Seth Stohs

I think this is so important to the players' development. that was a great decision.

He does have an invite to spring training and will be reporting on Saturday. According to Rob Antony, he just threw his first bullpen a week ago.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1373-Twins-Sign-Lefty-Reliever-Rafael-Perez

Via Twitter, the Star-Tribune's LaVelle Neal announced the signing of left-handed reliever Rafael Perez to a minor league contract today. He had been non-tendered by the Cleveland Indians in November after pitching in just eight games for the team in 2012. He fought a side injury early in the season and later was out for the season due to a shoulder injury. However, in his seven seasons (all in Cleveland), he was a very good reliever, most of the time. In all, he worked 329 innings in 338 games. He posted an ERA of 3.64 with a WHIP of 1.33. In 2009, he posted a 7.31 ERA in 54 games. However, in his five other big league seasons, he never posted an ERA over 3.54. The left-hander's platoon splits are actually quite similar. In his career, lefties have posted a .678 OPS while right-handed batters posted a .694 OPS. He has struckout 21% of right-handed batters faced and about 17% of left-handers. Although he is just 30-years-old, his best years were 2006 through 2008 when he averaged more than a strikeout per inning. His K-Rates the past four seasons have been 6.0, 5.3, 4.7 and 4.7, so expectations should be kept minimized. What does it mean for the Twins? Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing will be in the Twins bullpen. If the Twins choose to have a third lefty in the bullpen, Perez will compete with Tyler Robertson, who spent the second half of the 2012 season with the Twins, and Minnesotan Caleb Thielbar, who was added to the Twins 40 man roster in November after pitching well at three levels a year ago. Specifics of the minor league deal are not yet public.

Via Twitter, the Star-Tribune's LaVelle Neal announced the signing of left-handed reliever Rafael Perez to a minor league contract today. He had been non-tendered by the Cleveland Indians in November after pitching in just eight games for the team in 2012. He fought a side injury early in the season and later was out for the season due to a shoulder injury. However, in his seven seasons (all in Cleveland), he was a very good reliever, most of the time. In all, he worked 329 innings in 338 games. He posted an ERA of 3.64 with a WHIP of 1.33. In 2009, he posted a 7.31 ERA in 54 games. However, in his five other big league seasons, he never posted an ERA over 3.54. The left-hander's platoon splits are actually quite similar. In his career, lefties have posted a .678 OPS while right-handed batters posted a .694 OPS. He has struckout 21% of right-handed batters faced and about 17% of left-handers. Although he is just 30-years-old, his best years were 2006 through 2008 when he averaged more than a strikeout per inning. His K-Rates the past four seasons have been 6.0, 5.3, 4.7 and 4.7, so expectations should be kept minimized. What does it mean for the Twins? Glen Perkins and Brian Duensing will be in the Twins bullpen. If the Twins choose to have a third lefty in the bullpen, Perez will compete with Tyler Robertson, who spent the second half of the 2012 season with the Twins, and Minnesotan Caleb Thielbar, who was added to the Twins 40 man roster in November after pitching well at three levels a year ago. Specifics of the minor league deal are not yet public.

I used to think it was because they had older players, but as I've looked the last few years, their hitters have been generally younger than league average and the pitchers have been right at about league average. so, it can't be that. I would say they get good coaching and that one of their focuses is on helping the players adjust to being professional and all that entails very well. The last time the Twins had a pick as high as #2 was when they took Mauer in the 2001 draft. He flew through the system and was starting on Opening Day 2004. Different people, positions, games, etc., but the Twins won't be afraid to advance him quickly if he's ready.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1371-TD-Twins-Top-Prospects-2-Byron-Buxton

