 3 BB (1.1 BB/9, 31.1 K-BB%), for a 0.36 ERA, 1.48 FIP, 0.52 WHIP (.182 BABIP), and 5 saves. Were that not enough, the Twins send him to the Arizona Fall League his first professional season, where among family and friends he pitched in 10 games for another 12-2/3 innings with good results also (10 K, 7.1 K/9, 20.0 K%, 3 BB, 2.1 BB/9, 14 K-BB%, 2.05 ERA, 1.43 FIP, 1.03 WHIP, .270 BABIP. So between all of his stops from Oregon to Tennessee to Iowa and to Arizona, in 2014 Reed pitched 61 games and 80-2/3 innings, a load that seems appropriate for a major league level reliever, but hardly for a first year professional, but Reed responded. His strikeouts were down and walks up in Arizona, but that was more than expected from a pitcher who was overused by they usually cautious Twins. In 2015 the Twins had Reed skip the high A Fort Myers and play all the way up to AA Chattanooga in his second season as a pro after a first season that was overused with the expected results: Reed tanked. He appeared in 35 games, pitching 47 innings, striking out 39 (7.5 K/9, 17.6%) and walking (career high 4.0 BB/9, and career low 8.1 K-BB% ), with a 6.32 ERA (inflated by a very low 50.1 LOB%), 4.20 FIP, 1.62 WHIP (.340 BABIP). To salvage his season in the begining of August Reed was sent to Fort Myers where we pitched better, finding his control, but not his strikeouts (9 G, 12-1/3 IP, 7 K, 5.1 K/9, 16.3 K%, 1 BB, 0.7 BB/9, 13.9 K-BB%, 0.00 ERA, 2.27 FIP, 0.73 WHIP, .229 BABIP). To add to the 44 games and 59-1/3 innings, the Twins re-sent him to the AFL after the season where the appeared in 10 more games for a total of 10-2/3 innings (season totals 54 games, 70 innings), pitching well (10 K, 8.4 K/9, 25.6 K%, 4 BB, 3.4 BB/9, 15.4 K-BB%, 0.00 ERA, 2.83 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, .240 BABIP). He again started last season in Chattanooga, with better results (41 G, 60 IP, 64 K, 9.6 K/9, 25.6 K%, 22 BB, 3.3 BB/9, 16.8 K-BB%, 3.90 ERA, 3.02 FIP, 1.22 WHIP, .314 BABIP). He moved to Rochester for the final 9 games of the season doing well (9 G, 10-2/3 IP, 8 K, 6.7 K/9, 19.1 K%, 2 BB, 1.7 BB/9, 14.3 K-BB%, 3.90 ERA, 3.02 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, .258 BABIP.) For the season Reed pitched in 50 games for 70-2/3 innings. Overused his first season and rushed both his first two seasons, Reed turned from an elite reliever to a below average to an above average reliever who has been a workhorse in the pen, already carrying MLB-level loads and more, each of his first professional seasons. He has a plus fastball that sits from 93-95, an above average slider that flashes plus, and an average to above average change up. Reed has a problem with left hand hitters (.256 OBA in Chattanooga in 2016) which might limit him to a 7th inning reliever. The dilemma the Twins have is that with rushing him and not allowing him to develop an effective pitch against lefties, like a changeup, they have been grooming him for that role. They can potentially slow him down, allowing him to develop that third pitch, and solve his wildness problems, to potentially be a set-up type of pitcher. Likely 2017 path: Depends on the Twins' plans: either AA to develop a third pitch, or AAA with a potential call to the majors, depending on performance and needs. 24. Akil Baddoo (--) DOB: 8/16/1992; Age: 18 Positions: OF Bats: L, Throws: L Height: 5'11", Weight: 185 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 2nd round in 2016 Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: Rookie/GCL (2016) ETA: 2020+ Akil Baddoo was drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft from Salem (GA) High School. Baddoo did not turn 18 until after his first professional season at GLC. He had a very hard time making the transition to a wooden bat (.178/.299/.271, 36 K for 28.3 K%, and 18 BB in 128 PA.) He flashed speed both on the bases 8/9 SB, 2 triples and on