Thrylos

Based on plus minus stats, the Twins' "OF" cost them 57 runs last season. Individual numbers here Subtract those 57 runs for an average OF and, if the Twins had indeed an average OF, their run differential would have been 715-720, which projects to a Pythagorean 80-82 record. (Thanks Gardy)

There is another way of measuring this. Yes the Twins OF defense was atrocious last season, because the manager insisted in playing DHs, SSs, Cs, and 1B at the outfield. Even as horrible as Hunter was last season, he will be better than most of the players the Twins trotted out there last season.

Have no idea. Have not really been following the Angels that close...

Does Hunter pass the eye test here?

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ----Today is the third installment in the top 40 Twins' Off-season prospects countdown. You can find all installments here in reverse chronological order. Previous rankings: 36-40, 31-35. You can find the 2014 off-season summary list here In these listings in parenthesis, I am including their ranking in the last prospect list, which was the 2014 mid-season list, with "--" if not ranked. You can find that list here. 30. Ryan Eades RHP (19) RHSP, DOB: 12/15/1991, 6'2", 178 lbs Eades was the Twins second round pick in the 2013 draft. After he signed he played 10 games in the Elizabethton pen pitching 15.7 innings striking out 13 and walking 12. He had a 4.60 ERA (4.22 FIP) and 1.596 WHIP. Eades was ranked 11th in last season's rankings, but he dropped to 19th in the mid-season rankings based on what I saw from him last Spring Training. His potential is a mid to top of the rotation starter with four good pitches. He reported had a plus fastball that sits at 93-95 mph and peaks at 97-98, with good command. However, the Eades I saw was a good 5 mph below those numbers and was pitching really tentatively. In his 2014 season he started 25 games in Cedar Rapids (133 IP). He was at an average age with the list and finished with 5.14 ERA (4.44 FIP) 98 Strikeouts and 50 BBs. His K% fell down to 16.6 %. His loss in velocity and inability to strike out players his age, further dropped him to number 30 in these rankings. Will likely move to Fort Myers for 2015, but Eades really needs to regain his velocity and start missing bats, because pitching to contact with low 90 mph FB, will result to contact with bad consequences for his teams. 29. Felix Jorge RHP (23) RHSP, DOB: 1/2/1994, 6'2", 170 lbs. Felix De Jesus Jorge was signed by the Twins out of the Dominican in February of 2011 for $250,000. He started his pro career at the DSL where he pitched in 9 games (5 starts) for 27 innings, walking 9 and striking out 26 (2.67 ERA, 2.50 FIP, 1.037 WHIP). He move to the States and pitched 12 games (7 GS) in the GCL in 2012 with similar results (34.7 IP, 37 K, 12 BB, 2.34 ERA, 2.28 FIP, 1.212 WHIP, .303 BABIP) and moved up to Elizabethton as a 19 year old in 2013 starting 12 games (61 IP) striking out 72 and walking 18, with a 2.95 ERA, 2.25 FIP and 1.213 WHIP (.338 BABIP.) He started the season in Cedar Rapids (1.5 years too young for the league) and he did not respond well: 39 IP, 1.974 WHIP, 9.00 ERA (7.70 FIP) 20 BB and 23 K. He lost command and control and resulted in demotion to Elizabethton again (about half a year younger for the league) were he improved in all aspects, but his K%: 66 IP, 1.091 WHIP, 14 BB, 61K, 22.9% K%. Jorge is also one of those rare pitchers who had 3 above average pitches when he signed at 16 and he has been improving them. He has a low 90s fastball with decent downward movement, which he hides really well with his delivery. Above average slurvy curveball and change up. He commands all three pitches well, has good control and he mixes pitches well. Endurance is a question mark, thus the drop in the rankings. Will likely repeat Cedar Rapids in 2015. 28. Stuart Turner (--), RH, C, DOB: 12/27/1991, 6'2", 220 lbs Stuart Turner was drafted by the Twins in the third round of the 2013 draft from the University of Mississippi. He spend all his season (but one game he filled in for the Rock Cats) for the Elizabethton Twins, where he played at 35 games (146 PAs) and hit .272/.345/.384 with 3 HRs and 19 RBI. He walked 12 times, struck out 23 and hit by a pitch 4. Last season he played for Fort Myers, hitting .249/.322/.375 in 364 PAs with 7 HRS and a 31:61 BB:K ratio. Turner has been always described as an excellent defensive catcher with a great feel for the game, but his bat will determine his potential as a prospect.Turner has a large frame and projectable power that will come as he grows. He will likely start his age 23 season in Fort Myers again with a mid-season promotion, but bat development (even though there are good signs) is crucial, despite this organization's persistence in promoting soft hitting catchers. 27. Brandon Peterson RHP (36) RHRP, DOB: 9/23/1991, 6'1", 190 lbs Brandon Peterson is a Burnsville, MN native who was drafted by the Twins in the 13th round of the 2013 draft from Wichita State. He has been a continues surpise with his ability to strike out hitters at a rate about double than his best at College. In 2013 he played for the Elizabethtown Twins, pitching 27.3 innings walking 9 and striking out 40, 1.134 WHIP, 2.96 ERA, 2.92 FIP, 36% K%. He started 2014 at Cedar Rapids (age average) pitching 12.3 innings walking 2 and striking out 19 (0.71 ERA, 0.96 FIP, 39.6% K%, 0.87 WHIP and with a .333 BABIP) before he promoted to Fort Myers where he was a year and a half younger than the league. In the FSL he pitched 45 innings striking out 65 and walking 5 (36.3% K%) with an 1.80 ERA, 1.64 FIP and 1.00 WHIP. Peterson has a low to mid 90s fastball, a good slider and working on a change up. Will likely start 2015 in Fort Myers. Depending on development and his ability to strike out batters in New Britain, we might see him in the Minnesota pen as soon as 2016 or 2017. 26. Max Murphy OF (--) RHB, DOB: 11/17/1992, 5'11", 195 lbs Max Murphy is a New Hope, MN native who was drafted by the Twins in the 9th round of the 2014 draft from Bradley University. Max terrorized Appalachian League pitching at a rate of .378/.483/.723 and 10 HRs in 35 games, making a fine transition to the wooden bat, despite being about 1 year older than his league mates. He moved to Cedar Rapids where he landed back to reality hitting .242/.314/.395 and 4 HRs in 32 games with 8 BBs and 40 Ks. The strikeout was his issue in Cedar Rapids (he had a 22:34 BB:K ration in Elizabethton) and pitch selectivity and laying off bad pitches is something that the 22 year old needs to work on. Very good power potential from a small frame, the ability to play a good CF, might propel him pretty fast, if his bat develops. He reminds some of Rich Becker, who actually was Murphy's age when he made the Twins... http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/7098789651_02fb66b359_z.jpg