Age: 19 (DOB: 12/18/93) 2012 Stats Rookie: .248/.344/.429, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 33 R, 11/14 SB ETA: 2016 Yesterday, when writing about Minnesota Twins #3 prospect Aaron Hicks, Nick wrote “When it comes to physical tools, Aaron Hicks is tough to top.” If there is anyone in the Twins organization that could, it will be fellow outfielder Byron Buxton. At 6-2 and 180 pounds, Buxton is a tremendous five-tool athlete. Although he was a prospect on a national stage throughout his high school career, he made a name for himself when he put on a batting practice display at the 2011 Under Armour All-America game. As a senior, he hit .545/.649/.852 with 35 stolen bases in 36 attempts. While Hicks was taken with the 14th overall pick in 2008, Buxton was the second overall pick in the 2012 draft. Deemed the best player available in the draft, he signed fairly quickly to a $6 million signing bonus ($200K under slot), the highest signing bonus of the year. When the Twins drafted him with the second pick, he was sent to Ft. Myers to prepare to start his professional career. A couple of weeks later, he debuted with the GCL Twins. He missed time with a hamstring strain, but in 27 games, he hit .216/.324/.466 (.789). He hit four doubles, three triples and four home runs. On August 6th, he and fellow 2012 1st round pick and Twins Daily #8 prospect JO Berrios were promoted to Elizabethton. With the E-Twins, he hit .286/.368/.429 with six doubles, a triple and a home run. He also stole seven bases in seven attempts and patrolled centerfield for the Appalachian League champions. Following the season, Baseball America named him the top prospect in both the Gulf Coast League and the Appalachian League. [ATTACH=CONFIG]3256[/ATTACH] The Good Knowing how important the #2 overall pick was to the future of the organization, VP of Player Personnel, Mike Radcliff, was heavily involved in the scouting and the draft. Regarding Buxton, Radcliff said, “He has high-end physical tools, and the ceiling to impact the game in all phases. Regarding Buxton’s first go-‘round in professional baseball, Radcliff called it “successful” and added, “For a young prospect, he handled the rigors of pro baseball and established himself in the development process.” Twins Director of Minor League Operations Brad Steil added, “Byron showed his impressive athletic ability and tools. He got off to a slow start in the GCL, but he handled himself well and made adjustments to pro ball, and that’s really what the first year is all about.” Byron Buxton has all of the tools. He can hit, and despite his slender frame, he has a ton of power potential. He can run. In fact, according to Jeremy Nygaard’s profile in the Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook 2013, “his speed is eye-popping too as one scout measured him at 3.89 seconds from home to first base. That time matched Bo Jackson for the fastest out of the batter’s box for a right-handed hitter.” He once tagged up and scored from second base on a routine fly ball to right field.His speed also can be demonstrated in centerfield where he gets to balls that most wouldn’t. He has a very strong arm which is illustrated by a 98-mph fastball that he used to strikeout 18 batters in seven innings in the Georgia AA state championship game in 2012. Unlike Hicks, who was clocked with a 97-mph fastball in high school and was scouted by most pro teams as a pitching prospect, Buxton has been viewed solely as an outfielder. What are his best tools? Steil says, “His speed and arm strength are easy to see. You can also see that he’s a professional kid and a good worker.” According to Radcliff, “His bat’s speed is unique. He is a top-of-the-scale runner. His arm and defensive skills are special.” Along with his great tools, scouts were just as impressed with his competitiveness, his makeup and his great family. The Bad The toughest part about toolsy high school draft picks is that it often takes time and patience for those tools to turn into skills. A FanGraphs article warned Twins fans from thinking that Buxton will move up terribly quickly. It used fellow-toolsy outfield pick Aaron Hicks as the comparison. Most scouts tend to believe that the “hit” tool is the one that Buxton will struggle with most. In 189 rookie-league plate appearances, Buxton struckout 41 times. Over 600 plate appearances, that would equate to 130 strikeouts. As Steil noted, “As with most high school drafts, learning how to take professional at bats and make adjustments will be the biggest challenge, but he did show a pretty good feel for the strike zone for and 18-year-old." Radcliff agreed, “As is the case with any young prospect, the development of his hit approach will dictate his advancement and ultimate performance ceiling.” It’s impossible to know how an 18-year-old with a ton of talent, athleticism and tools will turn out as a big leaguer. There is the fact that baseball is not exactly an easy game. Radcliff added, “Buck’s challenge for 2013 is to continue to develop his skills and realize that importance of maintaining his body and respect the game.” The Bottom Line Byron Buxton fits the long line of high Twins draft picks who are immensely talented and athletic. As has been the case with most of them, patience will be a virtue for the player, the organization and for the Twins’ fans. There is a chance that he will spend the 2013 season in the Twins’ new Midwest League affiliate, the Cedar Rapids Kernels, though that is not a given. According to Steil, “I think Cedar Rapids is realistic to start the season. We’ll see how spring training goes and we’ll do what we think is best for Byron’s development. As the FanGraphs article concluded, “For all of the questions surrounding the development of Aaron Hicks, it now appears the Twins were correct to move him slowly. Buxton may need to be treated with the same kid gloves. This leaves Minnesota as the perfect landing spot for the teenage phenom.” When asked how good Buxton can be, most believe that his floor is BJ Upton. Yes, the same BJ Upton who just signed a 5 year, $75.25 million free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves. When asked about his ceiling, many say that he has the ability to be as good as guys like Justin Upton ad Matt Kemp while the name of Andrew McCutchen continues to pop up. Radcliff remarked, “At this stage of his development, there are no limits. Our organizational hallmarks of patience and attention to detail will all him to dictate his own advancement.” Steil added, “He certainly has the tools to be a very good defensive centerfielder and an impact type of player in the Major Leagues. Keep in mind that he’s only entering his first full professional season, so the focus will be on skill development and helping him learn the game.” The Twins wanted to be sure about that #2 pick. In fact, the Twins sent 11 scouts to see Buxton play at Appling County High School, a small town with incredible humidity in outstate Georgia. However, fans of the high school baseball team showed up to watch Buxton and his teammates. In conclusion, Mr. Radcliff pointed out, “Our scouts had the conviction in their projections to believe he can be a franchise player, another in the line of Puckett, Hunter, Span, Revere and no possibility. [TD’s Top Ten Prospects: #10: Max Kepler] [TD’s Top Ten Prospects: #9: Trevor May] [TD's Top Ten Prospects: #8: J. O. Berrios] [TD's Top Ten Prospects: #7 Eddie Rosario] [TD's Top Ten Prospects: #6 Kyle Gibson] [TD's Top Ten Prospects: #5 Alex Meyer] [TD's Top Ten Prospects: #4 Oswaldo Arcia] [TD’s Top Ten Prospects: #3 Aaron Hicks]

