Seth Stohs

Hopefully we'll hear more about the other managerial assignments soon. Probably as soon as Mientkiewicz decides what he wants to do.

This morning, the Rochester Red Wings announced that former Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade has accepted the job as manager of the team. Tim Doherty, hitting coach, and Marty Mason, pitching coach, remain with the team in 2015. From the LONG Red Wings press release: Quade (pronounced KWAH-dee), 57, served as a roving outfield/baserunning coordinator with the New York Yankees organization in 2014. “After a few years away from managing I was fortunate enough to have an organization that I have the utmost respect for offer me an opportunity to get back to doing what I've done for so many years,” said Quade. “I am truly looking forward to making Rochester another chapter in my baseball life. My thanks to the Twins for bringing me on board.” “We are extremely excited to have Mike Quade as our manager and we look forward to welcoming him to Rochester,” said Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason. “Mike brings a vast amount of baseball knowledge and managerial experience, having managed at the highest level of this game.” The Evanston, Ill. native went 95-104 over his one-plus season in Chicago from 2010-11. He took over as manager of the Cubs on August 23, 2010 after Lou Piniella announced his retirement, and guided the club to a 24-13 record to finish the 2010 season – the second-best mark in baseball over that span. The Cubs went 71-91 under Quade the following season. In addition, he’s also accumulated Major League coaching experience with the Oakland A’s as first base coach from 2000-02 and the Cubs as third base coach from 2007-10. “We’re very excited to announce Mike Quade as the new Red Wings manager,” said Twins Director of Minor League Operations, Brad Steil. “With his leadership, experience, and passion for the game, he will be a great addition to the Red Wings family and the Rochester community.” The 2015 campaign will be Quade’s 18th as a minor league manager compiling a combined 1,213-1,165 (.510) record across five different organizations (PIT, MON, PHI, OAK and CHC). His teams have finished better than .500 in 10 of his first 17 seasons as a minor league skipper, including six of his last eight seasons at the helm. Quade has led his teams to five league championship series, winning titles with West Michigan (A) in 1996 and Vancouver (AAA) in 1999 as part of the A’s system. His ’99 Vancouver club would go on to win the Triple-A World Series over Charlotte in five games. Moreover, Quade is a two-time league Manager of the Year award winner at Double-A Harrisburg of the Eastern League in 1991 and Triple-A Ottawa of the International League in 1993. The upcoming season will be Quade’s 10th as a Triple-A manager and fourth in the IL having previously managed Ottawa (1993) and Scranton/WB (1994-95). In his playing days, Quade spent five seasons in the Pirates organization after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the 22nd round of the 1979 draft out of the University of New Orleans. As a utility player, his playing career peaked at Double-A Buffalo in 1981 before finishing his career with two seasons in A-ball for Alexandria. He batted .264 with five homers and 128 RBI in 424 career games. The Red Wings’ 2015 campaign begins April 9 against the Buffalo Bisons at Coca-Cola Field. Quade’s home debut will come April 11 against the Bisons as the Wings will open the gates at Frontier Field for a 19th season. For information regarding season tickets, mini plans or group outings call (585) 454-1001 during normal business hours or visit us online at RedWingsBaseball.com.

Yeah, any feedback is welcomed! I know those who ordered Paperback copied have likely not even received their books yet. When you get your book and have had a chance to read through it, please do the survey.

People should read what he told me his goals were in the Prospect Handbook!

I did a Q&A with JO before last season, and for the Prospect Handbook, I interviewed him again. Just a tremendous kid, and from the comments other teammates said about him in the article, he must be a harder worker than anyone else ever. It's such a big point for anything who is asked about him. I just hope he can stay healthy. He became a father last year, and he got married last weekend. Good family too.

That's a bit deceiving. He's played two years of A-Ball, one at Low-A and one at High-A...

JR Graham was on the Twins Hot Stove show with Kris Atteberry on Wednesday night. Check it out here.

Pelfrey didn't have a terrific season.

When I saw he had been DFAd, I thought he made a lot of sense. I think they still have DFA options on the 40 man. Sierra's not anything exciting. He's maybe a small step ahead of Shane Robinson, primarily since he's younger, though Robinson is a much better centerfielder. The outfield will be Hunter in Right and Oswaldo Arcia in Left... In Center, they can go with Aaron Hicks with Jordan Schafer as the 4th OF... Or, if they want Hicks in AAA to start the season, they can go with Schafer and Robinson as a platoon. Sierra can fit into that second equation, if they want.

Was so happy when he got the call up last year. There was nothing more he could have done to earn it. Good for him. Had a nice debut outing. I think he can be a big league swingman. I'm happy for him. A little surprised at the 40 man spot, but good for him! I'm sure it's still a split contract, but he'll make league minimum (or slightly more) in the big leagues and probably a couple-hundred thousand if he's in the minors.He's got two option years left.

