Seth Stohs

The beauty of baseball is many-fold. On any given night. You just never know. Teams need stars to play well over the course of a season to be successful. But on any given night, anyone can step up when you least expect it and help you to a win. On Monday night, Samuel Deduno was wild as ever, but he somehow managed to pitch into the 8th inning and gave the Twins offense an opportunity to work without being behind. Darin Mastroianni was in the lineup as Denard Span and his shoulder are day-to-day. He came through with a solo home run that gave the Twins a 2-1 lead. Later, he had a big two-run single that broke the game open. It was Ryan Doumit who put it out of reach when he blasted a three-run homer, his 13th of the year. It was a quiet night in the Twins farm system. New Britain, Ft. Myers and Eizabethton had scheduled nights off. The GCL Twins were rained out. There was some thunder in Beloit, but fortunately it was off the bats of two of their big boppers. And the Red Wings game came right down to the last at bat, an at bat by the guy that the Red Wings would want in that position. Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from Monday night: [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] ROCHESTER 3, LEHIGH VALLEY 5 The Red Wings got the tying run to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the 9th. It was just who Red Wings players and fans would want, Chris Parmelee, one of minor league baseball’s hottest hitters. Unfortunately on this occasion, Parmelee took a called third strike to end the game. Shairon Martis started for the Red Wings and gave up five runs over the first six innings. He gave up eight hits and a walk. Kyle Waldrop came in and gave up one hit and one walk over two scoreless innings. The Red Wings managed just six hits on this night. Clete Thomas provided two RBI doubles. Pedro Florimon drove in the other run with a single scoring Eduardo Escobar. NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS The Rock Cats players enjoyed their final off day of the season. FT. MYERS MIRACLE The Miracle also had a day off. BELOIT 3, PEORIA 2 Leading off the bottom of the second, Miguel Sano hit his 24th home run of the season. It also gave him 90 RBI. The next batter, Kennys Vargas, connected for his 9th home run in just his 21st game to give the Snappers a 2-0 lead. That is how the score remained through seven innings. Lefty Matt Tomshaw started for the Snappers and threw seven shutout innings. He gave up just three hits, walked none and struckout four. Mason Melotakis came in for the 8th inning and promptly gave up two runs (1 earned) which tied the game. In the bottom of the 8th, things started out well. Nate Roberts singled and there was an error when Wang-Wei Lin attempted a sacrifice bunt. With runners on first and second, Eddie Rosario flew out to center. Nate Roberts tried to tag up and advance to third base, but he was thrown out. With two outs, Miguel Sano singled, advancing Lin to 3B. Peoria chose to intentionally walk Kennys Vargas to pitch to Drew Leachman. Leachman worked a walk to give the Snappers a 3-2 lead. DJ Baxendale came on in the 9th and despite allowing one hit, he pitched a scoreless inning for his first Snappers save. Melotakis gets the “Win” to improve to 3-1 on the season. ELIZABETHTON TWINS Elizabethton was not scheduled to play either. GCL TWINS The GCL Twins were rained out on Monday. --- Players of the Day for Monday, August 13, 2012 Hitter of the Day – Miguel Sano Download attachment: Miguel Sano Signing.jpg Photo by Seth Pitcher of the Day – Matthew Tomshaw Download attachment: MattTomshaw2.jpg Photo by Jim Crikket --- A Look Ahead – Tuesday, August 14, 2012 Schedule Rochester vs Indianapolis – RHP PJ Walters New Britain vs Richmond – LHP Logan Darnell Ft. Myers @ Jupiter – RHP Kyle Gibson Beloit – No Game Scheduled Elizabethton @ Bluefield – LHP Brett Lee GCL Twins vs GCL Orioles – TBD --- 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

Last week, we looked at a projected Twins Opening Day roster. This week, we’re trying it again. I think that there are 20 “Givens” at this point, three weeks before Opening Day. Of course you can disagree, if you like. I also believe that the five remaining positions are all pretty intriguing and could have several possibilities at this point. There are still 57 players in Twins big league camp. If there are 20 ‘givens,’ it technically means that there are still 37 players in camp competing for the remaining five spots. Of course, we know that isn’t really true. Most likely there are two or three players competing for a possible third catcher job. There are maybe two or three players competing for the final utility spot. And there are maybe five to seven pitchers competing for the final three bullpen spots. That means there are nine to thirteen players competing for five roster spots. The remaining players are working to make a strong impression on the coaching staff and front office in case there are needs later in the season for call-ups. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] (The players in Red are players that I believe are givens to make the roster (obviously pending injury). Those in black are potentially up for grabs. Discuss my selections and be sure to post your roster projections in the Comments as well.) Catchers: Joe Mauer, Ryan Doumit, JR Towles No change. I’ll stick with Towles again this week, although I feel less comfortable with that selection. None of the #3 catcher options is doing much this spring. In fact, they aren’t playing very much, and Butera is playing as well as any of them. I’ll stay with Towles just because I think the Twins brass is ready for that change. Infielders: Justin Morneau, Alexi Casilla, Danny Valencia, Jamey Carroll, Luke Hughes, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, No change, although I did make Luke Hughes a given at this point, now that he is healthy. Nishioka is probably a given as well since there isn’t much competition for a utility role and he is hitting a little bit in camp. Outfielders: Ben Revere, Denard Span, Josh Willingham, Trevor Plouffe No change. Starting Pitchers: Carl Pavano, Francisco Liriano, Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Jason Marquis No changes. No surprises again. However, if Baker is more hurt, that helps the odds of Liam Hendriks making a few starts at the start of the season. Bullpen: Matt Capps, Glen Perkins, Brian Duensing, Anthony Swarzak, Jared Burton, Kyle Waldrop, Matt Maloney The first four are givens. It is looking more and more like Waldrop and Burton are close to moving into that same category, but I can’t put either of them there quite yet. Maloney has been incredible, and with Terry Doyle’s struggles, he would appear to be the favorite to win the long-reliever spot. Waldrop and Maloney are new since last week while Doyle and Jeff Manship come off the list. Manship certainly deserves a strong look as well the next two weeks. Casey Fien is pitching well in camp’s small sample size so far. I think that Alex Burnett was nearly a given in the mind of Gardy and Rick Anderson at the start of camp, but I’d be surprised if he is a given at this point. He could still change minds in the next two weeks. Although the odds are likely against Doyle making the roster at this point, that could still change over the next couple of weeks. What are your thoughts? Discuss what your roster looks like? Download attachment: MattMaloney.jpg Click here to view the article

Opening Day in the big leagues is a big deal. I might even agree with those who say it should be a national holiday. As important to about 100 minor leaguers is minor league Opening Day which will be on Thursday. Minor leaguers reported to Ft. Myers on March 7 and after four days of practice, they’ve been playing games and practicing almost every day since. On Monday, those players headed to Rochester, New Britain and Cedar Rapids flew to their destinations. Obviously those who will be with the Ft. Myers Miracle didn’t have to travel far. Below, you will find the Opening Day rosters of the Minnesota Twins full-season minor league affiliates.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Download attachment: IbarraDeanMeyerDarnell.jpg Rochester Red Wings Gene Glynn returns to manage the Red Wings after leading the team to the playoffs a year ago. Tim Doherty is his hitting coach with Marty Mason as the pitching coach. This year’s roster is an interesting mix of veterans and prospects. 15 of these players have spent time in the big leagues. Starting Pitchers: Logan Darnell, Scott Diamond, Kris Johnson, Trevor May, Alex Meyer The big league roster may not have a lefty in the starting rotation, but the Red Wings have three. Scott Diamond decided to remain with the organization where he joins 40-man roster lefties Logan Darnell and Kris Johnson. Trevor May made one appearance in the playoffs a year ago for the Red Wings. Alex Meyer is the organization’s top pitching prospect and despite missing two months last season, he moves up to AAA. Relievers: Deolis Guerra, Matt Hoffman, Edgar Ibarra, Yohan Pino, Ryan Pressly, Brooks Raley, Aaron Thompson, Virgil Vasquez (DL), Kevin Thomas (DL), Matt Guerrier (DL) Now if the Twins do have any needs in the bullpen, they should have some better options. Tonkin starts the season with the Twins due to Brian Duensing’s paternity leave, but he will most likely be back with the Red Wings for their Opening Day. He is the big prospect in the group and he had a strong showing in spring. Deolis Guerra and his changeup were very impressive. He will be up at some point. Lefties Hoffman and Thompson were both very solid and could come up as well. Ibarra had a very strong 2013 season and was added to the 40 man roster. Unfortunately, he missed much time in spring training due to contracting Hepatitis B. However, he’s a lefty who can hit 94 and has a sharp slider. Catchers: Eric Fryer, Chris Herrmann, Dan Rohlfing All three of these catchers also provide depth and versatility in the outfield. Herrmann had a very good spring training. Infielders: James Beresford (2B), Doug Bernier, Eric Farris, Brad Nelson (1B), Deibinson Romero (3B), Danny Santana (SS) There are certainly numbers here. Santana is the big prospect and as much as he was discussed in his time in big league camp, the same questions that were there then are still there now. Can he make routine plays and can he take an occasional walk? DJ Romero hit everything hard at big league camp. Outfielders: Darin Mastroianni (CF), Chris Parmelee (RF), Chris Rahl, Wilkin Ramirez (LF) Three of these four outfielders were on the Opening Day roster for the Twins in 2013, and yet they find themselves in Rochester to start 2014. New Britain Rock Cats Jeff Smith returns to the New Britain Rock Cats as their manager, with Chad Allen as the hitting coach and Stu Cliburn as the pitching coach. Starting Pitchers: DJ Baxendale, Pat Dean, Sean Gilmartin, Taylor Rogers, Matt Summers When Scott Diamond accepted his outright to Rochester, it meant Gilmartin would start his season in New Britain. Dean returns to New Britain after ending 2013 with the Red Wings. Baxendale struggled in 2013 with the Rock Cats after dominating the Florida State League the first two months. Summers led the FSL is ERA last season, and Rogers was my choice for Starting Pitcher of the Year. Relievers: AJ Achter, Jim Fuller, BJ Hermsen, Cole Johnson, Ryan O’Rourke, Lester Oliveros, Adrian Salcedo, Dan Turpen (DL), Chad Rodgers (DL) Lester Oliveros returns from his Tommy John surgery with the Rock Cats, though he should move up quickly. I have no idea why Achter is headed back to New Britain. Like Achter, Johnson is a late-round draft pick who has moved up the ladder really quickly. Adrian Salcedo was hitting 97 MPH in his first year back from injury in 2013. Hopefully he will remain healthy. Catchers: Kyle Knudson, Matt Koch These two catchers complement each other quite well. Koch is more of an offensive threat with extra base power who can hold his own behind the plate. Knudson is an incredible defensive catcher who hit well in 2013. Both were at big league camp. Infielders: Brad Boyer, Nate Hanson, Aderlin Mejia (SS), Tony Thomas (2B), Kennys Vargas (1B), Brandon Waring (3B), Stephen Wickens, CJ Ziegler, Miguel Sano (DL) Kennys Vargas was added to the 40 man roster and the masses got to see what an enormous specimen he is and his immense power. (He will miss the opener - most likely - as he is in Puerto Rico where his wife is having the couple's first child.) Aderlin Mejia was supposed to play for Elizabethton last year, but a need with the Miracle gave him an opportunity that he took full advantage of. He spent the rest of the year in Ft. Myers and will now begin 2014 in New Britain. Waring tied for the team leader in home runs this spring, though it was just two. Boyer signed last year from the St. Paul Saints. Tony Thomas signed late, right before spring training. Nate Hanson is a Minnesotan who can play anywhere on the field. Wickens had a nice season as a utility guy in Ft. Myers in 2013. Obviously the big news of spring training was that Miguel Sano had Tommy John surgery and will miss all, or at least most, of the season. Outfielders: Mike Kvasnicka, Danny Ortiz, Reynaldo Rodriguez, Corey Wimberly Rodriguez is making the move to the outfield after playing first base last year. Kvasnicka can also catch, if needed, but will primarily play right field. Ortiz shouldn’t spend the whole season in New Britain. The Twins had Ben Revere. Last year, they added Antoine Richardson. This year, the diminutive speedster in the organization is Corey Wimberly. Ft. Myers Miracle Doug Mientkiewicz returns for his second season as the manager of the Miracle. Jim Dwyer remains the hitting coach. Gary Lucas moves from Cedar Rapids to the Florida State League and will be able to work with the pitchers he has worked with the last year or two. This should be another exciting year for the Miracle as much of the 2013 Cedar Rapids team will make the move up to the Florida State League. Starting Pitchers: JO Berrios, Tyler Duffey, Brett Lee, Mason Melotakis, Jason Wheeler, Alex Wimmers It sounds as though the Miracle will go to a six-man rotation in 2014. JO Berrios is the top prospect on this list, but this is a pretty intriguing rotation. Former first-round pick Wimmers is finally healthy and looking forward to getting on the mound. Jason Wheeler altered some mechanical things last year with the Miracle and is now throwing harder. He’s certainly one to watch. Duffey and Melotakis are two of the college relievers turned starters who will again start the season in the rotation. Lee has been my choice for breakout pitcher of the year in the Twins farm system. Relievers: Madison Boer, Brian Gilbert, Steven Gruver, David Hurlbut, Tim Shibuya, Matt Tomshaw, Tyler Jones (DL), Luke Bard (DL), Zack Jones (DL), Corey Williams (DL) This is an interesting group. Hurlbut and Tomshaw are both lefties who have succeeded in the bullpen and as starters when needed. Shibuya is fully healthy this year and pitching well. He could start. Brian Gilbert was drafted a year ago out of Seton Hall and is being pushed quickly. But that disabled list has some serious talent. Tyler Jones was my choice for minor league reliever of the year last year, and Zack Jones was also very good showing off his 95+ mph fastball. Luke Bard is getting closer to being ready and when healthy he can really dominate hitters out of the bullpen. Corey Williams will have his Tommy John surgery early in April. Catchers: Tyler Grimes, Jairo Rodriguez, Stuart Turner Grimes has really come a long way in the one season that he has been a catcher. Stuart Turner is another 2013 draft pick who will move quickly. He impressed in his time in big league camp and really knows how to work with pitchers. Infielders: Michael Gonzales, Niko Goodrum (SS), Travis Harrison (3B), DJ Hicks (1B), Levi Michael, AJ Pettersen, Jorge Polanco (2B) Jorge Polanco and Niko Goodrum will play up the middle defense, and Michael and Pettersen will give them some days off. Travis Harrison is making the move to left field, but he will also still play quite a bit at third base. Pettersen could find himself starting at third base quite a bit early in the season as well as playing all three outfield positions. Gonzales and Hicks will both spend time at first base and as the designated hitter. Outfielders: Max Kepler (LF), John Murphy (CF), Adam Walker (RF), JD Williams (DL), Nate Roberts (DL), Byron Buxton (DL), Lance Ray (DL) Adam Walker and his immense power will primarily play right field. Max Kepler will play all three outfield positions as well at first base. Roberts missed all but one game in 2013, so hopefully his knees will hold up and he can get back on the field. Williams and his OBP skills had a solid 2013 season and will get time in left field, center field and at DH. Buxton is baseball’s best prospect. Unfortunately, he is going to miss the first couple weeks with his wrist injury and it’s possible that he will get a handful of games with the Miracle before joining the Rock Cats. Cedar Rapids Kernels Jake Mauer is in his second season as the Kernels manager. He’s joined again by hitting coach Tommy Watkins. Ivan Arteaga was the Miracle pitching coach last year, but he joins the Kernels and will work with this talented group of arms. Starting Pitchers: Ryan Eades, Felix Jorge, Randy Rosario, Aaron Slegers, Kohl Stewart, Miguel Sulbaran Although there are some pretty intriguing names not on this list who could get to Iowa later in the season, this is still an area of strength and some good prospects. Eades was the Twins 2nd round pick a year ago and could move quickly. Slegers was the Big 10 Pitcher of the Year a year ago and the Twins fifth round pick a year ago. Jorge and Rosario are two of the Big Three who have moved up together through the short season teams. Sulbaran came over from the Dodgers last year for Drew Butera and pitched well in the Midwest League last year. He came to camp out of shape, so he could move up quickly too. Of course, the big name on this list is that of 2013 top pick Kohl Stewart who has remarkable talent and remarkable stuff. He’s young, and they’ll watch his innings, but he is certainly exciting to watch. Relievers: Brandon Bixler, Hudson Boyd, Yorman Landa, Chris Mazza, Josue Montanez, Alex Muren, Brandon Peterson, Christian Powell, JT Chargois (DL), Hein Robb (DL) Lefty Brandon Bixler was drafted just last year and pitched some for the Kernels last year. Boyd was in the Kernels opening day rotation but really struggled and there was always thought that his stuff might work better in the bullpen. Montanez and Powell made starts for the team a year ago too. Yorman Landa was another of the Big Three. He throws really, really hard, though he doesn’t always know where it is going to go. Brandon Peterson is a 2013 draft pick who is from Burnsville high school. Catchers: Bo Altobelli, Mitch Garver, Michael Quesada Garver was the Twins 9th round pick a year ago. Altobelli and Quesada both spent some time with the Kernels in 2013. Garver will likely get plenty of time at first base. Infielders: Chad Christensen (1B), Bryan Haar, Joel Licon (3B), Tanner Vavra, Engelb Vielma (SS), Logan Wade (2B), Ryan Walker (DL) It has to be exciting for Chad Christensen, a late-round pick in 2013, to start the season with the Kernels. He is from Cedar Rapids and still makes it his home. He can play both corner infield positions and both corner outfield positions as well. Engelb Vielma became someone to watch when ESPN’s Keith Law ranked him in his Top 15 Twins prospects. He is very fast and looks to be tremendous defensively with great range, good hands and a strong arm. Not sure he’ll hit much. Australian Logan Wade participated in the MLB series in Australia and can play second base. Vavra is the son of Twins coach Joe and is a tremendous story, and a pretty good hitter at second base. Licon was with the team in the second half of 2013 and will get a lot of time at third base. Haar was one of the better (and older) hitters in the Appy League last year. When healthy, I think Walker will take over at shortstop with Vielma going back to extended spring. Outfielders: Zach Granite (CF), Zack Larson (RF), Jeremias Pineda (LF) Granite was the lone Twins prospect who was an all-star in the Appy League last year. He’ll play center field and lead off for the Kernels. Larson opened eyes last year hitting well in the GCL, and when promoted to Elizabethton, he became one of their top hitters. Pineda came to the Twins for Danny Valencia and spent much of 2013 getting minimal time with the Kernels. Extended Spring Training Starting Pitchers: Stephen Gonsalves, Chih-Wei Hu, Fernando Romero, Lewis Thorpe I think it’s safe to say there are a few prospects in this group that Twins fans can be pretty excited about seeing either at Elizabethton, or possibly with the Kernels if there is a need. Relievers: Cameron Booser, Brandon Easton, Andrew Ferreira, Sam Gibbons, Josh Guyer, CK Irby, Kuo Hua Lo, Austin Malinowski, Andre Martinez, Tanner Mendonca, Ethan Mildren, Derrick Penilla, Dereck Rodriguez, Todd Van Steensel, Jared Wilson, Seth Wagner, Josh Burris (DL), Carson Goldsmith (DL), Zach Hayden (DL), Tyler Stirewalt (DL) A lot of big arms here. There are a few who certainly could get an opportunity to start at some point as well. Catchers/First Base: Jorge Fernandez, Brian Navaretto, Joel Polanco, Bryan Santy, Rainis Silva, Alex Swim Navarreto and Fernandez provide a lot of excitement at this position. Infielders: Carlos Avila, Manuel Guzman, Jonatan Hinojosa, Will Hurt, Nelson Molina, Ariel Montesino, Joel Ramirez, Javier Pimentel (DL), Amaurys Minier (DL) Minier will hopefully be ready by the time the short-season leagues start. There is a lot of speed in this category. Outfielders: Jason Kanzler, Jake Proctor, Ivory Thomas, Ryan Tufts This is certainly not a very young group of outfielders as all were four-year college guys. RESTRICTED LIST A quick reminder that the Twins will have three players begin the season with 50 game suspensions. We're all aware of Eddie Rosario's. Shortly after the end of the 2013 season, Cedar Rapids pitcher Dallas Gallant was suspended for 50 games. Two years ago, Mark Hamburger was suspended 50 games. Last year, he pitched for the St. Paul Saints. Following the season, the Twins signed him to a minor league deal. The suspension still needs to be enforced. So there you have it, a look at who will be starting the season at each of the Twins four, full-season affiliates. It’s also a list that you can use in determining which prospect(s) you would like to Adopt. Please feel free to ask questions and discuss. Click here to view the article