They got the big time left tackle in this year's draft, that legit starting safety in the late first round of this year's draft, that top kicker in this year's draft, and two of the corners in the draft, not to mention Jarius Wright who showed some talent when playing. Guys got healthy... the Twins could get some pitchers back (Gibson, Hendriks, Pelfrey, Worley, Harden)... The difference is that the draft in baseball generally takes 5-7 years to show its effectiveness. That's the factor. They Vikings also got some improved play from quite a few players on the lines, and in various phases. The Twins are also hoping that a few of their players step up and improve.

Good article... I'll play along: 1.) Sano, 2.) Manaea (or whoever they take at #4, probably), 3.) Meyer, 4.) Buxton, 5.) Berrios, 6.) Rosario, 7.) May, 8.) Salcedo (he was a top 10 guy before getting hurt last year), 9.) Bard, 10.) Wimmers. I think that the Midwest League really is a tough league for hitters. I don't expect Buxton, Kepler, Harrison to put up great numbers. If they put up good numbers, that will be great. I think Meyer takes a step and pitches well in AA, and that May will make some improvements as well. I am a big believer in Rosario, but I just think the guys ahead of him will be there. I'm excited for Berrios.

Isn't there some part of the rule that says that either those that sign for $50,000 or less (or something like that) aren't counted, or you get a certain amount that can take you over the minimum?

Best place EVER!!!

While I believe this team might be able to win 75 games, I completely agree with Nick. I have never understood the fans that think playoffs or nothing (although those are probably the same fans that when they were making the playoffs that anything short of a WS championship is a failure). But I can't control what the team does or the front office does, so it's really hard for me to get too worked up over any of it. I enjoy the season if they win 95, and I enjoy watching when they lose 95... but winning 95 is way better... but it's baseball.

