Seth Stohs

The Appalachian League started on Thursday night and Elizabethton started where they left off last year. On Friday, the Gulf Coast League will begin. The Cedar Rapids Kernels began the second half of their season. Kyle Gibson had another terrific start for Rochester, but it was not the best start in the organization on this day. Keep reading to see what happened in the Twins farm system on Thursday:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Rochester Red Wings 5, Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders 2 Box Score Kyle Gibson improved to 7-5 and dropped his ERA to 3.01 with another strong performance. He gave up only an unearned run on five hits and a walk in seven innings. He struck out six. Blake Martin gave up a solo homer in the eighth. Michael Tonkin struck out one in a scoreless ninth to record his fourth save. Chris Colabello continues to lead the offense. He went 3-5 with his 15th home run. Chris Herrmann now has a 10 game hitting streak after a 2-4 game. Doug Bernier was also 2-4. Ray Olmedo was 2-3. ASIDE – It seems to me that too many Twins fans are focusing on the fact that Kyle Gibson is not yet with the big league club. I would love to see him up, and I think it will happen soon, but I choose to look at it differently. He is a much, much better pitcher now than he was six or seven starts ago, and that, to me, is the most important thing. New Britain Rock Cats 2, Erie Thunder 0 Box Score Logan Darnell just keeps on rolling. The lefty put in the best start of his fine season, throwing a complete game shutout. He gave up four hits, walked one and struck out nine. He threw just 99 pitches and dropped his ERA to 2.61 (speaking of guys who need a promotion). The Rock Cats had just four hits. Kyle Knudson had two of them. Reynaldo Rodriguez hit his ninth home run of the season. Ft. Myers Miracle 5, Jupiter Hammerheads 2 Box Score Kennys Vargas no longer has the likes of Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario in the lineup with him, but he isn’t missing a beat. On this night, he was 3-4. In the last three games, he is 7-11 with three extra base hits. John Murphy went 2-4 and stole his fourth base. Candido Pimentel was 2-3 with his first double. Matt Summers started for the Miracle. In five innings, he gave up two runs on three hits. He walked one and struck out five. Adrian Salcedo came on and struck out two in two scoreless innings. Zack Jones recorded his eighth save with two scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out three. Cedar Rapids Kernels 3, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 1 Box Score The Kernels returned from the All Star break and made the trek to Appleton, Wisconsin to take on the Timber Rattlers. There wasn’t much offense, but Travis Harrison provided what was needed. His 12th home run of the season was a two-run blast that proved to be all the team would need. He also added his 19th double. Niko Goodrum was 2-4. JD Williams was 2-3. Max Kepler went 0-3 with a walk in his first MWL game. Christian Powell won his first game. The right-hander gave up one run on four hits in seven innings. He walked two and struck out five. Caleb Brewer recorded his first Kernels’ save, giving up up two hits in two shutout innings. Elizabethton Twins 3, Bristol White Sox 0 Box Score This season, the E-Twins began with a home series against Bristol. Felix Jorge got the start. He struck out three in 1.2 innings before the rains came. There was enough of a delay that he did not come back. Tim Shibuya came on and went the next 4.1 innings. He gave up no runs on two hits and a walk. Dallas Gallant pitched a scoreless inning. Finally, Luis Nunez struck out three over the final two innings to record his first save of the season. The E-Twins didn’t get much offense but Bo Altobelli had two hits and Rory Rhodes had the lone extra base hit, a double. Tanner Vavra led off and went 1-3 with a walk. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

Though we do not know the follow up transactions (DL and 40 man implications), Twins Daily has learned from multiple sources that Chris Colabello has been promoted to the Minnesota Twins. He'll have a very early morning flight and hope to join the Twins for Wednesday's noon game in Atlanta. It is possible that Colabello will take the 25-man roster spot of Trevor Plouffe, who was kneed in the back of the head on a slide at second base. He left the game and was clearly woozy. Likely Eduardo Escobar and Jamey Carroll will get time at third base. (We will update as we learn more.)[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Colabello is not on the Twins 40 man roster, so along with needing a roster spot for Sam Deduno on Friday, they will need a second spot for Colabello. Most likely, Darin Mastroianni and Tim Wood will be put on the 60 Day Disabled List. Colabello is a tremendous story. After spending seven years in the Can-Am (Independent) League, he was signed by the Twins last spring, with no guarantee of making a roster. He made the New Britain roster and drove in 98 runs on the year. This off-season, he dominated the Mexican Winter League and earned an invitation to Twins big league spring training. He had to leave the team for a couple of weeks to play for the surprising WBC team from Italy. He returned to camp, was optioned to Rochester and has raked since then. Colabello has been one of the best hitters in minor league baseball this season. He is now hitting .358/.417/.659 (1.076) with 17 doubles, 12 home runs and 39 RBI. Bobby Tewksbary is a long-time friend and offseason hitting instructor of Colaballo. He tweeted his excitement at the news of his friend's big league promotion. He told Twins Daily in an e-mail: "Every player has their own story and their own hurdles. To go undrafted, to play 7 years of indy ball, to keep playing when so many people wonder when you are just going to shut it down already... I know how much time he has invested and how thankful he is to the Twins for the opportunity they have given him. His story is rare if not unique. It is an amazing accomplishment that he put himself in the position he is in right now. As they say, getting there is one thing, staying is another. We always talk about how it is the same game, the same dimensions, the same rules. You work and prepare each day to give yourself the best chance to be successful and that doesn't change. It is just very exciting. I couldn't be happier for him and his family." Chris Colabello has come a long way, and he has earned this opportunity. Colabello is the type of person, with the type of story, that has to make people love the great game of baseball! View full article

The Twins just finished a three game series against the Angels, and on Thursday night, they will start a four game set at Target Field against the Toronto Blue Jays. To say that the Blue Jays have had the Twins numbers in recent years is a massive understatement. Let’s take a look: [TABLE=align: center] Year W-L RS RA 2011 1-5 14 44 2010 3-6 34 59 2009 3-5 28 44 2008 0-6 19 35 2007 4-6 40 59 2006 2-5 25 32 [/TABLE] [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] In 2011, the Twins were really bad and the Blue Jays were good, but the domination was uncanny. Even in recent years when the Twins have been very good and the Blue Jays were not good, the Jays had the Twins number. The one win the Twins got came in the third game and was 4-3 decision in which Nick Blackburn topped lefty Brett Cecil. Cecil was sent back to AA to start the 2012 season (no, not just because he lost to the Twins). In those six games in 2011, the Blue Jays collected 10 doubles, three triples and 13 home runs against the Twins. Jose Bautista led the way. He had one double and in incredible seven home runs, including three home runs in the final meeting of these teams. Catcher JP Arencibia knocked a double, a triple and three home runs against the Twins. Seemingly every Blue Jays hitter contributed. The Blue Jays enter this series with a 17-14 record while the Twins are at 8-22. Their record is as much about their pitching as it is about their hitting. The Twins are lucky in that they don’t have to face Brandon Morrow, but Henderson Alvarez, Ricky Romero, Kyle Drabek and Drew Hutchinson will get to face Twins hitters. (note – Blue Jays’ player stats are through Tuesday, unless noted) What would you have said if, a little over a month into the season, I told you that the two best hitters for the Blue Jays were Edwin Encarnacion and Kelly Johnson. Encarnacion is hitting .270/.326/.574 with eight doubles, nine homers (10th homer on Wednesday) and 25 RBI. Johnson is hitting .269/.383/.472 with a double, seven homers and 18 RBI. Would you have believed me if I had told you that Jose Bautista would have a sub-700 OPS? Coming into the Twins series, Bautista is hitting just .187/.318/.355 (.673) with three doubles and five home runs. Yet, they have four hitters performing even worse than that! JP Arencibia - .187/.318/.355 (.654) with five doubles and two homers.Colby Rasmus - .206/.274/.363 (.637) with three doubles, two triples and three homers.Yunel Escobar - .248/.275/.309 (.624) with five doubles, one triple and one home run.Adam Lind - .186/.275/.309 (.585) with six doubles and two home runs.The Twins will send Jason Marquis, PJ Walters, Nick Blackburn and Scott Diamond to the mound. The Jays won on Wednesday to break a three-game losing streak. The Twins did a nice job of keeping Albert Pujols cold. Can they do the same with Jose Bautista? Well, that’s why they play the games! Download attachment: Jose-Bautista.jpg Click here to view the article

Three batters into the game, Nick Blackburn had given up two mammoth home runs and the Twins were down 3-0. He actually settled down nicely after that, giving up just one more run (a second long BJ Upton home run) and working into the 7th inning. The bullpen did a nice job and kept the Rays at four runs. Unfortunately, the Twins offense didn’t do much in this game off of David Price. Justin Morneau and Darin Mastroianni each had two hits. Brian Dozier hit hit sixth home run. The Twins fall to 49-64. Ben Revere and Joe Mauer each went 0-4, and tomorrow they will both appear among the top 10 hitters in the American League. Revere (.319) reach enough plate appearances to qualify. He’ll be just ahead of Mauer (.317). Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from the Saturday games in the minor leagues. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] ROCHESTER 5, PAWTUCKET 3 Lefty Pedro Hernandez, who came to the Twins in the Francisco Liriano trade, made his second start for the Red Wings. This one went much better than the first. In this game, he gave up two runs on seven hits in six innings. He walked none and struck out three. Bobby Lanigan pitched two scoreless innings. He gave up no hits, walked one and struck out three. Anthony Slama came in to protect a three-run lead in the 9th. He got the first two batters out (which dropped his ERA to 0.37). However, he gave up a single to the third batter, who advanced to second on a passed ball by Rene Rivera. The next batter got an RBI single to cut the lead to 5-3. It was just the second earned run allowed by Slama all season and raised his ERA to 0.74. Daniel Turpen came in and got the final out on a fly ball to record his second save. Trevor Plouffe batted fourth and played third base. He was terrific in the field. At that plate, he went 0-4 with weak ground balls to the pitcher and to first base and two strikeouts. Chris Parmelee went 1-3 with a walk and his 13th double. Clete Thomas was 2-4 and drove in two runs. NEW BRITAIN 10, READING 6 Oswaldo Arcia has made it pretty clear that he is the top hitter in the Twins farm system. On Saturday night, he continued his remarkable season. The outfielder went 3-3 with two walks, his 14th double and his seventh home run. He drove in four runs, and as Twins Fan from Afar points out, he now has 47 RBI for the Rock Cats in just 176 at bats. Chris Herrmann got the team started. In the second inning, he hit a three-run homer (his 9th) to give the team a 4-2 lead. Herrmann was 2-3 with two walks and the home run. Chris Colabello went 2-3 with a walk, his 34th double and two RBI. He now has 87 RBI on the season. James Beresford was 2-3 with his eighth double. Blake Martin got the start on the mound. The lefty went the first five innings and gave up two runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out five. Matt Hauser went the next 1.2 innings without allowing a run. He gave up two hits, walked two and struck out two. Bruce Pugh was charged with one run on three hits in 1.1 innings. He struck out three. Edgar Ibarra came in for the 9th. He got the first two outs. He gave up three runs (1 earned thanks to his own error) on three hits. Dakota Watts came in and got the final out. With the win, the Rock Cats take a 1.5 game lead for the second playoff spot in their division. FT. MYERS 0, ST. LUCIE 3 Tom Stuifbergen gave up two unearned runs in the first inning, and that proved to be enough. In all, he gave up three runs (1 earned) on three hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out two. Ricky Bowen came on and threw three scoreless innings. He gave up three hits, walked none and struck out four. The Miracle managed just four hits in the game. Lance Ray and Josmil Pinto each had a single and a walk. BELOIT 3, PEORIA 5 Jorge Soler is the highly publicized Cuban defector that signed earlier this year with the Chicago Cubs. Last week, he was promoted to their Low-A affiliate in Peoria, and on Saturday, he played in Beloit for the first time. In this game, he had just one hit. It happened to be a grand slam that made the difference in this game. Taylor Rogers started for the Snappers. He gave up four unearned runs on six hits in 5.2 innings. He walked two and struck out five. Steven Gruver came in and worked the final 3.1 innings. He gave up one run on two hits and a walk. He struckout three. Miguel Sano led the offense. He went 2-3 with his 23rd and 24th doubles and his 88th and 89th RBI. Eddie Rosario drove in a run with his third triple. JD Williams was 1-3 with two walks. Wang-Wei Lin walked twice from the leadoff spot. ELIZABETHTON 8, BRISTOL 0 Twins supplemental first round pick J.O. Berrios made his first appearance in the Appalachian League. The right-hander went 3.1 innings without giving up a base runner. In total, he went four innings and gave up no runs on one hit and one walk. He struck out five. Travis Huber came in and threw two scoreless innings. He gave up one hit and struck out two. Luis Nunez struck out three in his two shutout frames. Tyler Herr pitched a 1-2-3 ninth. Max Kepler again led the offense. He went 3-5 with his 11th double and two RBI. Jhonathan Arias also went 3-5. Candido Pimentel was 2-4 with a walk and his 7th and 8th doubles. Jorge Polanco hit his third home run. Byron Buxton doubled for the second time. Niko Goodrum walked three times. An update from last night’s report. The Twins second supplemental first round pick, Luke Bard, left last night’s game after facing just one batter. He was to be re-evaluated on Saturday, but to this point, there has been no updated. It was an arm injury though. GCL TWINS 3, GCL RED SOX 6 Minnesota native Austin Malinowski started for the Twins. It wasn’t his best outing. The lefty gave up four runs (2 earned) on six hits and four walks. In just 1.2 innings, he struck out one. Hung-yi Chen came in and went the next 2.1 innings. He gave up two runs on two hits and a walk. Alex Muren then threw two shutout innings. Melciades de la Cruz struck out four in two scoreless innings. Bryan Santy led the offense by going 2-3 and was hit by a batter. Javier Pimentel went 2-4 with his first stolen base. Zach Larson hit his first double. --- Players of the Day for Saturday, August 11, 2012 Hitter of the Day – Oswaldo Arcia Download attachment: Oswaldo Arcia World.jpg Pitcher of the Day – JO Berrios Download attachment: Jose_BerriosCard.jpg --- A Look Ahead – Sunday, August 12, 2012 Schedule Rochester @ Lehigh Valley – RHP Liam Hendriks New Britain vs Reading – RHP Steve Hirschfeld Ft. Myers vs St. Lucie –RHP Carl Pavano Beloit vs Peoria – RHP Tyler Jones Elizabethton @ Bristol – TBD GCL Twins – No Game Scheduled --- If you have any questions or comments on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and I’ll try to answer them! 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Seth will be answering your Twins-related questions here on Friday, starting at 11:00 a.m. central time and going until about 1:00 p.m. Ask questions on the Twins, players, trade deadline, minor league topics, history or whatever you like. It's a lot of fun. If you're interested in watching like, stop back and ask your questions! [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Twins Daily Live Twins Chat Download attachment: Question Marks.jpg Click here to view the article

