Seth Stohs

Yeah, becoming a LOOGY or a reliever can happen at any time. He's got three good pitches and he's just 24, so he can still develop. He's left-handed. The thing about starting is that you face so many more batters and pitch in so many different situations. A reliever may come in with runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out... Tough situation. A starter may face that situation once a game. Have to find a way out of it with minimal damage. So yeah, he can be a LOOGY any time, but he's got talent and stuff, so keep him starting. If you need a lefty-reliever up, bring him up and put him in that role.

I believe in track record though. I get that he's 40. I get that he's struggled, but there's still plenty left. Even last night, he crushed a few balls foul. The bat speed is still there, just needs some hits to fall in. That's not to say that he will play well. No way to know that. I don't think we know that Buxton would play well. He didn't in the small sample when he first came up. Don't get me wrong. I would want to play Buxton over Hunter for the last 6 weeks, but it doesn't guarantee anything.

No one is saying that you need to ignore the past stats, but give the guy a little credit for moving up to a new league, experiencing the expected struggles and really coming on the last couple of months. He's made some sort of adjustment. If he can post .650-.680 OPS all the way up, and eventually into the big leagues, with his defense, that makes for a pretty solid player. Definitely one to watch. No one is saying he should be a top ten prospect, maybe not even top 20, but definitely one to watch.

Right, but if he can post a .750 OPS for the final 5-6 weeks playing 4 times a week, that would be great.

They will keep evaluating the young player and those guys will continue to play. No question about it. But, in my opinion, if they are going to the playoffs this year (as long of a shot as it is), I think they're going to have to be led by Mauer, Hunter, Dozier, Plouffe, etc. Sano, Rosario, Hicks, Buxton will all have that opportunity too. It'll be fun to see how everyone responds.

On Monday night in New York, the Minnesota Twins found another frustrating way to lose to the Yankees. It’s something Twins fans should be used to, but it brings out strong feelings every time. With a tough road trip underway, starting with a tough loss is not what anyone wanted. The Twins find themselves in a battle for two wild card spots. This road trip may go a long ways in determining whether the Twins are contender or pretender.Here is a quick look at how the standings look heading into Tuesday’s games: The New York Yankees lead the Blue Jays in the AL East, but many still believe that Toronto could win that division. If that is the case, the Twins are 5.5 games behind the Bronx Bombers. That’s what makes Monday night’s loss so frustrating. It was a winnable game. The Twins scored plenty of runs and they matched the powerful offense of the Yankees. Eduardo Nunez, in this Mike Berardino tout video, shouldered the loss. He said “It’s all on my back. I think I lost the game.” Sure, he had the final play in the game, but there was plenty of blame to go around. Kyle Gibson gave up a three-run homer to Brian McCann on an 0-2 pitch in the first. When the Twins fought back and took the lead, Gibson was unable to slow the Yankees offense. He gave up six runs in five innings.Ryan O’Rourke, who has been very good against left-handed batters, gave up singles to the two left-handed hitters he faced (admittedly a bloop single and a liner past a drawn-in Trevor Plouffe at third base).Brian Duensing got the left-hander he was asked to face on a strikeout, but then gave up a game-tying homer to Carlos Beltran.The manager, Paul Molitor, kept giving up outs by sending base stealers. They were successful just twice in five attempts on the night.One could question the decision to challenge the Eddie Rosario catch, leaving Alex Rodriguez on first base, rather than Mark Teixeira, orThe decision to not hold A-Rod on first, allowing him to steal second and score right after that. There was plenty of blame.ROUGH ROAD AHEAD The Twins have two more games in New York, where they actually have played well in recent years. Then they play four games in Baltimore against an Orioles team that currently holds the second wild card spot. After a day off next Monday, the Twins will play three games in Tampa against the Rays. Then they return home and play the AL West-leading Houston Astros in a three-game series. After a series at Target Field against the White Sox, the Twins travel to Houston for three more games. After that series, a trip to Kaufman Stadium for three games against the Kansas City Royals. The Royals, of course, hold a 12.5 game over the Twins in the AL Central. The Twins have played really well at Target Field yet have completely struggled on the road. Their next nine games are away from Target Field. 18 of their next 24 games are on the road. If they can remain in contention that long, their final 19 games include three against the White Sox, six against the Tigers and six against Cleveland. The only team they play that is currently in a possible playoff position is the Angels, though they have four games at Target Field against them. Considering where the Twins were at the All-Star break (11 games over .500), the second half has been quite frustrating. Considering where the Twins were after one week of the season, we should be thrilled that the Twins are in the position that they are with 44 games to play. Even more important, players like Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, Aaron Hicks and Byron Buxton are going to be getting big league at-bats in important situations. It can only help them in the long run. Pitchers like Tyler Duffey, Trevor May and Ryan O’Rourke are getting to pitch in big situations in big ball games. In the last month, many of the veterans have struggled while the young players are doing as much or more than could rightfully be expected. The veterans (hitters, starters and relievers) will need to step up if the team is to remain in contention. The Twins had a frustrating loss in the first of their ten-game road trip against some key competitors in a playoff race. However, they still sit at 59-59 with 44 more games to play. We asked for meaningful games in August and for the first time in five years, we have them. Click here to view the article