My opinion is that Atlanta will just take him back. Maybe I'm wrong, but the guy is really talented so unless the Twins offered something really good, I can only see him making the big league bullpen or being offered back.

Though they did do that with Ryan Pressly two years ago. My thought is the Braves would prefer to get him back and they wouldn't be able to work out a trade. My assumption is if he doesn't make the team, he is lost. But, who knows.

On Sunday, I posted a Q&A with Twins minor league Rule 5 draft pick Greg Peavey. It was fun to get to know a little about him. Today, I’m happy to provide an interview with the Twins Major League Rule 5 draft pick, JR Graham. You can learn much more about Graham in the Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook 2015.The Twins selected the right-hander with the fifth pick in the Rule 5 draft. He was a top prospect with the Braves a couple of years ago, with a fastball that touched triple digits. Shoulder injuries have stalled his progress the last two years, but the Twins scouts who saw him in 2014 liked what they saw. Twins pro scouting director Vern Followell told Mike Berardino that they saw him hit 97 and 98 mph this year. With any MLB Rule 5 pick, Graham will need to stick with the Twins, on their 25-man roster, through the 2015 season or be offered back to Atlanta. His opportunity with the Twins would be primarily out of the bullpen. He will turn 25 in January. Graham was drafted in the 46th round of the 2008 draft by his favorite team while growing up, the Oakland A’s. Graham said, “I would have to say my favorite team growing up was the Oakland As, but I did also like the San Francisco Giants. Some of my favorite players growing up were Tim Hudson, Randy Johnson (same home town and high school), and Pedro Martinez. It’s funny to look back now and realize they were all pitchers I enjoyed the most since I played shortstop growing up and rarely pitched.” He decided to go to college at Santa Clara University. Three years later, the Braves used their fourth round pick on him. He rocketed up prospect rankings with a fastball and ranked as high as the Braves #3 prospect. Unfortunately in 2013, he started experiencing some shoulder issues that have curtailed his last two seasons. “The shoulder injury had to be one of the most frustrating things in my life. You just feel helpless. It’s a moment I will never forget. I threw the pitch, and I felt it go. I remember just walking around the mound not knowing what to do. You have no way of knowing what is exactly wrong with you, but I knew whatever it was I was going to work through it and come back and be able to pitch. Right now, I feel 100% and can’t wait to get down to spring training and show everyone what I've got.” Last Thursday though, after four season in the Atlanta organization, Graham got the news that he had been selected in the Rule 5 draft. “The funny thing about the morning of the Rule 5 is that I wasn't actually paying much attention to it. I was driving from Orlando to Jacksonville to be a groomsman in my buddy’s wedding, Gus Schlosser, who pitched for Atlanta last year. So all of a sudden my phone started ringing like crazy, and I knew something good had to have happened. Once I did know I was selected by the Twins, it was a huge relief and I couldn't have been happier. I have been in contact with the Twins since the Rule 5.” Of course, with all his time spent in Atlanta, he was able to accumulate many great moments and friendships. “I had a lot of great memories with Atlanta, so it is hard to put just one down. But the one that is sticking out in my mind would have to be my first big league spring training and taking the mound for the first time. It was just a huge rush and crazy because I was on the field with the same guys I was watching on TV a year earlier.” He isn’t completely unfamiliar with the Twins organization. He knows a few of the players and recognizes many others. “I was excited to get back on the same teal as Gilly (Sean Gilmartin), but he also got Rule 5'd, and I couldn’t be happier for him. I wish him luck over with his new organization. I do know a couple of other guys in the Twins organization. One of my best friends growing up was David Hurlbut. We played travel ball growing up. I know Tyler Jones, Tim Shibuya, Zach Jones. I got to play with Jordan Schafer over with Atlanta. I also remember playing against the Elizabethton Twins in the Appy League so I am sure I will remember a few other names.” Danville is the Appalachian League affiliate of the Braves. Elizabethton and Danville are frequently the teams to beat in their divisions. That 2011 Elizabethton team included Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, Max Kepler and Niko Goodrum. So, what do we know about Graham as a pitcher? Well, why don’t we let him give us a scouting report on himself? “I am an aggressive pitcher. Once I get on that mound, I dont think anyone can beat me. I try to be a bulldog out there and have ‘No Fear.’ I throw a 4-seam and a 2-seam fastball, a slider and a change up.” Graham still spends his off-seasons in California with his parents and his sisters. He keeps pretty active away from the game of baseball as well. His hobbies include “working out, playing video games, learning to play guitar, a little bit of golf, watching movies, and going out on the boat to wakeboard and do some bare-footing.” I believe he really does have a chance to impress the Twins brass enough for them to want to keep him around. When the Twins selected Scott Diamond from the Braves in the Rule 5 several years ago, they were able to send Billy Bullock to the Braves in order to keep him in the organization. My sense is that if he doesn't make the Twins 25-man roster out of spring training, the Braves may want him back and not be willing to work out a trade this time around. Graham is excited about being selected in the Rule 5 draft and coming to the Twins organization. “Going into spring, I am just thankful for this opportunity the Twins are giving me. My dream has always been to be a major league baseball player. I can’t wait to get started with the Twins organization. It’s going to be a lot of fun!” Click here to view the article