On Tuesday, Twins minor leaguers need to report to spring training camp. Tomorrow, they will get going with their first official workout. With 66 players currently in big league camp (40 roster, 26 non-roster minor leaguers), another 120 or more players will report for minor league camp. This includes players in the rookie leagues on up. There are going to be a lot of stories from minor league camp that we’ll be following here throughout camp. You will hear plenty about Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, Aaron Hicks, Alex Wimmers, David Bromberg, Anthony Slama and other top prospects, but we will also make a point to talk about players that you may not otherwise hear about. Today, I wanted to start by writing about several players who missed time in 2011 due to injury. Some of these guys missed the whole year. Others were shut down early. Each of them will be worth following through minor league camp to see how they are progressing and where they wind up. Here they are in no particular order:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Kyle Gibson – RHP – The news has been very good to this point for Gibson. He was shut down in July last year, and he had Tommy John surgery in September. Last week, Terry Ryan surprised many by saying that Kyle Gibson will pitch in 2012. He is doing very well on his rehab program. Just yesterday, he threw from 60 feet. Since Gibson had his surgery, he has talked about following the Stephen Strasburg timeline. That puts him back on a mound before mid-season and potentially making rehab appearances by July. It would be ideal for him to make several starts somewhere in 2012 so that he can have a normal offseason in preparation for spring training of 2013. Download attachment: KyleGibson.jpg Dallas Gallant – RHP – Gallant signed late in the 2010 season after a strong showing in the Cape Cod League. In April of 2011, he had Tommy John surgery. He recently said, “I’m doing great! Arm feels strong. Threw to batters for the first time last Friday, and it went really well.” He is a little over 10 months from surgery. There will likely be no restrictions on him in spring training, but the organization will likely limit his innings this season. There is a chance that he will head to Beloit to open the season, but with Tommy John and the Beloit April weather, I would think he’ll start at Extended Spring Training and move up to Beloit as the weather warms up. Gallant is a talent, so they will make decisions that are best for his long-term career. Matt Bashore – LHP – Bashore pitched some at Elizabethton last year, but they shut him down early just as a precaution. The former supplemental first round pick will need to advance beyond the rookie leagues in 2012. Reports out of instructional league were that he has regained most of his velocity and his secondary pitches were looking sharp. He also became a father for the first time this offseason. He is certainly one to watch in 2012. Miguel Munoz – RHP – Munoz made his first start with the Ft. Myers Miracle in 2011 and then was shut down with elbow issues. He made a comeback late in the season but was shut down again. He never did have elbow surgery. He just rehabbed and was throwing well in instructs. Hopefully he will be at 100% in 2012. Munoz has a lot of talent. Brad Stillings – RHP – Stillings had shoulder surgery and was rehabbing following the season. He should be ready to go full-out at the start of spring training. David Bromberg – RHP – 2011 was a year to forget for Bromberg. He went to big league spring training, but four starts into his New Britain season. He was hit in the arm by a line drive, breaking a bone. He missed most of the season. Bromberg works as hard as anyone. He has lost over 40 pounds over the past two years, and he has regained all of his range of motion and velocity. Although he is off the 40 man roster, he could factor into the big league club sometime in 2012. Tony Davis – LHP – Davis had shoulder surgery late in the season to relieve the pressure and pain caused by a pinched ulna nerve. The issue was creating pain and tingling in his fingers. He rehabbed in Ft. Myers until November, but when he went home, he was given a full bill of health. The hard-throwing lefty heads to camp hoping to impress again. Garrett Jewell – RHP – The 2011 draftee was shut down with some shoulder inflammation late in the short season. He immediately began a rehab program and when he was sent home, he was cleared and should be ready for camp. Michael Tarsi – LHP – The tall left-hander had minor shoulder surgery late in the season. He worked very hard through his rehab sessions. Once his program allowed him to throw, he was happy and surprised by how good it felt. Although he doesn’t throw real hard, the lefty had a very solid 2011 season working out of the bullpen for the first time in his career. Ben Tootle – RHP – Tootle missed most of the 2010 season with injury that resulted in shoulder surgery. He returned to the mound in 2011 with the Beloit Snappers, but he was clearly still working through getting his arm back. He fought control and late in the season, he was shut down. He continued to work very hard, and will be in much better position physically to pitch in 2012. It would be great to see the hard-throwing righty get his velocity back near triple digits as he showed when the Twins drafted him. Nathan Fawbush – RHP – The long, lanky right hander has really good stuff, but he has been hurt most of the time since he signed with the Twins as a 2010 draft pick. Soon after signing that season, he hurt his hand on a comebacker. Last year, he fought bursitis in his right shoulder and a sprained elbow. He rehabbed all offseason and should be ready again for spring training this year. Levi Michael – SS – Michael fought all kinds of injuries in 2011. He had a couple of different leg injuries. He didn’t play in games during the Instructional League, but he did participate in the workouts. He should be ready to go this spring. I know a lot of Twins fans are eager to see how the team’s 2011 top pick will perform. Scouts all seem to agree that the Twins got a very good player with the 30th pick. Estarlin de Los Santos – SS – De Los Santos fought elbow pain throughout the 2011 season. Before the season ended, he had surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. He was limited to second base last year, but should be able to get back to shortstop in 2011. He has a very strong arm. Kelvin Mention – OF –The very-strong, athletic outfielder missed all of 2011 because of shoulder surgery. He should be at 100% as spring training starts, and it will be fun to see how he does. He played with fellow Twins prospect, JD Williams, in high school and hopes to have a similar breakout season. Steve Liddle – 1B/OF – 2011 was a frustrating season offensively for Liddle. Following the season, he had surgery of his non-throwing labrum. The tear has been repaired, and he says that he is 100% heading into spring training. He should be able to show much more with the bat now that he’ll be swinging with two strong shoulders. Philip Chapman – C – The Twins 2012 draft pick had knee surgery two weeks ago to repair some torn cartilage. He will likely miss a month of action, but his advanced bat should push him to Beloit when he is ready for the season to begin. As you can see, most of the players who dealt with injuries in 2011 should be ready to go as spring training starts. We will continue to monitor the progress of Kyle Gibson and Dallas Gallant throughout the season in their recoveries from Tommy John surgery. The Twins lost a lot of players to injury in 2011, and it extended to some very talented minor leaguers as well. Hopefully 2012 will be a much more healthy campaign. 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Today in our preseason AL Central vote, we move from left to center field. Be sure to vote for your choice for "Which AL Central Center Fielder will have the best 2012?" Be sure to vote here. The Candidates (2011 stats) Minnesota Twins - Denard Span- .264/.328/.359(.687) with 11-2B, 5-3B, 2-HR, 16 RBI Chicago White Sox - Alejandro de Aza- .329/.400/.520 (.920) with 11-2B, 3-3B, 4-HR, 23 RBI Cleveland Indians - Ezequiel Carrera- .243/.301/.312 (.613) with 8-2B, 3-3B, 0-HR, 14 RBI Ezequiel Cabrera MILB - 287/.371/.348 (.719) with 8-2B, 3-3B. 2-HR, 25 RBI Detroit Tigers - Austin Jackson- .249/.317/.374 (.690) with 22-2B, 11-3B, 10-HR, 45 RBI Kansas City Royals - Lorenzo Cain - .273/.304/.318 (.622) with 1-2B, 0-0-3B, 0-HR, 1 RBI Lorenzo Cain MILB - 312/.380/.497 (810) with 28-2B, 3-3B, 16-HR, 81 RBI [/hr][PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] SUMMARY Span was on his way to a possible All Star appearance when he slid, feet-first, into the Royals’ Brayan Pena. The concussion pretty much cost him the rest of his season. He came back but went 1-31 before being shut down again. He was able to get into a few games late in the season and hopes to be at 100% in 2012. When healthy, he’s a terrific lead-off hitter with some extra base pop. He’s also a very good defensive centerfielder. De Aza was given the Marlins starting CF job in 2007. It didn’t go well and ended after just 45 games. He resurfaced with the White Sox in 2010, and in 2011, he played very well in 54 games with the White Sox. Which De Aza will show up in 2012? The White Sox will begin the season with him as their cdenterfielder and we will all find out. Grady Sizemore was re-signed by the Indians, but he got hurt within days of spring training opening. Carrera will likely get a lot of the time in center. He is very fast. In AAA, he stole 35 bases in 39 attempts and added another ten steals in the big leagues. Austin Jackson was a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2010, spurred by a very high BABIP. His numbers plummeted in 2011, but he still plays great defense and has good speed and a little pop in his bat. Batting average will dictate how good his numbers look in 2012. The Royals also acquired Lorenzo Cain from the Brewers in the Zach Greinke trade. Despite a huge, breakout season from Melky Cabrera last year with the Royals, they were happy to trade him to the Giants (for Jonathan Sanchez) to make room for Cain. Another very speedy, terrific glove centerfielder, he hit very well in AAA, helping the team to the PCL title. There is your information, now it is time to vote. Who will be the best centerfielder in the AL Central in 2012? My choice? Download attachment: DenardSpan2.jpg Click here to view the article

The Minnesota Twins may not have received a very good start from Scott Diamond, but all four Twins minor league starters pitched very well on Saturday night. Each of them pitched into the 7th inning and gave up two or fewer runs. Unfortunately, the hitters from only one of the four affiliates scored enough runs to win their game. By the time the Twins' game got to the 6th inning all four minor league games were done. See what else happened on Saturday in the Twins minor league parks:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Rochester Red Wings 2, Lehigh Valley IronPigs 3 Box Score Caleb Thielbar came in for the 8th inning of a 2-2 game. He was charged with an unearned run in the inning and took the loss. The Red Wings had two errors in the game. PJ Walters started and was terrific yet again for the Red Wings. He gave up two runs on seven hits in seven innings. He walked two and struck out seven. Like Andrew Albers, Walters’ name is not being mentioned as a potential Twins call up as much as it probably should be. In other news, Michael O’Connor was released. Aaron Thompson was promoted from New Britain. Cole De Vries was activated by the Twins from the disabled list and optioned to Rochester. New Britain Rock Cats 0, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 5 Box Score Logan Darnell was terrific on the mound again, but the Rock Cats were not able to do anything against the Fisher Cats pitching. Darnell gave up one run on three hits in seven innings. He walked none and struck out six. He exited the game and Bruce Pugh came on for the eighth inning. Pugh gave up three runs on three hits and a walk in the inning, though he did strike out two. Blake Martin gave up a run on three hits in the ninth. The Rock Cats managed just five hits, all singles. Danny Ortiz was 2-4. AJ Pettersen went 1-2 and was hit by a pitch for the fifth time in his stint with the Rock Cats. Pettersen can also now add centerfield to his list of positions played. He started in left field and then moved to center for the final inning. Ft. Myers Miracle 9, Charlotte Stone Crabs 2 Box Score Jason Wheeler again gave his team a chance to win; the Miracle bats provided sufficient offense. Wheeler worked the first seven innings. He gave up two runs on six hits. He walked none and struck out three. Wheeler is now 5-0 despite an ERA of 4.25. Adrian Salcedo pitched the final two innings without allowing a run. He gave up two hits and struck out two. Angel Morales gave the Miracle an early lead with a two run double. Miguel Sano went 2-5 with his tenth double and his second triple. Kennys Vargas and Matt Koch were each 2-4. Cedar Rapids Kernels 0, Kane County Cougars 4 Box Score This game was a pitcher’s duel through the first six innings. JO Berrios and Cougars’ starter Pierce Johnson both threw six shutout innings. Berrios started the seventh, gave up two runs (1 earned) and got the first two outs. His final line was still solid. He went 6.2 innings and gave up just those two runs on seven hits. He walked none and struck out five. Berrios was replaced by lefty Josue Montanez who got the next four outs. He also gave up a solo home run before yielding to Josh Burris who gave up a solo homer in the ninth inning to produce the final 4-0 score. The Kernels had some base runners but they were shut out for the first time this year. They were 1-13 with runners in scoring position. Travis Harrison went 2-4, the only player with more than one hit. Niko Goodrum and Jhonatan Arias each had a double. Byron Buxton is now hitting .257 in May after a 1-5 game on this night. He stole his 17th base. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