On Thursday, the Minnesota Twins fell to the Texas Rangers by a score of 2-1. Vance Worley gave up two runs in five innings and the bullpen threw four scoreless innings and kept the team in it. Unfortunately, the Twins’ bats were quiet. Their lone run came on Josh Willingham’s third home run of the year. All four Twins full-season affiliates won on Thursday. Two of the the teams scored double-digit runs. The top two prospects added to their home run totals, while their top pitching prospect was on the mound early in the morning. So much to write about, so let’s get to the Minor League Report for Thursday, April 25! [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK](And be sure to look to adopt another prospect today too!) Rochester Red Wings 10, Syracuse Chiefs 7 Box Score The Red Wings had a 7-2 lead going into the bottom of the 6th inning. Shairon Martis worked the first five innings and gave up two runs on five hits. He walked none and struck out four. Caleb Thielbar entered and gave up five runs on five hits and a walk and was able to record just one out. Daniel Turpen came on and got the final two outs of the sixth and worked a perfect 7th frame as well. Luis Perdomo struck out two in the final two innings. Then, the Wings lost their big lead and their offense responded. They scored one run in each of the 7th, 8th and 9th innings. Doug Bernier led the offense. He was 5-5 with his first double and four RBI. Brian Dinkelman went 4-5 with his first three doubles of the season. Joe Benson went 2-4 with his first triple. He scored four runs and stole his third base. New Britain Rock Cats 4, New Hampshire Fisher Cats 1 Box Score The Rock Cats had an early morning wake up call Thursday. They played a game scheduled to start a 10:35 a.m. Eastern Time. Likely not everyone was awake. The Rock Cats sent Alex Meyer to the mound against the Fisher Cats. The right-hander improved to 2-0 with six solid innings. He gave up one run on eight hits. He walked one and struck out seven. Aaron Thompson replaced him and gave up no runs in the 7th and 8th innings. He yielded three hits. Michael Tonkin recorded his third save with a scoreless ninth. Dan Rohlfing led the offense. He went 3-4. Jhon Goncalves was 2-3 and is now hitting .304 with the Rock Cats. Josmil Pinto was 2-4. Ft. Myers Miracle 5, Charlotte Stone Crabs 3 Box Score DJ Baxendale was the Twins' 10th round pick last summer. He is off to a terrific beginning of his career as a starter with the Miracle. On this night, he improved to 3-0 with six strong innings. He gave up two runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out five. Dakota Watts entered the game next, making his first appearance of the season. The hard-thrower gave up two hits and a walk but no runs in his inning. Corey Williams recorded a two-inning save (his fifth). He gave up one run on two hits and struck out one. Eddie Rosario led the offense with a 3-4 day. Levi Michael was activated before the game. He batted second and was the DH. He went 2-4 with two triples. Kennys Vargas was 2-4. Miguel Sano launched his eighth home run of the month and of the year. Drew Leachman singled for his first Miracle hit. AJ Pettersen went 2-4 with his fourth double. The double came in the first inning and extended his hitting streak to nine games. Photo courtesy of Rinaldi Photos Cedar Rapids Kernels 16, Great Lakes Loons 7 Box Score It was another offensive explosion for the Kernels. Byron Buxton led the way again. The top pick went 3-5 with a walk, his third and fourth doubles, his third home run and five RBI. Niko Goodrum went 2-4 with two walks and his first home run. Adam Walker was 2-6 with his third double, his third home run and four RBI. Jorge Polanco went 2-4 with a walk and his first triple. Tyler Grimes walked three times. JD Williams was 1-3 with two walks. Travis Harrison hit his eighth double. Brett Lee made the start for Cedar Rapids. The lefty gave up four runs (3 earned) on seven hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. He struck out one. Tyler Jones went the next 2.2 innings. He gave up three runs (2 earned) on three hits. He walked none and struck out two. Matt Tomshaw returned from the disabled list and worked 1.2 scoreless innings. He gave up one hit and walked one while striking out two. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

Over the last two weeks, we've been counting down my choices for the Top 50 Minnesota Twins prospects. The series will culminate this week as we dive into the Top 15 prospects. I've talked some about what goes into my rankings, but it's certainly not a science. It is subjective. I do try to take many factors into account, but one thing I do try to consider is guys with certain tools that stand out as elite. As we get into the Top 15 prospects, you'll start to see some of those elite tools and that's why they are up this high. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Part 8: Prospects 11-15 In today's installment, there is a mix of youth and some guys who have been around awhile and should be close to the big leagues. In fact, one of them had a pretty impressive big league debut in September. Two other players on the 40 man roster should debut in 2014. One lefty made an impressive pro debut in July. The other has immense power and offensive potential. Download attachment: Travis Harrison RP.jpg Photo by Rinaldi Photos #15 – Danny Santana – SS (22) Santana is a difficult prospect to get a good read on. He was added to the 40 man roster a year ago, and certainly did enough at AA New Britain to keep that spot. He hit .297/.333/.386 (.719) with 22 doubles, ten triples and two home runs. He is incredibly fast which helps his batting average. He could afford to walk more, though at this point we may not be likely to see more than a little improvement. He stole 30 bases, though he was also caught 13 times. Defensively, Santana is tough to read. His speed gives him remarkable range and he can make a lot of highlight reel plays. He also committed 32 errors, many on more routine plays. He will turn 23 years old later this week and should spend the 2014 season in Triple-A with a shot at a late-season big league debut. #14 – Stephen Gonsalves – LH SP (19) After a very good but somewhat controversial season at Cathedral Catholic high school in San Diego, the Twins used their 4th round pick last June on the left-hander. At 6-5 and 205 pounds, he has some room to gain strength. It would be great if he could add a couple miles per hour to his fastball which currently sits between 89 and 92 and has touched 94 at times. He also has an inconsistent curveball and a pretty good changeup. Both pitches have the chance to be very good pitches. He’s still young, and he has room to improve and grow, but the Twins got a steal when he fell to them in the 4th round. #13 – Trevor May – RH SP (24) Trevor May came to the Twins about a year ago from the Phillies in the Ben Revere trade. The right-hander returned to the Eastern League for a second consecutive season. He did show minimal improvement in just about every category. His ERA and WHIP fell just a little bit. His walk rate dropped from 4.7 per nine to 4.0 per nine, while his strikeouts increased from 9.1 per nine to 9.4. He threw over 150 innings. In two more innings than a year earlier, he gave up eight fewer home runs. It wasn’t a big step forward, but he stayed healthy and did show some improvement. May throws hard and has the pitches to be a starter. In the AFL he’s been pitching out of the bullpen. He will need to begin the 2014 season in the Rochester starting rotation. He was one of three Twins's minor league full-season starters to strike out more than a batter an inning. #12 – Travis Harrison – 3B (21) Harrison was the Twins first supplemental first round pick in 2011 out of high school in California. The man has very strong hands, wrists and forearms which certainly bodes well for him becoming a very good power hitter for the Twins. He has power to all fields. On the season in Cedar Rapids he hit .253/.366/.416 (.782) with 28 doubles and 15 home runs. It did appear the length of the full season wore him down as he struggled the final six weeks of the season. Defensively, he remains a work-in-progress at third base. At all six of the games I saw Cedar Rapids, he was on the field as much as five hours before the game taking ground ball after ground ball from manager Jake Mauer. He could also eventually move to a corner outfield spot or first base. I do think that in time he will have enough bat to play those positions. #11 – Josmil Pinto – C (24) Pinto was up with the Twins for only a month, but he showed what Josmil Pinto is and can be. Starting with the positive, the guy can hit. He began the year in AA and hit .308/.411/.482 (.892). He moved up to Rochester, and in 19 games hit .314 (with an .819 OPS). Right before September, he was promoted to the Twins where he hit .342/.398/.566 (.963) in 21 games. He had five doubles and four home runs. To summarize, he can hit for average, has a very good approach at the plate and knowledge of the strike zone and very good pop in his bat for a catcher. Defensively, there is no question that he remains a work in progress. He struggled at times, but some of that is part of learning a new league. He’s a little stiff, but people talk about how hard he works, so I think he will make himself an adequate glove man. Offensively, he is ready now. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Thank you for reading part Part 8 of what will be a ten part series with my Top 50 Twins Prospects. Next up, the Top 10 Twins prospects (in my opinion). In case you missed any of the previous installments, here are those links: Part 1: 46-50 Part 2: 41-45 Part 3: 36-40 Part 4: 31-35 Part 5: 26-30 Part 6: 21-25 Part 7: 16-20 Click here to view the article

One Minnesota Twins' affiliate won 4-3, in 12 innings. Another lost 4-3 on an unearned run in the 9th inning. The Twins' top minor league pitcher this season was back on the mound and didn’t disappoint. Chris Colabello and Andrew Albers are two players who came to the Twins organization via the Can-Am League. They both have pretty impressive streaks with the Red Wings right now. So much happened in the Twins farm system on Friday that I haven't even mentioned Miguel Sano hitting another ball a long way! See what else happened on Friday night in the Twins minor leagues:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Rochester Red Wings 11, Durham Bulls 6 Box Score There is no question that the best pitcher this year for the Rochester Red Wings has been Canadian left-hander Andrew Albers. On Friday night, he threw 6.2 scoreless innings. He gave up five hits, walked three and struck out six. He extended his scoreless innings streak to 20.2 innings. He also recorded his first win of the year and reduced his ERA to 2.34. Luis Perdomo came on and gave up six runs (5 earned) on five hits and two walks in 1.1 innings. Shairon Martis pitched the final 1.1 innings and gave up two hits, but no more runs while striking out two. Catcher Eric Fryer had the big hit to give the Red Wings the early lead. Fryer was 1-2 with two walks; that one hit was a grand slam in the second inning. Antoan Richardson went 3-5 with his first two AAA doubles of the season and is now hitting .381 for the Wings. Chris Colabello was 2-4 with a walk and his 14th and 15th doubles. Doug Bernier was 2-5. Joe Benson walked three times and scored three runs. Colabello extended his hitting streak to nine games. In that span, he is hitting .485 with seven doubles and three home runs. In other news, Rafael Perez was released. New Britain Rock Cats 3, Bowie Baysox 4 Box Score This game went to the 9th inning tied at three. Michael Tonkin came on to pitch. He gave up an unearned run on a Danny Santana error and two hits. He struck out two, but unfortunately, the Rock Cats were unable to score in the ninth. Alex Meyer made the start. He gave up two runs on five hits in 5.1 innings. He walked none and struck out four. Edgar Ibarra came on and gave up one run on two hits and a walk in 1.2 innings. AJ Achter walked and struck out one in a scoreless eighth frame before Tonkin came in for the ninth. Josmil Pinto went 3-4 with a walk and his ninth double. Danny Santana went 2-5 with his sixth double. James Beresford came off of the disabled list and went 2-5. Ft. Myers Miracle 8, Charlotte Stone Crabs 0 Box Score DJ Baxendale was the minor league pitcher of the month for the Twins in April. He was the Florida State League Pitcher of the week in the first full week of May. On Saturday night, he improved to 6-0 while reducing his ERA to 1.07. The right-hander gave the Miracle seven innings of shutout ball. He yielded three hits, walked two and struck out three. Matt Hauser came in for his first appearance of the 2013 season and worked two perfect innings. Angel Morales drove in three runs, going 3-4 with his third and fourth triples. Kennys Vargas was 2-3 with his seventh homer of the year and Miguel Sano launched his 11th. Cedar Rapids Kernels 4, Kane County Cougars 3 (12 innings) Box Score It took 12 full innings to decide, but the Kernels got a walk-off win for the second straight night. This time, it was third baseman Travis Harrison who played hero. In the 12th, Jorge Polanco worked a leadoff walk. Clean-up hitter Dalton Hicks laid down a perfect bunt. Harrison came up and on a 0-1 pitch, lined a single down the third base line to score Polanco for the win. Polanco and JD Williams accounted for six of the Kernels’ nine hits in the game. Polanco was 3-5 with a walk and his 11th and 12th doubles. Williams went 3-4 with his seventh double and his first two triples of the season. Along with his sacrifice bunt, Dalton Hicks also added his 13th double. Tyler Duffey made the start for Cedar Rapids. He gave up three runs (2 earned) on six hits in 7.2 innings. He walked none and struck out five. David Hurlbut came on in the 8th and got the team through the 11th inning. He gave up three hits in his 3.1 scoreless frames. He walked none and struck out one. Manuel Soliman is credited with the W, pitching a scoreless top of the 12th. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