Was looking for that earlier, but here it is. "Framing" and "Framing Runs" has been a way of measuring catcher's performance and Pinto's detractors are using it to say that he is a horrible catcher. Here is a study that correlates ERA with Framing Runs: http://pinstripepundits.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/ERA.png Flatline. Zero. Zip. ERA is unrelated to framing runs. In other words, data shows that Framing Runs have nothing to do with actual runs and game outcomes, so it is a pretty much worthless measurement.

Talking about the Majors. Not the Twins. That would be Mike Piazza...

I hope that Pinto is the starting Catcher and Suzuki is the backup. 2014 was an aberration for Suzuki with the stick and their defensive metrics are similar despite what some players say. What's the difference: Pinto has a better bat and he is 5 years younger than Suzuki with the opportunity to improve in all aspects of the game, while Suzuki has decline in front of him. Hopefully getting rid of Gardy gets rid of the bias against younger players and for no hit catchers in this organization. The best catcher in the last 20 years was a catcher whose ability behind the plate was about as good as Pinto's...

I am talking about local rumors here (SE PA.) Might be a wishful thinking, but the Phillies do want to become younger fast and they have a couple of immovable objects like Cliff Lee and Ryan Howard.

Looks like he is going to San Diego (his home town) for a package based on Will Myers...