Scott Diamond actually gave up a few runs on Friday night, but because the Twins hitters brought their big bats to Miller Park, Diamond becomes the Twins first three-game winner. Josh Willingham got the offense started in the first inning with a long two-run homer. The game was 2-2 going into the 5th inning, but Joe Mauer’s two-run double gave the Twins a 4-2 lead. They scored two the following inning on a two-run Denard Span single. They added four runs in the top of the eighth inning to put the game out of reach. Span led the offense. He went 4-5 with a double, three runs and three RBI. Joe Mauer went 3-5 with two doubles and three RBI. Justin Morneau went 2-4 with three RBI. Four Brewers errors certainly helped the Twins cause as well. Diamond gave up three runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings. Anthony Swarzak got five outs. Alex Burnett pitched a scoreless eighth innings. Francisco Liriano came in with an eight-run lead in the ninth inning. He loaded the bases but was able to hold on to the 11-3 lead. Three-game winning streak for the Twins! Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Friday:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] ROCHESTER 5, LOUISVILLE 3 The Red Wings got a four-run third inning to take the lead from the cellar-dwelling Reds affiliate. It proved to be enough. In that inning, the Red Wings got RBI singles from Pedro Florimon, Danny Valencia, Chris Parmelee and Matt Carson. Eight of nine Twins starters had one hit. The lone exception was Clete Thomas. The Red Wings also worked for six walks. Wilkin Ramirez and Rene Rivera each hit a double. Liam Hendriks made his third Red Wings start of the season and improved to 2-0. He gave up two runs on four hits in seven innings. He walked two and struck out two and now has a 1.93 ERA. Fellow Australian right-handers Brendan Wise gave up one run on two hits and a walk in his inning. Tyler Robertson pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to record his second save. The Red Wings are now 17-24 after winning this series three games out of four. NEW BRITAIN 5, READING 2 The Rock Cats got another tremendous start from BJ Hermsen, and the team brought out the power sticks in this game. However, it all starts with pitching, so let’s start there. Hermsen improved to 2-1 by allowing two runs on six hits in 7.2 innings. He walked none and struck out three. Caleb Thielbar came in and got two outs. Daniel Turpen got the final two outs, one via the strikeout. Matt Rizzotti had a terrific game against his former team. The former Phillies farmhand went 3-4 with his first home runs since his return to AA. Joe Benson did the same, connecting for his first AA home run of the year. Aaron Hicks hit his fifth home run, and Chris Colabello hit his sixth. The win puts the Rock Cats record at 24-16. They are now 0.5 games ahead of these Reading Phillies atop the Eastern League’s Eastern Division. These two teams split a four-game series earlier in the month. This is the first game of a three game series in Reading. FT. MYERS 2, BREVARD COUNTY 1 The strong starting pitching on Friday night continued as we look down to High-A Ft. Myers. Lefty Pat Dean went the first eight innings for the Miracle. He gave up just one run on seven hits and a walk. He also struck out a team, season-high eight batters. Ricky Bowen pitched a scoreless ninth frame to pick up his third save. Levi Michael went 3-4 with his second double. It was Oswaldo Arcia who provided the big hit of the game, however. The powerful Venezuelan launched a two-run homer, his third of the year to provide all of the offense needed to record this win. The Miracle improved to 16-25 on the season. BELOIT 6, QUAD CITIES 7 (11 Innings) The Snappers fell short in the final game of their home stand despite the efforts of Drew Leachman. The utility infielder/outfielder was batting third in the Snappers lineup, in place of Miguel Sano who was just getting a day off. Leachman went 4-5 in the game. His three-run homer in the fifth inning gave the Snappers a lead. Down by two runs in the bottom of the 11th, he added another RBI single, but it wasn’t enough for the Snappers. Adam Bryant was 3-5. Eddie Rosario went 2-5 with a walk. Lefty Matthew Tomshaw started and gave up four runs (3 earned) on eight hits and three walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out two and rainsed his ERA to 2.91 on the season. Michael Tonkin came in and gave up a run on four hits and two walk. Unfortunately, the game-tying run scored on a wild pitch. Clinton Dempster threw three scoreless innings and struck out four. Bart Carter threw the 11th inning and gave up two runs on two hits and a walk. The loss drops the Snappers to 26-16, yet they are still a game ahead of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Brewers affiliate). --- Players of the Day for Friday, May 18, 2012 Pitcher of the Day – Pat Dean Download attachment: Pat Dean.jpg Hitter of the Day – Drew Leachman Download attachment: DrewLeachman.jpg --- A Look Ahead – Saturday, May 19, 2012 Schedule Rochester vs Gwinnett – RHP Cole DeVries New Britain @ Reading – LHP Andrew Albers Ft. Myers @ Brevard County – RHP Miguel Munoz Beloit @ Burlington – LHP Jason Wheeler --- Reminder: Listen to Thursday’s Twins Minor League Weekly. Tim Shibuya (RHP Beloit Snappers) was a guest of the show and that was followed by answering your Twitter questions. If you have any questions or comments on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and I’ll try to answer them! Click here to view the article

The Twins had a full day of baseball on Friday, playing a day-night double header in Chicago against the White Sox. Fortunately, it was a day with a couple of exciting wins for Minnesota. Amazingly, each and every run scored by the Twins came off home runs, including several by players who spent a significant time in the Twins minor league system this year. Chris Colabello hit one in the first game. Chris Herrmann hit one in the second game. Last year’s minor league hitter of the year for the Twins, Oswaldo Arcia, hit one in each game. His 10th inning homer in Game 2 gave the Twins the win. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Of course, the two starters (Kyle Gibson and Liam Hendriks) spent most of their season in Rochester as well. Hendriks was optioned to Rochester following the game. He had been the Twins 26th man on Friday, something they were able to do because of the double header. Download attachment: Oswaldo Arcia.jpg It was a big day for the Twins, and there was a lot going on throughout the minor league system too. A couple of top pitching prospects made appearances in the GCL on rehab today. Adam Walker is closing in on Miguel Sano and Chris Colabello atop the Twins organizational home run leaders. He’s also about to become the first member of the 100 RBI club. Check out what else happened in the Twins Minor League system on Friday: Rochester 2, Norfolk 11 Box Score You know it’s not a good game when the highlight is that TWO position players had the chance to pitch for the Red Wings. Not only did they pitch, they threw THREE scoreless innings and didn’t give up a hit. Down 11-2 going into the bottom of the 6th, Gene Glynn called on outfielder Jermaine Mitchell to pitch. The lefty from North Carolina – Greensboro, where he did some pitching, worked two scoreless innings. He gave up just one base runner, on a walk. After his two frames, he went out to right field, and right fielder Brian Dinkelman came to the mound. He pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning, and one of the outs was a strikeout of Alex Liddi on a fastball clocked at 88 mph. So, that’s the good stuff. Unfortunately, Red Wings starter PJ Walters lasted just two innings and was charged with seven runs on nine hits and two walks. He struck out two. Luis Perdomo came on. He went the next 2.1 innings. He gave up four runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out just one. Edgar Ibarra came on and got the final two outs of that fifth inning. The Red Wings bats managed just three hits in the game. Deibinson Romero did get on base with three walks. New Britain 5, Akron 6 Box Score It has been a rough season for righty BJ Hermsen. Following his time in big league spring training, he was hurt. When he came back, he struggled in the rotation and was sent to the bullpen. It’s strange because he was the clear choice for Twins minor league pitcher of the year in 2012, most of which he spent with the Rock Cats. He pitched I the Eastern League All Start game. He is getting another opportunity here late in the season to start. Tonight, he went 3.1 innings. He gave up five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out just one. Ryan O’Rourke came on and gave up an unearned run on one hit and one walk over two innings. He struck out two. Daniel Turpen came on and struck out two over the next 1.2 innings. Blake Martin ended things with a scoreless inning. Miguel Sano went 2-4 with his ninth double. Jordan Parraz was also 2-4. Nate Hanson went 1-1 with two walks. Eddie Rosario hit his 13th double and walked. Danny Santana hit his eighth triple. Ft. Myers 7, Charlotte 3 Box Score Since Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario were promoted to New Britain, we have not read the name of Kennys Vargas as frequently in these Miracle game reports. In this game, he went 4-5 and drove in four of the Miracle runs. Matt Koch went 3-5 and hit his 19th double, the team’s only extra base hit in the game. Levi Michael had a single and a walk, and he stole his 16th and 17th bases. Taylor Rogers had another impressive start and improves to 10-5 with a 2.90 ERA. The lefty went 6.1 innings, and gave up just one run. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out seven. He was replaced by Corey Williams who gave up two runs in the next 2.1 innings. He gave up four hits, hit two batters and struck two out. Tyler Jones came on with two outs in the 9th and got a strikeout to record his fourth Miracle save. Cedar Rapids 7, Beloit 4 Box Score Just to think, this was a 3-2 game after six innings, but the Kernels offense exploded after that. Adam Walker was 2-5, including his 25th home run. His two RBI give him 99 RBI on the season. Max Kepler was 2-4 with his sixth home run. Travis Harrison was 2-5, and his 27th double gave the Kernels a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Joel Licon, Jeremias Pineda and Niko Goodrum each had two hits. Tyler Grimes went 1-2 with three walks. Tim Shibuya made his first start of the season. He was limited to just 2.2 innings. He gave up two runs on four hits and two walks. He struck out four. Mason Melotakis’s innings are being controlled with him in the bullpen. He came on and went the next 2.1 innings. He gave up just one hit and one walk, but no runs. He struck out two. Dallas Gallant struck out three over the next two innings. Brandon Bixler gave up two runs on three hits in his inning. Madison Boer came on for the ninth and got his fourth save. He struck out one. Elizabethton 3, Johnson City 4 Box Score Kuo Hua Lo made his first start of the season. He went four innings and gave up two runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out two. Luke Bard made his first E-Town appearance of the year. He gave up one run on one hit in one inning. Austin Malinowki gave up only a walk over two innings, but the runner scored and he gets charged with the loss. Ethan Mildren pitched a scoreless inning. Logan Wade led the offense. He went 2-3 with a walk. Zach Granite went 1-2 and walked. GCL Twins 2, GCL Orioles 4 Box Score It was a day of returns and rehabs in the GCL. Right-hander Alex Meyer made his first rehab appearance. He started and gave up one run on three hits and a walk. He struck out five. In the first inning, he struck out the first two batters. He gave up a two-out single before striking out the fourth batter. In the second inning, he struck out the first batter. Then he gave up two not-hard-hit singles. He struck out the fourth batter. However, after walking the next batter, he was removed from the game, having met his pitch count. Meyer was replaced by Derek Penilla with the bases loaded. Penilla walked in Meyer’s run before getting a strikeout to end the inning. Penilla was then replaced by lefty-hander Pedro Hernandez who was making his first rehab appearance. The lefty struggled in his first inning. He gave up two runs on four hits, but those were the only runs he allowed in three total innings. He gave up six hits, walked none and struck out two. Following Hernandez, Kohl Stewart made his first appearance after cutting his foot on a shell in the ocean. The 2012 first-round pick threw two hitless, scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out two. Brandon Easton walked one in the eighth. Miguel Gonzalez struck out the side in the ninth. Chad Christensen went 2-4 in the game with his sixth double. He was the lone player with more than one hit. Ivory Thomas, who debuted in the Twins organization after being their 34th round pick this June, doubled in his first at bat for his first hit as a professional. Thanks for checking out today’s Twins minor league report. Please feel free to discuss, comment or ask questions. 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The Twins lost another "offensive" game to Curtis Granderson and the Yankees on Thursday night by a score of 8-7. The close loss was something that all four of the Twins minor league affiliates suffered as well on Thursday as the organization went 0-5 on the day. But worry not, there were still plenty of positives to talk about. Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Wednesday, and for much more on the players on each team, specifically who’s hot and who’s not for each team, be sure to listen to last night’s Twins Minor League Weekly podcast. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] ROCHESTER 3, EMPIRE STATE 5 The Red Wings took a tough loss to split the series on the road (but at home) against the team formerly known as Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Sam Deduno was good early, but that is hidden in his pitching line. In five innings, he gave up four runs (3 earned) on five hits and two walks. He struck out six. Esmerling Vasquez gave up one run on two hits and three walks in three innings. Brian Dozier hit his sixth double. Darin Mastroianni went 2-4. Ben Revere was 2-5. Michael Hollimon was 2-4 with a triple and his second home run. The homer was the first by a Red Wings player since Friday, when Hollimon homered. It had been 58 innings in between. The Red Wings fall to 7-8. NEW BRITAIN 5, NEW HAMPSHIRE 6 Logan Darnell came into the game 2-0 with a 0.90 ERA. The lefty gave up four runs on eight hits in six innings. He walked three and struck out five. He didn’t help himself by committing two errors. Bret Jacobson gave up a run on two hits and walk in two innings. Lester Oliveros gave up a run in the ninth to take the loss. Aaron Hicks went 1-3 with two walks. Estarlin de Los Santos was 2-5. Evan Bigley went 2-4 with a walk and his second triple. Chris Colabello went 2-4 with a walk. The Rock Cats fall to 10-5. FT. MYERS MIRACLE 1, BRADENTON 2 (10 innings) It was the rematch of last week’s BJ Hermsen/Jameson Taillon matchup and both were on their games. Hermsen gave up one run on five hits and a walk in seven innings. He struck out six. Edgar Ibarra dropped his ERA to 0.90 with two perfect innings. Bruce Pugh gave up a run on a hit and a walk in the tenth to take the loss. The Miracle have really been struggling with the bats of late. Dan Rohlfing, however, was 3-4 in this game and is 9 of his last 19. Jairo Perez, Lance Ray and Anderson Hidalgo each had a double in this game. The Miracle drop to 6-7. BELOIT 10, SOUTH BEND 12 This was a crazy game, but it got off to a fun start as Miguel Sano hit his sixth home run in the first frame. Tim Shibuya was terrific through three innings. However, his fourth inning began with an error on Miguel Sano. The next ball was a grounder to second base that Eddie Rosario fielded and threw to the base, but Tyler Grimes dropped the ball. Eight runs later, the inning finished. However, the Miracle came back with three in the 5th inning and six runs in the 6th inning to reclaim the lead. However, South Bend tied it up in the eighth and then grabbed two more runs in the ninth to take the 12-10 win. Shibuya gave up eight runs (2 earned) on seven hits in 3.1 innings. He walked none and struck out two. Michael Tonkin gave up one run on five hits in 1.2 innings. He struck out two. Bart Carter gave up one run on two hits in two innings, while striking out two. Corey Williams gave up two runs on two hits and a walk in one inning. There was plenty of offense! Adam Bryant went 2-4 for the second straight day during which time he raised his batting average from .250 to .300. Eddie Rosario and Matthew Koch were each 2-5. AJ Pettersen went 2-3 with a walk and a sacrifice bunt. Miguel Sano was 2-4 with a walk and his sixth home run. It was his third home run in his last five games. Danny Ortiz went 3-5. The Snappers fall to 7-7. --- Players of the Day for Thursday, April 19, 2012 Hitter of the Day – Dan Rohlfing Download attachment: Dan Rohlfing.jpg Pitcher of the Day – B J Hermsen Download attachment: BJHermsen.jpg --- A Look Ahead – Friday, April 20, 2012 Schedule Rochester vs. Lehigh Valley – RHP PJ Walters New Britain vs New Hampshire – LHP Luke French Ft. Myers @ Bradenton – RHP Adrian Salcedo (rematch versus Gerrit Cole) Beloit @ South Bend – LHP Jason Wheeler --- If you have any questions or comments on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and I’ll try to answer them! Click here to view the article