Download attachment: Jeff Manship 2.jpg On Saturday night, Twins Daily tonight learned that the Twins have decided to promote right-handed pitcher Jeff Manship from AAA Rochester. He will be pitching out of the bullpen for the Twins.Manship was scheduled to start on Sunday afternoon in Gwinnett (Georgia) against the Braves affiliate, but instead he will be hopping on an airplane to join the Twins. Overall this season, Manship is 4-1 with a 3.08 ERA for the Red Wings. He pitched eight times out of the bullpen and made four starts. As a reliever, he threw 18 innings. He walked eight and struck out 18. In his four starts, he has thrown 20 innings and given up 16 hits, seven walks and struck out ten. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] UPDATE (9:54 a.m. Sunday) On The Ron Gardenhire show on 1500ESPN, Gardenhire was asked if there were any other roster moves coming. He said that there would be one probably as soon as the show was complete. UPDATE (10:19 a.m. Sunday) The Twins official Twitter feed announced that Jeff Manship had been recalled and Erik Komatsu had been DFAd. He'll have to clear waivers and if he does, then the Twins and Nationals can discuss trade. I am surprised. I thought it might be Darin Mastroianni optioned to Rochester. Twins now have 38 on 40 man roster. Click here to view the article

Last week, we began to look at the Minnesota Twins organizational depth by looking at all of the outfielders and then all of the infielders in the in the system. Yesterday, we reviewed all of the catchers. Today, we will be taking a look at the starting pitchers throughout the Twins system. Consider there are five starters on the big league team plus four full-season affiliates and several remaining in Extended Spring Training. There are lots of pitchers to get through.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] As pitchers move up the organizational ladder, they typically get put into either the starting pitcher or relief pitcher category. In the lower levels, the line is a little more blurry. Because all pitchers are a little different (age, mechanics, stuff, maturity), they are treated a little differently. A high school draft pick in his first full season will likely throw less innings than a 25-year-old in AAA. In the lower levels, it’s quite possible that one pitcher will start in the first half and pitch out of the bullpen in the second half, or once they hit a certain innings limit. Other pitchers may be stretched out in the bullpen and move into the rotation when scheduled. This also occurs when a pitcher is rehabbing an injury. In other words, it is important to remember that if a pitcher is not starting in April, it doesn’t mean that he’ll be in the bullpen the whole year. Here are (most of) the Starting Pitchers in the Minnesota Twins organization: Minnesota Twins Kevin Correia, Mike Pelfrey, Vance Worley, Scott Diamond (DL), Liam Hendriks, Cole De Vries, Scott Baker, Francisco Liriano and Carl Pavano are gone. Last year’s best pitcher, Scott Diamond is likely to start the season on the Disabled List after having bone chips removed from his elbow in December. The Twins starting rotation in 2012 was a hodge-podge, thrown together with hope and prayers, and for the most part, things went horribly wrong. The front office did make a couple of offseason trades to make the future of the starting rotation look brighter, but they did little to instill confidence that the rotation will be much better in 2013. That said, there can be some reason for some minimal optimism, should you choose to think that way. In the Ben Revere trade, the Twins acquired Vance Worley who was clearly the #54 starter for the Phillies rotation the last couple of years (behind the likes of Halladay, Lee, Oswalt and Hamels), but he would have been the Twins top guy the last couple of seasons. He would be the odds-on favorite to be the team’s top starter in 2013. He also had bone chips removed, but his procedure was done last August. Kevin Correia is going to give up a ton of hits. We know that. But if he can find a way to give up four runs or less in his 5-6 innings most starts, the offense may have a chance to keep up. He got $10 million. He’ll be making starts. Mike Pelfrey was an innings-eater at least for the Mets for several years. That is, until 2012 when he had Tommy John surgery in May. His comeback has been nothing short of remarkable, though it will be interesting to see how his aggressive return plays out. If healthy, he can be an average starter. Liam Hendriks would likely be in the lead for the 5th starter job if it was decided today. (Yes, he also had bone chips removed, in October) He’s looking to take his immense minor league success and show it in the big leagues in 2013. Assuming Diamond starts on the DL, the Twins will need another starter, and I would say that would be Cole de Vries at this point. The Minnesota native has performed quite well this spring, and although expectations were low for him in his rookie season, he actually pitched well. Rochester Red Wings Kyle Gibson, Samuel Deduno, PJ Walters, Pedro Hernandez, Virgil Vasquez, Scott Elarton (Nick Blackburn – DL) There is a chance that Kyle Gibson still makes the Twins Opening Day roster, but I sense that he is going to begin the season with the Red Wings where they will be able to limit his innings early in the season. That way, when he comes up to the Twins, there will be no limitations. Samuel Deduno will certainly be an interesting pitcher to watch in 2013. He pitched much better than expected in 2012, even showing good control at times. He was terrific in the Dominican Winter League, and his one start in the WBC was very impressive, and no walks. PJ Walters is having a very good spring again, and may be trying to earn a spot as a long reliever. Assuming he doesn’t, he’ll again be part of the Red Wings starting staff. Pedro Hernandez came to the Twins in the Francisco Liriano deal, made a couple of starts for Rochester, and then his season ended with injury. He is yet to give up a run this spring and may be competing with Tyler Robertson for a third lefty reliever. Virgil Vasquez hasn’t played in the big leagues for a couple of years. The Twins signed him while he was pitching in the Australian Baseball League this past winter. Elarton is another veteran who has been around for many years. He’s looking to the Twins for another opportunity. As you know, Nick Blackburn will begin the season on the Disabled List. When healthy, he’ll get another chance to start. New Britain Rock Cats BJ Hermsen, Alex Meyer, Trevor May, Logan Darnell, Pat Dean, Blake Martin, Tom Stuifbergen, Kyle Davies, (Alex Wimmers – DL) Hermsen was the Twins minor league pitcher of the year last year. He spent April in Ft. Myers, but he moved up to New Britain and was an Eastern League All-Star. He earned his spot on the Twins 40 man roster. Trevor May came to the Twins with Vance Worley from the Phillies in the Ben Revere trade. The hard-throwing right hander pitched for Reading (AA) last year and will return to the league for 2013 because he struggled with control. If he can throw strikes, he has the pitches and the mid-90s fastball to become a top of the rotation type of starter. Alex Meyer came to the Twins in the Denard Span trade. As the Twins said, to get a top of the rotation pitcher, you have to give something significant up, and before he gets to the upper levels. The sky is the limit for Meyer as he has a fastball that reaches into the upper-90s and a devastating slider. Darnell is a lefty who has pitched for the Rock Cats each of the past two seasons. He pitched in the Arizona Fall League last year. Blake Martin is another lefty who sees time in the rotation and in the bullpen. He has generally pitched better as a starter. Kyle Davies was once a prospect with the Braves. He was traded to the Royals where he was even worse. He did not pitch at all in 2012 and hopes to stick in the Twins organization. Stuifbergen has pitched for Ft. Myers each of the last two seasons. He has the stuff to be a solid starter, but he has to stay healthy. He is pitching for The Netherlands in the WBC. Alex Wimmers had Tommy John surgery in July, and he will likely be rehabbing much of the season. Ft. Myers Miracle Adrian Salcedo, Jason Wheeler, Matt Summers, Madison Boer, David Hurlbut, Matt Tomshaw, Luke Bard Adrian Salcedo was one of the Twins Top 10 prospects a year ago at this time, but in 2012, he missed most of the season with shoulder and elbow injuries. When healthy, he is long and lanky and can throw 95. He’s very athletic and could move quickly when confident in his arm. Jason Wheeler led the Twins minor leagues in Wins in 2012 with the Beloit Snappers. The tall left-hander doesn’t throw hard but does have good control and three pitches. Matt Summers started last year with the Snappers, but he was promoted to Ft. Myers where he was solid but unspectacular. Eden Prairie’s Madison Boer moved up to Ft. Myers very early and really struggled. I think that he could move up the system really quickly if he moved to the bullpen, but he has the velocity and the pitches that make him intriguing still as a starter. Hurlbut and Tomshaw were both terrific in the Beloit rotation all season. The lefties don’t throw hard, but they know how to pitch. Tomshaw pitched well right for the Miracle right after he was drafted in 2011, and he will return again in 2013. Luke Bard was the Twins third, first-round pick in 2012 out of Georgia Tech. He pitched so little last year due to injury. He will begin the season as a bullpen guy, but he will get a chance to start at some point. Cedar Rapids Kernels JO Berrios, DJ Baxendale, Tyler Duffey, Mason Melotakis, Taylor Rogers, Christian Powell, Brett Lee The Twins’ draft strategy last year included taking top available talent. For the team, the meant a lot of hard-throwing college arms who could move up quickly in the bullpen, but the Twins want several of them to become starters. When JO Berrios was available with the first pick of the supplemental first round, the Twins were thrilled to select him. The youngster impressed the Twins brass in spring training before heading to the WBC to pitch for Puerto Rico. Taylor Rogers moved up to Beloit and made a few starts in 2012 after being drafted out of Kentucky. DJ Baxendale pitched for Arkansas in the College World Series last year. Upon signing, the Twins kept him pitching out of the bullpen to limit his innings. He was dominant for the Snappers in 2012. Melotakis was the Twins 2nd round pick. The hard-throwing lefty dominated out of the bullpen, but he will also be able to find out if he can be a starter. Tyler Duffey put up astonishing numbers in Elizabethton as a reliever. He pitched for the Snappers in the playoffs. He too will be getting an opportunity to start. Christian Powell worked just a handful of innings before being hurt, but the hard-thrower will get a chance to start. Brett Lee is a lefty who pitched well for Elizabethton last year. He was drafted three times, so I’d expect him to take a big step forward in 2013. Extended Spring Training/Short-Season Hudson Boyd, Austin Malinowski, Josue Montanez, Hein Robb, Sam Gibbons, Felix Jorge, Yorman Landa, Kuo-Hua Lo. Hudson Boyd’s first pro season was full of ups and downs, and his numbers show it. The 20-year-old pitched in Elizabethton last year and posted a solid 2.95 ERA. However, he was just 2-5 and had a WHIP of 1.48 while striking out just 36 in 58 innings. He throws hard. He lost a lot of weight this offseason. Expect much improvement in his second season. Austin Malinowski is from Minnesota and gave up a ride to the University of Arizona to sign with the Twins. He went 3-2 with a 2.27 ERA in 11 games in the GCL. His WHIP was 1.45, but the southpaw struckout 32 batters in 31.2 innings. Josue Montanez fought some injuries last year, but when he pitched, he was terrific. In the GCL, the lefty went 2-0 with a 0.36 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP. He struckout 30 and walked just eight in 25 innings. Seems like lefty Hein Robb has been around for a long time. He has been. The Twins signed him as a 16-year-old from South Africa. He played for their national team in the 2009 WBC, before he even pitched in the States. Last year at E-Town (after two years in the GCL), the lefty went 2-4 with a 3.73 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. In 41 innings, he walked 14 and struckout 38. Sam Gibbons is a 19-year-old from Australia who debuted in the States with the GCL Twins in 2012. He went 4-1 with a 2.29 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 35.1 innings. He walked just eight but struckout just 22. Felix Jorge was signed as a highly-touted right-hander from the Dominican. He went 0-3 but posted a 2.34 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP in the GCL. In 34.2 innings, he walked 12 and struckout 37. Jorge just recently turned 19. Yorman Landa is also highly-touted. He comes from Venezuela. He too pitched in the GCL in 2012, and he went 1-3 with a 2.43 ERA. In 33.1 innings, he walked too many (21) but struckout 27. He will turn 19 about the time the Elizabethton season starts. Kuo-Hua Lo signed from Taiwan near in 2011 and debuted in the GCL as a 19-year-old in 2012. He went 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP in 11 games. In 39.2 innings, he walked seven and struckout 33. TOP PROSPECTS 1.) Alex Meyer, 2.) Kyle Gibson, 3.) JO Berrios, 4.) Trevor May, 5.) Mason Melotakis, 6.) Luke Bard, 7.) BJ Hermsen, 8.) Felix Jorge. The Twins finally have a few pitchers in their system with some significant upside. Alex Meyer has true ace potential. Kyle Gibson is very close, and he can be a solid #2. The sky may be the limit for JO Berrios, and although he’s young, he could move quickly. May came to the organization, and he has #2 upside, and if he does wind up in the bullpen, he could be dominant. SUMMARY 2012 was a frustrating year for the Twins. Often, the team would find itself down by three or four runs before the third inning. It will be interesting to see how the new pitchers fit in and pitch in the American League. It will be interesting to see Hendriks and De Vries get their next shot in the big leagues. Some of those guys that were forced into action last year for the Twins are still around, hoping for another shot. In Sam Deduno and PJ Walters, they have good options. And, what is really exciting is the influx of talent that the Twins have had since the end of last year. A couple of guys came via trade The Twins drafted the talented Berrios, and then a bunch of strong-armed college pitchers. Some will get a chance to start. Others could move up quickly in the bullpen. And, there are some more high-ceiling, high potential pitchers who threw in the GCL a year ago. It will be interesting to watch their slow climb up the organizational ladder. The Twins minor league pitching depth hasn’t been this strong in a long time. Will they use that #4 pick in the 2013 draft to obtain more high-ceiling pitching talent? We shall see. If you have any further questions, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the Comments Section! View full article

