Seth Stohs

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php?576-Minnesota-Twins-Top-50-Prospects-(Part-3-21-30)

Today, we continue our trek through my Top 50 Twins Prospects list by looking at my choices for prospects 21 through 30. Yesterday we looked at prospects 31-40, and the day before I presented prospects 41 through 50. I think that this 21-30 group is interesting. You still have some young players who have great potential but haven’t quite reached it... yet. You have a couple of players who have been ranked quite a bit higher who, for whatever reason, have fallen and are looking to move back up. Without further ado, let’s get to the list. Here are my choices for Twins Prospects 21-30: #30 –Jason Wheeler, LHP Those that follow the Northwoods League may remember that Wheeler was the Pitcher of the Year in 2010 when he pitched for the St. Cloud River Bats. The Twins made the 21-year-old their 8th round pick last year out of Loyola Marymount. At 6-6 and 260 pounds, he has a strong build and a very good delivery. His fastball touched 93 and due to his height, he gets a good downward plane. He has an improving changeup in the low 80s and an above average slow curveball. He didn’t sign in time to pitch last year, but in his first nine starts for Beloit, he is 5-1 with a 2.82 ERA. #29 – Miguel Munoz, RHP The Twins signed the now-23-year-old Munoz as a 17 year old in 2005 from Caracas, Venezuela. His 2011 season was lost due to elbow problems. The Twins went the rest-rehab route with Munoz, and he has been able to avoid Tommy John surgery. He did have some surgery to remove bone chips. He has recently returned to the Ft. Myers Miracle and pitched in seven games, making two starts. He has a four-seam fastball that reaches into the mid-90s. His two-seam fastball sinks and generates lots of groundballs. He has a decent curveball, and continues to work on a slider/cutter as well. #28 – JD Williams, OF Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario got all of the attention in Elizabethton in 2011, but JD Williams quietly put together some impressive numbers. He hit .324/.406/.465 with 12 doubles, a triple and four home runs. He was drafted as a shortstop out of his Florida high school in 2010. He is all about speed, one of the fastest players in the Twins organization. He moved up to Beloit this year where he is currently hitting .227/.308/.311 after a very slow start. He has eight doubles and a triple. He has already stolen eight bases. #27 – Max Kepler, OF It appears that Kepler will be returning to the Appy League for the 2012 season. In 2011 at Elizabethton, he hit .262/.347/.366 with 11 doubles, three triples and a home run. Solid, but unspectacular numbers in the hitter-friendly atmosphere. He was signed by the Twins in July of 2009 out of Germany. At 6-4 and 200 pounds, the 19-year-old is very strong and very fast. He has one of those classic left-handed swings. He can play all three outfield positions. #26 – Logan Darnell, LHP Darnell was the Twins 6th round pick in 2010 out of Kentucky. In 2011, he pitched in Beloit, Ft. Myers and made five starts in New Britain. In total, he recorded 11 wins and threw an impressive 150.1 innings. The 23 year old has the ability to throw four pitches for strikes. The southpaw’s fastball sits between88-91, occasionally hitting 93. He has a good changeup, a slider (81-84) and a slow curveball (75-76). He is currently 5-2 with a 4.53 ERA in nine starts with the Rock Cats this year. #25 – Tom Stuifbergen, RHP If Stuifbergen can get back on the mound soon, he could be a top 15 prospect again by the end of the season. If there has been one thing that has slowed Stuifbergen in his career, it has been injuries, and he is fighting some shoulder issues now. However, the 23 year old from the Netherlands has been very successful when he has been healthy. At 6-3, he has great control of a 2-seam and 4-seam fastball (touches 94), a curveball and a changeup. He has had a lot of success in international competition since making his name in the last WBC in a game against the Dominican Republic. Last fall, he led The Netherlands to the World Cup championship in Panama when he threw 17 shutout innings. Later, he was knighted in his homeland, so you can call him Sir Tom Stuifbergen. #24 – Angel Morales, OF Things started out so well for Morales, the Twins 3rd round pick in 2007 out of Puerto Rico. In 2008 in Elizabethton, he posted a 1.036 OPS with 12 doubles and 15 home runs. Since then, he has had his moments of success and still has glimpses of 5-tool talent. He missed most of 2011 with an elbow injury that finally required arthroscopic surgery. In 2012, things started out so well for Morales. Through April 24, he was 23-67 (.343). Since that date, he is 10-83 (.120). His season average is down to .220 (through 150 at bats). He has just seven extra base hits and has struck out 50 times. However, I still believe in his talent and his tools. He won’t turn 23 until late November, so I’m far from giving up on him. #23 – Corey Williams, LHP The Twins used their 3rd round pick last June on Vanderbilt lefty-reliever Corey Williams. At the time, there was some concern about signability. However, the Twins went $250,000 over slot to sign him. He throws a fastball between 92 and 94 mph. He has a very good changeup. He is very smart, and has very good stuff. He is currently with the Beloit Snappers where he has six saves. In 18.2 innings, he has walked ten but also struck out 21. #22 – David Bromberg, RHP Bromberg ended the 2010 season by making nine starts in Rochester. He was an easy choice to add to the 40 man roster following the season. In 2011, he started back with the Rock Cats in New Britain, but in late April, he took a liner and broke his forearm (which he was using to protect his face). He had surgery and missed over three months, but when he came back, he was still affected by it. He was removed from the 40 man roster after the season, cleared waivers and remains with the Twins. The 24 year old started this season with New Britain, in the bullpen. In five games as a reliever, he posted a 20.25 ERA in 4 innings. In six starts for the Rock Cats, he is 1-1 with a 1.42 ERA. In 31.2 innings, he has given up 20 hits, 13 walks and struck out 33 batters. At one point, he threw 20 consecutive scoreless innings. I’d expect him to move up to Rochester soon, and he is definitely back in the Twins picture. #21 – Pat Dean, LHP Dean was the Twins 3rd round pick in 2010 out of Boston College. He was hurt at the start of the 2011 season and yet he still pitched at Beloit, Ft. Myers and New Britain, although not to his talent level. He began 2012 back with Ft. Myers. He has made 10 starts and is 3-2 with a 2.78 ERA. The lefty has a fastball between 90-92 mph. He has an above average curveball and a very good changeup. He is barely striking out a batter every other inning, which is concerning, but he does have three good pitches, so those numbers should improve. I think he profiles pretty similarly to Brian Duensing. So, there you have my choices for Twins prospects 21-30.Later this week, I’ll be back tomorrow with my next installment which will be prospects 11-20). If you have any questions or comments on any of these prospects, please feel free to ask. [ATTACH=CONFIG]1036[/ATTACH]