When spring training opened up in late February, I posted an article called Twins Two-Way Planning in which I said that the Twins 2011 roster was probably built perfectly to go one of two directions. In essence, if things went poorly, they had enough one-year, veteran contracts of guys that other teams might have interest in at the trade deadline. The Twins could get prospects to help push forward the rebuilding process. However, the other scenario was, “IF seven or eight of the factors listed above are going positively, AND the Twins are getting positive performances from their minor leaguers and these new players, AND the team is in contention in mid-July, THEN they will have plenty of payroll flexibility to add a significant piece or two at the deadline, if they choose.” So, what were the “factors listed above” and how are the Twins doing in those categories… you know, since they barely have double-digit wins on the season. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] FACTORS The health of Joe MauerThe health of Justin MorneauThe health of Denard SpanThe elbow of Scott BakerThe durability of Carl PavanoThe mindset and performance of Francisco LirianoThe improvements of Danny Valencia, Ben Revere and other young playersMatt Capps ability to get outs in the 9th2-5 bullpen arms need to step up and contribute consistently well.Minor Leaguers coming up and contributing when needed throughout the season (Hendriks, Diamond, Gutierrez, Guerra, Waldrop, Oliveros, Benson, Parmelee, Dozier, etc.)Each one of those ten Factors was a factor whether or not the Twins brought in any free agents. If seven or eight of those factors wind up positive for the Twins, they have a chance to compete. Let’s review: Joe Mauer has been healthy, or at least he has been in the lineup all but one game this year. (1) Justin Morneau just came off of the 15 day disabled list. If there are positives from this, they are that 1.) he just missed the 15 days, and 2.) it was for wrist pain, not concussion symptoms. The health of Denard Span has been good all season, until the last couple of days when he has been out of the lineup with a hamstring injury. Hopefully this is just another day at most, and he’ll be back at the top of the lineup where he has been quite good. (2) The elbow of Scott Baker certainly was a big story in spring as Baker tried so hard to get back while also trying so hard to make people understand that he really was in pain. He went in for elbow surgery that turned into Tommy John surgery too. The durability of Carl Pavano probably can’t be questioned yet as he has not yet missed a start. However, concerns about his velocity have led to an MRI. He will make his next start this weekend, but this factor certainly is in flux at this point. (2.5) The mindset of Francisco Liriano is always a question, and despite very good performance throughout spring training, his performance since Opening Day has been nothing short of immensely disappointing. He was finally moved to the bullpen a week ago. The improvements of Danny Valencia, Ben Revere and otbher young players. I would assume that I meant players like Trevor Plouffe, Alexi Casilla and Luke Hughes in the “other” players grouping. Well, Valencia is in Rochester after a really horrible start to his season. Revere has spent most of the season in AAA as well. Plouffe is hitting below .150. Hughes was lost to the A’s when he was Designated for Assignment, and Casilla has a sub-.600 OPS. Matt Capps is 7-7 save opportunities and despite two losses, he has been pitching fairly well. (3.5) Two to five bullpen arms needed to step up. I would say that Glen Perkins, Matt Capps, Brian Duensing and Jared Burton have been really good in their roles this season. Anthony Swarzak has played multiple roles, but he has been solid for the most part. Jeff Gray has walked too many, but he has been better than expected. The bullpen was a huge concern coming into the season, and to this point, they have been alright. (4.5) It’s always good to get help from the minor league roster, and this will or can happen throughout the season. Scott Diamond and PJ Walters have come up from Rochester and been very good in limited duty so far. Brian Dozier made his much-anticipated 2012 debut and has been very solid defensively and with the bat in his ten days with the club. Hendriks and Parmelee struggled after making the Opening Day roster and are back in Rochester but likely will contribute later in the. Waldrop should be healthy soon. Deolis Guerra is doing very well. (5) As for the new guys, Willingham has carried the offense most of the season. Carroll has been a stabilizing force in the infield. Doumit started slow, but he has been great with the bat the last three weeks. (and now he may be hurt) However, Marquis has been quite bad, and Zumaya didn’t throw even twenty bullpen pitches before needing Tommy John surgery. (6) Add to these factors that the Twins starting pitchers’ have all performed to a nightmarish, worst-case-scenario, and although no one could have predicted 11-25, it shouldn’t be surprising that this team is struggling already in the season. Download attachment: NickBlackburn.jpg Click here to view the article

On Saturday at noon (central time), Seth will be taking your Twins-related questions and answering them. He'll answer questions for at least an hour, but he's willing to answer for as long as necessary depending on how many questions he gets. There are plenty of Twins topics to discuss from the major league team, to the minor leaguers, to the draft and much more. Seth will try to answer as many questions as you have. Click "Read More" to set a reminder for the chat, to watch the chat live (and be able to ask questions), or to read the transcript later.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Twins Daily Live Chat Click here to view the article

Following a 99-loss season, the Twins had many more transactions than most offseasons. A couple of those transactions may have been considered minor to most, but definitely stood out to me. Shortly following the season, the Twins chose to designate reliever Anthony Slama for assignment. He was removed from the 40 man roster, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Rochester. When the Twins announced the additions to their 40 man roster in late November, they also announced that they had removed David Bromberg from the 40 man roster. Like Slama, he cleared waivers and was outrighted to Rochester. Although I personally disagreed with both decisions, the Twins were ultimately proven correct in these decisions. In each case, all 29 other major league teams could have claimed them for nothing and chose not to. Because neither has been in the organization long enough to be considered six-year minor league free agents, once they cleared waivers, the Twins were able to send them to the minor leagues. Because each team could have claimed him for nothing, it was unlikely that a team would pay $50,000 to select them in the Rule 5.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] In January, the Twins announced that a dozen pitchers would be non-roster invites to spring training, competing with 22 pitchers on the 40-man roster, including Joel Zumaya and Rule 5 pick Terry Doyle. However, David Bromberg and Anthony Slama were not invited to big league camp. In other words, after years of successful pitching in the Twins organization, it took one injury-riddled season for each to seemingly be removed from the Twins short-term plans. I would suggest that Twins fans should not forget about these two talented right-handers. DAVID BROMBERG Bromberg was the Twins 32nd round pick in 2005 out of Palisades High School. He didn’t sign, but instead he went to Santa Ana College and signed with the Twins early in 2006 and a Draft-and-Follow. His career started out well right from the start: · In 2006, he went 3-3 with a 2.66 ERA in the GLC. · In 2007, he was the Appalachian League Pitcher of the Year. For Elizabethton, he went 9-0 with a 2.78 ERA and led the league with 81 strikeouts (in 58.1 innings). · In 2008, he led all of minor league baseball with 177 strikeouts (in 150 innings) with the Beloit Snappers. · In 2009, he was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Year. He went 13-4 with a 2.70 ERA. He led the league with 148 strikeouts in 153.1 innings. · In 2010, he moved up to New Britain and went 5-5 with a 3.62 ERA in 17 starts. His strikeout rate to 5.9 K/9 (it had never been below 8.7 K/9 previously). He moved up to Rochester where he went 1-4 in nine starts. However, he posted a 3.98 ERA, a career-low 1.15 WHIP and struckout 8.1 per nine innings. · Following the 2010 season, Bromberg was an easy choice to add to the Twins 40 man roster (along with Joe Benson, Chris Parmelee and Rene Tosoni). · Bromberg had a nice, albeit brief, showing at big league camp in 2011 and began the season back with the New Britain Rock Cats. · Unfortunately, in a late-April start, he was hit in the forearm by a line drive. He broke his ulna and after surgery, he did not pitch again until late in the season. ANTHONY SLAMA Like Bromberg, Slama spent two years at Santa Ana College. He then went to the University of San Diego. Following his junior year, the Twins made him their 39th round draft pick in 2006. He didn’t sign, and instead pitched his senior season at USD. However, before the 2007 draft, he signed with the Twins. Like Bromberg, Slama has found success at every level since:· Download attachment: Anthony Slama.jpg After signing, he went to Elizabethton and recorded four saves in six appearances. He struckout ten in 7.1 innings. · He then moved up to Beloit where he was 1-1 with 10 saves and a 1.48 ERA in 24.1 innings. He struck out 39. · He put up video game numbers in 2008 in Ft. Myers. He went 4-1 with 25 saves. He posted a 1.01 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP. In 71 innings, he walked 24 and struck out 110 (13.9/9). · In 2009, he moved up to New Britain where he went 4-2 with 25 saves. In 65.1 innings, he posted a 2.48 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He struckout 93 and walked 32. He ended the sdedason with 19 strikeouts in 14.2 innings in Rochester. · He began 2010 with the Red Wings and in 65.1 innings, he walked 32 and struckout 74. He was 2-2 with 17 saves and a 2.20 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. · On July 21, 2010, he pitched a scoreless inning against Cleveland. He gave up a hit, walked none and struck out two. He made four other appearances and struggled. In 4.2 innings, he gave up four runs on six hits and five walks. He did strikeout five. · Slama then spent most of spring training fighting an elbow injury and he struggled in Rochester in April. In 27 games with the Red Wings, he posted his best Red Wings numbers. He had a 3-2 record with a 2.92 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. In 37 innings, he walked 16 and struckout 42. He made two appearances with the Twins in 2011. He threw 2.1 scoreless innings, gave up no hits, walked two and struckout three before being sent back down. · His season was cut short when in late July an MRI revealed a flexor pronator muscle strain in his right elbow. He was shut down for the season. The 28-year-old Slama is not a flame-thrower. He sits between 90-92 with the fastball and many say he has a deceptive delivery. His stuff isn’t off the charts, but his strikeout rates absolutely are. He has had control problems at time in the past, but his ability to get strikeouts has really helped him. In the meanwhile, the Twins have signed, claimed and draf ted several pitchers who throw in the mid-90s and have even less control and come nowhere near the strikeout numbers (or any of the numbers) that Slama has, even in the upper levels. All Slama has done is dominate at every level. On the other hand, 24-year-old Bromberg has also pitched well up to AA and in a short AAA stint. His fastball sits 88-91. He has a four-pitch mix. Just two seasons ago, he weighed in at over 260 pounds. He worked incredibly hard and got down to 210 pounds. That, work ethic, was often the question with Bromberg. No longer. He is one of the hardest workers in the organization. The concern with Slama remains the elbow, although to this point in the spring, his elbow is feeling very good. With Bromberg, he had a broken forearm, but it has healed. His injury was not elbow or shoulder related. 2011 was a lost season for both Anthony Slama and David Bromberg. Both are no longer on the Twins’ 40 man roster. However, Slama will start the 2012 season in the Rochester bullpen where he should continue to dominate. Bromberg will be starting for the New Britain Rock Cats to start the 2012 season. In other words, both will start the 2012 season where they started the 2011 season. It’s possible that both of them will end up the season back on the 40 man roster, and potentially on the big league roster. Click here to view the article