Most of his hits in Rochester have been infield singles. That is true. Yesterday, he did hit a home run, so maybe it's starting to turn. He's also looked pretty bad on some down-and-away sliders when I've watched. Not surprising. That's what he was doing before the injury and that's what he's going to have to stop doing to become the player that we think he can become. They're not making these things up. I want to see him up here too, and he will be soon.

I'll try to explain, but I don't think I can do it without being a little wordy. In December, these types of players would be eligible for the MLB Rule 5 (unless protected on MLB 40 man roster): Players signed in 2012 out of college (or 19+)Players signed in 2011 who were less than 19 when they signed. For the AAA Rule 5, they have to be protected on the AAA roster: Players signed in 2013 out of college (or 19+)Players signed in 2012 who were less than 19 when they signed. And then the same pattern for AA. Using an example... Adam Brett Walker needs to be added to the Twins 40 man roster, so he could be lost in the MLB Rule 5 draft if they don't protect him. He was a 3rd round pick in 2012 out of college. If he's not protected on the 40 man roster, he's certainly going to be protected on the AAA roster. In fact, he had to be protected on the AAA roster last year. The minor league rosters generally aren't made public... I've never seen them, at least.

Tweeted this last night: Nick Gordon is 2-4 with a double so far tonight. In his 67 games since 5/22, he's hitting .307!

I appreciate that. Cody, Jeremy, Steve, Eric and myself really enjoy doing them. (Though I guess I shouldn't put words in others' mouths.)