On Saturday, Luke Hughes went 5-5 with two doubles, a home run and five RBI. On Sunday, he went 2-3 with another home run. That raised his spring training numbers to .385/.429/.795 (1.223) with four doubles, four home runs and 13 RBI. When the 2011 season ended, TwinsCentric released its Offseason GM Handbook. In my offseason blueprint, I suggested that Luke Hughes be the Twins second baseman in 2012 with Alexi Casilla moving back to the utility role. I targeted Clint Barmes for shortstop, but the Twins signed Jamey Carroll and Barmes went to the Pirates (and I still really like the Carroll signing). [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Coming into spring training, Hughes was injured. He had a shoulder injury while playing in his hometown, Perth, in the Australian Baseball League. He went from being out of options and a likely bench role to questions about if he could start the season on the DL. Some even asked if he would clear waivers should the Twins decide to remove him from the 40 man roster. And now, I have to bring a question back to the Twins Daily readers; Should Luke Hughes be the Twins starting second baseman? Do spring training statistics mean anything? Consider that in 2011, Hughes hit .246/.265/.569 with three doubles and six home runs. He was the final cut, but it wasn’t long before he was called back up to the Twins where he hit .223/.289/.338 (64-287) with 12 doubles and seven home runs. Spring Training is such a small sample that generally it doesn’t offer any suggestion on regular season success. If you are looking for one nugget to believe that his 2012 is different, check out his walk to strikeout rate. Last spring, he walked twice and struck out 17 times. This season, he has three walks and five strikeouts. And frankly, if spring training statistics mean something, Casilla is hitting .355/.429/.387. When it comes to defense, the assumption is that Casilla is significantly better than Hughes, and for me, it would be hard to argue. Hughes has never been known for his glove, and with Casilla’s speed, we assume he has more range. UZR is just one way to look at defense, and frankly, it’s probably not the best when comparing a single season. Alexi Casilla’s 2011 UZR at 2B was 0.9 and his UZR/150 was 2.2. Luke Hughes 2011 UZR at 2B was 1.3 while his UZR/150 was 4.9. When it comes to offense, Casilla and Hughes are like night and day. Casilla is a speedster with little power in his bat. Hughes is not swift-of-foot, but he does have tremendous power. Casilla is a switch-hitter, while Hughes bats right handed. Casilla puts the ball in play 2.5 times more frequently than Hughes. Neither has really been a beacon of health in their careers. Because they are such different players, it is not an easy decision. So, why would I advocate Luke Hughes as the Twins starting second baseman? Here are a few reasons: Casilla has had a lot of opportunities as a starter. I’m not saying that he doesn’t deserve to be the starting second baseman in 2012. After a horrible first six weeks to his 2011, he played well the rest of the season. However, Luke Hughes has never been given an opportunity at an every day job. It may prove that he doesn’t deserve it, but I would take my chances. Secondly, Casilla’s best season overall was in 2010 when he was the Twins utility infielder. As the roster sits right now (with Hughes as the utility infielder), there really is not a backup shortstop. In fact, the backup shortstop would probably be Casilla, but that is something Gardy typically does not like to do. Instead of forcing someone like Pedro Florimon onto the roster, Casilla can just be the utility player. From a roster management standpoint, Casilla as utility infielder certainly makes more sense. Third, the Twins regular lineup contains Denard Span, Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Chris Parmelee, the switch-hitting Ryan Doumit and occasionally Ben Revere. Casilla is a switch hitter, but I think that adding another powerful right-handed bat could help even up the lineup. I don’t know how Luke Hughes would perform in an everyday role. Then again, I don’t know how Alexi Casilla will perform in an everyday role and we’ve seen that four or five times already. The best-case scenario would have him hitting 18-20 home runs in 500 plate appearances. If it doesn’t go so well, Brian Dozier is waiting in the wings and could be ready to come up by June and Hughes can return to a reserve role. I think the odds of Hughes being the regular starting second baseman is probably very low. Then again, I have already been surprised several times this spring. Chris Parmelee hit his way onto the Opening Day roster. Maybe Luke Hughes can hit his way into a starting job. --- Bonus Luke Hughes Trivia: Luke Hughes signed with the Twins in July of 2002. Only three players on the Twins 40-man roster have been in the Twins organization longer than Hughes. Who are they? Download attachment: LukeHughes.jpg Click here to view the article

Can you imagine the difficult decision that highly-drafted high school kids have to make? Do they sign a signing bonus for seven (or at least upper six) figures, or do they go to a college whose coaches have recruited them and clearly want him to play for their school? For a couple of Twins prospects, that decision was all too real.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] The Twins had two supplemental first round draft picks in 2011 thanks to losing free agents Michael Cuddyer and Matt Capps. As a result of having one of the best records in the game in 2010, the Twins had the 30th overall pick. They drafted infielder Levi Michael and signed him for $1.175 million. With their two supplemental first round picks, the Twins went the high school route, selecting third baseman Travis Harrison and right-handed pitcher Hudson Boyd. TRAVIS HARRISON Harrison has started all five games at third base this year for Cedar Rapids while Boyd was the starting pitcher in their second game. This weekend in Cedar Rapids, I asked these two top talents just how hard the decision was for them to sign with the Twins and forego their college scholarships. Harrison said that the decision for him was very hard. “It was because I fell in love with USC. I did. That place is awesome. It’s close enough to my house where there are a lot of people who would support it. But then I got picked by the Twins which is exciting. They didn’t even give me a first offering until two days before the deadline. So, it wasn’t like we were trying to wait. That happened like that, and I think it was a good decision overall.” When the Twins did make an offer and it was negotiated, the finally agreed upon a signing bonus of $1.05 million. “My family was supportive of what I wanted to do. In the end, realizing that I really wanted to go pro, I really wanted to do it. With that said, I was ready to go to USC. You really have to balance what you want. I feel like baseball is my thing, so I wanted to go that way. Fortunately the Twins provided that offer so I could.” He made his debut in 2012 with Elizabethton. He hit .301/.383/.461 with 12 doubles, four triples and five home runs. Manager Jake Mauer believes that his power will come. “He’s strong. He’s strong in his hands for a young man. (When) he starts recognizing pitches and tendencies, and not only that but what he can really lock in to, you’ll see him start knocking the ball out of the park. It’s learning yourself. Learning what pitches you can take a chance on, per se. Understanding points of the game and counts, when to do it.” Harrison had three doubles in his first four games with the Kernels this season and last night, he hit his first home run of the season. The biggest question with Harrison seems to be his glove. Can he stay at third base? At E-Town last year he committed 24 errors in 59 games. He said he worked hard on the defense in the offseason. He was at the ballpark and on the first four hours before game time getting extra groundballs from Mauer. Tommy Watkins said he works hard and has already shown great improvement this spring. “I played outfield in high school. I played 3B for my high school team, but that’s only 15-20 games a year. I’m still fairly new to the position. Last year I was mostly learning it. This year, I put a lot of work in the offseason, so it feels like night and day different. I make it a priority to get out there with Jake every day, and just keep getting better.” HUDSON BOYD For Boyd, the decision was just as difficult. The Ft. Myers native could sign with the Twins, or go to the University of Florida. He was the 55th overall pick in the draft, and he had a certain number in mind. When the Twins made that offer, he agreed to sign. It was not an easy decision, but it was one that he is very happy with. “It was a tough decision, mostly because I really wanted to go to Florida just because I was a big Gator fan growing up. My brother went there. He graduated from there. Me and Coach O’Sullivan had a pretty good relationship.” Like Harrison, Boyd signed just minutes before the deadline that August. The Twins had to go slightly over slot to sign him for $1 million. “I think I made the right decision. I mean, you don’t really get to the big leagues by going to college.” At Elizabethton a year ago, he went 2-5 with a 2.95 ERA. In 58 innings, he walked 23 and struckout 36. He was a large man, but he made the effort in the offseason to lose some weight and get in better shape. He is still not the skinniest guy on the team, but he now looks like a pitcher. His velocity in his first outing was good. He sat 89-91 but he hit 93 mph a few times. He also showed a very good changeup and a tremendous curveball. He has a ways to go, but he will work and will improve. The Twins got a couple of extra picks in the 2011 draft, and they used the strategy of taking a couple of big, strong, powerful high school kids with high ceilings. So far, so good for both as they enter their first full seasons in 2013. Harrison will turn 21 on October 17. Boyd will turn 21 on October 18. Both will develop slowly, but each has the potential to be an impact player for the Twins for years to come. View full article

It was a big day for Minnesota Twins’ second-round draft pick Ryan Eades. He agreed to terms with the Twins and will report to Elizabethton. The E-Twins have played the past two days without two of their catchers. Third-round pick Stuart Turner and ninth-round pick Mitch Garver flew to Wichita because they were two of the three finalists for the Johnny Bench Award for the nation’s top collegiate catcher. In a ceremony on Thursday night, Turner was named the winner of the award. Check out what happened in the Twins farm system Thursday:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Rochester Red Wings 8, Indianapolis Indians 4 Box Score Vance Worley has appeared to be back on track. In his previous three starts, he had given up just one earned run in 23 innings. On this night, he improved to 4-3 but he gave up four runs on ten hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out six. Luis Perdomo got a three-inning save. He gave up just one hit and walked one while striking out three. Jeff Clement went 2-4 with his eighth double and his 13th home run. Antoan Richardson went 2-5. Aaron Hicks played seven innings, going 0-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. New Britain Rock Cats 2, Reading Phillies 9 Box Score The Rock Cats fell behind early and were unable to catch up. Virgil Vasquez started and gave up seven runs (3 earned) on ten hits in six innings. He walked one and strck out five. Cole Johnson struck out two in one perfect inning. Matt Summers gave up two runs on three hits in an inning. BJ Hermsen worked a perfect ninth. Reynaldo Rodriguez went 2-4 with his 21st double. Jordan Parraz went 2-4 with his fifth double. Miguel Sano hit his fourth homer for the Rock Cats. It was his 20th overall of the season. Ft. Myers Miracle 2, Jupiter 11 Box Score Taylor Rogers has been one of the most consistent starters in the Twins organization this spring, but he was due for a clunker. The left-hander gave up seven runs (4 earned) on seven hits in just four innings. He walked two and struck out one. Chad Rodgers went the next 2.2 innings. He gave up three runs on two hits and a walk, striking out two. Adrian Salcedo got the final four outs; he gave up one run on two hits. Jhon Goncales hit his 10th and 11th doubles in his four at bats. Jonathan Murphy went 2-3 with a walk. Cedar Rapids Kernels 9, Burlington Bees 0 Box Score The Kernels have come out of the All-Star break on fire. With the 9-0 win, the Kernels are now 7-0 since returning to action. Christian Powell was very good. He threw six shutout innings and gave up just one hit. He walked too many (five) and struck out four. Tyler Jones came on and recorded his fifth save. He gave up no runs on no hits and no walks. Jorge Polanco went 3-4 with his third home run. JD Williams was 3-5 with his fourth and fifth triples. Dalton Hicks went 2-5 with his 25th double. Niko Goodrum was 1-1 with four walks, scoring three times. Elizabethton Twins 6, Princeton 3 Box Score The E-Twins were able to pick up a win tonight. Josh Burris made another start. He gave up three runs (1 earned) on two hits and two walks in four innings. He struck out four. Andrew Ferreira struck out four in two scoreless innings, while giving up two hits. Ethan Mildren gave up one hit in a scoreless inning. Luis Nunez picked up his third save. He gave up two hits, walked two and struck out three in two shutout innings. Zach Granite led off and went 2-3. Javier Pimentel went 2-4 with his second double. Dereck Rodriguez went 2-4 and stole his third base. GCL Twins 4, GCL Orioles 7 Box Score Australian lefty Lewis Thorpe made his second start. In four innings, he gave up no runs on just one hit. He walked one and struck out eight. Sam Gibbons threw two shutout innings. He gave up three hits, walked one and struck out two. Josh Guyer had a really rough one: he recorded just one out, but was charged with seven runs (6 earned) on four hits and a walk. Jose Abreu went the final 2.2 innings. He gave up one hit, walked none and struck out three. Alex Swim went 2-4 with a double. Zach Larson was 2-4 with his second home run. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

Yesterday, we reviewed the top pitching performances in June by the relief pitchers. Today, we’ll look at the top five starting pitchers in June. There were some strong performances, though there aren’t enough to need an Honorable Mention section. June is often a month when you start seeing some pitchers tire. There is a chance that some guys who have been starting to this point will miss a start, or spend some of the second half of the season working out of the bullpen. By next month, we may have some nominees from Elizabethton and the Gulf Coast League Twins. Southpaws are prominent in this list, which is always nice to see as. More specifically, lefties who went to the University of Kentucky are quite prominent! [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] One thing that isn’t very prominent… strikeouts. Here’s a list of the Top 5 pitching performers from June. . --- Number 5 – Ft. Myers – LHP Taylor Rogers - 4 GS, 2-1, 3.48 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 20.2 IP, 23 H, 6 BB, 7 K The first of three lefties from the University of Kentucky in the top five, Rogers has been terrific since his move up to the Miracle. He has made 11 appearances for the team since being promoted and is 6-2 with a 2.04 ERA. He gave up just four earned runs in his first three starts in June before giving up four earned runs in four innings in his final start. Rogers has good stuff. He throws in the low 90s, and he has a very good slider. With that combination, one would think he'd have some notable splits. While right-handers are hitting .272 against him, lefties are hitting .274. However, it’s also important to point out that against lefties, he has issued one walk with 18 strikeouts. Against (many more) right-handers, he has walked 11 while striking out 15. So, there is a difference. He was the Twins 11th round pick in 2012. Last month, he was runner-up for starter of the month. Number 4 – Cedar Rapids – LHP Brett Lee - 5 GS, 2-1, 3.48 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 31.0 IP, 35 H, 7 BB, 23 K Lee was the Twins 10th round pick in 2011, out of St. Petersburg College. Last year with Elizabethton, he made four starts and twelve times came out of the bullpen. Overall, he went 4-0 with a 2.78 ERA and a 4:1 K:BB ratio. He has been in the Kernels six-man starting rotation this year. He is 5-4 with a 3.89 ERA. In 72.1 innings, he again has a 4:1 K:BB rate, with 56 strikeouts and 19 walks. He has good stuff and has been fairly consistent each month. I shouldn’t, but will, point out that in his second June start, he gave up eight runs in four innings. Without that rough start, he gave up just four earned runs in 27 innings, for an ERA of 1.33. Certainly a strong month and something he can build on as the season goes forward. Number 3 – New Britain/Rochester – LHP Logan Darnell - 5 GS, 2-3, 2.87 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 31.1 IP, 30 H, 7 BB, 25 K Darnell spent most of the month of June eating a lot of innings for the Rock Cats. Really, he was just biding his time until there was an opening with the Red Wings. Gibson’s promotion meant there was a spot; Darnell made one start for the Red Wings but in the third inning he suffered a blister that could keep him out for a while. Darnell has a good mix of pitches and generally throws strikes. He won’t be a big strikeout pitcher, but he has the ability to miss some bats. The southpaw has found a way to be more efficient and eat more innings. The 24 year old was the Twins 6th round pick in 2010 from the University of Kentucky. Number 2 – Rochester – RHP Kyle Gibson - 4 GS, 3-0, 2.08 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 26.0 IP, 22 H, 9 BB, 20 K It was a very good month for Gibson. He generally pitched well for the Red Wings, and when Mike Pelfrey was put on the disabled list (and after Pedro Hernandez made a spot start and was then optioned), Gibson finally received the call he has been waiting two years for. Consider: he would likely have been a big leaguer about two years ago if not for the Tommy John surgery. It’s been a long, but so far, successful recovery from the surgery for Gibson. In his first big league start, he gave up two runs in six innings. He showed that he has some Deduno-like movement on his pitches with a better idea of where they are going. He will get ground balls while striking out enough. It will be fun to watch how he now develops. And the Twins Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Month is: Beloit – LHP Andrew Albers - 6 GS, 5-1, 2.97 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 39.1 IP, 34 H, 8 BB, 31 K Albers has probably been the best, most consistent starting pitcher for the Rochester Red Wings this season. He has seen PJ Walters, Sam Deduno and now Kyle Gibson promoted to the Twins. It hasn’t fazed him as he is now 7-3 with a 3.13 ERA in 16 starts. In 92 innings, he has walked just 24 and struck out 80. The lefty is very aggressive and likes to use his defense which makes his strikeout rate surprising, yet encouraging. At this point, I’m certain everyone has heard the incredible story of the 27 year old from Saskatchewan. He was my choice for Twins Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year in 2011. He has starred for Team Canada in international competition since then, including the 2013 WBC. We hope he'll get an opportunity at some point this season to pitch for the Twins. What do you think? Please feel free to discuss and ask questions. View full article