What you are about to read, should you choose to continue, is in a bit of a stream of consciousness style of writing. However, that is arguably the most accurate style in describing what the Winter Meetings are all about. A little chaos. A lot of rumors. Some with basis in truth, some just for fun. If nothing else, it's fun speculation and hopefully it gives you some topics to discuss while we wait for another big Twins news story... Wednesday was a seemingly very quiet day in terms of Minnesota Twins news from baseball's Winter Meetings in Orlando. There were a few notes that certainly garner the term "interesting" but little really happened. I mean, the Twins signing of C.J. Ziegler, Baseball America's Independent League 2013 Player of the Year, was the biggest move of the day for our home team. Despite that fact, it still feels like the Twins will make another flurry of moves. I don't know why. I mean, the Winter Meetings are generally a time when front offices meet with agents and other teams to understand parameters for potential deals, free agent signings or trades. But just one year ago, on the eve of the Rule 5 draft and the final day of the Winter Meetings, news came very late that the Twins and Phillies were discussing Ben Revere. It seemed to come out of nowhere, and with Denard Span having been traded a week earlier, we made little of it. By about noon, an hour or two after the Rule 5 draft, Ben Revere had been traded to the Phillies for Vance Worley and Trevor May. My point is that it is clear Terry Ryan has had many discussions this week. So has assistant GM Rob Antony and the rest of the Twins front office. Maybe it is because of the early signings of right-handed pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes. It just feels like the Twins have a lot of things going on. That's probably good since the Twins will not be making a Rule 5 selection in the Major League portion of the draft. It will still be interesting to see if the they lose anyone though! The Twins should be active in the minor league portion. Because of the Nolasco and Hughes signings, the Matt Garza rumors don't see quite so outlandish. There were rumors on Wednesday that he could sign by the end of the week. Could the Twins be a leading candidate for bringing him back? Download attachment: Mike Pelfrey3.jpg The Mike Pelfrey rumors simply are not going away. It is clear that there is an offer on the table to Pelfrey. A two year, $10 million deal was said to be on the table a week or more ago, but it sounds like the Twins may have gone up to $12 or $13 million. If that's the case, could the Twins really bring back Pelfrey? And even with that, the Bronson Arroyo rumors continue to swirl. Ken Rosenthal even tweeted on Wednesday that signing one may not mean they won't sign the other. Wow!! After being inactive in the free agent pitching market most of the last decade (or last 50 years?), can you imagine a Twins' Opening Day rotation of Matt Garza, Ricky Nolasco, Bronson Arroyo, Phil Hughes and Mike Pelfrey? Considering Kyle Gibson, Alex Meyer and Trevor May could all be ready to contribute by early-to-mid summer, the Twins would have incredible depth. Now, like everyone reading this, I don't expect the Twins to sign all three. In fact, I don't think they sign two of them. However, I fully expect them to sign one of them, and probably soon. Likewise, the Stephen Drew/Twins rumors haven't gone completely away. As a Boras client (like Pelfrey), he may not sign real quickly. He certainly is an intriguing name. He is better than Pedro Florimon. No question. But if you look at WAR or other stats, is Drew really worth $12+ million per year more than Florimon? Of course, as much as we like to guess who the Twins may or may not be interested in as free agents, it's often the names that you would never guess in a million years that wind up with the team. In fact, Matt Guerrier's name came up as someone in whom the Twins had shown interest and had discussions with. Why do I mention that? Well, consider this. The Twins have a strong bullpen and have several needs, mostly starting pitching and offense. The Twins also have several players who are either out of position or find themselves with a questionable role with the organization. For instance, Liam Hendriks remains in DFA (Designated for Assignment) Limbo. The Twins have until Sunday to trade him or place him on waivers. Could he be traded? Could he be packaged with someone like Chris Parmelee who is also young and has shown flashes of potential? However, he is out of options, and with Joe Mauer now at first base, he suddenly has to try to fit into the right field situation. He is certainly a trade candidate. Finally, bullpen guys such as Jared Burton, Casey Fien and Brian Duensing could also be available. Now, the Twins are not going to get David Price for a package of Liam Hendriks, Chris Parmelee and Jared Burton, but could that get Jeremy Hellickson or another similar pitcher? Consider the Rays have gone with Casey Kotchman and James Loney as their first basemen the last two seasons. Parmelee could come in for league minimum and put up solid numbers for them. Burton is a cost-effective late inning bullpen arm and Hendriks is still young. It just feels like a trade could happen at any time. The Braves were interested in Brian Duensing in July. They are said to be looking for a left-handed reliever. It has been reported that Duensing is not currently on the Braves radar. How many times this winter have we already heard that a player is not on a radar, or that talks have broken down, etc.? Remember last week when it came out that talks between Robinson Cano and the Mariners were off? Was it two hours later they announced a deal? Wednesday was relatively quiet in terms of Twins news. But I just can't get past the feeling that there are a couple other moves in the works. That's not to say they will happen Thursday or Friday, but I tend to think that Nolasco and Hughes are not the final "big" names the Twins will acquire. Maybe I'm wrong, but the more I type in this stream of consciousness style, the more I tend to believe the Twins will continue to be aggressive and make moves. Where there is smoke, there is generally fire. In the past with the Twins, when there was smoke, it didn't mean a whole lot. This year, there is reason for optimism. Frankly, the Twins have already made two really good, big, aggressive, somewhat risky moves. That has set the tone, and if that is all they did, it would be an improvement. But the talk is there is still a lot to do and it will get done. Maybe I'm drinking, and now delivering the Kool-Aid, but if nothing else, it is going to be an entertaining offseason! Click here to view the article

This version of the Berrios Q&A is in Spanish. (Esta entrevista se realizó en español.) Twins Daily (TD): Crecistes en Puerto Rico. ¿Tuvistes algún equipo favorito? ¿Cuáles fueron algunos de tus jugadores favoritos? JO Berrios (JB): A pesar que crecí sin ser fanático de algún equipo en particular, porque básicamente me considero un fanático del beisból en vez de un fanático de algún equipo, durante mi niñez siempre quise ser receptor como el jugador Puertorriqueño Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez. Me gustaba su estilo de juego. Incluso, tuve la oportunidad de conocerle personalmente y me ofreció entrenamiento. TD: ¿Cuáles son algunos de tus recuerdos de tus días de beisból en la preparatoria? ¿Jugastes algún otro deporte? JB: Me vienen a la mente muy buenos recuerdos de los años de preparatoria. Durante esos años yo jugaba como campo corto y tuve la oportunidad de representar a mi Isla en varios torneos mundiales. Eso fue muy emocionante para mí. Un año antes de mi selección, comencé como lanzador y me fue bien. Logré lanzar dos juegos sin hits. Fue muy bueno para mí. TD: En tu ruta hacia la selección, ¿fuistes contactado por varios escuchas? ¿Tuvistes la oportunidad de compartir con los escuchas de los Twins? JB: Durante el proceso para la selección, obtuve reuniones con varios escuchas. En un torneo de Perfect Game, un escucha se me acercó y me dijo que yo tenía las cualidades para convertirme en lanzador profesional. Eso significó mucho para mí. Desafortunadamente, en aquel momento no tuve la oportunidad de reunirme con los escuchas de los Twins. TD: La fanaticada de los Twins ha tenido la oportunidad de ver el video cuando fuistes seleccionado. ¿Qué cosas pasaron por tu mente cuando escuchastes tu nombre seleccionado por los Twins de Minnesota? JB: Wow, ha sido un momento inolvidable para mí. Toda mi familia y amigos estuvieron ofreciéndome apoyo y fortaleza en ese día tan especial. Ese momento en el cual tu nombre es seleccionado, donde sucede un gran sueño que desde pequeño todo pelotero desea se convierta en realidad. TD: Tu contrato se completó rápido y comenzastes a lanzar para los Twins en la GCL (Liga de la Costa del Golfo). ¿Qué ajuste realizastes en tu inicio al beisból profesional dentro y fuera del campo? JB: Cuando comencé en la GCL, el ajuste no fue tan grande. Estaba acostumbrado a levantarme temprano para iniciar mi entrenamiento. Siempre he sido muy disciplinado en eso. Tomo muy en serio todo lo relacionado al beisból y mi entrenamiento. Al principio, extrañaba mi familia al igual que la comida de mi país. Luego, todo estuvo bajo control. TD: Fuistes seleccionado para representar a Puerto Rico en el Clásico Mundial de Beisból en el 2013. ¿Qué significó esta oportunidad para tí? JB: Fue una experiencia única e inolvidable para mí. Un sueño que todo jugador tiene, representar algún día su país y su bandera. Fue un gran honor para mí lograrlo a mi edad. Aprendí mucho sobre las Ligas Mayores en esa experiencia. TD: En el Clásico Mundial de Beisból lograstes ponchar a Robinson Cano y tuvistes la oportunidad de enfrentarte a varios de los mejores jugadores. ¿Aprendistes algo de esa experiencia? JB: Gracias a Dios tuve la oportunidad de lanzarle a grandes peloteros como Robinson Cano. Una gran experiencia que llevaré en mis recuerdos. Me permitió ganar confianza y hacer lo que mejor sé hacer, los ponches. TD: Si tuvieras la oportunidad de escribir un reporte de escucha sobre tí mismo, ¿cómo sería éste? ¿Cuáles dirías tú que son tus fortalezas y en cuál área deseas enfocarte para mejorar? JB: Estoy consciente que hay mucho por aprender. Cada día se aprende nuevas cosas. Pero una de mis fortalezas es lanzar ponches. Durante mis años en las Ligas Menores, mi meta es adquirir conocimiento y experiencia y así estar listo para mi debut en Ligas Mayores. TD: ¿Cuáles son algunas de las personas que te han ayudado a llegar a este punto en tu carrera? JB: Desde pequeño mi familia siempre me ha ofrecido su apoyo. Pero mi gran inspiración ha sido mi hermano mayor, Angel A. Berrios, Jr. Él y mi padre, Angel A. Berrios Sr, me han dado el conocimiento y la confianza que he necesitado. Ambos son peloteros. De igual forma, reconozco el apoyo que mi equipo de entrenamiento de Build + Safe Sport Trainer me ha ofrecido durante estos años. TD: A parte del beisból, ¿cuáles otras actividades disfrutas realizar? ¿Tienes algún pasatiempo? JB: A parte de este hermoso deporte, practico tenis de mesa. También disfruto ir al cine y a la playa. Pero honestamente, no cambio nada por mi entrenamiento diario. TD: ¿Sientes entusiasmo por participar en el Twins Fest? ¿Habías visitado Minnesota antes? JB: Estoy agradecido con Dios por haberme permitido la oportunidad de participar en el Twins Fest. Estoy emocionado. Ésta no será mi primera vez visitando Minnesota. Tuve la oportunidad de estar ahí luego de mi selección en el 2012. TD: El Entrenamiento de Primavera está a un par de meses por comenzar. ¿Qué te emociona sobre éste? JB: Para mí, todo es expectativa. Es emocionante ver como cada pelotero va en busca de la posición en su equipo. TD: ¿Cuáles son tus metas para la temporada 2014? ¿Cuáles números y estadísticas consideras de mayor importancia para tí? JB: Mi meta principal es comenzar y finalizar de forma productiva y saludable la temporada. Estaré trabajando en mi número de ponches y outs. Y deseo ganar doble dígitos de juegos en la temporada. TD: ¿Cuál es tu película favorita de Beisból? JB: Mi película favorita es Major League: Back to the Minors (1998). TD: Cuéntanos algo en particular sobre tí que desearías compartir con tu fanaticada de los Twins. JB: Me gustaría compartir con la fanaticada de los Twins algo muy especial para mí. Dios nos ha dado la bendición a mi novia y a mí de convertirnos en padres por primera vez este año. Estamos esperando un bebé. Estoy muy contento, esperando una hermosa criatura que vendrá a este mundo con un gran propósito. Un agradecimiento muy especial a los JO y María por esta entrevista! Por favor, comentar a continuación. Click here to view the article

