Thrylos

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch -------- This is the next segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60, 55-51, 46-50 , 41-45. You can find all segments in this series here. Here are players 36-40 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--) 40. Aaron Whitefield (59) DOB: 9/2/1996; Age: 21 Positions: CF Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'4", Weight: 200 lbs Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on May 19, 2015 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A (2017) ETA: 2020 Aaron Whitefield was signed by the Twins as an International Free Agent from Brisbain, Australia on May 19, 2015. 2016 was his second professional season (he played 7 games in the GCL in 2015) and it highlighted Whitefield's versatility and steady hitting. He played 51 games in the Rookie Gulf Coast League, starting 17 at CF, 8 at RF, 2 at LF, 5 at 3B and 18 at 1B. He hit .298/.370/.366 with 2 HR, 7 2B, in 217 PA. Struck out 47 times and walked 19, stole 31 bases and was caught 9 times. In addition to the 19 BB, he had 48 singles, which means he attempted to steal 40 of the 67 times he reached first base, which is a very high rate. Last season he moved up to Cedar Rapids and he hit .262/.318/.414, .330 wOBA, 104 wRC+, had 6.7 BB% and 25.7 K%, and went 33/42 in stolen bases, while playing exclusively at Center field. During the off-season he is still playing in the ABL hitting .292/.364/.425 with 10/31 extra base hits and 10/17 SB. His bat is advanced for someone with only few years of playing baseball (Whitefield is a converted softball player) and improving. As most converted softball players, he is hitting RHP better that LHP. His slash line against RHP at Cedar Rapids was .276/.333/.415 vs .227/.280/.412 against LHP. Whitefield is still very raw, but has good instincts both with the glove and the bat. The bat will continue to improve the more he gets adjusted to baseball from softball, and right now it is much ahead of his peers. He is one of the players who might make considerable jumps in prospect lists, since he has all the makings of a five-tool player if his power further (his isoP is up to .158 from .063 last season) improves and his contact tool, esp. vs LHPs also improves. Strikeouts are a concern. He made it all the way to number 40 from 59 in these rankings last year. Still very raw and surviving (and thriving) due to his athleticism, but definitely a player to follow as he is playing against higher competition. Likely 2018 path: The starting centerfielder at Fort Myers. 39. Wander Valdez, (--) DOB: 11/22/1999; Age: 18 Positions: 3B Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 200 lbs Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on July 2, 2016 Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: DSL (2017) ETA: 2022 Wander Valdez was signed as international free agent by Twins on July 2, 2016 for a $495,000 bonus. His only professional season was last season at the DSL where he hit .263/.347/.401, with a .364 wOBA, 117 wRC+, 10.9 BB%, 19.2 K%, and .138 isoP, while playing both corner infield positions. He does have a considerable power for a 17 year old, and his arm is plus. Will likely stay at third base, unless he grows considerably. Very good sense for the strike zone and decent speed for his size. Likely 2018 path: Starting at extended Spring Training and then at the GCL. 38. Lachlan Wells (29), LHSP, 2020 DOB: 2/27/1997; Age: 20 Positions: LHP Bats: L, Throws: L Height: 6'1", Weight: 185 lbs Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on November 21, 2014 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (17) ETA: 2019 The Twins signed Lachlan Wells as an international free agent from Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia on November 21, 2014 for $400,000. Wells made his debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2015. He played in 10 games (9 GS) and pitched 47.3 innings, walking 11 (2.1 BB/9, 20.5 K-BB%) and striking out 49 (9.3 K/9, 26.5% K%) for a 2.09 ERA (3.22 FIP) and 0.97 WHIP (.263 BABIP). Last season he bypassed Elizabethton to play for Cedar Rapids in late June after Extented Spring Training. For the Kernals he made 12 starts for 71-1/3 IP, walking 16 (2.0 BB/9, 16.7 K-BB%) and striking out 63 (8.0 K/9, 16.7% K%) for a 1.77 ERA (3.28 FIP) and 1.02 WHIP (.272 BABIP). Wells moved all the way to Fort Myers in 2017 where he took a step back. He appeared in 16 games (14 GS) for 81-1/3 IP, striking out 68 (7.5 K/9, 20.1 K%) and walking 19 (2.1 BB/9, 14.5 K-BB%), with a 3.98 ERA, 4.17 FIP, and 1.17 WHIP (.272 BABIP.) All his rate measures were career worst. He missed missed all of July and most of August with an elbow flexor muscle strain, a situation that is concerning, because muscle elbow issues could very easily lead to ligament issues and Tommy John surgery. Wells throws an above average 90-93 mph fastball, a solid average curveball and a changeup that is close to plus and is his out pitch. His mechanics and complex delivery is a concern regarding durability, and a double concern now that he has elbow issues. So far his spits against lefties and righties are about similar with only one big difference: He produces much more ground balls against lefties that he does against righties. It could be the more frequent use of the changeup, but it is an interesting data point. The Twins have kept Wells as a starter thus far, but the bullpen might be a more realistic place for him in the future, especially given the fact that he has not pitched in triple digit innings yet. Likely 2018 path: In the Fort Myers rotation, pending health; moving to Chattanooga mid season. 37. Pedro Garcia (45) DOB: 7/21/1995; Age: 22 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 180 lbs Acquired: Signed as an international free agent on October 11, 2015 Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: GCL (2017) ETA: 2021 The Twins signed Pedro Garcia as an international free agent from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on October 11, 2015. Garcia had his first professional season in the Dominican Summer Rookie League in 2016 and he was the ace of that team, starting 14 games (62-1/3 IP), striking out 69 (10.0 K/9, 28.2 K%), and walking 24 (3.5 BB/9, 18.4 K-BB%). He finished the season with a 5-1 record, 2.17 ERA, 2.50 FIP, 1.01 WHIP (.260 BABIP). Opponents had a very hard time making contact (.181 OBA), especially when hitting from the right side (.155 OBA). In 2017 he move Stateside and joined the GCL after Spring Training. He pitched in 10 games (3 starts) for 48-2/3 innings, striking out 41 (7.6 K/9, 20.7 K%) and walking 17 (3.1 BB/9, 12.1 K-BB%), with a 2.59 ERA, 3.55 FIP, and 0.88 WHIP (.191 BABIP). Garcia has 3 pitches, a low to mid 90s two seamer fastball with good action, a workable changeup and an above average breaking ball. There is wildness there (he also hit 8 batters and had 7 wild pitches). His ground ball to fly ball rate is 1.3, his mechanics good and his frame projectable. Working on that fastball command will help him take the next step. Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training then GCL or Elizabethton, depending his adjustment to commanding the fastball and the Twins 2017 draft. 36. Bailey Ober (--) DOB: 7/12/1995; Age: 22 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'8", Weight: 215 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 12th round in 2017 Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: ELZ (2017) ETA: 2020 Bailey Ober was drafted in the 12th round of the 2017 draft as a Senior out of College of Charleston (SC.) The Huntersville, NC native missed all his Sophomore season with Tommy John surgery, had a trying Junior season but finished his Senior season strong, pitching 56 innings in 10 starts with a 3.21 ERA, 1.77 BB/9, 11.7 K/9, and 1.20 WHIP. He started his first season as a pro in Elizabethton where he pitched in 6 games (4 GS) and 28 innings, striking out 35 (11.3 K/9, 31.5 K%) and walking 2 (1.0 K/9. 28.8 K-BB%), for a 3.21 ERA, 2.86 FIP, and 0.96 WHIP (.319 BABIP). Ober at 6-8 is very tall and gives a different look than most hitters are used. He has a 91-93 fastball that he commands very well, a close to plus changeup, a slider and a curve that are average but have potential. He dominated his opponents at Elizabethton, but it will be interesting to see what happens against better competition. Likely 2018 path: Starting in the Cedar Rapids rotation Next: 31-35