Seemingly everybody is on Twitter these days. I remember sitting with John Bonnes during the middle of the 2009 Twins season, and he told me that I should be on Twitter. I hesitated, but then I figured, Why Not? Since then, I've gradually followed more and more people. Frankly, it is my news source at this point. If you're not already on Twitter, consider it. If you want, you can follow Twins Daily and each of us individually (John Bonnes,Nick Nelson, Parker Hageman, Seth Stohs & Brock Beauchamp). [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] The Minnesota Twins have many players and front office personnel that are on Twitter. Twins President Dave St. Peter leads the way, making himself accessible to Twins fans, positive and negative.Dozens upon Dozens of Twins players throughout the entire system also are active on Twitter. Download attachment: Twitter.jpg Today, I'll be posting the Twins players and front office personnel that have Twitter accounts. There is a good chance that this list is incomplete, so if I'm missing anybody, please put the name and their twitter link into the comments. And also let me know what you would like to see here. Should we include Twins media? Should we include former Twins? I will certainly add twitter accounts of the Twins minor league affiliates as well. Here is the list of players, followed by their Twitter handle and then the number of followers they have as of 2/24/13. Let's increase their numbers. [TABLE=width: 419] First Name Last Name Twitter Followers AJ Achter @ajachter35 416 Bo Altobelli @BoAltobelli 113 Oswaldo Arcia @arciaoswaldo 334 Ivan Arteaga @IvanArteaga 59,958 Tim Atherton @TimAtherton89 206 Luke Bard @Luke_Bard 721 DJ Baxendale @DBax24 3,906 James Beresford @JamesBeresford2 784 J.O. Berrios @JOlaMaquina 263 Evan Bigley @Bigley3 542 Hudson Boyd @boyd_hudson 193 Alex Burnett @ABurnett31 6,404 Joshua Burris @Josh_Burris_ 164 Drew Butera @DrewButera 15,052 Byron Buxton @OfficialBuck103 299 Chris Colabello @CC20rake 493 Pat Dean @PDean15 328 Scott Diamond @Scott_Diamond58 12,446 Brian Dinkelman @BrDink 1,589 Brian Dozier @BrianDozier 9,334 Brian Duensing @BrianDuensing52 13,707 Tyler Duffey @TheDoof13 127 Andrew Ferreira @Get_Meaty 5,263 Dallas Gallant @DGallant18 353 Kyle Gibson @KGib44 6,569 Jhonathan Goncalves @jhong1305 71 Deolis Guerra @deolisguerra 885 Bryan Haar @Haardon 120 Nate Hanson @NHans12 356 Matt Hauser @mhauser_17 211 BJ Hermsen @BJHermsen12 1,246 DJ Hicks @DHicksMTB 699 Aaron Hicks @AaronHicks31 5,279 Trent Higginbotham @trenthigg 136 Travis Huber @TravisHuber55 396 David Hurlbut @leftydh1989 61 Will Hurt @Will_Hurt 611 Tyler Jones @TmfJones 28 Zack Jones @Jack_Zones04 358 Max Kepler @kepleroni 123 Kyle Knudson @KKnudson6 344 Matt Koch @M_Koch4 42 Bobby Lanigan @BobbyLanigan 420 Drew Leachman @d_leachman 160 Andy Leer @andyleer12 95 Steven Liddle @StevenLiddle_ 409 Austin Malinowski @AJMalinowski24 274 Trevor May @TrevMay54 5,153 Chris Mazza @ChrisMazza10 193 Kaleb Merck @TwinsMerckin 297 Alex Meyer @Meyer17A 3,770 Levi Michael @LeviMichael9 256 Angel Morales @AngelMorales24 264 Miguel Munoz @mikemunoz59 98 Jonathan Murphy @JMurph6 246 Cole Nelson @Cnelly_47 186 Lester Oliveros @lesteroliveros 1,755 Ryan O'Rourke @RyanO_Rourke 547 Chris Parmelee @CParms27 3,656 Glen Perkins @glen_perkins 14,509 AJ Pettersen @apettersen1 629 Trevor Plouffe @TPlouffe24 21,434 Jake Proctor @JProc23 1,125 Michael Quesada @KSada55 125 Danny Rams @DannyRams35 1,057 Dereck Rodriguez @DereckRodRF3 320 Taylor Rogers @trogers34 250 Dan Rohlfing @DanRohlfing 580 Bryan Santy @BKSanty41 127 Anthony Slama @Slama39 4,293 Markus Solbach @MSolbach23 16 Manuel Soliman @Soliman30 488 Tom Stuifbergen @TomStuifbergen 615 Anthony Swarzak @ASwarzak51 7,258 Matt Tomshaw @matthewJTomshaw 203 Michael Tonkin @mtonkin37 124 Daniel Turpen @DdTuRpEn 142 Kennys Vargas @kennysvargas 20 Adam Walker @walkoff28 482 PJ Walters @PJwalters33 2,311 Tommy Watkins @TommyWatkins 1,336 Dakota Watts @watts_22 819 Jason Wheeler @Lil_Wheels 163 Stephen Wickens @wicks1221 107 Corey Williams @coreyw24 326 Alex Wimmers @AlexWimmers21 1,244 Tim Wood @The_Woodpile 685 Vance Worley @VANIMAL_49 54,137 TC Bear '@TC_00 9,073 [/TD] FRONT OFFICE [TD]First Name Last Name Twitter Followers Dave St. Peter @TwinsPrez 14,131 Dustin Morse @Twins_morsecode 9,299 Mike Herman @HermTT 2,108 Bryan Donaldson @MNCommunityGuy 1,488 Andrew Heydt @AndrewHeydt 395 Mike Kennedy @TwinsPRMachine 334 Brace Hemmelgarn @bracehemmelgarn 913 [/TABLE] Click here to view the article

The Minnesota Twins continued to hit some home runs inChicago on Saturday. A couple of New Britain’s power hitters joined the fun byhitting some long balls as well. The Cedar Rapids Kernels offense showed up,and one of its top pitching prospects put him a great performance. One of thenewcomers to Elizabethton came up with a huge hit. Meanwhile, an unlikelypitcher threw 13.2 consecutive scoreless innings to start his AAA career. Ofcourse, the Red Wings needed to play 12 innings in Norfolk. Will the game’s results make for a good, long trip back to Rochester, or an extra-long trip? See what happened and more on Saturday in the Twins minorleague parks:[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Rochester Red Wings 2,Norfolk Tides 3 (12 innings) BoxScore Pat Dean was terrific in his second AAA start. He went sixinnings without giving up a run. He then gave up his first AAA run with twoouts in the seventh. He gave up one more in the 8th frame. In all,he went 7.2 innings and was charged with two runs on six hits. He walked noneand struck out six. Cody Eppley came in and got the final out of the 8thinning. Aaron Thompson started the 9th inning, but Shairon Martis came on and pitched a scoreless ninth and tenth inning. AJ Achter came on andpitched a scoreless 11th inning. He got the first two outs of the 12thframe. However, the third batter doubled, and Jonathan Schoop singled in thewalk-off run. The Red Wings bats just didn’t show up on this night. Theywere scoreless going into the ninth inning. Aaron Hicks, who had entered thegame as a pinch runner for Chris Parmelee, came up to bat. He singled in DarinMastroianni to cut the lead to 2-1. Jeff Clement came up and singled in Hickswith the tying run. In the top of the 12th inning, Josmil Pinto ledoff with a double, but did not score. Hicks went 2-2 in his short time in thegame. Deibinson Romero went 1-2 with two walks and his 12th double. New Britain Rock Cats7, Reading Fightin Phils BoxScore Trevor May had a rough outing, but the offense carried himto a win. May gave up five runs on eight hits and three walks in 5.2 innings.He struck out six. Cole Johnson went the next 1.1 innings. He gave up a hit andwalked one, but he did not allow a run. Dakota Watts pitched the final twoinnings to record his fifth save. He gave up one hit and one walk. He struckout two. Miguel Sano got the team off to a fast start with a two-runhomer in the first inning. It was his 12th home run with the RockCats and 28th overall. Later, he added his 10th Rock Catsdouble. Reynaldo Rodriguez was tremendous though. He went 3-4 with his 16thand 17th home runs. He scored three runs and drove in three runs.Angel Morales went 2-4 with his first triple and his third stolen base. Ft. Myers Miracle 3,Jupiter Hammerheads 5 BoxScore Matt Tomshaw made the start for the Miracle. The left-handergave up five runs (4 earned) on ten hits and a walk in 6.1 innings. He struckout two. Nelvin Fuentes came on and threw 1.2 scoreless frames. He gave up onehit, walked one and struck out one. Byron Buxton went 2-5. Dalton Hicks was 2-4. Mike Kvasnickahit a two-run double, his 11th double of the year. Cedar Rapids Kernels 6,Kane County Cougars 0 BoxScore The story in this game was the performance of JO Berrios. Hehad been struggling of late, but on this night, he was terrific. Theright-hander threw 7.1 shutout innings. He gave up just two hits, walked oneand struck out seven. Brian Gilbert came in and got the final five outs in order. Download attachment: JO Berrios.jpg Photo by Rinaldi Photos Jonathan Murphy went 2-4 with a walk and his sixth double.Bo Altobelli went 2-4. Joel Licon was 2-3 with a walk and his tenth double.Jorge Polanco added his 29th double. Elizabethton Twins 5,Burlington Royals 3 BoxScore Elizabethton was down 3-2 in the 8th inning whenthey loaded the bases. That brought up newly-promoted Zach Larson to the plate.He drove in all three runs to give the Twins the lead, a lead they were able tohold on to. Larson went 3-4 with a triple and three RBI. Bryan Haar went 2-4with his 11th double. Rory Rhodes and Javier Pimentel each hit theirtenth doubles of the year. Felix Jorge started and gave up three runs (2 earned) onfive hits in five innings. He walked one and struck out six. Andre Martinezcame in and walked one and struck out two in his inning. Carson Goldsmithworked the next two innings. He gave up one hit, walked one and struck outthree. Brandon Peterson recorded his third save with a scoreless ninth. He gaveup one hit and struck out one. GCL Twins 2, GCL RedSox 4 BoxScore The GCL Twins managed just five hits on Saturday. NelsonMolina went 2-4 and now has five hits on the season. Ivory Thomas went 1-2 withtwo walks. Sam Gibbons made the start. He gave up two runs (1 earned)on four hits and a walk in four innings. He struck out three. His ERA increasedto 1.53. Reyson Zoquiel came on and gave up two runs (1 earned) on two hits anda walk while striking out one. Zach Hayden then gave up one hit in a scorelessinning. Seth Wagner struck out two in two scoreless innings. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. Click here to view the article

On Tuesday, the Cedar Rapids Kernels had the day off. So did Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario. Sano and Rosario got their first days off due to minor injuries. The Red Wings played the longest game in the Twins organization so far this year, 16 innings. The Rock Cats bats definitely got going. And, the Miracle got a nice pitching performance to make up for the loss of their top two hitters. Jairo Rodriguez was promoted from Cedar Rapids to Fr. Myers. Bryan Santy was sent back to Extended Spring Training. Here is what happened on Tuesday.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Rochester Red Wings 8, Toledo Mud Hens 7 (16 innings) Box Score Let’s jump right to the 16th inning. With the score knotted at five apiece and one out, Ray Olmedo doubled and scored the go-ahead run on a Doug Bernier single. Soon after, Chris Colabello, who was previously 0-7 with three strikeouts and two errors, hit a two-run homer, his eighth of the year, to give the team an 8-5 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, Virgil Vasquez made just his second career relief appearance. He got the first two outs quickly before issuing a walk to Quinton Berry. Following the ever-annoying “Defensive Indifference,” Nick Castellanos singled him in to cut the lead to two runs. The next batter, Jordan Lennerton, singled as well. Avisail Garcia singled in Castellanos to cut the lead to one. With the tying run at third base, Vasquez got a strikeout to end the game. Ray Olmedo led the offense. He had three doubles in seven at bats. Doug Bernier was 3-6 with three RBI. Joe Benson was 2-6 with a walk and two doubles. Evan Bigley and Eric Farris were each 2-7. The Red Wings used nine pitchers in the game. PJ Walters put together a quality start. He gave up two runs on six hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out eight. Rafael Perez threw another 1-2-3 inning. Luis Perdomo gave up a run in the eighth inning on two hits while striking out two. Tyler Robertson got two outs, one via strikeout. Dan Turpen got three outs, one on a strikeout. Michael O’Connor got just one out and gave up two runs (1 earned) on two hits. Shairon Martis came on and threw 3.2 innings of one-hit ball and he struck out four. Caleb Thielbar, in earning the win, got four outs, three on strikeouts; he walked two and gave up a hit. Virgil Vasquez came on and recorded the save despite giving up two runs on three hits and a walk in the 16th. Kyle Gibson returns to the mound to face Toledo on Wednesday night. New Britain Rock Cats 6, Portland Sea Dogs 5 Box Score The Rock Cats bats definitely were working in this game. Danny Santana went 3-5 with his fourth and fifth doubles. Josmil Pinto was 3-5 with his seventh double, raising his average to .347. Antoan Richardson was 2-5 with his sixth double. Jhon Goncalves was 2-5 with his fifth double. Dan Rohlfing went 1-2 with two walks. Mark Sobolewski hit his first home run. AJ Pettersen was hit by a pitch and walked. In four games with the Rock Cats he has been hit by a pitch four times. BJ Hermsen, getting the win, was the beneficiary of the great run support. He gave up four runs on eight hits and two walks in five innings. Edgar Ibarra gave up one run on one hit and one walk in one inning. He struck out two. Bruce Pugh gave up one hit over two scoreless innings. Aaron Thompson recorded his second save with a 1-2-3 inning. New Britain plays a morning game on Wednesday (9:35 a.m. central time) and will send Pat Dean to the mound. Ft. Myers Miracle 4, Tampa Yankees 2 Box Score No Miguel Sano? No Eddie Rosario? No problem on this night as the Miracle topped the Yankees 4-2. Sano thinks that he will miss two games after being hit on the elbow by a pitch a night earlier. Rosario was also out with a minor injury and is expected to return to the lineup quickly. It was the first game either of them has not played in this season. Jason Wheeler put together the best start of his season. The lefty worked seven strong innings. He gave up one run on four hits. He struck out five and walked none. Chad Rodgers came on for the eighth inning. He gave up one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two. Zack Jones struck out the side in the ninth inning to record his sixth save. Aderlin Mejia had a nice game. He went 1-2 with two walks, his second double and his first stolen base. Kennys Vargas went 2-4. Also at 9:35 a.m., the Miracle will send Matt Summers to the mound to face Tampa again. Cedar Rapids Kernels No game scheduled. On Wednesday night, the Kernels will begin a series in Quad Cities. Brett Lee will take the mound. Please feel free to comment or ask questions below. View full article