The Minnesota Twins have announced the they have traded infielder Jamey Carroll to the Kansas City Royals. He gives the Royals depth in the middle infielder. The Twins will receive a Player to be Named Later or Cash. Carroll signed a two-year contract with the Twins in November of 2011. The 39 year old started his stint with the Twins as their shortstop before moving over to second base. This year, he has been a utility infielder and played in a limited basis.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Download attachment: Jamey Carroll.jpg I'm certain it is no coincidence that he has played quite a bit more in recent weeks, particularly at third base. Likely the Twins were trying to increase his value, maybe in an attempt to get an actually Player (to be named later) rather than just Cash. Trading within the division has become more commonplace for the Twins in recent years. Last year, they traded Francisco Liriano to the White Sox. Two years ago, the Twins traded Delmon Young to the Tigers. Three years ago, the Twins received Carl Pavano from Cleveland. The Twins have now traded the #1 and #5 players from the list I wrote at the July trade deadline of players most likely to be traded. This is a good situation for Carroll, a classy veteran who gets a chance to play on a competing team. Click here to view the article

How many times this offseason have you heard the phrase, “The Twins have some really good prospects but they don’t have any in the upper levels of their farm system?” I hear it all the time, and frankly, it kind of hits a nerve with me. In 2011, the Twins had a season in which pretty much everyone got hurt and missed significant time. That meant more playing time for Luke Hughes and Trevor Plouffe and Ben Revere which may prove valuable as early as 2012. Those guys were rushed. Ben Revere and Rene Tosoni had hardly any AAA at bats. Those four no longer are technically prospects, but they will still be young, inexperienced players on the 2012 Twins roster. There’s no question that the Twins top prospect is Miguel Sano, and yet, he will likely spend the 2012 season playing in Class Low-A Beloit. He will be joined there by another top prospect Eddie Rosario. Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Arcia are top 5 prospects who ended the 2011 season in Ft. Myers and could very well start there again in 2012. Those four prospects are all high ceiling prospects that are at least three promotions from the big leagues. But that does not mean that the Twins do not have prospects in the upper levels. The Twins have several prospects at the upper levels waiting for an opportunity to contribute to the big league club. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] The Twins outfield appears to be pretty set with Ben Revere, Trevor Plouffe, Denard Span and Josh Willingham. At AAA, the Twins will have Joe Benson and Rene Tosoni. Both can use that AAA time, but both will also be able to contribute should the Twins have a need. Benson profiles to be a starter and an impact player. He probably is already the best defensive outfielder in the organization. Tosoni could probably be an everyday player although his splits indicate he will likely best be served as a platoon candidate and a left-handed bench bat with good power. Darin Mastroianni is also big league ready but probably profiles as a fourth or fifth outfielder. With Joe Mauer behind the plate and Ryan Doumit as his backup, the Twins top two catchers are quite solid. Drew Butera, JR Towles and (to a lesser degree) Rene Rivera are competing for a possible third catcher job. Frankly, Danny Lehmann is as good as any of them offensively and defensively. But, by season’s end, Chris Herrmann could be in the picture as a call-up at catcher. Although he would be a backup catcher to Mauer this year, he can also play in the outfield and hit and walk. Chris Parmelee put up solid numbers in 2011 in AA New Britain. It wasn’t as strong as teammates Benson, Brian Dozier or even Yangervis Solarte, but he was consistent and showed a good approach at the plate. His swing is sound and he has a good approach at the plate. If there was an injury to Justin Morneau or even Ryan Doumit, Parmelee could be brought up and be a starter and he could be a starter for years. In the middle infield, the Twins will start the season with Jamey Carroll and Alexi Casilla. Most likely Tsuyoshi Nishioka will be the team’s utility infielder. Brian Dozier is a guy who has a chance to be with the Twins at some point in the 2012 season. No, he doesn’t profile as an All-Star, but he is another guy who can be a solid starter for five or six years. Pedro Florimon has the best range and arm among middle infielders, although he may not have enough bat. Ray Chang isn’t a prospect due to his age, but he likely is a much better utility infielder option than Nishioka. The Twins have their starting five pretty well set. If there is an injury early in the season, the team may go to Terry Doyle to make some starts and see how he does. If it is a few months into the season, Liam Hendriks will likely be ready. Although he doesn’t profile as a #1 or #2 starter, he does profile very similarly to Scott Baker when he came up to the Twins. Kyle Gibson does profile as a #2 type of starter, but he will likely not pitch with the Twins in 2012. Maybe in September? Scott Diamond is a spot starter and a long reliever most likely. Then comes the question mark that is the bullpen where there are more than a dozen pitchers trying to win three open spots. Kyle Waldrop is a groundball machine, capable and ready for an opportunity to pitch in the big leagues. Carlos Gutierrez has the stuff to be a solid back of the bullpen reliever if he can be more aggressive, throw more strikes and stay healthy. Deolis Guerra has just one more year worth of options and, despite a very rough first outing of spring on Tuesday, his performance the second half of 2011 gives hope that he can be a good 7th inning guy. Tyler Robertson was terrific the second half of 2011 as the Rock Cats closer. Lester Oliveros is a hard-throwing reliever who needs a little more AAA time and is just 23 years old. He should get time in Rochester to continue to develop. Finally, Alex Burnett has been in the Twins bullpen for the past two seasons and yet he never had time to develop in Rochester. He could use that time, and he’s just 24 years old, making him younger than half of the guys in this paragraph. As you can see, the Twins do have a lot of prospects in the upper levels of the minor leagues that can contribute to some degree in the big leagues. Guys like Chris Parmelee, Joe Benson, Brian Dozier and Liam Hendriks can play very important roles as starters for the next several years. Others can fill roles as needed by the team due to injury or production. What would be great is if a couple of these guys (or others) played so well at New Britain and/or Rochester that the Twins simply had to make room for them on the roster and in the lineup. And then we wait for Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Arcia, Tom Stuifbergen, Alex Wimmers and Adrian Salcedo. Download attachment: ParmeleeBensonPlouffe.jpg Click here to view the article

Download attachment: Chris Parmelee 5.jpg The past two days, you have seen the top minor league performances by relief pitchers and starting pitchers. Today, you’ll get to see which minor league hitters finished the year with a strong month. Today is the final day of the regular season for all of the full season minor leagues. Rochester will be playing their final game of the year. New Britain has a chance still as they are one game back. They would need to win and hope. Ft. Myers finished its season on Sunday. Beloit has one more tune up today before starting their Midwest League playoff series on Wednesday at Clinton. Elizabethton will be playing a winner-takes-all game tonight against Burlington for the Appalachian League championship.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] There have been months where it has been hard to come up with a list of five hitters to mention for this report. This month, it was hard to keep the list short. Here are my selections for the Top 5 Twins Minor League hitters in August, but we will start with some Honorable Mentions: --- Honorable Mention: New Britain – Chris Colabello – (37-115) .322/.402/.496 (.897) with 8-2B, 4-HR, 20 RBIElizabethton – Jorge Polanco – (23-71) .324/.370/.563 (.934) with 3-2B, 1-3B, 4-HR, 14 RBIBeloit – Nate Roberts – (37-114) .325/.442/.447 (.889) with 10-2B, 2-3B, 0-HR, 12 RBI, 11 SBNew Britain – Aaron Hicks – (36-113) .319/.402/.496 (.897) with 5-2B, 3-3B, 3-HR, 12 RBI, 9 SB--- Number 5 – Rochester – Wilkin Ramirez - (35-104) .337/.400/.529 (.929) with six doubles, one triple, four home runs and 21 RBI. Ramirez came to the Twins as a minor league free agent this season. After starting the season injured, he rehabbed in Ft. Myer and New Britain. He struggled early in Rochester, but in August, he has been terrific. He has hit for average and power while driving in a lot of runs. The former Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves outfielder is still just 26 years old. Number 4 – Beloit – Kennys Vargas - (36-113) .319/.410/.513 (.924) with seven doubles, no triples, five home runs and 22 RBI. Vargas has been such an important addition to the Beloit Snappers lineup since he joined the team in mid-July. His power has been evident by all of his home runs and doubles, but it has also helped other hitters in the lineup. Aside from his Snappers teammate, there may not be a hitter in the Twins organization with more power potential this this switch-hitter. Number 3 – New Britain – Oswaldo Arcia - (35-106) .330/.408/.585 (.993) with 11 doubles, two triples, four home runs and 28 RBI. Arcia has been a staple near the top of this list each month. Since his promotion to AA New Britain, he has not stopped hitting. He’s hit for average, hit doubles all over the field and hit some big home runs. He also has a knack for driving in a lot of runs. I used to call Rene Tosoni Jason Kubel-Lite when he was first in AA. Arcia may be the Twins next Jason Kubel, and it doesn’t even need the “Lite” designation. The next guy on this list may have the most potential and upside, but right now, it’s clear that Arcia is the best hitter in the Twins farm system. Number 2 - Beloit – Miguel Sano - (30-96) .313/.389/.646 (1.035) with nine doubles, one triple, seven home runs and 23 RBI. Sano is another guy who has been on this list most months. Even when he doesn’t hit for average, his power and his ability to take walks this year have kept his OPS high. Maybe it was the return of Vargas who primarily hit behind Sano that helped him to another month like this. Sano actually walked a little less in August, but his power returned in a big way. He’s missed the last several games with a sprained ankle (or these numbers might be even bigger), but he should be back and ready for the playoffs. The August Minnesota Twins Minor League Hitter of the Month is... Rochester Red Wings 1B Chris Parmelee (32-99) .323/.444/.667 (1.110) with eight doubles, one triple, eight home runs and 20 RBI. I don’t know if there are enough superlatives to describe what Parmelee did in Rochester this year and particularly the last two months. Some get sent back to AAA and sulk or struggle for whatever reason. Like Liam Hendriks, Parmelee has been sent down to Rochester a couple of times this year and each time, he has responded by putting up some monster, video-game numbers. He has hit for average as well as for tremendous power. He has walked more than he struck out. Again, like Hendriks, he worked and earned his August promotion to the Twins where it appears that they will make a spot for him to play at this point. There you have it, the top 5 hitters in the Twins system for the month of August. Now it’s time to debate. There were some great performances, many of them by guys you would hope to see on these lists. What’s encouraging is that they finished strong. What do you think? Please feel free to discuss. Click here to view the article