This all has to be seen within the context of the 40-man roster that is full right now. And the first name off that roster if/when the Twins add a free agent pitcher is likely Slegers (or Enns), so you adding and losing. That's why, if the Twins are going after a second pitcher (which they should, because in order to compete in the post-season, they need 2 SP better than Berrios and now they have zero,) it has to be via a trade. Other than Darvish, I don't think that any of the FA SP are worth it, not only because of the loss of the draft pick for the other top 3, but because I think that they will be at the Gibson level at the AL... Absolutely no to bottom feeding because Gonsalves, Romero, Littel, Enns, & Co could provide similar or better results than Vargas or Garcia and hold the last spot or two until May and Santana are ready in May. This team has to decide whether it will be a contender in 2018 or 2019. If they want to be a contender in 2018 they need 2 starters. In 2019, they will effectively replace Santana with Pineda, May, Berrios, Mejia would be a year more seasoned, and Gonsalves, Romero, Littel would be closer. They just need a top of the rotation pitcher (or 2) depending on how they see 2018.

Hughes? Is he still pitching?

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ------ This is the next segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60, 55-51, 46-50. You can find all segments in this series here. Here are players 41-45 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--) 45. Ryley Widell DOB: 6/1/1997; Age: 20 Positions: LHP Bats: L, Throws: L Height: 6'3", Weight: 180 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 7th round in 2017 Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: ELZ (2017) ETA: 2022 The Haiku, HI native was drafted in the 7th round of 2017 by the Twins from Central Arizona College as a draft-eligible Sophomore. He transferred there after an unfortunate Freshman season at Washington State (14 G, 3 GS, 20.1 IP, 8.85 ERA, 2.31 WHIP, 8.4 BB/9, 8.0 K/9). He improved vastly at JuCo pitching in 17 games (16 GS) for 95-2/3 IP, with a 1.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9. As a pro he started in Elizabethton pitching in 8 games (7 GS) for 29-2/3 IP striking out 41 (12.4 K/9, 30.6 K%) and walking 20 (6.1 BB/9, 15.7 K-BB%). He also had 4 wild pitches. He finished with a 2.43 ERA, 4.10 FIP amd 1.52 WHIP (.358 BABIP) At 6-3/180 Widell is projectible and the hope is that he will add a couple of ticks to his 90-92 mph fastball. He as an above average changeup and has been working with a curveball in Elizabethton. Command and control can be lacking some days; Focusing on commanding the fastball and then working on secondary stuff will be a must for Widell. There is a lot of potential here, but the floor is very low as well. Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training to work on command and then in the Elizabethton or even Cedar Rapids rotation depending on the Twins' draft. 44. Yeltsin Encarnacion (--) DOB: 6/28/1998; Age:19 Positions: IF Bats: L, Throws: R Height: 5'11", Weight: 170 lbs Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 2014 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: DSL (2017) ETA: 2023 Encarnacion who is from Azua, Dominican Republic, was signed as international free agent by Twins on September 2014. His first pro season in the DSL he hit an encouraging .286/.384/.333, .363 wOBA, 114 wRC+ as a 17 year old, with 12.5 BB% and 15.5 K%. He repeated the DSL in 2016 and regressed, other in the K%, hitting .220/.330/.270 with .310 wOBA, 86 wRC+, 12.4 BB% and 9.1 K%. In 2017, back in the DSL as a 19 year old he had a breakthrough season, both as far as contact and power goes: He hit .318/.408/.523, .445 wOBA, 165 wRC+, with 12.4 BB/9, and 11.3 K/9. Encarnacion has played all infield positions but 2B is likely his best position. He has a strong enough arm to play the left size of the infield, but his defensive instincts and surehandedness are not that developed. This .205 IsoP last season is impressive in any league, and especially by a 5-11, 170 lbs 19 year old infielder. For example the 5-10, 185 lbs Eduardo Escobar who as a 28 year old had a power break through for the Twins had a .195 isoP last season. Encarnacion is a contact machine who does not mind taking a walk here and there. If that contact results in hits like it did last season when facing tougher competition, the future will be bright for him, even though his glove will be dragging behind. Likely 2018 Path: Extended String Training . Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then at the GCL 43. Jacob Pearson (--) DOB: 6/28/1998; Age:19 Positions: OF Bats: L, Throws: R Height: 6'1", Weight: 185 lbs Acquired: Traded by the Angels Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: AZL (2017) ETA: 2023 Jacob Pearson was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft by the Angels from West Monroe (LA) High School and was signed for an over-spot bonus. He was traded to the Twins for IFA allowance. In his first pro appearance in the Angels' Rookie Arizona League (the equivalent of the GCL) he hit .226/.302/.284 with a .286 wOBA and 69 wRC+ in 176 PA. He had an 8.5 BB% and 21 K%. Stole 5/8 bases and had 8/27 extra base hits (no HRs). Pearson was the top prep player from Louisiana and can play all OF positions including CF. He has played first base as well. He has good game speed, excellent feel for the game, hustle, and doubles power. His arm is one of his weaknesses, and depending on how much he grows, the right side of the infield might be his future. Played exclusively at the OF with the Angels, but this might change in the Twins' organization. Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then at Elizabethton, depending on the Twins' draft. 42. Jake Reed (25) RHRP DOB: 9/29/1992; Age: 25 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 190 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 5th round in 2014 Professional Experience: 4; Highest level: AAA (2016, 2017) ETA: 2018 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 (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 started 2016 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. Last season he also started at Chattanooga, but stayed only 5 games before he moved to Rochester, where he pitched in 22 games for 30-2/3 innings striking out 25 (7.3 K/9, 20.7 K%), walking 11 (3.2 BB/9, 11.6 K-BB%) with a 2.05 ERA, 3.40 FIP, and 1.14 WHIP (.281 BABIP) 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. Last season he regressed a bit and this off-season, even though, unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, unlike two of his teammates he was not selected. 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 at this point has been passed by several other RHRPs, but all it will take is an opportunity to get a major league job, do well and hold into it. Reed was ranked as the Twins' 16th best prospect in 2015 and 2016, dropped to 25th last season and to 42nd now, to reflect his status in the Twins' RHRP pecking order. Likely 2018 path: At the Rochester pen with a potential call to the majors, depending on performance and needs. 41. Ricky De La Torre (--) DOB: 4/21/1999; Age: 19 Positions: SS Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 175 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 6th round in 2017 Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017) ETA: 2023 The Juana Diaz, PR, native, Ricky De La Torre was selected by the Twins in the 6th round of the 2017 draft from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. As a 17 year old in his first pro season at the GCL he did well. He hit .268/.341/.359 with a .339 wOBA, 104 wRC+, 9.4 BB%, and 22.9 K%. He was 5/11 in stolen bases, a number that should be improved. His .092 IsoP and 9/34 extra base hits, including 3 home runs is very hopeful. So it his power projectibility and his strong arm and potential ability to stay at SS. He played at short, second, and third, but does project as a (yet another) shortstop with moderate to high ceiling. Tools and projection is there, but he needs improvement in contact, defensive instincts and concentration, in general. At just 18, there is no reason that this will not happen. Likely 2018 path: Starting at extended Spring Training and then either repeating GCL or at Elizabethton depending on the Twins' draft. Next: 36-40

Does not lose them. They can extend them and/or re-sign them. This comes with a salary cap, so players will not concentrate in a particular team.

My (more) detailed thoughts on the subject are here. I think that the root cause of the problem is a system that as is pays players for past performance and new analytically-based Front Offices are not willing to continue. I am proposing several changes that will help the system, including livable wages for minor leaguers, hard salary caps and floors (with loss of draft picks as penalties), universal free agency at age 25 (unless there is an extension) so players can be paid for their prime seasons, universal NBA style draft with tradeable picks including IFA, Japanese, Cubans etc, elimination of IFA, Arbitration, Qualifying offers, and a few more. Both sides have to give some. I think that a large rational change is needed at the sport right now, so it stops taking advantage of 75% of its participants and pay better the players who are playing better. I also think that with the new front offices that "get it", the time is ripe.