Last night, Miguel Sano was 0-4 and committed his 15th error. He is 1-27 in his last 8 games. He is 3-36 since turning 19 (11 games).

Just tweeted: "Last night, Miguel Sano was 0-4 and committed his 15th error. He is 1-27 in his last 8 games. He is 3-36 since turning 19 (11 games)."

Thrylos, what do you think of the Burris ranking?

Twins Lineup: Denard Span CF Darin Mastroianni RF Joe Mauer C Josh Willingham LF Justin Morneau 1B Ryan Doumit DH Brian Dozier SS Trevor Plouffe 3B Jamey Carroll 2B SP: Scott Diamond

In my mind though, it's very simple. Each player is an individual and their job is not to push him to the big leagues, it is for him to be ready when he gets there, whether it is late next year or 2015 or later. See Giancarlos Stanton's stats in the Midwest League a couple of years ago.

I know in talking to Kyle that he uses Strasburg's timeline as his goal timeline. I also know that to this point, it's been going really well. I think he's going to be a guest on the podcast tomorrow night, so we'll be sure to ask him. He'll throw off the mound for the first time in less than two weeks. I'd think maybe a couple of innings in Extended Spring/GCL... then maybe a couple of starts at Ft. Myers, and at that point just see how he's doing.

That's my biggest concern... Obviously the changeup is his best pitch and the speed differential is what makes that, but if big league hitters are able to sit on the changeup and still react to the fastball, he could struggle.

Keep the questions coming because I don't always explain my logic well... and it's not that my logic is the correct and only way to think about it. Hopefully others learn from my stuff and create your own top 50 (or top 30) lists based on your logic.

Sure... if he can throw enough strikes.

Verified - No surprise, he is still on the 40 man roster. Not sure why the websites are both wrong.

Aggressively, I would say August of 2014... More likely, June of 2015.

I admittedly don't rank relievers as high as starters. My reasoning is that a decent 4th starter will throw 160 innings. A great reliever will pitched 60 innings. Now, I fully understand the high-leverage situations some of the time, but not all. I rank a guy I think will be a very good reliever (as I think Oliveros and maybe Guerra can be) around guys that I think could become #3 or #4 SP.