the field where he is fast as a centerfielder, but needs to learn taking better routes to the ball. He has a quick bat and soft hands. Baddoo is a project. But he is a potential 5 tool player, thus his ranking. He is still growing but has a good frame, so power both with the bat and throwing could very well come. Likely 2017 path: Extended Spring Training and then repeating GCL 23. Felix Jorge (20) DOB: 1/2/1994; Age: 23 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 170 lbs Acquired: International Free Agent signing 2011 Professional Experience: 6; Highest level: AA (2016) ETA: 2018 Felix Jorge was signed by the Twins as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic on February 21, 2011. The Santiago native received an $250,000 bonus and was assigned to the Dominican Summer League the following summer. He has been moving along the Twins organization, about a step a season, until 2014 where he had major issues in Cedar Rapids and had to return in Elizabetheton. He started 2015 again in Cedar Rapids and was the Kernels' best pitcher, pitching 23 games (22 GS) a team tops 142 IP, had 32 BB (2.03 BB/9, 14.6 K-BB%) and 114 Ks (7.3 K/9 and 20.3% K,) for a 2.79 ERA, 3.54 FIP, and 1.056 WHIP (2.67 BABIP). Last season he started in the Miracle rotation where he has the best results of his career: 14 GS, 93 IP, 77 K (7.5 K/9, 21.6 K%), 11 BB (1.1 BB/9, 18.5 K-BB%), 1.55 ERA, 2.50 FIP, 0.94 WHIP, .280 BABIP. He moved to AA Chatanooga in July and fell a bit flat, especially as far as strikeouts go: 11 GS, 74-1/3 IP, 32 K (3.8 K/9, 10.7 K%), 12 BB (1.5 BB/9, 6.7 K-BB%), 4.12 ERA, 4.21 FIP, 1.28 WHIP, .307 BABIP. Jorge's effectiveness has decreased in the second half both of last season, which might indicate that his decline in AA might have been the result of low endurance, in addition to facing better competition. Jorge came in the organization as a 16 year old with a rare 3 above average pitch mix. He has a low 90s fastball that maxes at 93 with good downward movement, which the hitters have a hard time picking up. Above average slurvy curveball and change up. He commands all three pitches well, has good control and he mixes pitches well. One might see his 2016 results in Fort Myers and think that Jorge had a break-through season, but his biggest issue surfaced again: endurance. He does have mid-rotation potential, but time will tell whether he will have the endurance to be in a major league rotation or the pen. Likely 2017 path: In the Chattanooga rotation 22. LaMonte Wade (31) DOB: 1/1/1994; Age: 23 Positions: OF Bats: L, Throws: L Height: 6'1", Weight: 189 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 9th round in 2015 Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A+ (2016) ETA: 2018 LaMonte Wade was drafted by the Twins in the 9th round of the 2015 draft from the University of Maryland as a Junior. The Baltimore native hit .335/.453/.468 in his Junior season with 30 walks and 20 strikeouts in 42 games (158 AB). He continued to his first pro season in Elizabethton, where he hit .312/.432/.506 in 64 games (284 PAs) with 8 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HRs, 12/13 SBs, 46 BB and 34 K. He played 4 more games in Cedar Rapids. He started 2016 in Cedar Rapids where he hit .280/.410/.396, walking 44 times and striking out 27. He also had 4 HRs, 3 3B and was 5/8 in SB in 56 games. He was promoted to A+ Fort Myers in June after was was named a starting outfielder in the 2016 Midwest League All-Star game. There he improved hitting .318/.386/.518 in 32 games (110 ABs) despite losing most of August in the disabled list. Quick wrists, excellent eye, decent power and speed, very good Centerfield play and hitting and throwing as a lefty have had some people drawing Denard Span comparisons. However the truth of the matter is that Span has less power, speed, and strike zone judgement than Wade and has never had a season like Wade's 2015 or 2016. It will be interesting to see how Wade's hitting will stand against better and better competition, but he has a very high ceiling. With Buxton, Granite, and English ahead of him at the majors, AAA, and AA, Wade might potentially move to a corner spot, but his defense is as good as any of the three. There has been some discussion on moving him to second base; however throwing left-handed might put an end to that thought. Likely 2017 path: Will start the season as the starting Centerfielder for Fort Myers. 