150+ Free agents have yet to sign. Add 4-5 decent ones to any of the 3 teams that are "supposedly lagging" and/or have 2-3 of the WSux youngsters have break through seasons, and things change. I'd wait to see what happens before April, and then they will have to play the games...

Originally Published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ----- This is the next segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60, 55-51. You can find all segments in this series here. Here are players 51-55 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--) 50. Colton Burns (--) DOB: 10/19/1995; Age: 22 Positions: OF Bats: L, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 195 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 18th round in 2017 Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL (2017) ETA: 2021 Colton Burns was drafted by the Twins in the 18th round of the 2017 draft as a Junior from the University of California Santa Barbara. The Palmdale, CA native transferred there from the JuCo College of the Canyons. As a junior he played the OF and filled in at second base because of injuries. He hit .308/.422/.389 with 9/57 extra base hits and 5/10 SB. His first season as a pro was at the GCL where he hit .282/.423/.385, .393 wOBA, 138 wRC+, and had 16.3 BB% and 23.5 K% and was 8/11 in SB. Burns is very raw but has a true 70 speed and excellent plate discipline. He had some issues with contract his first time around with wooden bat, but this will be a matter of adjustment. He projects as a left fielder or centerfielder in the future. He is a player with tools similar to current Twins' OF Zack Granite. Likely 2018 Path: Extended Spring Training and then Elizabethton. 49. Hector Lujan (--) DOB: 8/23/1994; Age: 23 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'3", Weight: 220 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 35th round in 2015 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (2016) ETA: 2020 Hector Lujan was drafted by the Twins in the 35th round of the 2015 draft from Westmont College as a junior. The Corona, CA native went to University of California Santa Barbara as a freshman and sophomore but decided to transfer to get more opportunities to pitch. In his Junior year he pitched 23 innings in 20 games out of the pen with a 4.30 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 9.8 K/9 and 5.9 BB/9. A mechanical change in the pros reduced the walks (2.5/9 at GCL in 2015 and 2.6/9 in Elizabethton in 2016), but previously to last season, he was fairly ineffective: in 2015 at GCL he pitched in 15 games (18 IP) with 16 K (8 K/9, 20.8 K%), 5 BB (2.5 BB/9, 14.3 K-BB%), with a 5.00 ERA, 2.70 FIP and 1.39 WHIP. In 2016 he appeared in 19 games with Elizabethton pitching for 35-1/3 innings and had 30 K (7.6 K/9, 18.8 K%), 10 BB (2.6 BB/9, 12.5 K-BB) and a 5.35 ERA, 4.99 FIP and 1.39 WHIP. That season he pitched a game for the Miracle (1 IP, 1 ER, 1 HR, 1 K). Last season a different Hector showed up in Cedar Rapids and dominated as the closer for most of the season. He appeared in 42 games (54 IP), stuck out 54 (9 K/9, 26.5 K%) walked only 8 (1.3 BB/9, 22.5 K%) and finished with 1.33 ERA, 2.79 FIP and 0.91 WHIP (.277 BABIP). Two things happened for Lujan that helped those results: His fastball gained a couple of ticks to 96-97 mph and he learn how to command and control it better. It has a lot of movement and it is a plus pitch at this point. Add a hard slider with plus flashes but solidly at above average and an average to above average changeup and Lujan might be on the fast track if he starts producing at higher levels. Likely 2018 Path: Closer at the Fort Myers Miracle. 48. Kerby Camacho (--) C, 2021 DOB: 11/23/1997; Age: 20 Positions: C Bats: S, Throws: R Height: 5'10", Weight: 175 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 11th round in 2015 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: GCL (2015, 2017) ETA: 2023 The Twins drafted the Arecibo, PR native in the 11th round of the 2015 draft from the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy. His first professional season in the DSL was disappointing (.093/.169/.167, .176 wOBA, 9 wRC+. He lost all of his second season to a 60 day suspension testing positive for the anabolic steroid Nandrolone. He return to the GCL in 2017 where he was much improved: .246/.378/.328 slash line with a .349 wOBA and a 111 wRC+ in 74 PA. He projects to stay at Catcher where he is pretty good with the glove cutting down 29% of the would be base stealers. He is good at calling games and pretty sure-handed as a backstop making no errors last season. He is a switch hitting catcher, which is not a small feat by itself. Still pretty raw and still question marks, and not only because he is another steroid strike away from major consequences on his development, but he is one to keep your eye on. Likely 2018 Path: Catching at Elizabethton. 