When the Twins opened up Target Field in April of 2010, they played host to the Boston Red Sox. This afternoon, the Twins sent a split-squad team across Ft. Myers to play against the Red Sox in the first game in the new jetBlue Park at Fenway South. The near-Fenway clone is a beautiful park, and Twins fans should be excited about it because the Twins also are getting money for renovations and improvements to Hammond Stadium. The Twins won their inaugural Target Field game 5-2. The Red Sox won their inaugural jetBlue game by a score of 8-2. It was actually a really good game much of the way. The Twins scored a run in the top of the 7th to tie the game at two apiece. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Minor League Free Agent Jason Bulger came into the game for the Twins in the bottom of the 7th and it didn’t go so well. He recorded just one out. He walked four batters, and then he threw a strike to Lars Anderson who drilled a long, grand slam to right field. Daryl Thompson came in and got the final two outs of the 7th frame. He gave up one run in the 8th as well. Download attachment: jasonbulger.jpg Francisco Liriano started, and although he walked the first batter he faced, he threw two scoreless innings. Jared Burton, another minor league free agent with a chance to make the roster, pitched a 1-2-3 third inning. Phil Dumatrait gave up two runs (just one earned) on two hits and a walk in his inning. Esmerling Vasquez gave up two hits, but no runs, in his inning. Kyle Waldrop pitched a scoreless inning as well. Ben Revere went 2-4 with a walk and a stolen base for the Twins. Ray Chang was 1-1 with two walks. He had a great diving play on a ground ball up the middle. The scary part of the game came when he was hit in the head on a slide into second base and immediately left the game. Later it was reported that he is now day-to-day. On the other side, Tsuyoshi Nishioka went 0-5. It is the Twins first loss of the Grapefruit League. (Note – This game will air on MLB Network at 7:00 central time tonight. Monday night’s game against the Red Sox game will air on Fox Sports North at 6:00. If you’re able, be sure to join John Bonnes and Aaron Gleeman for their Gleeman and the Geek podcast event while watching the game at the Wild Boar in Hopkins.) Click here to view the article

This week, I will be posting several articles handing out some Minnesota Twins minor league awards. When Minnesota Twins legend Harmon Killebrew announced that his health was deteriorating and he was entering hospice care, fans around the country, and especially in the Midwest, chimed in to tell tales of Killebrew. Amazingly, very of those few stories had anything to do with what occurred on a baseball field. Most of these stories involved something he had told a kid, shaking hands [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]with fans, his impeccable autograph, or some charitable event that he came to and inspired masses. People talked about how great he was as a person. His baseball prowess was hardly mentioned. His 573 home runs. His 1,584 RBI. His MVP. His six AL home run championships. His 11 All Star appearances. Those are all part of the story, but the stories people told were of Harmon Killebrew, the great human being. The Minnesota Twins developed the Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service, and this year, the Twins named one winner for each of their full-season affiliates. Each affiliate’s GM nominated a recipient who exemplifies Killebrew through their work in the community. Twins Minor League Director Brad Steil said, “In partnership with our minor league affiliates, we encourage our players to be active in their community and emphasize the importance of having a positive impact in society beyond the playing field. In the minor leagues, our players take part in all kinds of activities, including school reading programs, hospital visits, working with disabled youth, and youth baseball clinics. These experiences help our players understand responsibility, compassion, and giving back. Ultimately it helps them mature and grow as people.” The four 2013 Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service recipients were: Rochester Red Wings – Brian Dinkelman New Britain Rock Cats – Dan Rohlfing Ft. Myers Miracle – Stephen Wickens Cedar Rapids Kernels – Niko Goodrum ROCHESTER RED WINGS – Brian Dinkelman Brian Dinkelman was honored to be presented with this award. “I’m honored to be connected with (Killebrew) in this manner. To be considered a person similar to him off the field is very rewarding.” Dinkelman talked about some of the activities he enjoyed most. “I loved camps with kids to teach them about the game. But anytime being around people who want your autograph and appreciate you is exciting.” Red Wings GM Dan Mason had glowing comments when speaking about Dinkelman. “Brian has played for us for four seasons and has truly been an ideal player on and off the field for us. On the field, he’s willing to play anywhere and play well. He accepts wherever Gene (Glynn) puts him in the lineup. And he’s a PHENOMENAL teammate. A true clubhouse leader. During the Twins Era of the Wings he ranks second in hits, doubles and games played (Garrett Jones is the leader for all three of those categories). Off the field we couldn’t ask for a better representative of the Red Wings, Twins and the game of baseball. He’s great interacting with fans of all ages be it here at the park or at a school or some other appearance.” The award is especially important for the Red Wings because, as Mason continued, their “formal corporate name is “Rochester Community Baseball” and has been since Morrie Silver began a stock drive to save the team in 1956. We are community owned, and when Mr. Silver ran the stock drive, he sold shares to 8,222 different fans and businesses in our area. Because “Community” is literally our middle name, it is vital that we give back to the people who have supported us for generations. It is imperative that we are more than just a baseball team in our town, but rather a civic icon.” The team and the front office get very involved with numerous not-for-profit organizations around the city. Many of their promotions throughout the season are geared toward raising funds for area organizations. With the help of the players, they are able to weave the Red Wings into the fabric of their community. Mason continued to speak the praises of Dinkelman. “Brian Dinkelman epitomizes the same values that Harmon illustrated. “Dink” is first class in the way he treats EVERYONE. Be it a fan, a front office employee or one of the guys that cleans the stadium or works in our concessions stands. He has been a great role model for the children whose lives he has touched over the last four years here in Rochester and has endeared himself to all our fans with his outgoing and warm personality. He has a great understanding of the kind of impact he can have on somebody because he plays for the Red Wings/Twins and he embraces that responsibility. He is a truly perfect recipient for an award named after Mr. Killebrew.” Mason continued, “There are SO many great guys in this organization. Brian’s character is impeccable. We really appreciate the way he’s represented our organization and city the last four years.” NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS – Dan Rohlfing The New Britain Rock Cats recipient of the Harmon Killebrew Award was Dan Rohlfing. He worked at several camps throughout the season. Rohlfing said, “I've worked three or four different camps including two special needs camps, which are my favorite camps to do. Also, I made a trip to the children's hospital to visit some sick kids and try to put a smile on their faces.” Though young, Rohlfing truly grasps what Harmon Killebrews means to Twins fans and how that carries into the community. “It means a lot to me to win the Harmon Killebrew award. To win an award based on your character is special to me. Being a baseball player is great, but I like to pride myself on being a good person too, and I think this award shows that. We all know what a legend and great person Harmon was, so to be associated with him and to win an award is his name is something I'm very proud of.” FORT MYERS MIRACLE – Stephen Wickens In Ft. Myers, the recipient of the Harmon Killebrew Award for Community Service is Stephen Wickens. The Miracle infielder played all over the diamond in 2013. A Canadian, Wickens played four years at Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers. So, he was familiar with the area and has been very active in the community even before this season. When Wickens learned he had been selected the Harmon Killebrew Award recipient, he fully understood what an honor it was. “I see it as a great honor to be selected for this award because Harmon Killebrew is ingrained in Minnesota Twins history. He was such a historic player and one of the best hitters of all time, and like you said, he may be known for his baseball accomplishments. He is very well known for what he did off the field. Harmon was a killer on the field and a gentleman off of it, and I think that’s how the Twins organization wants their players to be. To be even considered for this award was a great honor and I'm happy to be selected for it. The award may have been given to me but there are multiple people who deserve this award as well.” Recently Wickens said, “Since I had the opportunity to go to school in Fort Myers, I have had the privilege to work with multiple organizations when it comes to community service. In the past, I have also worked with the Salvation Army, doing their Christmas "Toys for Tots", where we would separate donated toys for children. I did various beach and nature clean ups in the Fort Myers area. Various baseball camps for my university, and surrounding high schools. Also, I was able to work for "Race for the Cure" where I was able to hand out the roses for the survivors that finished the race. I also did a reading at a local school in Fort Myers, took pictures and played games with the children.” He continued, “This past season with the Fort Myers Miracle I did several baseball camps for the team. The coolest one being the Special Needs Baseball Camp. It was a real unique experience being able to work with those children, and seeing their love for the game. Things like that remind you to play the game for fun, and don’t take things so seriously all the time.” CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS – Niko Goodrum The Harmon Killebrew Award selection for the Cedar Rapids Kernels was their shortstop, Niko Goodrum. He was nominated by the team’s GM, Doug Nelson, who had very good things to say about Goodrum, his Cedar Rapids Kernels and the Twins organization. “Niko went on a number of community appearances for us. He was always one of the first players to volunteer and sign-up for these appearances. He participated in all of the community events involving the team (baseball clinic, post-game autograph sessions, bowling outing and golf outing). Niko was a positive influence in the clubhouse encouraging his teammates to support of community efforts. The entire team has been a pleasure to work with this season. They have supported all of our community efforts and have been excellent ambassadors for the game of baseball and the Twins organization.” Goodrum was busy with activities in Cedar Rapids, but he takes his off-field work seriously all year long. “In Cedar Rapids, I've done a kids camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium, Tony Oliva Breakfast, and hangout with adults and children with disabilities. My favorite one was seeing a kid off for his Make-a-Wish Foundation trip. The list goes on for things in Cedar Rapids. In Georgia, every year I do camps in the off season, and during Christmas, I pick a family in need and give them money and presents. It feels great giving back because I know if I were in their situation it would feel amazing to know someone is thinking about you. ” According to Nelson, the Kernels have many programs all around the community. “Supporting the community is one of the Kernels main objectives. We feel that if we are actively involved in the community, then the community will support our team.” The Kernels staff and players frequently visit local schools and encourage the kids to read. In fact, they have a program in which kids get prizes for reading for 250 minutes. If they reach 1,000 minutes, they get to go to a Kernels game to be recognized. At fifteen Kernels games through the season, they held silent auctions and jersey auctions that raised money for various local charities. After the games, winning bidders were able to meet the player whose jersey they bought and collect the jersey from him. At the stadium, the Kernels held many community events. They held walks, movie nights, pancake breakfasts, baseball clinics and many more events to raise awareness for the non-profit’s mission and serve as fundraisers for the organizations. The Kernels players and staff, including Mr. Shucks, make over 100 community appearances to hospitals, baseball clinics, non-profit events, school events, day cares, and many more places, giving of their time. Goodrum’s response to being given the award? “To be honest an award was just icing on the cake. I don't do it for awards. I do it because that's how I was raised and that's just the person I am. I'm honored that the Twins saw fit that I deserved it.” MEETING HARMON Killebrew made his way to spring training and to the affiliates from time to time and made an impact on those he met. Dan Mason said, “I have had the great fortune of meeting Mr. Killebrew on a few separate occasions when he came here to do appearances for us. You couldn’t find a classier gentleman if you tried.” Dan Rohlfing spoke of meeting Killebrew in the spring. “I have been fortunate enough to meet Harmon. The first couple years of spring training, he would come down and talk to all the minor leaguers. Not only about baseball but about life in general. He was very humble and easy to talk to and gave everyone, regardless of status, the same courtesy. It's easy to see why they have the name of this award in his honor.” Stephen Wickens met Killebrew in a place you may not have expected. “I did have the opportunity to meet him. I played in the Northwoods League for two seasons when I was in college. I played for the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers. It was in 2009 and he was our guest speaker at our luncheon that we put on for the beginning of the season. He also threw out the first pitch of our Opening Day game. It was a very cool experience because, being from Canada, I did not know much history on Harmon Killebrew. I grew up hearing stories about Joe Carter, Roberto Alomar, Paul Molitor etc... but seeing the passion all of these people had for him was amazing. He was up on the podium giving his speech, and I remember looking around and seeing all of the locals just hanging on to every word he said. He was very well spoken and told some funny stories, but I also remember there was probably about 200+ people lined up for autographs, and he signed every one and shook every person’s hand and talked to each person like he knew them personally. It was amazing, considering he probably had this treatment for more than 40 years. So to still be so humble about everything was amazing.” Goodrum’s time around Killebrew was brief but memorable. “I met Harmon Killebrew at 2011 Spring Training. I wasn't able to have a conversation with him, but just being able to shake his hand was all I needed.” Brian Dinkelman met Killebrew that same spring training. “I was amazed by what a true gentleman he was, and how he carried himself. And, to think a man of his size hit that many home runs!” Congratulations to all four award winners. They have given of themselves to help people in their communities over the course of the season. All are very deserving to win an award named after one of baseball’s best power hitters and one of its best ambassadors. Brad Steil summed it up nicely, “I think it was well known that Harmon was a very giving and compassionate person. Giving back to the community was something he encouraged our players to do, whenever he had the opportunity to address them. This award recognizes those minor leaguers who stand out at their affiliate for serving their community in the same spirit that Harmon did throughout, and after, his career.” View full article

As the Winter Meetings in Nashville’s Opryland are now going full tilt, it’s time to take or weekly look at what is going on in the Winter Leagues. Dozens of Twins players are spending time getting extra at bats or innings pitched. Although there were a couple of players that had poor weeks, there were a few players who had tremendous weeks. At Twins Daily, we will take a look at all of them. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Here’s how players from the Twins system did during the week from November 26 through December 2: VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE Download attachment: Oswaldo Arcia World 600.jpg Player of the Week – Oswaldo Arcia, OF Deolis Guerra was the player of the week for Venezuela the last two weeks. This week, he threw 4.2 scoreless innings. However, he was removed from the Twins 40 man roster, and we are going with a hitter this week. Arcia played in four games. He went 8-18 (.444) with his sixth double, first triple, sixth home run and six RBI. Deolis Guerra – 2 Games, 4.2 IP, 4 hits, 0 runs, 1 walks, 8 strikeouts Eduardo Escobar – 5 Games, 5-20 (.250), 2 BB, 3 RBI Darin Mastroianni – 5 Games, 4-15 (.267), 2B, 2 BB, RBI Shairon Martis – 1 Game Started, 4.0 innings, 3 earned runs, 5 hits, 1 walks, 5 strikeouts. Angel Mata – 1 Game, 0.2 innings, 0 runs, 0 hit, 1 walk, 0 strikeouts. Bruce Pugh – 3 Games, 2.1 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout. Dakota Watts – 2 Games, 3.2 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts. MEXICAN WINTER LEAGUE Player of the Week – Chris Colabello, 1B For the four straight week, my choice for player of the week in Mexico is Chris Colabello. On the week, he played in six games. He went 6-14 (.429) with a double and two home runs. Overall in Mexico, he has had 148 at bats in 41 games played. He is hitting .331/.400/.636 (1.036) with 11 doubles, 12 home runs and 30 RBI. Anthony Slama – 4 Games, 4 innings, 4 hits, 1 earned run, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts. Gonzalo Sanudo – 2 Games, 1.1 innings, 5 hits, 1 earned runs, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts. DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE Player of the Week – Samuel Deduno, RHP Deduno made his second start of the Winter Leagues. He went five shutout innings. He gave up just one hit, walked two and struckout seven. Now that he’s off the 40 man roster, it will be interesting to see if, at 28, he can find a way to find some control. Jhonathan Arias – 3 Games, 0-4, K Pedro Florimon – 3 Games, 3-12 (.333), 2-2B Wilkin Ramirez – 2 Games , 3-7 (.429), 2B, SB (had not played in almost a month, 3-4 in return game) Miguel Sano – 3 Games, 1-5, BB, 2 RBI. Luis Perdomo – 2 Games, 1.2 innings, 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 walk, 1 strikeout. PUERTO RICO WINTER LEAGUE Player of the Week – Eddie Rosario, OF Last week, there wasn’t a Twins player playing in Puerto Rico worthy of a player of the week recognition. This week, there are a couple of outfielders who definitely warrant consideration. However, I am giving the slight edge to Rosario over Daniel Ortiz. On the week, Rosario went 10-19 (.526) in five games. He hit three home runs. Angel Morales – 3 Games, 0-8, BB, 7 K Danny Ortiz – 6 Games, 9-22 (.409), 2 BB, 4-2B. Kennys Vargas – 3 Games, 1-2, BB Jorge Fernandez – 3 Games, 1-2, 2 RBI Nelvin Fuentes – 4 Games, 3.1 IP, 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 2 BB, 0 K Josue Montanez – 3 Games, 2.1 IP, 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 BB, 3 K. AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE Player of the Week – JD Williams, OF JD Williams had his best weekend in Australia. He played four games and went 5-14 (.357). He also doubled twice and drove in a run. Logan Wade – 4 Games, 1-9 (.111), 1 walk, 1 strikeout Josh Hendricks – 3 Games, 1-7 (.143), 0 walks, 5 strikeouts Jacob Younis – 3 Games, 1-10 (.100), 0 walks, 3 strikeouts Tim Atherton – 1 Game Started, 5.0 innings, 1 walks, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 2 strikeouts Sam Gibbons – 1 Game Started, 6.0 innings, 4 hits, 1 walks, 3 earned runs, 0 strikeouts Tyler Herr – 2 Games, 1.2 innings, 1 hit, 4 walks, 2 earned runs, 0 strikeouts (Named to the World Team for the ABL Team Australia vs The World game.) Feel free to discuss or ask any questions that you like. Also, feel free to pick a player of the week. Here were the nominees: Venezuela – Oswaldo Arcia Mexico – Chris Colabello Dominican – Samuel Deduno Puerto Rico – Eddie Rosario Australia – JD Williams Click here to view the article