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ---- Today is the second installment in the top 40 Twins' Off-season prospects countdown. You can find all installments here in reverse chronological order. This is the 31-35 rankings. Previous rankings: 36-40. 35. Mat Batts LHP (--), LHSP, DOB: 7/6/1991, 5'11", 190 lbs. The Twins drafted Harrison Mathis Batts in the 17th round of the 2014 draft from the University of North Calorina Wilmington. The Lefty breezed through 3 levels in the organization from the Gulf Coast to Elizabethton to Cedar Rapids and finished the season with an impressive 1.78 ERA, 67 K and 7 BB in 60.7 Innigns Pitched. His WHIP was 0.775, his FIP 2.34, his K% 29.5%, 10 K/9 and an impressive 9.6 K/BB. Adding these numbers to his 2014 College numbers (2.68 ERA, 103.7 IP, 105 K, 18 BB, 1.05 WHIP), tells a very impressive story for the 23 year old who pitched 164 innings last season. Why isn't Batts ranked any higher? Well... his pitching style is what described as a "Crafty Lefty". His fastball tops in the high 80s but has a plus curve and a plus change. Those are great pitches to fool lower level competition. Batts might shoot through the organization, but his real test with be at AA. Likely will start for Cedar Rapids or even Fort Myers next season. 34. Todd Van Steensen RHP (--), RHRP, DOB: 1/14/1991, 6'1", 190 lbs. 2014 was the second tour of duty for Todd in the Twins' organization after being released in 2011 in the heels of a 5.68 ERA, 1.351 WHIP season in Elizabethton as a starter. Meanwhile, between then and 2014, he mimicked Glen Perkins: Found a mid 90s fastball and re-invented himself as a reliever. Started in Cedar Rapids as the closer and moved to Fort Myers (he is age average for high A) in the middle of the season. He finished 2014 with 1.39 ERA (but 3.22 FIP), 1.063 WHIP, 71 Ks and 24 BBs in 58.3 IP. His control was an issue mainly at Fort Myers, which, since he has been out of baseball, save for Aussie leagues, for a while, might be a conditioning issue. Will likely start 2015 for the Miracle again. 33. Zach Larson OF (29) RH, OF, DOB: 10/8/1993. 6'2", 185 lbs Zach was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 20th round of the 2012 draft out of Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton FL. He played only in 15 GCL games in 2012 and his transition to the wooden bat was unremarkable (.250/.318/.325) However, 2013 was a great season for him. He started the season repeating the Gulf Coast League where he hit .317/.382/.467 in 137 plate appearances and moved up to Elizabethton without slowing down (.301/.407/.438 in 86 PA). He declined severely in his 2014 season, thus the drop in the rankings. In a season marred with injury he hit .265/.325/.358 in Cedar Rapids and had a 3.5:1 K:BB ratio. Potentially his performance was injury-related. 2015 will be a very important year for Zach, in an organization loaded with corner OFs. He will likely start 2015 again in Cedar Rapids, where we would be just young for the league. 32. Randy Rosario LHP (40), LHSP, DOB: 5/18/1994, 6'1", 160 lbs The 20 year old Dominican was one of the Twins' Tommy John surgery victims this season, yet his stocked rose in these listings. Why? First of all I am discounting his 11.7 injury innings in Cedar Rapids this season and his stuff is really good. Rosario had a mid 90s fastball with lots of movement that complements with an above average slider and a plus change up. His only issue has been the command of his fastball. Based on what I have seen last Spring Training, his command was much more improved. The question mark that dropped him to 40 was his health and how he will come back from the surgery, but at this ranking I am discount those concerns. I feel that with correct development, he has the ability to be the top lefty in the Twins' organization. A couple of years of development and tests in Fort Myers and Chattanooga will tell. Will likely repeat Cedar Rapids in 2015, depending on elbow health. 31. Aaron Slegers RHP (26), RHSP, DOB: 9/4/1992, 6'10", 245 lbs Slegers was drafted by the Twins in the 5th round of the 2013 draft from Indiana University. His first pro campaign was for 19 relief inning in E-town later that season where he baffled younger hitters at the rate of 0.47 ERA, 18 K and 2 BB and 0.947 WHIP. Last season he moved into a full time starter job starting at Cedar Rapids and promoted to Fort Myers for 3 starts. Slegers finished the season (132.3 IP - 23 Starts) with a 4.35 ERA (3.82 FIP), 102 K and 24 BB and 1.179 WHIP. His strikeout rates are of concern, dropping from 26.5% at Elizabethon to 19% at Cedar Rapids and 16% at Fort Myers. He has a plus Fastball (helps being that tall) that sits in the low 90s and touches 95 or so and a plus change. He is working on breaking ball. Depending on development of a third pitch and the ability to miss bats at higher levels, he projects from a mid-rotation pitcher to a middle reliever. Because of his size, injuries had been a problem previously, so he has to stay healthy. http://www.phillyphanatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Minnesota-Twins.jpg