47. Tom Hackimer (--) RHP DOB: 6/28/1994; Age: 20 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 5'11", Weight: 190 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 4th round in 2016 Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A+ (2017) ETA: 2019 The New Hyde Park, NY Native was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 4th round of the 2016 draft from St. John's University as a Senior. He was a Physics majors with a 3.62 GPA and decided to go back to finish after being drafted by the Mets as a Junior. In his senior year at the Big East conference he pitched in 28 games (53-2/3 IP) striking out 71 (11.9 K/9) and walking 19 (3.2 BB/9). He finished with 8 saves, 1.17 ERA and 0.800 WHIP. As a pro that season (2016) he was assigned to Cedar Rapids where he pitched in 21 games (26-1/3 IP), struck out 26 (8.9 K/9, 22.8 K%), walked 12 (4.1 BB/9, 12.3 K-BB%) and hit 7 batters. He had a 2.39 ERA, 4.16 FIP and 1.25 BABIP. He repeated Cedar Rapids to start the 2017 season, pitching 16 games (24 IP), striking out 28 (10.5 K/9, 30.8 K%), walking 3 (1.1 BB/9, 27.5 K-BB%) and hitting 4 batters. His ERA was 1.50, FIP 2.04 and WHIP 0.58 (.196 BABIP). He moved up to Fort Myers where he pitched in 27 games (37-1/3 IP) stuck out 43 (10.4 K/9), walked 19 () and hit 7 batters. He finished with a 1.93 ERA, 3.10 FIP, and 1.02 WHIP (.221 BABIP). He followed with an appearance in the Arizona Fall League where he pitched 11-2/3 innings in 10 games with 7.7 K/9, 5.4 BB/9, 2.31 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Hackimer did not allow a HR this season. He allowed 1 at Cedar Rapids in 2016 and none in 4 NCAA seasons. He is an extreme ground ball pitcher, allowing 2-4 as many time ground balls as fly balls. He is a submarine pitcher with a fastball that runs 89-92 and moves a lot (thus the walks and HBPs) and has a good Frisbee slider. Control will make or break Hackimer, but he is fast tracked to the majors. Likely 2018 Path: In the Fort Myers' pen with a move to Chattanooga mid-season. 46. Andrew Vasquez (52) LHP, 2019 DOB: 9/14/1994; Age: 24 Positions: LHP Bats: S, Throws: L Height: 6'6", Weight: 228 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 32nd round in 2015 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: A+ (2017) ETA: 2019 Andrew Vasquez was drafted by the Twins in the 32nd round of the 2015 draft from Westmont College where he transferred as a senior from University of California Santa Barbara where he pitched his first 3 collegiate seasons. The California native was Highly recruited out of High School after finishing 5-1 with 1.54 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 52-1/3 IP and being a switch hitting first baseman. His freshman season he started 15 games (88-2/3 IP) had 106 strikeouts (10.6 K/9) and 63 BB (6.4 BB/9) with a 1.93 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. The next 2 seasons the wheels fell off and his ERA ballooned to mid 4s, before dropping to 3.06 after his transfer. The problem? Andrew Vasquez is an unusual pitcher. One has to think of him as a knuckleballer, but unlike a knuckleballer, Vasquez bread and butter pitch is his curveball that he throws most of the time. And it is a beautiful slow curveball that sits at the high 60s low 70s, which most of the time is a plus plus pitch that misses bats and induces very weak contact when it does. He occasionally throws a mid 80s fastball that was just a step above a playground pitch at college but improving. Missing bats is what Vasquez does, but when he misses the plate with his curveball and the hitters are sitting on his fastball, the results have been disastrous. All of his collegiate career he was given more walks than hits. His strikeout numbers (13.1 K/9) and hits (4.8 hits per 9 innings) have been stellar his senior year, but walks were the problem (5.7 BB/9). In his first pro-season with the Twins, Vasquez transitioned to the pen in the Gulf Coast League where the trent continued. He pitched 12-1/3 innings in 12 games, striking out 22 (16.1 K/9) allowing 10 hits (7.3 H/9) but walking 15 (11 BB/9). He started 2016 in extended spring training and looks like something clicked for Vasquez. He moved to Elizabethton for 4 games, pitched 10 innings striking out 15 (13.5 K/9, 38.5 K%) allowing 6 hits (5.4 H/9) and walking only 4 hitters (3.6 BB/9, 28.2 K-BB%) ending up with an 0.90 ERA, 2.46 FIP, and 1.00 WHIP (.333 BABIP.) He was promoted to Cedar Rapids where the success continued: He came of the pen in 13 games for 28-1/3 innings, with 36 K (11.4 K/9, 31.6% K%), 12 BB (3.8 BB/9, 21.1 K-BB%) and 13 H (4.1 H/9) translating into a 1.59 ERA, 2.63 FIP and 0.88 WHIP (.210 BABIP). He begun last season at Cedar Rapids for 14 games (22-1/3 IP), striking out 33 (13.30 K/9, 36.7 K%) and walking 10 (4.0 BB/9, 25.6 K-BB%), with an 1.61 ERA, 2.02 FIP and 1.12 WHIP (.326 BABIP). He moved up to Fort Myers, pitching in 23 games for 35-2/3 inning, striking out 52 (13.1 K/9, 34.4 K%) and walking 11 (2.8 BB/9, 27.2 K-BB%.) He finished with and 1.51 ERA, 1.82 FIP and 1.21 WHIP (.390 BABIP.) He moved on to the Arizona Fall Leauge where he pitched in 11 Games, 12-2/3 IP, 1.38 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 3.6 BB/9 and 1.11 WHIP. It has to be mentioned that Vasquez has not allowed a home run as a pro player. As mentioned earlier, even though a secondary pitch, his 88-90 mph fastball has improved this season and he has been also toying with a slurve that sits at high 70s to low 80s and has improved to above average. He is lethal against LHBs. He is a very interesting prospect who will live and die with the control and command of his curveball and if that holds up in higher levels, he might be a fast riser. The benefit he has as a reliever that he did not have as a starter is that he can reduce his exposure when his command and control is not there. Likely 2018 Path: In the Fort Myers' pen with a move to Chattanooga mid-season; aggressively, could start the season in AA. Next: 41-45

Gibson made serious changes in second half, which paid of. Not sure whether any of those gentlemen did or not sure what their second half records were against the AL Feel free to provide data if so inclined

This is a 2018 discussion. Gibson is a free agent after this season. So (hopefully) will be Santana There are a lot of better pitchers out there who will be a free agent after this season or might be available in a trade. Also Romero and Gonsalves might be lights out in 2018. Who knows.