Happy Minor League Opening Day to all of you again!! One Twins affiliate already has a win under its belt as the Rochester Red Wings topped Syracuse 7-4. Three more games tonight! Earlier this morning, we looked at the Twins minor league hitters and made some predictions for the 2012 season. Now we’re back and we will be looking at some predictions for Twins minor league pitchers in 2012. The purpose of this is strictly for fun and we encourage you to participate and make your predictions too. Again, our panel includes some other Twins bloggers who talk about the Twins minor leagues. Our categories are “Breakout” and “Best” Pitcher for three levels. The Upper Levels includes Rochester and New Britain. The Lower Levels includes Ft. Myers and Beloit. And of course, the EST category covers those players who are starting their 2012 campaign in Extended Spring Training. What is your definition of “Breakout,” and what will it take for you to characterize a pitcher as “Best.” Let’s find out! [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Once again, thank you to our other guest predictors: Andrew from Twins Fran from Afar, Roger Dehring from Twinkie Town, Paul Pleiss from Puckett’s Pond, Cody Christie (the Nodak Twins Fan), and Travis Aune, my co-host on Twins Minor League Weekly every Thursday night (starting tonight at 9:00 central!). So, let’s get started, and again, please feel free to get your predictions in below!! Breakout Pitcher (Upper Levels): Seth: Logan Darnell – He pitched at three levels last year, but I don’t think many know who Darnell is. The lefty has very good stuff, and he should spend the full year with one team and continue to improve. Andrew: Tyler Robertson. Earned a promotion to AAA after a good season in New Britain. Roger: Cole DeVries, I don't know if he qualifies as he was awfully good in 2011. Look for him to stay in the Red Wings starting rotation and get a September call-up to the Twins. Paul: Tyler Robertson. Robertson will be back in Rochester for the first time since getting moved to the bullpen at the beginning of 2011. Although Robertson doesn't have any pitch that is outstanding, he commands his pitches well and I look forward to the lefty making big strides in his second full season working out of the pen. Cody: Alex Wimmers: The Twins need more starting pitching in the upper levels and Wimmers has to be that guy. Travis: Scott Diamond- Last year was an anomaly and will come back to his career norm with a much better season. Best Pitcher (Upper Levels): Seth: PJ Walters – He gets the Opening Day nod for the Red Wings today, but he’s been a very good prospect for several years. It hasn’t turned to a lot of big league success… at least not yet. Andrew: Andrew Albers. Maybe not the "best," but playing in an organization that lacks good relievers, if Albers puts together a 2012 as solid as his 2011, he'll be on a fast track for Target Field. Roger: Assuming that Liam Hendriks isn't in Rochester much this summer, my selection is Alex Wimmers. He will begin in New Britain and force a move to Rochester by the end of June. Paul: Alex Wimmers who moves up to AA New Britain this year after a season at Ft. Myers hopes to build off of the late season success from 2011. Wimmers who started 2011 by walking six batters is hoping that his control issues from last season remain in the past. Wimmers only pitched 40.2 innings in A+ last season in addition to the added competition of AA, Wimmers will need to log a bunch of innings. If Wimmers can get back to his 2010 form it's not unreasonable to expect him to move up to AAA by the end of the season. Cody: Alex Wimmers: The best hope for the Twins is that his control problems are behind him. Travis: Liam Hendriks- Hendriks is probably ready for MLB and will take it out on the International League. Breakout Pitcher (Lower Levels): Seth: Matt Summers – Last year’s 4th round pick, the righty gets less notoriety than the three players drafted ahead of him. But a guy that throws hard with good secondary pitches is exciting. Andrew: BJ Hermsen. I like the potential of this Masonville, Iowa youngster. Roger: Corey Williams, he has nasty stuff and will challenge Salcedo and Wimmers for best in the organization. Paul: Madison Boer. Boer is a hometown kid from Eden Prairie, MN and will be given a chance to start in Beloit this season and with a solid defense behind him and an offense that will impress Boer should put up some eye-popping numbers in his first full season in Beloit. Cody: Madison Boer: A collegiate pitcher who could move up the ladder quickly if he finds success. Travis: Madison Boer- The second round pick will dominate in Beloit. Best Pitcher (Lower Levels): Seth: Pat Dean – He appears to be healthy for the first time since signing with the Twins. The talented lefty from BC has three good pitches and profiles as a mix of Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing. Andrew: Adrian Salcedo. Great control, hopefully will add a little more velocity. Roger: Adrian Salcedo, will be the Miracle's top pitcher as he finally reaches Ace status! Paul: Adrian Salcedo. Salcedo was outstanding last year and although he's moving up from Beloit to Ft Myers this season I look for him to continue to be a shining star in the lower levels of the Twins organization. Unlike most "classic" Twins style pitchers Salcedo is not a pitch to contact control guy, and while his control is above average, he also misses a lot of bats, striking out 281 while only giving up 56 walks since singing late in 2007. Cody: Miguel Sano: Adrian Salcedo: One of the best arms in the lower levels and he should continue to be a workhorse. Travis: Adrian Salcedo- Salcedo will develop the consistency that he has lacked and dominate the FSL. Breakout Pitcher (EST): Seth: Josh Burris – Incredible athlete played 2B and OF last year in college, as well as pitching out of the bullpen. He throws hard, and has a killer curveball. Control is the issue, but he is certainly one to watch. Andrew: Hudson Boyd. Let's see what he can do! Roger: Hung-Yi Chen, was solid as a rookie in the GCL last year and will dominate the Appy League this year. Paul: Hudson Boyd. Boyd was drafted out of HS last season and signed late so he'll make his professional debut this season in EST. As a high school pitcher he is a raw talent, but he throws hard and has good control. If he can stay healthy and keep his weight under control he should put up good numbers in 2012. Cody: Matthew Summers: His time with the E-Twins was good last year and he looks to do more of the same. Travis: Hudson Boyd- Boyd will dominate the GCL throwing nothing but gas the key is picking up a second pitch. Best Pitcher (EST): Seth: Trent Higginbotham – He has a long name, but he has a big fastball. Higginbotham signed late last year for big money despite being a lower draft pick. He could start, or he could dominate as a closer. It might be time to start working on proper spelling of his name because Twins fans will be hearing it for years to come. Andrew: Hudson Boyd. He's not yet 20 and throws a mid-90s fastball. Enough said. Roger: Hudson Boyd, 29 other teams will be wondering why they didn't draft this kid! Paul: Steven Evans was drafted in the 13th round last year, signed quickly and put up eye popping numbers after he reported to Elizabethon. Coming back for a full season Evans will continue to impress against hitters in the Appy League. Already with an impressive arsenal of pitches, 2012 should be a successful season for the young lefty. Cody: Matthew Summers: EST is full of last year's draft class but his age and collegiate experience should help him. Travis: Angel Mata- Mata will continue to develop and cut down on his walk rate and keep his strikeout rate very high. So there you have it, our picks for the 2012 season. Now it is your turn. Make your picks. Download attachment: AdrianSalcedo.jpg Click here to view the article

I know that most Twins bloggers (myself included) were not a big fan of the Twins signing of Jason Marquis. I get that. However, if you can’t appreciate the emotions that he must have gone through tonight in his first start in Yankees Stadium, in his first start with the Twins, in his first big league start since his daughters ghastly bicycle accident, then I’m really sorry! So, he gave up three runs in the first inning after the Twins scored four in the top of the first. He gave up four runs in five innings and is credited with the Win. All I can say is good for him. And good for Brian Duensing and Jared Burton and Matt Capps. And Justin Morneau hit two home runs. And Josh Willingham’s late double extended his hitting streak. And the Twins have beaten the Yankees again. All is good! Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Wednesday:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] ROCHESTER 0, EMPIRE STATE (formerly SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE) 2 In a game that took less than two hours to complete, the Red Wings bats were held in check and it took just one key hit against them to turn the game to a loss. Cole DeVries was terrific in this game. He threw six shutout innings to start the game. He came out for the seventh and gave up three hits. The third was a two-run single off the bat of Steve Pearce (yes, the same guy who spent part of spring training with the Twins). That was about it for the game. Brendan Wise threw a scoreless eighth inning. The Red Wings got the sixth double of the year from Matt Carson and a single from Tsuyoshi Nishioka. Those were the only two hits. Joe Benson had an eventful game. He had the Red Wings lone walk. He had an outfield assist. He was also ejected late in the game after a strikeout. The home plate umpire called him out on a check swing. Benson argued that he should have at least requested the opinion of the first base umpire. After DeVries efforts, the Red Wings starting staff has an ERA of 2.76 in 75 innings this season! It looks like Carlos Gutierrez could be out for an extended time period after learning that he has a strain in his labrum. He will head to Ft. Myers to rehab. Also headed to Ft. Myers will be Brian Dinkelman to get more work in as he is on the Disabled List with a hand injury. NEW BRITAIN 1, PORTLAND 2 The Rock Cats got a great start from Steve Hirschfeld again. The big right-hander threw seven shutout innings. He gave up just three hits, walked none and struckout seven. Blake Martin pitched a scoreless eighth inning in which he struck out two. The Rock Cats managed just three hits. Aaron Hicks was 1-3 with a walk. Yet, entering the bottom of the 9th, the Rock Cats held on to a 1-0 lead. Luis Perdomo came in, and he gave up two runs on two hits and three walks, and the Rock Cats took the loss. Amazingly, it was the first loss of their seven game road trip. Again, it was a very tough loss to Portland, but when you can go 6-1 on a road trip, things could be much worse. Alex Wimmers was skipped in the rotation due to a sore back and a slight strain to his flexor. He is expected to miss just the one start, but with a top prospect (especially a pitching prospect), conservatism is a good thing. FT. MYERS MIRACLE 0, JUPITER 4 The Miracle had their first day off of the season, and I would encourage everyone to check out the first episode of The Miracle Insider for 2012! BELOIT 6, KANE COUNTY 3 Unlike the other affiliates, the Snappers had some bats working on Wednesday afternoon. Eddie Rosario was 2-3 with a walk, his fourth double and two RBI. Adam Bryant was 2-4 with a double. Tyler Grimes and Jairo Rodriguez each hit a double as well. Steven Gruver had a strong start. In six innings, he gave up two runs on nine hits and a walk. He struckout three. Nelvin Fuentes gave up a run on two hits and a walk in 1.2 innings. He struckout two. Ryan O’Rourke recorded the save. He got the final four outs. --- Players of the Day for Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Hitter of the Day – Eddie Rosario Download attachment: EddieRosario.jpg Pitcher of the Day – Steve Hirschfeld Download attachment: SteveHirschfeld.jpg --- A Look Ahead – Thursday, April 19, 2012 Schedule Rochester @ Empire State – RHP Sam Deduno New Britain vs New Hampshire – LHP Logan Darnell Ft. Myers vs Bradenton – RHP BJ Hermsen (rematch versus Jameson Taillon) Beloit @ South Bend – RHP Tim Shibuya --- If you have any questions or comments on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and I’ll try to answer them! Click here to view the article

All the Minnesota Twins’ affiliates played afternoon games on Sunday, as did the big league club. As we mentioned yesterday the Twins had some interesting pitchers taking the mound today and they had mixed results. Sam Deduno and Cole De Vries both made their first rehab starts of the year. Top Twins Prospects JO Berrios and Alex Meyer also made starts. There were several very good offensive and pitching performances. There were also a few errors that proved costly. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]The Ft. Myers Miracle placed Minnesota native Kyle Knudson on the Disabled List. They promoted 2012 draft picks, catcher Bryan Santy and outfielder Jon Murphy, from Extended Spring Training. On Saturday night, after getting just one out, righty Tyler Jones left the game with an elbow injury. He was put on the disabled list on Sunday morning. Another 2012 draft pick, 12th rounder Alex Muren, will be promoted to take his spot on the roster. The Twins got a terrific start from Mike Pelfrey on Sunday and great bullpen work by Josh Roenicke and Jared Burton to avoid a sweep in Cleveland this weekend. Rochester Red Wings 2, Columbus Clippers 3 Box Score Sam Deduno made his first start of the season for the Red Wings on Sunday. He was activated before the game and started well. However, as the game went along, he fought his control. Overall, his line looked Deduno-like: in five innings, he gave up only an unearned run. He gave up five hits, walked four and struck out four. Virgil Vasquez came on and gave up two runs (1 earned) on three hits in 1.1 innings. Tyler Robertson came on and gave up a hit and a walk, but got the final two outs in the seventh. Daniel Turpen came on for the eighth frame and got two outs. He then gave up two hits and walked one to load the bases. Michael O’Connor came on and got the final out of the inning. Jeff Clement has finally started to hit. After two home runs on Saturday, he went 2-3 with a walk and two runs driven in on Sunday. Chris Colabello went 1-3 with a walk and his eighth double. To make room for Deduno outfielder Brandon Boggs was released. New Britain Rock Cats 6, Portland Sea Dogs 5 Box Score The Rock Cats were able to avoid being swept in the series in Maine with a one-run win on Sunday afternoon. Alex Meyer started for the Rock Cats. Through four innings he did not allow a run. However, he was unable to get through the fifth. He gave up the first run and had the bases loaded. He induced an infield pop fly and a strikeout to get to two outs. The next batter lined a single to right and when it was bobbled all three runners scored. The next batter doubled in the fifth run and ended Meyer’s day. In total, Meyer went 4.2 innings. He gave up five runs (4 earned) on five hits, three walks and six strikeouts. Bobby Lanigan was able to get out of the fifth inning and worked a scoreless sixth inning. Blake Martin went the next two innings. He gave up two hits, no runs and had three strikeouts. He got the win to improve to 2-1. Aaron Thompson came on and recorded the save with a perfect ninth. It was a big day for Antoan Richardson. He was 1-2, was twice hit by a pitch, stole his 13th base and it was his two-run double in the eighth inning that gave the Rock Cats a 6-5 lead. Reynaldo Rodriguez went 2-5 with his ninth double and third home run. Mark Sobolewski was 2-4 with his second double. Josmil Pinto went 2-4 with a walk. AJ Pettersen hit a double high off the left field wall in the 1st inning for his first Eastern League hit. Ft. Myers Miracle 2, Tampa Yankees 8 Box Score The Miracle were due for a game like this. They have played very well for nearly 30 games, so they were due a clunker. This one was actually a very good game through six innings, but at that point the defense gave the Yankees too many outs. In all, the Miracle had five errors in the game. Miguel Sano had two, Levi Michael had one and Eddie Rosario committed his first two errors of the season. Cole De Vries made the start for the Miracle, his first rehab appearance. He gave up two runs (1 earned) on six hits in four innings. He struck out two and did not walk a batter. He was replaced by Taylor Rogers. The lefty was charged with three unearned runs. He gave up four hits, walked one and struck out three. Dakota Watts came in to start the eighth inning and got just two outs. He yielded three runs (2 earned) on one hit and three walks. Cole Johnson came on and got the final four outs, two via strikeout. Sano and Rosario each had a rough day in the field, yet they still hit. Sano was 2-3 with a walk and his ninth double. Rosario went 2-4 with his third double. Cedar Rapids Kernels 8, South Bend Silver Hawks 4 Box Score J.O. Berrios was back on the mound for the Kernels on Sunday and he was terrific again. The young right-hander was tremendous, dominating through five innings. He gave up two runs in the sixth inning. Overall, he gave up two runs on six hits in six innings. He walked none and struck out eight. He now has two walks and 21 strikeouts in 17.2 innings on the year. Steve Gruver came on and worked the final three innings for his second save. He gave up two runs (1 earned) on four hits and a walk and struck out seven. Travis Harrison was 2-5 with a big two-run homer, his fourth of the season, and an RBI single. Adam Walker was 2-5. Niko Goodrum went 1-3 with two walks and his sixth double. Byron Buxton had a single and a sacrifice fly. A LOOK AHEAD to Monday April’s Starting Pitcher of the Month and three left-handers will be starting for the Twins' minor league affiliates on Monday. Andrew Albers will start for Rochester in Toledo. Logan Darnell will get the nod against New Hampshire. DJ Baxendale will face Tampa and Matt Tomshaw will be starting in South Bend. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