Just my opinion and thoughts: 1.) They really are in this for the long haul, not the short-term, quick fix. They're about the upside and that's in Meyer and May and Gibson, and they should still believe in Hendriks. Meyer and May are likely 2014 arrivals, but Gibson will be up soon and they're not going to let people get in his way, and specifically get in the way of their plan for him (whatever restrictions that means). Hendriks has nothing to do at AAA anymore and they have to find out what they have in him. it's good to have options as the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th starting pitchers (guys like Walters, Deduno, maybe Blackburn, De Vries, etc.) in an attempt to push them, but they need spots. Diamond was also a given to make the rotation (again, if healthy). Diamond, Gibson, Hendriks are 3/5 of the rotation at some point, so you only need two more to get to 5. 2.) Ben Revere is a nice player, but some/several in the organization saw him more as a 4th OF on a good team. They were able to get Vance Worley for him. In other words, they got a pitcher (their biggest need) who is at about the same spot in his career as Revere, hence, will have about 4 more years of team control before becoming a free agent. Worley is a solid mid-rotation type. But along with Worley, they were offered May too. So, they had to take that. 3.) Top of the line pitching - That's Alex Meyer potentially. Gibson is ranked a higher prospect by some, but also has solid #2 written all over him. 4.) They have a lineup that could score some runs still if a couple of guys step up. They also signed a few pitchers that could be OK if they step up. If Pelfrey is healthy most of the year, he's an upgrade. Worley is an upgrade and still has some upside. He's young. Harden was a no-risk guy who certainly has talent if he's healthy. 5.) So, now they want to have Diamond, Gibson, Hendriks in the rotation. Worley can be a long-term option and he's in the rotation. You add a couple of could-be-decent veterans if healthy like Pelfrey and Harden. You have lots of #6 starters who can fill in whenever. 6.) And then there's Correia. None of us understand the signing (for sure the 2nd season), but it's the reality. The hope there is he can throw 170-180 innings of something like 4.50-4.80 ERA. If he does that, then it's fine. So yes, it's not a team built to win the division, but they weren't going to do that no matter who they brought in. So, they'll develop 2-3 starters in the big leagues and let the upside guys (Meyer and May) continue to develop at an appropriate pace. They have Correia and a couple of other not-bad-if-healthy options and some #6 SP depth.

I kind of always feel bad for Restovich. He was a very strong prospect with the Twins when they had an outfield that included Jacque Jones, Torii Hunter and Matt Lawton and then Shannon Stewart and then Michael Cuddyer. He had amazing power but the strikeouts hurt him. Also, when given an opportunity, guys like Dustin Mohr and Michael Ryan came up fairly big in their initial attempts and got more opportunities.

Thanks again, AJ! I really enjoy you letting us live vicariously through you. I probably won't make it to Ft. Myers this spring unfortunately, but I can't quite so for sure that I won't either because AJ and a lot of the other Twins prospects are really great, very fan-friendly, and I'm glad that the Twins encourage that.

The one I've heard and used in the past was Carlos Beltran. I think Beltran had a couple of 30/30 seasons, and Hicks will likely not top the 15-20 HR range. He also won't steal bases at the high percentage that Beltran did, or likely hit for as much BA. But I think a general scouting report would indicate the he can be a poor-man's Carlos Beltran. I really like Hicks. Spent a good ten minutes talking to him at Twins Fest, and then another couple of minutes each day. Just a terrific guy. I'd talked to him, kind of, at previous Twins Fests and he was really quiet and reserved. He spoke this year with an excitement, a poise and a confidence that I hadn't seen before. He's smart. He knows the opportunity he's been given this spring and he's excited about it. It was just kind of neat to see that change in confidence. Like he knows he belongs, and I think that's very important. I'll have an article on him in the coming days.

Because he lives here (and Vancouver and Arizona), his wife and her family are here, because the money is good and his kids are set for life... I get what you're saying, but as with any real job, there have to be 'intangible' factors. You would hope that there is more to the game than "just a business" for some of them. That said, I think that if Gardy goes, Morneau won't want to stick around anyway. I think they have to see what they have in Parmelee and Arcia, and if Morneau can be healthy all year. If so, I have nothing against locking up Morneau for another 3 years at something like $20-25 million, if he'll take it. I appreciate guys that that want to stay and actually get to.

I am very high on Arcia, but Parker's right in his article... the one concern is his ability to hit left-handed pitching. I hope that the AA numbers are the real deal.

I don't necessarily disagree. I think De Vries will be given a legitimate shot.

After missing all of last season, we have absolutely no idea of where he is at right now. If he pitches really well this spring, his percentage will increase as we go along. I just think that he's got a lot to overcome. Lots of bullpen guys who are out of options, questions about his durability to start. I hope he can be healthy and get back to what he once had the potential to become. I just don't know that it happens right out of spring training.

Correct, but what he is very unlikely to do is sign a multi-year deal until Meyer is a free agent. That may prove beneficial to the Twins if he were to get hurt, but his clients typically go year to year to maximize their value.