Here is what I see, and I suspect some of the Twins' brass does as well. Data: Alex Cobb: 3.66 ERA, 4.16 FIP, 1.221 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 2.91 K/BB Lance Lynne (2017 vs AL): 4.25 ERA, 1.517 WHIP, 7 K/9, 1.64 K/BB Jake Arrieta (2017 vs AL) 3.38 ERA, 1.333 WHIP, 7.1 K/9, 1.90 K/BB Kyle Gibson (2017 2nd Half) 3.76 ERA, 1.278 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 3.12 K/BB Gibson's second half was as good, if not better than any of the other three's splits against the AL. Who in the right mind would pay Gibson what they are asking for, plus surrender a draft pick? I wouldn't. They might go the short term contract situation, but not with those 3, since a pick will be involved, but it is tough to see the logic behind signing a Jaime Garcia while they can probably get equal production (4.82 ERA, 4.87 FIP, 1.634 WHIP, 8.9 K/9, 1.85 K/BB with the Yankees last season) with a rotation of Gonsalves/Romero/Jorge/Enns in the last starter post until someone sticks or May is ready. May's last stint at starting was pretty good (4.43 ERA, 1.380 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 4.06 K/BB, as a starter in 2015) and he should be improving from that. The Garcia's and Tillman's of the world can't touch this...

Gordon is way overated. Rooker needs to be there ahead of him, for one.

Gosilin does (and he is a hall of famer, and not an uknown ), but his fWAR with the Twins/Senators was 42.2, so he is below Puckett. The rest is with the Browns and Tigers.

Unlike the Vikings that was a brand new team in 1961, the Twins have had 60 years of History that should not be ignored. I do not understand why the Twins want to ignore the fact that they were an AL founding franchise. As a matter of fact, with the move, Griffith took the rights to his family's franchise. So the Twins have those rights. And every Twins' best player list should be headed by Walter Johnson. Here are the best 10 Twins franchise players, by fWAR (as part of the Twins' franchise) Walter Johnson 117.1 Harmon Killebrew 66.3 Rod Carew 56.9 Bert Blyleven 55.7 Jim Kaat 53.3 Sam Rice 50.3 Camilo Pascual 48.1 Joe Mauer 48.1 Joe Judge 45.6 Kirby Puckett 44.9

That's the epitome of the "good enough" team. The 2006 team. They had Punto as their starting 3B in the postseason and Tyner as their DH. And as far as rotation goes, was Santana and Radke minus his shoulder. And Boof. Good enough to make the post season. And then Oh and 3.

No correlation is needed. The point is: a. Fans keep going to the game b. owners are increasing their revenues c. players are increasing their salaries There is no problem with the pace of the game or the length of the game other in the commissioner's head.

The Twins' goal should not be to have a team good enough to make the post-season through the back door, because of a bad division. It should be to build a team good enough to win it all. I hope that they learned something from the 00s of post-season futility... The goal should be to have a team that can beat the Indians for the division and the Astros, Yankees, Dodgers, Nats, etc in the post-season. About time that someone in the Organization says that good enough is not good enough.

Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch ----- This is the third segment in the 2018 Twins top 60 prospect list. You can find the introductory segment that discusses qualifications to be on this list and presents the players who were on the 2017 list but are not in this list here. You can find the list of the previous rankings here: 56-60. You can find all segments in this series here. Here are players 51-55 in reverse order with their 2017 ranking in parenthesis. Players no in the 2017 top 60 list are indicated by (--) 55 Carlos Suniaga, (--) DOB: 5/26/1997; Age: 20 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 187 lbs Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 19, 2014 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: ELZ (2017) ETA: 2022 Carlos Suniaga is a late bloomer pitcher from Margarita Venezuela. He was signed by the Twins as a 17 year old, played his first professional season the the DSL as an 18 year old and other than having good control of his fastball things were tough for him: He appeared in 23 games, all out of the pen for 50 IP, struck out 35 (6.3 K/9, 15.6 K%) and walked only 6 (1.1 BB/9, 12.9 K-BB%), but had a 1.54 WHIP and ended up with a 6.48 ERA and 3.99 FIP. He repeated the DSL as a 19 year old in 2016 with stellar results: 16 G, 6 GS, 57-2/3 IP, 58 K (9 K/9, 25 K%), 13 BB (2 BB/9, 19.4 K%), 1.01 WHIP, 2.03 ERA and 1.83 FIP. In 2017 he came to the States and played in the GCL as a 20 year old (about half a year less than average age for the league) and his success continued: He appeared in 11 games, 6 starts for 48 IP, stuck out 38 (7.1 K/9, 19.4 K%), walked 12 (2.3 BB/9 and 13.3 K-BB%), with a 1.00 WHIP, 1.69 ERA and 3.51 FIP. He pitched one game (3-1/3 innings) for the Elizabethton Twins where he allowed only one hit, no runs, and struck out 4 hitters. Suniaga's best pitch is his change up that has plus flashes. His sinker is heavy and has improved much this season to say that it is an above average pitch. He throws it at 90-92 mph and has good control of it. When it works, he generates about twice as many ground balls as fly balls. He has been experimenting with a breaking ball, but at this point it is a work in progress. He has an effortless 3/4 arm delivery and good mechanics that will allow him to get deep into games once he develops. Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and in the Elizabethton rotation. 54 Ruben Santana, (--) DOB: 11/30/1997; Age: 20 Positions: IF Bats: S, Throws: R Height: 5'6", Weight: 160 lbs Acquired: Signed as international free agent by Twins on September 15, 2015 Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: DSL (2017) ETA: 2023 Ruben Santa who is from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic was signed as a 17 year old in 2015. His first professional season in 2016 he hit .248/.300/.297 with a .299 wOBA and 80 wRC+. He repeated the DSL last season and he improved vastly hitting .340/.418/.453 with .427 wOBA and 154 wRC+. Additionally, he walked as many times as he struck out. He played every single infield position last year, even though at 5'9", middle infield is probably his calling. His arm is accurate enough to play shortstop. The switch hitter has been hitting well from both sides of the plate, however he has more power from the left side, hitting against RHPs. Yet another Latin American middle infielder in the footsteps of Louis Arraez and Jermaine Palacios. It will be interesting to see how he performs Stateside. Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and all over the infield for the GCL Twins 53 Alex Robles, (--) DOB: 7/7/1995; Age: 22 Positions: OF Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'0", Weight: 200 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 30th Round of the 2017 draft Professional Experience: 1; Highest level: GCL ETA: 2022 Alex Robles was drafted by the Twins in the 30th round of Austin Peay State University. The Senior from Tuscon, AZ, was a two way player thoughout his college career. He pitched in 71 games (50 starts) and ended with a 28-19 record, 4.53 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 7.8 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9. As a hitter he hit .336/.410/.477 with his senior year being his best hitting .347/.414/.551 with a .204 IsoP and a sustainable .366 BABIP (his NCAA average BABIP was .368). He walked 20 times, struck out 32 and hit 10 HR (22.5 AB/HR) and 11/14 SB. His pitching was the worst of his career as a Senior when he started only 10 of 23 games, had a 6.75 ERA and 1.54 WHIP. He was drafted by the Twins as an outfielder and played 18 games at RF, 8 games at LF, 13 at 1B, 2 at 2B, and 8 at 3B. He hit a very respectable .324/.369/.407 with 8 BB, 14 K, 3 HR, and 10/14 SB in 199 PA, the first time he played with a wood bat. Actually it was the second time, since he went to the Cape Cod League as a pitcher in the summer of 2015. There he was hittless in 12 AB. His arm is strong and his fielding at the corner OF positions and at 1B is acceptable. Cannot see him ending up long term at 3B or 2B, because he lacks the instincts and range for those positions and tends to be erratic and uncomfortable. His .082 isoP was the lowest of his career, but there is the wooden bat to blame here. At this point his bat is ahead of his glove that will catch up once he is dedicated to fewer positions. Very good contact tool, despite his longish swing, very good eye, and good instincts on the bases. Likely 2018 path: Extended Spring Training and 1B/OF at Elizabethton. 