Congratulations to Tyler Duffey on his first major league win on Saturday night. The right-hander, who is a strong candidate for Twins Daily Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year, took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and finished with six shutout innings. Those who have read these minor league updates and stories on Duffey knew not to make a big deal out of his major league debut. You’ve read about that great curve ball that we witnessed on Saturday. These minor league reports highlight players who perform. You just never know which ones will make it to the big leagues, much less stick there. That’s why it’s fun to get to know them.It was a quieter night in the Twins farm system, but still some strong performances to highlight in today’s minor league report. TRANSACTIONS It was another busy day of transactions through the Twins minor leagues. Following the Twins win on Saturday night, the team announced that Michael Tonkin will make yet another trek back to Rochester with Tommy MiloneLefty David Hurlbut has been promoted to Rochester and will start on Sunday. It may just be a one-game start, but he is excited for the opportunity.In Cedar Rapids, Tanner English was put on the 7-Day disabled list with a thumb sprain. Infielder Sean Miller was activated from the DL.RED WINGS REPORT Rochester 3, Scranton/Wilkes Barre 2 Box Score Down 2-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Red Wings mounted a nice comeback and earned a win against the division’s top team. Reynaldo Rodriguez led off with his 15th home run of the year. Later in the inning, Argenis Diaz hit a sacrifice fly to score Kennys Vargas to tie the game. And Xavier Avery scored the go-ahead run on a balk. Rodriguez was 2-4 with his 32nd double to go with his home run. Byron Buxton singled twice in four at-bats. He is now hitting .390 in his stint with the Red Wings. Michael Bowden, one week from his opt-out date, earned his ninth win of the year. He gave up two runs on five hits over seven innings. He walked one and struck out eight. Mark Hamburger got the next four outs, and Aaron Thompson got the final two outs to record his first save of the year. CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Chattanooga 1, Tennessee 4 Box Score Max Kepler hit his eighth home run of the season in the first inning. Unfortunately, the Lookouts had just two more hits the entire game and fell to Tennessee. DJ Baxendale started and gave up four runs (two earned) on nine hits and two walks over six innings. He did not record a strikeout. Alex Muren threw two perfect innings. Corey Williams made his first AA appearance since the final day of the 2013 season. He walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning. MIRACLE MATTERS Ft. Myers 5, Palm Beach 1 Box Score Mitch Garver led the Miracle offense. He went 2-3 with a walk, his 19th double and two RBIs. Aderlin Mejia went 1-2 with two walks, his seventh double and two RBI. Ryan Walker added his fourth double. Ryan Eades made the start and struggled with his control. However, he gave up just one run on two hits in 4.2 innings despite five walks. He struck out two. However, he had to leave the game due to injury. We’ll share more information when we hear something. Brian Gilbert walked one over 1.1 scoreless innings. Tyler Jay struck out two in his perfect inning. Trevor Hildenberger struck out four over his two innings. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 1, Ft. Wayne 3 Box Score Sam Gibbons was solid in six of the seven innings he pitched on Saturday night. Unfortunately, he gave up three runs in the second inning. He gave up just those three runs on seven hits in seven innings. He walked two and struck out six. Jared Wilson struck out one in his perfect inning. Celebrating his 21st birthday, infielder Rafael Valera hit his fourth and fifth doubles. Nick Gordon went 2-4 with his 19th double. Pat Kelly went 3-4. E-TOWN E-NOTES Elizabethton 0, Bristol 0 Box Score Rain postponed this game. It will be made up at a later date. GCL TWINS TAKES GCL Twins 0, GCL Red Sox 3 Box Score The GCL Twins don’t play on Sundays. Their bats forgot to show up on Saturday. The team collected just three hits in the game. Robert Molina’s third double was the lone extra-base hit. Eduardo del Rosario started and gave up two runs on four hits in 5.1 innings. He walked a batter and hit two. He struck out four. Hector Lujan gave up two hits but no runs over the next 1.2 innings. He struck out one. Brandon Poulson worked the eighth inning. He gave up a run on one hit and two walks. TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Michael Bowden, Rochester Red Wings Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Reynaldo Rodriguez, Rochester Red Wings SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Scranton/Wilkes Barre @ Rochester (12:35 CST) – LHP David Hurlbut Tennessee @ Chattanooga (1:15 CST) – LHP Jason Wheeler Palm Beach @ Ft. Myers (5:05 CST) – RHP Ryan Eades Cedar Rapids @ Ft. Myers (6:05 CST) – RHP Sam Gibbons Elizabethton @ Bristol (6:00 CST) – RHP Miles Nordgren GCL Twins @ GCL Red Sox (9:00 CST) – TBD Feel free to leave any questions or comments below Click here to view the article

Duffey may end up in the bullpen. It might even be likely based on other options, but tonight's start isn't going to be make or break for him.

The results were there in Ft. Myers, but also the coaches, manager, Twins front office people, etc., were watching and likely saw what they needed. It was clear that he had to be sent down, and he did what he needed to do. As for the Twins not being forthcoming, what should they say? Has anyone even asked them? I don't think they need to say anything, and other teams wouldn't either, unless asked.

6 starts ago, he did the same thing. Well, 5 shutout innings and then didn't get an out in the 6th. Without those two innings, his ERA would be amazing!

Those numbers are remarkably similar. When I did the story on Thorpe a month or so ago, I asked about Wells. They are rooming at the complex in Ft. Myers. He is actually 6-0 and 185 now... and yes, left-handed.