I'm with you in one way... The only way we're able to see if they "dominate" the league is through the stats. Often I read people wanting guys rushed up because they are killing the ball for 3 weeks or a month... a lot of times, those guys will get figured out. Sometimes experiencing that struggle and then making the adjustments is for the best. Coaches that watch and interact with these guys every day are the ones who likely know best. It's not just about the numbers. It's about defense. It's about approach at the plate and in the field. It's about maturity. So, I don't fully agree with the need to 'dominate' a league statistically to move up, but I do agree with having a bunch of check boxes marked off before moving guys up.

I'm not a fan of hoarding guys there... But, for instance, with Deibinson Romero gone and Miguel Sano likely shaking off rust for awhile in AA, I would have no problem with the Twins signing a AAA/AAAA caliber 3B to fill the Rochester roster until Sano is ready. Might be the same with guys like Rosario and Polanco and Turner and Burdi and Reed and Michael and Rogers and Wheeler and, and, and... AA is considered the level with the best prospects. They're seeing the best fastballs and good sliders and guys that are young, motivated and just need a little more refinement. AAA is an area with older guys who have learned a lot in their time. The fastballs may not be as good, but pitchers are pretty savvy and know how to get punk-kid hitters out. They are different and yet both can be valuable in that, the big leaguers have pretty good stuff and know-how... It's this kind of discussion that just fascinates me about minor league baseball.

Yup, and after his 2014 season, he moved up all of our prospect lists... http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/sethspeaks

I acknowledge in the article the reason that average is what it is. But I will also say that these players need to play against the guys with more experience which are the people they're playing against. Also, if you want to define prospect, that's up to you. Anyone that has even the slightest chance to get to the big leagues? Only those that eventually get to the big leagues. I acknowledge that the AAA and to a lesser extent AA average age throws it off, but even if you were to make the AA one 24 and the AAA one 25, you'd still find similar results. It's more just to give a perspective on what the prospects are doing and where they are.

On KSTP last night, Darren Wolfson did a very nice story on Mounds View native Mark Hamburger. It's definitely worth taking a couple of minutes to watch. Click here to view.

We all like Meyer, and we all still like his potential. But there has to be some reason that he hasn't been called up yet. It could be that he has a ton of potential still and they want to make sure that he works out 2-3 things before getting exposed. It could be that they just don't believe that he is ready to be a starter in the big leagues and that maybe his future is as a bullpen guy. My guess is if you were to privately poll a dozen members of the Twins brass that would be educated on him, you'd probably find a 50/50 split. They aren't keeping Meyer down for any monetary reasons. They've shown plenty of times a willingness to call guys up younger, or at the beginning of the season instead of waiting a month or two. So, it's not that. That tells me that in their belief, it is in the best interest of Meyer to have kept him down to this point.

This should be the only criteria that should matter to Terry Ryan, Brad Steil and those decision-makers. Are they ready? Obviously there is no Magic 8-ball that makes that an easy decision on a player. Age shouldn't be a factor.

It's NEVER too old to make a major league debut. Ask Chris Colabello, Andrew Albers, Chris Coste, Chris Heintz. Now, to have a Hall of Fame career, of course you'll need to be up by the time you're 24 (and then be lucky enough to not only be really good, but do it for at least a dozen years). Buxton and Sano (should they get up at 21 and 22 - and for sure if they'd been up at 20 and 21) are rarities. I'm guessing a very small percentage of big leaguers made their debut at 20 or less. Think about it, anyone that went to college for even three years will almost automatically be 23 when they get called up AT THE EARLIEST. Winfield is an exception to that.