52 Jaylin Davis, (39) DOB: 7/1/1994; Age: 23 Positions: OF Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'1", Weight: 190 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 24th round in 2015 Professional Experience: 2; Highest level: A+ (2017) ETA: 2019 Jaylin Davis was drafted by the Twins in the 24th of the 2015 draft as an outfielder from Appalachian State University. The Greensboro, NC native missed almost all his junior season with a shoulder injury that was later diagnosed as a labrum tare and was operated upon. Davis lost all of 2015 in the disabled list for that reason. Last season he started in extended Spring Training and was assigned to Elibatheton. His college numbers (career: .268/.337/.411 10 HR, 22/28 SB in 126 games and 482 PAs with .143 isoP and .331 BABIP) were solid but not close in predicting how Davis will do in his first pro season. In 12 games (47 AB) in Elizabethton he hit .277/.346/.745 with 7 HR, and 2 SB, an unreal .468 isoP and a .353 BABIP. He walked 4 times and struck out 23 (for a scary 44.2 K%). Hot streak or not, his stint with Elizabethton was enough for the Twins to promote the 22 year old to Cedar Rapids for the last 52 games of the season. There at 192 AB, he hit .250/.339/.469 with 9 HRs and 3/3 SB. His isoP was .219 and BABIP .328. He walked 21 times and struck out 64 (29.4 %). Davies has power, but that 6.7 AB/HR at Elizabethton was unsustainable and dropped to a 21.3 AB/HR in Cedar Rapids, which, even though respectable, is not elite. Surprisingly he started the 2017 season at Cedar Rapids where he hit as well (.267/.316/.486, .357 wOBA, 123wRC+, 20.9 AB/HR) as his 2016 season. However upon promotion to Fort Myers he frizzled (.237/.288/.335, .291wOBA, 81 wRC+, 71.7 AB/HR, 30.0 K%, 5.2 BB%) Interestingly enough, his biggest problem was against opposite side pitchers. He hit just .207/.250/ .293 against LHPs. He did have a better August (.310/.362/.425 overall) which means that Fort Myers might not be the end of the train for Davis, but he has to produce better than this from the corner OF position. Davis can play all 3 OF positions, but RF is his best position. He did have 17 assists there between Cedar Rapids and Fort Myers last season. Likely 2018 path: Davis will likely start the 2017 season at Fort Myers with a mid-season promotion to Chattanooga, if the numbers are there. 51 Cody Stashak (55) DOB: 6/4/1994; Age: 23 Positions: RHP Bats: R, Throws: R Height: 6'2", Weight: 169 lbs Acquired: Drafted in the 13th round in 2015 Professional Experience: 3; Highest level: AA (2017) ETA: 2019 Cody Stashak was drafted by the Twins in the 13th round of the 2015 draft from St. Johns University. The New Jersey native majored in Criminology and St. John's was his second College, transfering there in 2015 from Cumberland (NJ) County (Junior) College, where he was a two way player, starting pitcher and outfielder. His pitching record was 16-5 with a 2.92 ERA, including 7 complete games and 130 Ks in 129-1/3 innings. He was very good as a position player as well, hitting .359 with 23 2B, 7 3B, 7 HR, and 91 RBI in 104 games, helping his team reach number 1 in national NJCAA Division III ranking and second in the 2014 NJCAA Division III World Series. In St. Johns he made 16 starts (85-2/3 IP), struck out 69 (7.3 K/9) and walked 24 (2.9 BB/9), ending up with a 3.57 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He begun his professional career at Elizabethton in 2015, where he started 10 games (44-2/3 IP), struck out 53 (10.7 K/9, 29% K%) and walked 11 (2.2 BB/9, 23 K-BB%) and finished with a 5-2 record, 3.43 ERA, 3.18 FIP, and 1.119 WHIP (.310 BABIP). He begun last season at EST and moved up to A Midwest League Cedar Rapids where he appeared in 18 games (17 starts and a 4 IP relief appearance) pitching 105-1/3 innings, striking out 80 (6.8 K/9, 18.8 K%) walking 30 (2.6 BB/9, 11.8 K-BB%), finishing with a 3.16 ERA, 3.39 WHIP and 1.139 WHIP (.279 BABIP). He was promoted to the A+ Florida State League Fort Myers in August where he pitched 3 games for 16-2/3 innings, with 10K and 3 BB, 0.54 ERA, 2.59 FIP, 0.960 WHIP (.260 BABIP), before going to the disable list with "shoulder discomfort" for the rest of the season. His 2017 season was limited because of injuries and he lost the best part of 2 months (including a 3 game rehab stint at the GCL) At Fort Myers he starte a total of 16 games (83-1/3 IP) striking out 72 (7.8 K/9, 21.4 K%) and walking 20 (2.16 K/9, 15.5 K-BB%), finishing with a 3.89 ERA, 3.54 FIP, 1.10 WHIP (.279 BABIP). He pitched 3 scoreless games from the AA pen at the end of the season allowing 4 hits and striking out 10 in 6 innings. Injuries aside, Stashak has been a very steady pitcher. The strikeout to walk ratio, other that his short Elizabethton stint in 2015, is a tad lower than optimal, allowing more contact than necessary, which combined with the fact that he is a fly ball pitcher (about 2 fly outs per ground out) make one worry whether Stashak will have success in higher levels of professional ball. He throws an above average 88-92 mph fastball that he commands well complements with an above average curveball. He has been also working on a changeup and a slider/cutter. Stashak is a player who can move though a system fast if a couple of his pitches develop to a plus level and his control improve. His small sample size success at the Chattanooga pen at the end of last season, makes one wonder whether he can shine in the pen if his fastball gets a couple of ticks. Likely 2018 Path: Starting the season in the Chattanooga rotation Next: Prospects 46-50