Throughout the night, this report was updated live. As Twins affiliates scored or innings passed or pitchers did something, it was updated. I hope you enjoy this format. Feel free to comment on it as maybe it can be done more as we move forward. The games are all complete, so be sure to check out everything that happened in the Twins minor league system.All that and more can be found as you work your way through today’s minor league report. TRANSACTIONS It was another busy day of transactions through the Twins minor leagues. Relievers Adrian Salcedo and Tim Shibuya promoted from Chattanooga to Rochester.Relievers Nick Burdi and Corey Williams promoted from Ft. Myers to Chattanooga.Reliever Matt Summers put on the ‘Restricted List’ in Chattanooga.RED WINGS REPORT Rochester 3, Scranton/Wilkes Barre 5 (FINAL) Box Score 6:32: The game is delayed due to rainy conditions in the area. Looking to start at 6:40 (CT) 6:54: The Red Wings twitter account notes that JO Berrios gave up two hard hit fly ball/line drives that Byron Buxton ran down and made look easy. 1-2-3 inning. 7:02: JO Berrios now has two strikeouts through two perfect innings. 7:08: Six up, Six down so far for the Red Wings hitters. 7:16: Berrios with a 1-2-3 third inning. Two strikeouts through three perfect innings. 7:25: Berrios with another scoreless inning in the 4th. Perfect game bid is over after hitting a batter. 7:37: Berrios with another 1-2-3 inning, striking out two. Through five innings, he has given up no hits. He's needed just 52 pitches (36 strikes). Red Wings have just one hit, a Doug Bernier single in the 3rd. 7:53: Berrios strikes out the side in the 6th inning to maintain the no-no. He's primarily throwing changeups and curveballs and batters are just looking silly. On the second strikeout, the batter threw that bat at the ball in an attempt to make contact. 8:02 - The Red Wings score two runs in the bottom of the 6th inning. Doug Bernier walked and went to second on an infield single by Byron Buxton. After a James Beresford sacrifice bunt, Reynaldo Rodriguez drove in Bernier with a ground out. Kennys Vargas followed with a single up the middle to score Buxton from second. Scranton's starter Brady Lail was removed from the game. 8:10: Berrios's no-hit and shutout bids are over as Rob Refsnyder homers to lead off the 7th inning. 8:18: After the homer, Berrios gave up a single, hit a batter and then gave up a 3-run homer to Yankees prospect Aaron Judge. That was followed by a single, a wild throw to 1B that advanced him to second, and another single. Another single made it 5-2 and Berrios's night is done. 8:24: Adrian Salcedo making his AAA debut. Berrios line 10 minutes ago: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K Berrios line now: 6 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 0 BB, 8 K 8:31 - Salcedo strands two of Berrios's runners. Strikeout-throw-out double play to end inning. 8:48: With two outs in the bottom of the 7th, Byron Buxton came to the plate representing the tying run. On a full-count pitch from former All Star Andrew Bailey, Buxton struck out on a fastball up and in. 9:08: Xavier Avery drove in a run, but the Red Wings left a couple on base and trail by two heading into the ninth. 9:13: Aaron Thompson comes in to replace Adrian Salcedo who had a very nice AAA debut. He went two innings and struck out three. No hits, no walks, no runs. 9:17: Thompson has a 1-2-3 top of the ninth. Byron Buxton is due to bat third in the bottom of the ninth. LP: Berrios (3-2, 3.38 ERA) Multi-Hit Games: Kennys Vargas (2-4) CHATTANOOGA CHATTER Chattanooga 14, Tennessee 2 (9th inning) Box Score 6:37: The Lookouts got things going right away in the 1st inning. A leadoff double by Stephen Wickens was followed by a single by Max Kepler. Third-place hitter Dalton Hicks homers and gave the Lookouts a 3-0 lead. Fourth batter Adam Brett Walker walked and scored on a Travis Harrison triple. Sixth-hitter Levi Michael singled in Harrison and it is 5-0 now. 6:55: Aaron Slegers has given up two hits and a walk, but no runs, through two innings. 