Fastball (low 90s), Cutter, Curve, Change. Average FB with the 2-seamer better than the 4-seamer, plus Change, below average Cutter and Curve. Ground ball pitcher, misses some bats (25% K rate) on occasion. Above average control.

Twas the draft that Ryan picked Matt Moses, so... That was a normal average draft: Markakis, Danks, Billingsly, A. Hill, Adam Jones, Ethier, Bourn, Papelbon, Matt Kemp, Ian Kinsler, Kris Medlen all drafted then. Maybe even one Hall of Famer in the bunch (Kinsler), if he continues playing for 5-6 years at a high level...

Originally posted at The Tenth Inning Stretch -- The Rule 5 draft is done, the Winter Leagues are in full blow, Catchers and Pitchers are 2 months away, which means that it is time for the Twins Off-season top 40 prospect list. Like last year (you can find the summary list here with links to all the posts) I will do a count down 5 at a time starting from number 40. I will give detailed descriptions of the players and justification why I ranked them where I did when needed. In parenthesis, I am including their ranking in the last prospect list, which was the 2014 mid-season list, with "--" if not ranked. You can find that list here. Unlike several lists, in my list, once a player makes it to the show, it graduates as a prospect. So, the following Twins' players have graduated last season (2014 mid-season ranking in parenthesis) : Trevor May (4), Kennys Vargas (5), AJ Achter (25). The one player who is an exception to my rule, is Jorge Polanco, who, while called in the majors twice, barely played, thus I still consider a prospect and will be part of this list when his number comes. As these posts add up, you can find all the rankings here. Here is the Minnesota Twins Prospects 36 to 40: 40. Luis Arraez (--) LHB, IF, DOB: 4/9/1997: 5'10", 155 lbs Luis Arraez was signed from Venezuela before last season. The diminutive 17 year old made his debut in the DSL in 2014 and in a pitcher's league he exhibited excellent ability to make contact and great selectivity on the plate, finishing with a .348/.433/.400 slash line. He also stole 10 bases in 15 attempts. Not much power, but he is just 17. Likely will travel North and play in the DSL for 2015. He played mostly second base, but started 3 games in SS as well. His fielding is a work in progress but he turned 20 double plays in 155 total touches, which is not a bad place to be. 39. Moises Gomez RHP (--) RHSP, DOB: 12/8/1997. 6'1", 192 lbs Gomez is another 17 year old Venezuelan who will make the jump to the GCL in 2015. In his first 26 pro innings in the DSL he allowed 6 runs (2.02 ERA), struck out 30 and walked 10. Nice easy delivery, good movement in his fastball, misses bats and a good feeling for the change. This is about as good as it gets for a teenager. He dabbles with breaking stuff but need work. Lots of potential, will be interesting to see how he responds in the GCL 38. Tyler Kuresa 1B (--) LHB, 1B, DOB: 11/17/1992 6'3", 190 lbs. Kuresa was drafted by the Twins on the 16th round of the 2014 draft from the University of California Santa Barbara and was assigned to Elizabethton. He had no problem trading his metal bat for a wooden, hitting .298/.381/.478. A big guy with room to grow and power to grow. Good eye for a big guy, but fields like a big guy. Reminds some people of a young Justin Morneau, and that is a heck of a compliment. Likely will start in Cedar Rapids in 2015. 37. Fernando Romero RHP (39) RHSP, DOB: 12/24/1994. 6'0", 215 lbs Fernando Romero was signed to an Amateur Free Agent contract by the Twins on October of 2011 with a $260,000 bonus out of the Dominican Republic. After spending the 2012 season in the Dominican Summer League, he made the jump to the Gulf Coast League in 2013. He pitched in 12 games (6 GS) for 45 innings to a 1.60 ERA and had 47 strikeouts and only 13 bases on balls. His WHIP was 1.00 and K% a very impressive 26, while his K/BB was 3.62. He missed 2014 with Tommy John surgery. It will be interesting to see how Romero will rebound in his age 20 season. He had a heavy fastball is in the mid to low 90s and barely adequate supplementary stuff. Romero does have mid rotation potential, depending on development of his secondary pitches and staying healthy. He will likely begin 2014, his age 19 season, in Cedar Rapids where he will alternate between the rotation and pen until extended. 36. Jermaine Palacios IF (--) RHB, DOB: 7/19/1996, 6'0", 145 lbs. Palacios is the third Venezuelan 17 year old in today's list, who will likely make his debut in the GCL next year, and was one of the most exciting position players in the DSL last season hitting .270/.404/.399 with 11 doubles and 6 triples (and 14 SB) in 49 games. Very fast, thinner than Alexei Ramirez and still working with the glove (played mainly 3B with some 2B and SS,) but projects more as a SS than a corner OF. Next: 35-30. http://www.phillyphanatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Minnesota-Twins.jpg