Actually these 2 might be more relevant than attendance : and http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/51d6d91aeab8ea944a000018-608-457/untitled-1-653.jpg So both teams and players have zero reason to complaint regarding the length of the games.

I don't think that it is up to 2017. Looks that it is a decimal point off. 800 should be 80...

I an not sure that I understand where the problem is. Data: Yes games have been a bit longer than before: On the other hand, there are more butts on the seats than before, even though the size of the venues decreased in the teens compared to the 90s: If that last graph looked the other way, then would be a problem with the time of games...

A contender cannot afford to waste PAs. So unless Kepler can prove that he can hit LHP, he should face it only in blowouts. Sure. Develop Kepler against LHP, but not in MLB games where he can cost the post-season. That's what cages and pitching machines are for. Winning games should be more important than developing players at the MLB level for a contender. This is not the Marlins.

Vargas.

Really? 2017 data: Mauer: vs RHP: .304/.386/.430 vs LHP: .308/.377/.377 Kepler: vs RHP: .272/.343/.484 vs LHP: .152/.213/.240 Whose PAs against LHPs should go? I don't get the Mauer hate sometimes...

.304/.427/.557 in 2017 in AAA against LHP. Garver played a grand total of 18 games in the OF and his defense is worse than Grossman's. If you have one good thing going (OF Defense) why disrupt it. This team's Achilles is its pitching. Getting Garver's glove at OF will hurt it more, than getting his bat in the lineup. I still have PTSD from seeing Doumit "play" the OF.