7:00: Max Kepler's sacrifice fly scores Shannon Wilkerson. 7:09: Adam Brett Walker launched his 27th homer of the year. It was his first since July 26. 7:22: Following Walker's home run, the Lookouts added two when Shannon Wilkerson tripled in Levi Michael and Heiker Meneses. The Tennessee starter was removed, down 9-0. 8:23: Stephen Wickens, Travis Harrison and Levi Michael all have three hits so far. 8:30: Add Shannon Wilkerson to the three-hit list. In the 6th inning, Wilkerson hit a bases-loaded triple to give them a 13-2 lead. 8:39: Aaron Slegers is done after 6 innings. He gave up 2 runs on seven hits and two walks. He struck out two. Nick Burdi came on for the 7th, his return to the Lookouts. He gave up a single, but struck out the side in that inning. 8:51: In his second inning of work, Burdi had a 1-2-3 inning and struck out two more batters. 9:02: Heiker Meneses doubled and scored later on a ground out by Shannon Wilkerson, who now has six RBI on the night. 9:08: Alex Wimmers comes in for the ninth inning. He gave up two hits in a scoreless inning. WP: Aaron Slegers (1-1, 3.46 ERA) Multi-Hit Games: Stephen Wickens (3-5, BB, 2B), Travis Harrison (3-5, 3B), Levi Michael (3-4, BB, 3B), Shannon Wilkerson (3-5, 2-3B, 6 RBI), Dalton Hicks 2-5, HR, 3 RBI), Heiker Meneses (3-5, 2B) - All nine batters had at least one hit. HR: Dalton Hicks (4), Adam Brett Walker (27) MIRACLE MATTERS Ft. Myers 3, Palm Beach 2 (FINAL) Box Score Omar Bencomo gave up an unearned run in the first inning. 6:56: Palm Beach starter Daniel Poncedeleon has walked three and hit one through two no-hit, no-run innings. 7:12: Just the unearned run so far allowed by Omar Bencomo through four innings. 7:32: The Miracle put two on the board in the bottom of the 4th to take a 2-1 lead. With the bases loaded and one out, Ryan Walker reached on a fielder's choice to score Tanner Vavra (who had been hit by a pitch to lead off). Then Zach Granite scored on a wild pitch. 8:14: Bencomo gave up a run in the sixth inning. We're tied at 2 going into the seventh inning. 8:26: Omar Bencomo's night is done. He gave up two runs (1 earned) on four hits. He walked three and struck out one. Jake Reed replaced him. He gave up one hit, but struck out two in the 7th. 8:49: An Engelb Vielma eighth inning single scored Zach Granite to give the Miracle a 3-2 lead. 8:59: Zack Jones comes in and records the Save. The Miracle win. WP: Jake Reed (1-0, 0.00) S: Zack Jones (2nd Save, 1.35) Multi-Hit Games: Engelb Vielma (2-4), KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 4, Ft. Wayne 10 (FINAL) Box Score 6:36: In the top of the first, Nick Gordon hit his 18th double and scored on a single off the bat of Edgar Corcino. Randy Rosario gave up a run on two hits in the bottom of the first to tie the score. 6:44: Tanner English removed from the game with Zach Larson taking over. Not ejected. Will try to find out more. 6:58: The Kernels scored three runs in the 2nd inning. The big hit was a two-run triple from Brian Navarreto. He scored on an Austin Diemer single. 7:05: Lefty Randy Rosario gave up three runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning and now it's tied at four. 7:24: Brian Navarreto throws out another would-be base stealer to end the third inning. He's been over 50% in that category as a pro. 7:40: Sounds like Tanner English left the game after colliding in left centerfield with Austin Diemer. The report is that he left with an "arm injury." 8:05: Randy Rosario's final line: 6 earned runs on 4 hits and 4 walks in 4 innings. He struck out 4. Ethan Mildren comes in for the 5th. 8:42: After a scoreless fifth inning, Mildren gave up four runs in the sixth inning. Kernels down 10-4. 8:55: Mike Theofanopoulos walked one and struck out six in two shutout innings. Multi-Hit Games: Edgar Corcino (2-4) E-TOWN E-NOTES Elizabethton 7, Bristol 0 (Final) Box Score 6:38: Three hits and a walk through two innings, but no runs yet for the E-Twins. Onesimo Hernandez with a flawless first inning. 