When developing prospect lists, one of many criteria that goes into the thinking is Age-to-Level data. High-ranking prospects are often guys with great tools who are performing at a level where they are very young. If you look near the top of the Top 30 prospect lists that Jeremy, Cody and I put together for the Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook 2015, you’ll see a lot of players who were very young for their level.In the Prospect Handbook, there are two pages dedicated to looking at the league average age and performance of hitters and pitchers at each level. Here is what was shown for the Ft. Myers Miracle and the Florida State League. FT. MYERS MIRACLE (82-57) · FSL Hitters – 22.6, .257/.325/.371 (.695) · Miracle Hitters – 22.4, .261/.339/.383 (.722) · FSL Pitchers – 23.2, 3.75 ERA, 1.33 WHIP · Miracle Pitchers – 23.3, 3.34 ERA, 1.32 WHIP What does it mean? As you can see, the Miracle hitters and pitchers were, on average, about the same as the league average. They also performed a little better than league average in offense and pitching. By itself, this information is kind of fun to look at, but more important, it provides perspective. If a 25 year old in the Florida State League hits .300/400/500 (.900), it’s good. But if a 20-year-old hits .275/.350/.400 (.750) in the same league, he is a very good prospect. The 25-year-old could still become a big leaguer, and could even have a solid career. The 20-year-old likely has a higher ceiling. So, with that bit of background, I thought it would be fun to take a look at which Twins prospects were the youngest at their level. Players that spent time in multiple levels can show up multiple times on this list. This is not a perfect analysis, but it does give a range. Baseball-Refence.com has a method in which each player plays a season at a certain age. JO Berrios was 19 when he began the season in Ft. Myers. He turned 20 in mid-May, so his 2014 season was considered his age-20 season. As you see above, the average age for a pitcher in the Florida State League was 23.2. So, in this analysis, Berrios was 3.2 years younger than the average pitcher in the Florida State League. Years Below League Average 2.2 Years: Nick Gordon at Elizabethton 2.2 Years: Nick Burdi at Ft. Myers 2.2 Years: Aaron Slegers at Ft. Myers 2.3 Years: Callan Pearce at GCL Twins 2.6 Years: Byron Buxton at Ft. Myers 2.6 Years: Jorge Polanco at Ft. Myers 2.6 Years: Ruar Verkerk at GCL Twins 2.9 Years: Trevor May at Rochester 2.9 Years: Stephen Pryor at Rochester 2.9 Years: Michael Tonkin at Rochester 2.9 Years: Aaron Hicks at Rochester (he was 0.7 years younger than the AA Eastern League hitters) 3.0 Years: Stephen Gonsalves at Cedar Rapids 3.0 Years: Fernando Romero at Cedar Rapids 3.0 Years: Kohl Stewart at Cedar Rapids 3.2 Years: JO Berrios at Ft. Myers 3.9 Years: Tyler Duffey at Rochester 3.9 Years: Jason Wheeler at Rochester 3.9 Years: Oswaldo Arcia at Rochester 4.0 Years: Lewis Thorpe at Cedar Rapids 4.7 Years: Byron Buxton at New Britain 4.7 Years: Jorge Polanco at New Britain 6.9 Years: JO Berrios at Rochester You may be asking yourself the very question that I asked myself. Where would Miguel Sano have fit on this list had he been able to play. It would have been his age-21 season. In his time in AA New Britain, he would have been 3.6 years younger than the average player. We can assume he also would have moved up to AAA at some point during the season. He would have been 5.9 years younger than league average. Here are a few notes about the above: The average age at AAA is pretty high. In the International League, the hitters and the pitchers averaged an age of 26.9. Triple-A isn’t so much about prospects. It’s about guys moving up and down from the big leaguers. It’s about journeymen in the organization to provide depth and help the affiliate win games.JO Berrios was very young for the Florida State League, so when he moved up to New Britain, he was even younger compared to his competition. When he made his final-weekend start with the Red Wings, he was competing against hitters who were about seven years older, and more experienced.Byron Buxton is one of the best prospects in baseball, but notice how quickly Jorge Polanco has moved up the system. Sure, he signed as a 16-year-old two years before Buxton was drafted, but he’s the same age as Buxton and he spent nearly half of his season in New Britain as well. As you know, he became a big leaguer (admittedly out of necessity) at the age of 20.Notice how young were some of those pitchers in Cedar Rapids were. Lewis Thorpe was about four years younger than the average hitter he was facing. Kohl Stewart spent the whole year with the Kernels, and was about three years younger than the competition. Fernando Romero came up at the same time as Thorpe, just a year older. Stephen Gonsalves was promoted for the final month of the Kernels season.I sometimes wonder if people realize just how young Oswaldo Arcia is. Despite a ton of strikeouts, he has shown tremendous power potential. And, he is younger than several players still in the minor leagues who are considered very good prospects.You see a couple of GCL Twins names, Callan Pearce and Ruar Verkerk. When players are signed from the Dominican Republic or Venezuela, they typically spend a year or two or three in the Dominican Summer League. Pearce is from South Africa. Verkerk is from The Netherlands. Players from those countries, Australia, Germany, etc., have to come to the States to play in the GCL and you can better understand why these guys take a little longer to develop.So, this article is intended to be informational regarding the Twins minor league system and minor league baseball in general. Age to level of competition is a topic that Cody wrote about often in his 2014 Recaps for each of the 158 players that were profiled in the Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook 2015. It also should just help put into perspective player performance and prospect rankings. Click here to view the article