In 2013 Tonkin pitched just 11.3 innings in the majors. And with that 0.79 ERA there was a 3.52 xFIP. In his 19 innings in 2014, his ERA was 4.74 and the xFIP 3.92. That's who the guy is. If someone averages mid 90s with his fastball but has a K% around 20%, there is a problem. And Tonkin was a 30th round draft pick. (I'd rather see what Pelfrey can do, btw.)

Bottom feeding, but he is the best RHRP the Twins have, by default. Last season the Twins' pen ranked worse than the rotation in the majors and it needs major work, which unfortunately I don't see happening... Just cannot get excited about a 90 mph FB pitch to contact middle reliever. Silver lining: Fryer was outrighted.

Sure. About as much as they should sign Punto, Pavano and Thome.

I hope that Sano, Rosario and Michael start the season at Rochester (at least for the first 2)

Not that I agree with it, but this is what I think that they will do: Dozier 2B Hunter RF Mauer 1B Vargas DH Arcia LF Plouffe 3B Suzuki C Santana SS Hicks CF My preferable with what they have: Hicks LF Mauer 1B Vargas DH Sano 3B Arcia RF Pinto C Dozier 2B Rosario CF Escobar SS (Plouffe, Hunter, Suzuki, Santana on the bench) but it is not happening

McGehee is a journeyman utility player and the compensation was about at that level. Kendry Flores and Luis Castillo who went to the Marlins are the equivalent of (let's say) Ethan Mildren and Tim Shibuya in the Twins' organization. Plouffe is not a good comparison. And getting a utility player does not mean that the Giants closed their third base hole, if they want to stay contenders.

The sarcastic in me thinks even if this FO regime "goes through the roof" for international players, they will keep them in the minors for 6-7 years and block them with aging free agents of diminishing skills both in the majors and AAA. Because this is what they do. So, unless they change mindset, about playing young players and not signing mediocre old players, they should not go all out for international free agents.

Disregard the team stats you state. That is not Walker. See that .310 OBP? That is a huge issue. Have a look at his strikeouts last season: 156. About 4 Ks every 3 games. That is another issue and it really gets bad, since he does not get on base at a decent clip. So the kid needs to learn to take pitches and get on base. There are better prospects left out of the invite, so there is no space for complaining...

Bad information. Chattanooga, TN is about as far away from his home as it is from Des Moines (about 800 miles.) And it is closer to me (SE PA) for about 50 miles or so. He lives in the Miami area...

I think that the Twins should be doing what the Padres are doing, but... Getting marginal people is not going to make a 92 loss team a contender. And if you are not going to be a contender, better play the kids. That simple.

20 year old Junior.