6:59: One hit allowed in the 2nd inning by Hernandez, but he struck out the other three batters. No score after two. 7:14: Four runs in the top of the third innings for the E-Twins. They got a single, a walk and a single to lead off the inning. With the bases loaded and no one out, the Bristol starter struck out the next two batters. However, he walked Travis Blankenhorn to score the first run. Daniel Kihle singled in two. After a pitching change, Manuel Guzman singled in Blankenhorn. 4-0 E-Twins. 7:48: They're now in the 6th inning. Onesimo Hernandez has six strikeouts in five innings. 7:59: Hernandez with 7 strikeouts in six shutout innings. Two hits. 8:06: E-Twins add three more in the 7th inning. Daniel Kihle's first pro homer drove in Amaurys Minier and Travis Blankenhorn and gives them a 7-0 lead. 8:43: Onesimo Hernandez done after seven innings. He gave up no runs on four hits. He walked none and struck out eight. Tyler Stirewalt pitched a scoreless eighth frame. 8:54: Tyler Stirewalt struck out three over two scoreless innings. He completed the 7-0 shutout win. Multi-Hit Games: Alex Perez (3-5), LaMonte Wade (2-3, 2 BB, 2B), Daniel Kihle (2-5, HR, 5 RBI), Manuel Guzman (2-5, BB) HR: Daniel Kihle (1st professional home run) WP: Onesimo Hernandez. 5-0, 3.23 ERA. GCL TWINS TAKES GCL Twins 7, GCL Red Sox 0 (Final) Box Score Lefty Lachlan Wells started and improved to 4-2 with a 2.13 ERA. He gave up two hits over five shutout innings. He struck out six without issuing a walk. Miguel Gonzalez went the final four shutout innings. He gave up four hits and struck out four. He also didn't walk anyone. Christian Cavaness continues to hit. He went 3-4 with a single, his sixth double and his second triple. Blake Schmit went 2-4. Ruar Verkerk was 2-4 with his first double. Josmil Pinto, still DHing, went 1-4. TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Onesimo Hernandez, Elizabethton Twins Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Shannon Wilkerson, Chattanooga Lookouts SATURDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Scranton/Wilkes Barre (6:05 CST) – RHP Michael Bowden Tennessee @ Chattanooga (6:15 CST) – TBD Palm Beach @ Ft. Myers (5:05 CST) – RHP Ryan Eades Cedar Rapids @ Ft. Myers (6:05 CST) – RHP Sam Gibbons Elizabethton @ Bristol (6:00 CST) – RHP Miles Nordgren GCL Twins @ GCL Red Sox (9:00 CST) – TBD Feel free to leave any questions or comments below Click here to view the article

The Win-Loss record has nothing to do with Sano or any individual player. Obviously it takes more than one player for a team to win on any given day or over any period of time. Also, check the Walk:Strikeout rates of the Santana, Vargas and Arcia trio compared to Sano. Much better knowledge of the strike zone. Obviously, he'll have to make a bunch of adjustments over time.

Average would probably be fair... he moved to left this year which is an adjustment. He won't be a gold glover, but he's not Arcia.

Some quotes from Mientkiewicz, watching/listening to lots of their games and seeing him taking a lot of pitches, working counts. He'll never be confused with passive at the plate, but he is working counts more.

I think he's just a bullpen guy. That's what he was last year before the surgery.. He can dominate in the pen.

I think strides are being made. He is a really hard worker, and he isn't just going up there hacking. I do think his approach at the plate will work to his favor at some point...

I would say that Gonsalves ranked similarly to Berrios coming into his MWL season... and Gonsalves's MWL performance was much better than Berrios's. Gordon is a better prospect than Polanco was during that season... but Polanco's prospect status really took off that year in Cedar Rapids. I think Gordon has a higher upside than Polanco, but he's also got a lower floor. A ways to go.