21. Justin Haley (--) DOB: 6/16/1994; Age: 25 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'5", Weight: 230 lbs Acquired: Rule 5 draft, 2016 Professional Experience: 5; Highest level: AAA (2016) ETA: 2017 Justin Haley was selected by the Twins in the 2016 Rule 5 draft from the Boston Red Sox who drafted him in the 6th round of the 2012 draft from Fresno State University as a Junior. The Sacramento native pitched in 22 games (12 starts) for 93-1/3 innings, striking out 94 (9.1 K/9) and walking 39 (3.8 BB/9) with a 7-4 record, 3.18 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. He started his professional career at short season A New York Penn League Lowell's rotation, and has been moving steadily in the Red Sox' organization reaching AA Portland in late July of 2014, spending a disappointing season there in 2015 (27 GS, 130-1/3 IP, 95 K, 6.9 K/9, 17.2 K%, 50 BB, 3.6 BB/9, 8.1 K-BB%, 5.15 ERA, 3.83 FIP, 1.55 WHIP, .343 BABIP), and beginning last season. Last season he was very much improved (12 GS, 61-1/3 IP, 59 K, 8.7 K/9, 24.1 K%, 19 BB, 2.8 BB/9, 16.3 K-BB%, 2.20 ERA, 2.67 FIP, 1.11 WHIP, .293 BABIP). He was promoted to AAA Pawtucket in June where he continued pitching well with a slight drop in strikeouts (14 GS, 85-1/3 IP, 67 K, 7.1 K/9, 19.8 K%, 26 BB, 2.7 BB/9, 12.1 K-BB%, 3.59 ERA, 3.80 FIP, 1.13 WHIP, .264 BABIP). After the season was over he started 5 games in the Winter Dominican League, pitching 23-2/3 innings with 14 K, 4 BB, 0.68 WHIP and 0.38 ERA. Haley is a polished pitcher with a big body and a lot of endurance; he has a mix of 4 pitches. His fastball is above average at 90-92 and has touched 95 with good downward movement, average command, and occasional control issues. Average to above average changeup at 80-82 mph, above average slider that occasionally flashes plus and a slow 12-6 curve that he uses very sporadically and is a work in progress. He has bottom of the rotation potential; however his stuff might play better in the pen and become a late inning reliever. Likely 2017 path: Will start the season in the Twins' pen.

21-25 here.

I hear you. Actually noticed that his twin brother is listed at 6'1". I would not really call his season "spectacular", but I am not looking at his ERA. It was a good season. His FIP was at low 3's, he lost 4 points in K% compared to the previous season, but still in the low 20s, which is fine. What bugged me the most was that when he was behind the count his numbers really fell apart. Walked 16, struck out 8 and had a 1.91 WHIP. That's pretty troublesome for anyone. Even all that said, I have him ranked as the 10th best starting pitcher in the organization, which is not bad at all. I just feel that a few relievers need to be ahead of him at this point, and position players did make strides this season

Indeed. The same Jose Miranda who had a .600 OPS and 1HR in 213 PAs in the GCL last season. And Law is talking about 60 power and 50 contact. Not sure what he is smoking

Lewis Thorpe at number 8 after missing 2 seasons in a row is very perplexing

Chattanooga: Ivan Arteaga pitching coach, Javier Valentin hitting coach.

One needs to put things into perspective: Only 15 pitchers topped 200 IP in the majors in 2016. Different game with the specialized pens these days. I'd rather see the Twins win, than any pitcher hit 200 IP. 180 is the new 200 it seems.