One month of minor league action is in the books, and for the most part, it has played out better than could have been anticipated. The Minnesota Twins' top prospects are performing very well. As important, several of the second-tier prospects have been able to establish themselves early. The Ft. Myers Miracle has the most wins of any team in the minor leagues. The Cedar Rapids Kernels have a roster filled with players who were on the Beloit playoff team a year ago and from the Appalachian League champion Elizabethton Twins. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Over the next couple of days, I will be posting articles on the Twins Minor League Hitter of the Month, Starting Pitcher of the Month and Relief Pitcher of the Month. There were a lot of very good choices. However, we still need to talk about what happened in the Twins system on Tuesday night. Rochester Red Wings 2, Buffalo Bisons 5 Box Score Clete Thomas got the Red Wings on the scoreboard in the first inning with his fourth home run of the season. He went 3-5 with the home run and his third double. Chris Colabello went 2-5. Joe Benson had a hit to extend his hitting streak to seven games; in that time he is 9-26 (.346). Andrew Albers put together a solid start. The left-hander went six innings and gave up two runs on eight hits. He walked none and struck out seven. Shairon Martis came on and gave up one hit over two scoreless innings. The score was just 2-1 entering the ninth frame when the rehabbing Tim Wood came on. He recorded just one out and gave up three runs on three hits. Michael O’Connor came on and got the final two outs. The Red Wings finish April with a 10-16 record. New Britain Rock Cats 2, Harrisburg Senators 6 Box Score Alex Meyer was back on the mound for the Rock Cats. He threw five scoreless innings in this game. Unfortunately, he pitched six innings and the third of the six didn’t go so well. He gave up four runs in that frame. Overall, he gave up four runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out eight. On the bright side, Meyer did not allow a base runner following the third inning. Jose Gonzalez came on for the Rock Cats and gave up two runs on four hits in 1.2 innings. Michael Tonkin came on and got the final four outs. The Rock Cats bats didn’t show up in this game. They managed just four hits. Curt Smith went 1-2 and walked once. New Britain ends April with a 13-12 mark. Ft. Myers Miracle 5, Clearwater Threshers 2 Box Score The Miracle had an incredible month of April, ending the month with another win to give them a minor league best 21 victories. DJ Baxendale was back on the mound and was a winner for the fourth time in the month. The right-hander went six innings and gave up two runs on five hits. He walked one and struck out five. Chad Rodgers came on and threw two scoreless innings. Corey Williams came on and recorded his sixth save with a perfect ninth inning. Angel Morales had the key hits in this game. He was 2-4 with his ninth double and his second home run. He drove in two runs. Eddie Rosario was 2-4 with a walk and his seventh double. Andy Leer was also 2-4. Miguel Sano was 1-2 with two walks. Stephen Wickens and Levi Michael each doubled. Cedar Rapids Kernels 5, Lansing Lugnuts 4 Box Score The Kernels managed just five hits in this game, but two of them were pretty important. Byron Buxton led off the bottom of the first with an infield single and came around to score on Dalton Hicks’ fourth home run of the season. In the third inning, it was Buxton’s turn to hit his fourth homer of the year, another two-run blast. Matt Tomshaw made his first start of the season for Cedar Rapids. The lefty threw five shutout innings and gave up just four hits. He walked one and struck out two. Manuel Soliman came on in the sixth inning. He gave up two runs on three hits and a walk in 1.2 innings. He was replaced by David Hurlbut who gave up two unearned runs on three hits and a walk. Tyler Jones came on to get the final out and his fourth save of the month. The Kernels’ 18-5 record is overshadowed by the Miracle, but they are off to a tremendous start. A LOOK AHEAD to Wednesday The Rochester Red Wings will be enjoying an off day on Wednesday. New Britain will send lefty Logan Darnell to the mound against Harrisburg. Darnell is 2-1 with a 2.73 ERA so far. The Miracle will play an afternoon game in Clearwater. Jason Wheeler will look to improve to 3-0 despite going into the game with a 5.84 ERA. Cedar Rapids makes their first, long trek into the Eastern Division, when they play West Michigan. Lefty Brett Lee is scheduled to start and is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA. Twins 1, Tigers 6 Justin Verlander was Justin Verlander. Alex Avila, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder all homered. Vance Worley gave up six runs. In general, it was not a good game for the Twins. The lone run came on a Wilkin Ramirez double. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

One of my fantasy leagues started its draft this past week, so I thought it might be a good time to start writing a little about fantasy baseball. I will likely participate in three or four leagues this year, and each is a little bit different. One of my leagues is a keeper league with major and minor league rosters. It is a 5x5 roto league. Another league is a weekly head-to-head, points league. Another league is only on the weekend. I’m in one ten team league and two 14-team leagues. There are American or National League only leagues. Fantasy baseball is so much fun, but there are so many formats, so be sure to understand the system before your draft. One thing that is always interesting to me is to see where Twins players will be drafted in fantasy leagues. In recent years, there have been quite a few Twins players who went high in drafts. This season, there are several Twins players who will be drafted, but fantasy owners will have to consider risk-reward when selecting many of them. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Catchers Two years ago, Joe Mauer was a Top 5 pick in most fantasy league formats. Even last year, he was taken in the first two rounds in most drafts. In 2012, he will likely be the third catcher from the AL Central to be drafted, behind Cleveland’s Carlos Santana and Detroit’s Alex Avila. He should also be drafted behind Brian McCann. At that point, however, Mauer falls in line now with the likes of Mike Napoli, Matt Weiters, Miguel Montero. Depending upon your confidence in his return from injuries, you could take him in the 5th round, or he could slide several rounds. Because he is eligible at catcher and will likely be an everyday player, Ryan Doumit should be considered a sleeper in many leagues. If you draft two catchers, take a flyer on him in the late rounds. Mauer and Doumit will likely have some position flexibility depending upon your league’s rules. Infielders Two years ago, Justin Morneau was a first-round fantasy selection. Last year, he still was drafted high because few knew believed his concussion would drag on as long as it did. At this point, Morneau should not be drafted in the first 15 rounds because of the risk and because there are so many good offensive first basemen. He could be taken as a late-round sleeper pick and just hope that he can stay healthy and eventually return to his typical production. If Alexi Casilla performs like he did after mid-May last year, and up until his season was cut short with injury, he’d be worth a last-round flyer as depth in the middle infield, eligible at shortstop and second base. Jamey Carroll is an on-base machine with eligibility at both middle infield positions, but his lack of power probably keeps him from being drafted. If you believe Danny Valencia will play like he did in 2010, he’s worth a late round pick as the backup 3B for your roster. Outfielders As it relates to the Twins outfielders, their fantasy value is going to be different based on the type of league. If your league is heavy on on-base percentage and home runs, then Josh Willingham could be a middle-round option. If Stolen Bases are one of your categories, then Ben Revere and his quest for 80-100 steals could be taken fairly early (maybe even as early as the 8th round or so). Denard Span is the most well-rounded of the trio providing extra base hits with on base percentage and some stolen bases. At the end of the day, in most leagues, all would probably be drafted around the same time, likely in rounds 14-18. Starting Pitchers Again, the type of league you are in and the scoring systems will dictate who gets drafted where. Do “Wins” matter? Do strikeouts and innings pitched matter? Are categories like ERA and WHIP included? Scott Baker is the Twins best pitcher, but there are likely going to be question marks surrounding his elbow and durability. He likely provides good ERA, WHIP and K/9. Francisco Liriano has the talent to be very good, but he is such an anomaly. If he is right, he has the ability to be a Top 10-15 pitcher in baseball. If he pitches like last year, you don’t want him on your roster. The goal with Carl Pavano, Nick Blackburn and Jason Marquis will be to eat a lot of innings and not be too far below league average in terms of ERA. None will walk too many batters, but all will give up a lot of hits. I’d recommend Baker as an option around the 12th round with Liriano following a few rounds later. Unless you have a very deep league, the other three starters likely would not be drafted. Relief Pitchers We all know that Matt Capps was pretty bad in 2011. But from a fantasy baseball perspective, he is a viable draft option as a closer. All closers accumulate Saves. Capps does so by walking so few that he generally has a low WHIP. And, through most of his career, he has posted very good ERA. His 2011 strikeout rate is alarming. As it relates to your fantasy baseball draft, Capps should be one of the final relievers drafted. In fact, a couple of set up men like Kenley Jansen should probably be drafted ahead of Capps. In fact, you’ll need to consider whether or not you think Glen Perkins will take over the closer role at some point or not. Prospects A year ago, Kyle Gibson was drafted in some fantasy baseball drafts. The thought was that he would be called up in June and be a difference-maker the final four months of the season. In 2012, there are not any Twins minor leaguers that should be drafted at this time. That said, there are some to put on your Watch List right away. If the Twins need a starting pitcher, Liam Hendriks could be the first called up. If Justin Morneau is out, see if the Twins go to Chris Parmelee to replace him. And, if there is a need in the outfield, the Twins could go to Joe Benson. SUMMARY Based on my above thoughts, here is a summary of where Twins players could be drafted in an average 12-14 team league with 24 rounds. Joe Mauer (Rounds 5-8)Scott Baker (Rounds 12-15)Josh Willingham (Rounds 12-15)Denard Span (Rounds 14-16)Francisco Liriano (Rounds 14-16)Ben Revere (Rounds 15-17 – Top 10 rounds if SB are valued in your league)Ryan Doumit (Rounds 16-18)Justin Morneau (Rounds 20-22)Matt Capps (Rounds 21-23)Alexi Casilla, Jamey Carroll, Danny Valencia, Carl Pavano (Rounds 23-24)Please feel free to discuss. Download attachment: FantasyBaseball.jpg Click here to view the article

The next time someone says that the Twins (or whichever team) is wasting roster spots by signing minor league free agents and hoping, remind them of Jerome Williams’ performance against the Twins on Tuesday night in LA. Formerly one of baseball’s top prospects (12-13 years ago), Williams has been signed as a minor league free agent several times. He should be proud of his three-hit shutout against the Twins. He had Twins hitters baffled all night (insert joke about how difficult that really is to do, if you choose). Francisco Liriano gave up four runs in 5.1 innings. Torii Hunter again had his number. The Twins lost 4-0, but it was all about Jerome Williams on this night. Since there is pretty much zero to be positive about with the Twins game, here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Tuesday:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] ROCHESTER 2, EMPIRE STATE 5 The Red Wings were back on the road at home as they played three games in Rochester as the “Visitor” on the scoreboard against the Empire State Yankees (formerly Scranton/Wilkes Barre). Daryl Thompson was on the mound for the Red Wings and his line was actually better than it looked. And it looked pretty good. Through six scoreless innings, he gave up just one hit. He started the seventh by giving up two hits and was charged with a run. Casey Fien replaced him and gave up a run in 1.1 innings. Tyler Robertson came in and gave up three runs on two hits and a walk in 0.2 innings. Ben Revere led the offense with a 3-5 day. He doubled for the first time on his AAA season. Brian Dozier was 2-4 with a walk. Rene Rivera was 2-4 with a double and a stolen base. Rene Tosoni returned to the lineup. He batted third and played in left field. NEW BRITAIN 6, HARRISBURG 1 (12 Innings) There were a couple of good stories in this game. First, BJ Hermsen made his AA debut. He gave up a single run in the bottom of the 1st inning, but that was it. The right-hander gave up just one run on four hits in seven innings. He walked one and struck out five. Blake Martin and Brett Jacobson each pitched a scoreless inning. Second, Caleb Thielbar came in and pitched two scoreless innings, the 10th and the 11th frames. He traveled to New Britain on Monday morning and was fortunate to record the final out of the Rock Cats win that night. He recorded the save on Monday night and thanks to the Rock Cats 12th inning rally, he recorded a win in his second outing. Third, Daniel Turpen pitched a scoreless 12th inning. He walked none and struck out two. Turpen has put together a strong early season as well. Last year, in over 50 innings, he walked 35 and struck out just 33. In 15 innings with the Rock Cats thus far this year, he has 16 strikeouts to go with zero walks. Fourth, despite little offense through most of the game, the Rock Cats exploded for five runs in the top of the 12th. Danny Lehmann knocked in what proved to be the game winning run. Later, Wilkin Ramirez doubled in two more runs. Pedro Florimon was the only hitter with more than a hit. He as 2-6 (And is hitting .290) and stole his sixth base. FT. MYERS 3, PALM BEACH 9 This game was actually much closer than it appears. Marty Popham started and gave up three runs on nine hits and two walks in 6.1 innings. Edgar Ibarra came in and got out of the 7th, but he gave up six runs (just two earned) on four hits and two walks. Oswaldo Arcia went 3-4 with his third triple. Jairo Perez went 2-3 with a walk and his third home run. Michael Gonzales was 2-4. BELOIT – No Game Scheduled The Snappers enjoyed a day off on Tuesday. Wednesday morning, they’ll make the drive over to Cedar Rapids, IA, for a three-game series. --- Players of the Day for Tuesday, May 1, 2012 Hitter of the Day – Oswaldo Arcia Download attachment: OswaldoArcia.jpg Pitcher of the Day – BJ Hermsen Download attachment: BJHermsen.jpg (Photo by Thrylos) --- A Look Ahead – Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Schedule Rochester @ Empire State – RHP Cole DeVries New Britain @ Harrisburg – LHP Andrew Albers Ft. Myers @ Palm Beach – LHP Pat Dean Beloit @ Cedar Rapids – RHP Matt Summers --- If you have any questions or comments on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and I’ll try to answer them! Click here to view the article