This afternoon, MLB announced the rosters of the Futures Game, which will be played on July 14th, two days before the All-Star Game in New York. The Twins will have one player on the World team and one player on the USA team. It likely will come as no surprise that Miguel Sano (Dominican Republic) will be playing on the World team and Byron Buxton (Georgia, USA) will play for the US team. Last year, Oswaldo Arcia was the lone Twins representative. He hit a double in the game against Pirates pitching prospect Jameson Taillon. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Buxton, the Twins' first overall pick in 2012 out of high school, was promoted to Ft. Myers on Sunday after hitting .341/.431/.559 (.990) with 15 doubles, ten triples and eight homers in Cedar Rapids. He drove in 55 runs from the leadoff spot and scored 68 runs. He also stole 32 bases. photo by Jim Crikket Sano, the highly-touted Dominican third baseman, hit .330/.424/.655 (1.079) with 15 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs and 48 RBI with the Miracle before being promoted to New Britain two weeks ago. He has now hit three home runs (and has three triples) in seven games with the Rock Cats. Buxton and Sano are consensus number one prospects in all of baseball and good representatives of the organization. In other All Star news today, the Eastern League announced its all-stars that will play in New Britain in mid-July. Catcher Josmil Pinto, outfielder Danny Ortiz, shortstop Danny Santana, reliever AJ Achter and starting pitcher Trevor May were named to the roster. This comes after the Cedar Rapids Kernels and Ft. Myers Miracle each sent nearly double-figure players to the Midwest League and Florida State League All-Star games, respectively. The future sure looks bright! View full article

The Twins lost 7-3 to the Royals. Chris Parmelee was the only Twins hitter with two hits. Parmelee joined the Twins on Saturday because Justin Morneau went on paternity leave that morning and got back to Minnesota in time to see his wife Krista give birth to a son. Congratulations to them. Scott Diamond was not at his best, especially early. He gave up four runs on ten hits in six innings. Sam Deduno will take on Royals newly acquired starter Jeremy Guthrie on Sunday. The winner wins the three game series. Here is a look at the Twins minor league scores and highlights from the Saturday games in the minor leagues. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] ROCHESTER, DURHAM This game was delayed for over an hour before they finally postponed it. The two teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Sunday. NEW BRITAIN 0, HARRISBURG 5 After scoring 13 on Friday, the Rock Cats managed just four hits in this game. Deibinson Romero was 2-3 while Aaron Hicks and James Beresford each singled. Hicks threw out a runner at home. Joe Benson threw out a runner at second base. Logan Darnell started and gave up five runs on eight hits in five innings. He walked two and struck out eight. Daniel Turpen then struck out three in three scoreless innings. He walked to and allowed one hit. FT. MYERS 6, LAKELAND 5 Tom Stuifbergen started and gave four runs on ten hits and a walk in five innings. He struck out three. Clinton Dempster came on and gave up a run on two hits in 1.2 innings. Miguel Munoz struck out two in his inning of work. Michael Tonkin got the final four outs, two of them on strikeouts, for the save. Danny Rams was 1-1 with a walk and a double before he left the game. Jhon Goncalves and Andy Leer each walked twice in the game. BELOIT 2, GREAT LAKES 7 Steven Gruver was moved back into the starting rotation for the Snappers. The lefty gave up three runs on six hits in four innings. He walked none, hit two and struck out three. Tim Atherton then gave up four runs (2 earned) on four hits and a walk in 2.1 innings. Steve Evans came in and struck out five in 2.2 scoreless innings. He gave up two hits and walked two. The Snappers had just five hits. Wang-Wei Lin had two of them. JD Williams walked and hit his second triple. He drove in both runs. Williams, Stephen Wickens and Tyler Grimes each struck out three times. ELIZABETHTON 8, JOHNSON CITY 6 (completion of Thursday game) Romy Jimenez hit over .300 both years that he played in the Dominican Summer League. Last year, he hit over .320 in the GCL but played in just eight games due to injury. Following game one on Saturday, he was hitting .393. He went 2-4 with his 10th double and sixth home run. He also drove in six runs. Jhonthan Arias went 3-4 with his second double and first home run in the game. Candido Pimentel went 2-4 with a walk. Remember that his game started on Thursday and Taylor Rogers started. By waiting to complete the game until Saturday, Rogers was able to continue. In total, he went six innings and gave up one run on three hits. He walked just one and struck out ten. Tyler Herr threw two scoreless innings, and DJ Baxendale pitched a 1-2-3 ninth. ELIZABETHTON 4, JOHNSON CITY 1 Hudson Boyd started this game and gave up just one run on five hits and a walk in five innings. He struck out four. He may have stayed in longer, but there was a rain delay at that point. Corey Kimes came in and walked one in a scoreless inning. Kaleb Merck got the first two outs of the seventh, but he gave up a run and walked two. JT Chargois came in and got the save by getting the final out. Elizabethton had just six hits. No player had more than one. The team scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth. The game-winning RBI was off the bat of Romy Jimenez who singled in Niko Goodrum. Josh Hendricks hit his third double. GCL TWINS 1, GCL RED SOX 5 Kyle Gibson took another step with another inning pitched in this game. The rehabbing right-hander pitched a scoreless inning, giving up only one hit. Minnesotan Austin Malinowski pitched the next three innings. He gave up two runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out two. J.O. Berrios came in and struckout three in three perfect innings. Gerardo Ramirez gave up three runs on three hits in 1.1 innings. Gonzalo Sanudo got the final two outs. The Twins managed just six hits in this game. In his first plate appearance, Joel Licon was hit by a pitch and left the game. He was replaced by Kelvin Ortiz who proceeded to go 3-3 with his fifth double. Aussie infielder Logan Wade went 2-4 with his fourth double. Kelly Cross had the other Twins hit, his first home run. --- Players of the Day for Saturday, July 21, 2012 Hitter of the Day – Romy Jimenez Download attachment: Romy Jimenez.jpg Pitcher of the Day – Taylor Rogers Download attachment: Taylor Rogers.jpg --- A Look Ahead – Sunday, July 22, 2012 Schedule Rochester @ Durham (DH) – LHP Luke French RHP Jeff Manship New Britain @ Harrisburg – TBD Ft. Myers @ Lakeland – RHP Madison Boer Beloit vs Great Lakes – RHP Tyler Jones Elizabethton @ Kingsport – TBD GCL Twins vs GCL Red Sox – TBD --- 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

Starting at 1:00 today (Saturday), I wll be again answering your Twins-related questions here. I'll answer questions for at least one hour and as long as we keep getting questions. Last week, we chatted for about two hours. It's fun and it's easy. When the chat starts, just leave your questions below and I'll be sure to answer them. Thank you! Click Read More (or the Title above) to join the chat.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Twins Daily Live Twins Chat Download attachment: baseball question mark.jpg Click here to view the article

The Minnesota Twins season began on Monday. The season of the Twins full-season minor league affiliates will begin on Thursday. Below are the rosters of the Rochester Red Wings, the New Britain Rock Cats, the Ft. Myers Miracle and the Beloit Snappers. The rosters were sent to the affiliates first, but here is a complete look at the Twins full-season affiliates. Download attachment: Cedar Rapids Kernels.jpg [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Rochester Red Wings Pitchers: Andrew Albers, Kyle Gibson, Pedro Hernandez, Shairon Martis, Mike O’Connor, Luis Perdomo, Bruce Pugh, Anthony Slama, Caleb Thielbar, Dan Turpen, Virgil Vasquez, PJ Walters. DL – Bryan Augenstein, Nick Blackburn, Kyle Davies, Samuel Deduno, Deolis Guerra, Rich Harden, Lester Oliveros, Rafael Perez, Dan Sattler, Esmerling Vasquez Catchers: Drew Butera, Eric Fryer, Chris Herrmann Infielders: Doug Bernier, Jeff Clement, Chris Colabello, Brian Dinkelman, Ray Olmedo, Mark Sobolewski. Inactive – Deibinson Romero Outfielders: Oswaldo Arcia, Joe Benson, Brandon Boggs, Clete Thomas New Britain Rock Cats Pitchers: AJ Achter, Logan Darnell, Pat Dean, Nelvin Fuentes, Jose Gonzalez, Edgar Ibarra, Bobby Lanigan, Blake Martin, Trevor May, Alex Meyer, Marty Popham, Mike Tonkin. DL: Matt Hauser, BJ Hermsen, Aaron Thompson, Dakota Watts, Alex Wimmers. Catchers: Danny Lehmann, Josmil Pinto, Dan Rohlfing Infielders: James Beresford, Jason Christian, Eric Farris, Harold Garcia, Nate Hanson, Reynaldo Rodriguez, Danny Santana Outfielders: Evan Bigley, Danny Ortiz, Antoan Richardson, Curt Smith Ft. Myers Miracle Pitchers: DJ Baxendale, Madison Boer, Cole Johnson, Zach Jones, Miguel Munoz, Ryan O’Rourke, Chad Rodgers, Adrian Salcedo, Tom Stuifbergen, Matt Summers, Jason Wheeler, Corey Williams – DL: Jhon Garcia Catchers: Kyle Knudson, Matt Koch Infielders: Michael Gonzales, Andy Leer, AJ Pettersen, Eddie Rosario, Miguel Sano, Kennys Vargas, Stephen Wickens – DL: Levi Michael Outfielder: Jhon Goncalves, Michael Kvasnicka, Angel Morales, Lance Ray Cedar Rapids Kernels Pitchers: Tim Atherton, Hudson Boyd, Tyler Duffey, Steven Gruver, David Hurlbut, Tyler Jones, Brett Lee, Chris Mazza, Mason Melotakis, Taylor Rogers, Manuel Soliman, Matt Tomshaw – DL: Dallas Gallant, Tim Shibuya Catchers: Jhonatan Arias, Tyler Grimes, Jairo Rodriguez – SUSP – Michael Quesada Infielders: Niko Goodrum, Travis Harrison, DJ Hicks, Drew Leachman, Candido Pimentel, Jorge Polanco – DL: Adam Bryant Outfielders: Byron Buxton, Romy Jimenez, Adam Walker, JD Williams – DL: Nate Roberts * Starting Pitchers in Red. Click here to view the article

Before the 2013 season, the Minnesota Twins had two prospects in Baseball America’s Top Ten minor leaguers. Miguel Sano ranked #9, and Byron Buxton ranked #10. Such lofty rankings often raise lofty expectations. One of the best stories in the Twins organization in 2013 is that both these top prospects not only met expectations, but greatly exceeded them. In fact, when Baseball America comes out with its 2014 preseason prospect rankings, it is likely that both will be among their Top Five prospects. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Download attachment: buxton-sano.jpg Sano has been making news since well before the Twins signed him for $3.15 million in October of 2009. It is his immense power potential that gets people talking. He began the season in Fort Myers where, in 56 games, he dominated the pitcher-friendly Florida State League to the tune of .330/.424/655 with 15 doubles, two triples and 16 home runs in 56 games. He helped the Miracle clinch the first half division title early and the next day he was promoted to New Britain. With the Rock Cats, he was a bit streaky but those hot streaks are what make him so exciting. Despite a low average and a bunch of strikeouts, he accounted for some tremendous power. He hit .236/.344/.571 with 15 doubles, three triples and 16 home runs. He drove in 103 runs on the season as well. As encouraging, Sano greatly improved his defense. In 2012 while in Beloit he accumulated 42 errors. In 2013, between the two teams, he had just 23 errors. Obviously the concern right now is Sano’s right elbow. However, if healthy, Twins fans will most likely see him in a Twins uniform by midseason. With Sano, it is his power that is exciting. With Byron Buxton, his speed is electric. However, he is the #1 prospect in all baseball because of his overall game. Buxton began the season in the Midwest League (Cedar Rapids) as most first-round picks do in their first full season. Unlike most every young player to start the season there, he played so well and was so advanced that he spent only about half the season with the Kernels before moving up to Fort Myers for the second half. Not even Joe Mauer did that. In 68 games with the Kernels, Buxton hit .341/.431/.556 with 15 doubles, ten triples and eight home runs. Then, in 57 games with the Miracle, he hit .326/.415/.472 with four doubles, eight triples and four home runs. Buxton’s speed is elite. From the right-handed batter’s box, few in baseball history have been able to get to first base more quickly. He is able to beat out regular ground balls. He turned doubles into triples. Combined, he stole 55 bases, though he was also caught 19 times so that is something he will need to continue to work on. Defensively, he has great range because of his speed, but he actually takes good routes to the ball. He also has a great arm. Buxton is more than just his speed. He is a solid all-round hitter, patient at the plate, yet aggressive with his swing. He uses the entire field and has enough power to hit home runs. As he matures physically and learns the game through experience, he will hit for more power. Consider this: Baseball America commented that Buxton’s tools are even better than Mike Trout’s were as a prospect. Buxton was named the Minor League Player of the Year by many sources. He was named the top prospect in the Midwest League and the Florida State League. Buxton and Sano were the Twins representatives in the 2013 Futures Game and it is possible they will play in the 2014 Futures Game at Target Field. It is also possible that following that game, they could both stay with the Twins. Hopefully these two upper echelon prospects are able to continue to improve and reach their full potential. The best part of this story is that Buxton and Sano were not the only Twins' prospects who moved up in the minds of baseball people. Alex Meyer’s stuff and showing in the Arizona Fall League impressed. Eddie Rosario continued to move up at the same pace as Sano. Kohl Stewart is another Top 4 pick who has the stuff to be a future ace. Jorge Polanco took a major step forward in Cedar Rapids. Josmil Pinto continued to hit in the upper levels and had a terrific big league debut in September. Lewis Thorpe grew and came out of nowhere as a top prospect. Max Kepler showed his power potential with the Kernels in the second half. Adam Walker showed he has Sano-like power. Elizabethton had five or six starters that show potential. There are a few bullpen arms that reach into the upper-90s as well. The farm system is loaded, and that’s a huge story of 2013. However, it all starts with Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. They are truly elite prospects and in 2013 they continued their exciting treks to Target Field. A look at other Twins stories from 2013 includes: #13 – Twins in the WBC #12 – Drew Butera Traded to Dodgers #11 – Twins Sign Kubel, Trade Doumit #10 - Brian Dozier Breaks Through #9 - Kyle Gibson Promoted #8 - Aaron Hicks' Lost Year #7 – Twins Draft Kohl Stewart #6 – Justin Morneau Traded to Pirates #5 – Twins Dismal Starting Pitching Click here to view the article

Download attachment: Deolis Guerra VWL.jpg For the first week of the Winter League updates, we will not be chronicling the Arizona Fall League. Worry not! We still have no fewer than five winter leagues in which Twins players or minor league players are participating. Frankly, this week’s update is lacking in terrific performances as we have seen in recent weeks. But there are certainly a few worth noticing. Here’s how players from the Twins system did during the week from November 19-25. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE Player of the Week – Deolis Guerra, RHP Guerra was the player of the week choice last week, and he will be my choice again this week. He pitched in the three games and covered 4.1 innings. He gave up no runs on no hits and walked none. He struckout four. Overall, Guerra has thrown 13 innings in 12 games. He had walked just two and struckout 15. Oswaldo Arcia – 4 Games, 2-15 (.133), 2B, HR, 0 BB, 4 KBrian Dozier – 5 Games. 4-18 (.222), 1 BB, 4 KEduardo Escobar – 5 Games, 4-14 (.286), 2B, 2-HR, 6 RBI, 4 BB, 3 K (had one game in which he was 3-3 with a walk, two homers and six RBI)Darin Mastroianni – 6 Games, 7-25 (.280), 2B, 2 BB, 2 K, 3 SB (was 7-9 the first two games of the week)Josmil Pinto – 2 Games, 0-1Edgar Ibarra – 3 Game, 1 Game Started, 2 innings, 5 hits, 6 earned runs, 1 walk, 3 strikeout.Shairon Martis – 1 Game Started, 3.0 innings, 5 earned runs, 6 hits, 0 walks, 1 strikeout.Angel Mata – 1 Game, 0.2 innings, 0 runs, one hit, 0 walks, one strikeout.Bruce Pugh – 2 Games, 1.1 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 strikeout.Dakota Watts – 3 Games, 4.2 innings, 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 3 walks, 1 strikeout. You have likely noticed that some young Venezuelan kids, like Yorman Landa or Angel Mata, may not pitch each week. However, they are likely playing in Liga Paralela. Josmil Pinto has moved back and forth between the rosters of the big club and it’s Parallel team. A player like Landa got a couple of innings with the big club, but as the offseason goes along, more veterans from Venezuela start playing and the young guys get moved down. It really runs just like a Major League team and its AAA affiliate. MEXICAN WINTER LEAGUE Player of the Week – Chris Colabello, 1B For the third straight week, my choice for player of the week in Mexico is Chris Colabello. On the week, he played in six games. He went 7-25 (.280) with a double and a home run. He walked twice and struckout eight times. Overall in Mexico, he has had 133 at bats in 36 games played. He is hitting .331/.396/.632 (1.028) with 10 doubles, 10 home runs and 27 RBI. Anthony Slama – 2 Games, 2 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 0 strikeouts. 1 save.Gonzalo Sanudo – 3 Games, 2.2 innings, 1 hit, 0 earned run, 1 walks, 1 strikeouts. DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE Player of the Week – Pedro Florimon, SS To say that the offensive game of Pedro Florimon in the Dominican this winter has been “streaky” might be kind, but it isn’t too far from accurate. He has had a couple of weeks where he had accumulated just one or two hits. This is the second week that he has been named the player of the week. This week, the shortstop went 7-14 (.500) in five games. He walked once and struckout three times. Overall, he is still hitting just .235/.330/.247 (.577) with just one double in 85 at bats. Miguel Sano – 1 Game, 0-1.Drew Butera – 2 Games, 0-6, walk. 1-18 (.056) in last eight games he’s played.Luis Perdomo – 3 Games, 2.1 innings, 1 run, 2 hits, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts.Samuel Deduno – 2 Games (1 GS), 4.2 innings, 0 runs, 4 hits, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts. PUERTO RICO WINTER LEAGUE Player of the Week – Not Applicable It wasn’t a great week for Twins players in Puerto Rico. I simply can’t pick any of the players as player of the week. Angel Morales – 3 Games, 1-7 (.143), 4 KDanny Ortiz – 4 Games, 0-11, 2 KKennys Vargas – 2 Games, 1-7 (.143), 1 BB, 3 KEddie Rosario – 2 Games, 0-6, 1 KNelvin Fuentes – 1 Game, 1 inning, 0 runs, 0 hit, 1 walk, 0 strikeouts. AUSTRALIAN BASEBALL LEAGUE Player of the Week – Josh Hendricks, 1B Josh Hendricks spent the season with the Elizabethton Twins, and now the 21-year-old is playing for the Melbourne Aces. In the past week, he played in four games and went 5-14 (.357) with a double and 6 RBI. Overall, he’s played in 7 games, and is 7-21 (.333) with two doubles and a homer. Logan Wade – 2 Games, 2-7 (.286), 2 walks, 1 strikeoutJD Williams – 4 Games, 2-17 (.118), 1 walk, 8 strikeoutJacob Younis – 2 Games, 2-8 (.250), 2B, 0 walks, 2 strikeoutsTim Atherton – 1 Game, 1 Win, 1.1 innings, 0 walks, 0 hits, 0 runs, 2 strikeoutsSam Gibbons – 1 Game Started, 4.2 innings, 10 hits, 3 walks, 4 earned runs, 0 strikeoutsJosh Guyer – 1 Game, 2.1 innings, 2 hits, 1 walk, 0 runs, 2 strikeoutsTyler Herr – 2 Games, 2.1 innings, 1 hit, 0 walks, 0 runs, 0 strikeouts Feel free to discuss or ask any questions that you like. Also, feel free to pick a player of the week. Here were the nominees: Venezuela – Deolis Guerra Mexico – Chris Colabello Dominican – Pedro Florimon Puerto Rico – Not Applicable Australia – Josh Hendricks Click here to view the article

We are already about 15 games into the minor league season. It’s not a lot, but it is just over 10% of the season’s schedule, even though there have been a lot of weather-related postponements and double-headers. It’s too early to call any of the numbers more than a Small Sample Size, but it’s always fun to take an early look at Twins prospects. Below, you will find my preseason Top 30 Minnesota Twins prospects along with their statistics through Sunday, along with some of my thoughts and observations on many of the players. It’s exciting to see so many of these top prospects start the season strongly.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] (Note this is my personal prospect ranking, use for entertainment purposes – and for learning about Twins prospects – only.) 1. Miguel Sano – Ft. Myers Miracle - .375/.438/.734 (1.173) with 5-2B, 0-3B, 6-HR, 16-RBI in 64 AB. 2. Byron Buxton – Cedar Rapids Kernels - .415/.523/.642 (1.165) with 2-2B, 2-3B, 2-HR, 10-RBI in 53 AB. Also 6-10 in SB attempts. 3. Oswaldo Arcia – Rochester Red Wings - .394/.474/.727 (1.201) with 2-2B, 3-HR, 8-RBI. Also 1-9 in 3 games with the Minnesota Twins. 4. Alex Meyer – New Britain Rock Cats – 1-0, 1.69 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 16 IP, 13 H, 7 BB, 19 K These top four prospects would most likely fit into an “Elite” category. These are the guys who should be in Top 50 lists of any publication. All four of them are off to spectacular starts. Sano and Buxton are like Prospects 1a and 1b. Arcia and Meyer would be #1 prospects in several organizations. 5. Aaron Hicks – Minnesota Twins – .059/.200/.059 (.259) with 4-RBI. 6. Kyle Gibson – Rochester Red Wings – 0-3, 4.43 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 20.1 IP, 19 H, 7 BB, 19 K 7. Eddie Rosario – Ft. Myers Miracle – .352/.385/.507 (.892) with 5-2B, 2-HR, 11-RBI in 71 AB 8. J.O. Berrios – Extended Spring Training – Prospects #5 through #8 aren’t quite in the elite category, but they are highly regarded in the industry. Hicks’ struggles at the onset of his big league career have been well chronicled, but there is little reason to believe that he will not adjust. Gibson is still working on his gradual return from Tommy John surgery and is really just building up strength. Rosario made a name for himself in Puerto Rico this offseason, and earned his spot on that country’s WBC team. He impressed in Ft. Myers in spring training and he is off to a fast start with the Miracle. Berrios is also from Puerto Rico and, despite his youth, was also on the Puerto Rican WBC team. Because of that, he spent the first three weeks of the season in Ft. Myers, in Extended Spring Training. He made his first Cedar Rapids start on Monday night and gave up two runs in five innings. He sat between 92 and 94 with his fastball and touched 96. He got a couple of strikeouts on a strong breaking ball. 9. Trevor May – New Britain Rock Cats – 0-1, 3.14 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 14.1 IP, 13 H, 10 BB, 19 K 10. Max Kepler – Extended Spring Training Disabled List – Rounding out the Top 10, these prospects have high ceilings yet have something to overcome. For May, it is his ability to consistently throw strikes. He has the ‘stuff’, but if he can’t control it, it will be difficult for him to consistently get big league hitters out. Kepler has yet to play because of an elbow injury. He’s still young and raw, but incredibly talented. 11. Joe Benson – Rochester Red Wings – .170/.235/.191 (.427) with 1-2B, 0-HR, 1-RBI. Benson has been bothered by his wrist early in the season and is off to a slow start. He’s primarily playing left field although he has already played all three outfield positions. 12. Kennys Vargas – Ft. Myers Miracle – .238/.294/.460 (.754) with 5-2B, 3-HR, 12-RBI in 63 AB. Vargas just looks like David Ortiz. He’s fun-loving, and strong. He has a ton of power, but has a lot of work to do to advance. The talent is there! 13. Danny Santana – New Britain Rock Cats – .250/.267/.319 (.586) with 1-2B, 2-3B, 0-HR, 7 RBI in 72 AB. Early in the season Santana has had offensive struggles. That could be attributed to small sample size. Another concern might be the eight errors he already has committed at shortstop. 14. Travis Harrison – Cedar Rapids Kernels – .291/.349/.527 (.876) with 7-2B, 2-HR, 8-RBI in 55 AB. Harrison has tremendous power potential, power that has yet to develop. He certainly looks the part with a strong, balanced swing. He has five errors on the season. 15. Alex Wimmers – Disabled List – Wimmers had Tommy John surgery last August, so he will likely be getting on a mound for the first time in 5-6 weeks. He might start rehabbing when the GCL season begins. 16. Adam Walker – Cedar Rapids Kernels – .264/.328/.358 (.686) with 2-2B, 1-HR, 9-RBI in 53 AB. Walker has as much power as anyone in the organization, including Miguel Sano. He is a big, strong man. Last night, he hit a long blast for his second home run. His father was a replacement player for the Vikings back in the ‘80s. 17. Chris Herrmann – Rochester Red Wings – .175/.233/.200 (.433) with 1-2B, 2-RBI, in 40 AB. Herrmann is struggling early in the season, his first games at the AAA level. He has primarily been catching, though he has the versatility to play other positions as well. 18. BJ Hermsen – New Britain Rock Cats – 0-1, 9.64 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K. Hermsen went to big league spring training. After being optioned out, he was sidelined by an intercostal strain. He made his first start of the season on Sunday for the Rock Cats. 19. Jorge Polanco – Cedar Rapids Kernels – .300/.323/.417 (.739) with 4-2B, 1-HR, 11-RBI in 60 AB. Polanco had good offensive numbers a year ago in Elizabethton, but I wasn’t able to move him higher up this list. When I update this list, he will move up. Having seen him play, the quality of his game was a pleasant surprise. Specifically, it was great to see him swing and hit. I now am a believer in his potential with the bat. He has a ways to go, but he has a decent chance. 20. Luke Bard – Extended Spring Training Disabled List – Bard is in extended spring training fighting some arm soreness. When he is able to reach the pitch count limit, he will move up to Cedar Rapids and possibly go directly to Ft. Myers. 21. Adrian Salcedo – Ft. Myers Miracle – 1-0, 5.63 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 8 IP, 10 H, 0 BB, 8 K. A former Top 10 prospect, he had a lost 2012 season due to elbow and shoulder injuries. He did not have surgery, and he is being brought along slowly. So far, he has been used only out of the bullpen. 22. Mason Melotakis – Cedar Rapids Kernels – 1-1, 2.84 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12.2 IP, 12 H, 7 BB, 11 K. Melotakis was one of the 2012 draft picks who was a college reliever who will get an opportunity to start in 2013. He has had mixed results through three starts. He’s limited runs, though he has given up a lot of base runners. He throws 94 from the left-side, so he’s got a chance.) 23. Nate Roberts – Disabled List – Roberts had a good year at Beloit last year, and then he went to Arizona and led the AFL in Batting Average, On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage. Unfortunately, he tore his meniscus while preparing for the season and is on the disabled list awaiting clearance to play. 24. Michael Tonkin – New Britain Rock Cats – 1-0, 6.23 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 8.2 IP, 10 H, 4 BB, 7 K. Tonkin took a big step forward in 2012 and with a big fastball/slider combination he has a chance to move up quickly in 2013. He is off to a slow start so far in New Britain. 25. Pedro Hernandez – Minnesota Twins – 0-0, 3.86 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 9.1 IP, 8 H, 3 BB, 4 K. The lefty had a very good camp with the Twins but he went back to Rochester to stretch out and start. He never did pitch for the Red Wings as he was needed for a spot start with the Twins. He has stuck with the big league club. 26. Danny Ortiz – New Britain Rock Cats – .313/.356/.582 (.938) with 7-2B, 1-3B, 3-HR, 13-RBI in 67 AB. Often overlooked among the Twins outfield prospects, Ortiz can hit. The Puerto Rican is off to a fast start with the Rock Cats. He can play all three positions. He’s not a big guy, but he packs a big punch. 27. Niko Goodrum – Cedar Rapids Kernels – .298/.400/.383 (.783) with 4-2B, 0-HR, 5-RBI in 47 AB. Niko is a tremendous athlete who is finally growing into his frame. He plays a very good shortstop. He has greatly improved his swing from the left-side. He’s has a chance to keep moving up. 28. Matt Summers – Ft. Myers Miracle – 1-1, 4.30 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 14.2 IP, 16 H, 5 BB, 5 K. Summers certainly looks the part of potential starter. He has the motion and the delivery. He has stuff and touches 93 at times. I'm not sure why he doesn’t get many strikeouts as a starter. 29. Hudson Boyd – Cedar Rapids Kernels – 1-1, 5.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 14.0 IP, 13 H, 7 BB, 12 K. Boyd is young, and has a lot to work on, but after seeing him in person, I can see why the team made him a supplemental first-round pick. He has a good arm, a good changeup and a good curveball. He’ll develop and has a chance to be good. 30. Levi Michael – Disabled List – Michael struggled throughout his first pro season in 2012. In 2013 he has fought a shoulder injury. In his stead, former Gopher and Minnetonka native AJ Pettersen has run with the shortstop job in Ft. Myers, hitting .360 on the season while batting at the top of the order. Michael is likely out another week or two and when he’s healthy he’ll likely be starting. Feel free to ask questions about these 30 prospects or any other prospect in the Twins farm system. View full article