This is what it's all about, thanks to KSTP-Channel 5 last night: http://kstp.com/article/stories/S2629690.shtml?cat=1

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php?571-Minnesota-Twins-Top-50-Prospects-(Part-2-31-40)

Yesterday, we looked at my choices for Twins prospects 41-50. Today, we continue to look at our series on the Twins Top 50 prospects by seeing who I’ve got listed in placed 31 through 40. Like yesterday, you will see a couple of relievers that have a chance to be back-of-the-bullpen types if things work out. There are a couple of college-drafted pitchers who are pitching quite well, and there are some pitchers who were signed young who have a lot of potential. There are just two hitters in this group, and one of them is currently on the Twins roster. Without further ado, let’s get to the list. Here are my choices for Twins Prospects 41-50: #40 – Steven Gruver, LHP The Twins drafted the left-handed Gruver in the 7th round of last year’s draft out of the University of Tennessee. He signed quickly and pitched 31.1 innings for Elizabethton out of the bullpen. He was 1-0 with a 3.45 ERA. With a full offseason under his belt, the 22-year-old is back to starting this season with the Beloit Snappers. He is currently 3-3 with a 3.67 ERA through his first nine starts. #39 – Tim Shibuya, RHP Shibuya was the Twins 23rd round pick last year out of UC-San Diego where he went 40-15 with a 2.19 ERA over his four seasons there. Upon signing, he went to Elizabethton where he went 8-2 with a 3.30 ERA. In 73.2 innings, he walked just 11 and struck out 70. He threw the first seven innings of a no-hitter in July. The 22-year-old was named the Appy League pitcher of the year. He throws a low-90s fastball with an average curveball, changeup and slider. Through nine starts with Beloit, he is 2-2 with a 3.35 ERA. In 48.1 innings, he has walked just eight and struck out 42. In his last start, he threw a complete game shutout. #38 – Kuo-Hua Lo, RHP Lo was signed by the Twins in June of 2011 out of Taiwan where he was widely believed to be the top high school pitcher. The 5-11, 19 year old already throws 90-91 with the fastball but has touched as high as 94 on a radar gun. He also throws a slider and a split-finger pitch and is working on his curveball. He did not play in the US last year and debuted during Florida Instructional League last fall. Because of his talent, and also a high make-up displayed in several international competitions, it would surprise few if he started the season at Elizabethton. #37 – Luis Nunez, LHP Nunez signed with the Twins in 2009 from the Dominican Republic. The now-20 year old lefty throws very hard despite a small frame. Listed at 5-11 and just 160 pounds, there is certainly room for growth. Last year, he repeated in the GCL and dominated. He pitched in 16 games and went 5-0 with 5 saves, a 1.67 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. In 32.1 innings, he gave up just 23 hits, walked six and struck out 37, serving as the team’s closer. He will likely pitch for Elizabethton this summer. #36 – Manuel Soliman, RHP As most probably know, the Twins signed Soliman in March of 2007 and he spent two years struggling mightily with the bat as a 3B. he was moved to the mound and has been very intriguing as a pitching prospect. He threw a no-hitter in Elizabethton in 2010. Last year, he was a work horse for Beloit. He went 7-11 with a 3.97 ERA. In 136 innings, he walked 50 and struck out 120. Soliman throws a low-90s fastball, a two-seamer, and a very hard slider. He is a ground ball guy. He struggled in two early-season starts with the Ft. Myers Miracle this spring before being shut down. Many believe, myself included, that he is best suited for the bullpen where he can add a few more mph to an already very good fastball. #35 – Matt Hauser, RHP The Twins selected Hauser with their 7th round pick in 2010 out of the University of San Diego. In 2011, he spent time with Beloit, Ft. Myers and even made an appearance with New Britain late in their season. In 63.2 innings combined, he walked too many (29) and struck out a lot (75). Hauser throws a four-seam fastball that is clocked between 93 and 97 mph. He also throws a 1-seam fastball that sinks a lot. His slider is a great pitch and touches 87 mph. He has improved his control in 2012 with just seven walks in his first 23.2 innings for the Miracle. #34 – Danny Ortiz, OF 22-year-old Ortiz was the Twins 4th round pick in 2008 out of Puerto Rico. Despite being just 5-11 and 170 pounds, he has tremendous power. He has good speed, and is able to play all threw outfield positions well. He returned to Beloit to start this season and hit .299. He was promoted quickly to Ft. Myers where he has hit .250. Last year in Beloit, he hit .239/.294/.391 with 33 doubles, four triples and ten home runs. Playing in the Florida State League, it is unlikely we will see those numbers again, but over time, his power will show. #33 – Josh Burris, RHP The Twins used their 17th round pick in 2011 on the immensely talented Burris. He played last year at LSU-Eunice. As a utility player (playing 2B and in the OF), the converted catcher hit .273/.432/.364 with 13 stolen bases. However, the Twins took him as a pitcher. Although he was 1-1 with a 4.64 ERA in the team’s bullpen, he has the type of stuff that scouts drool over. Despite a 5-10, 180 pound frame, Burris has a fastball that sits between 91 and 94 mph. It is his curveball, however, that grabs people’s attention. His 12-6 ‘Yacker’ has been described to me as “filthy,” and “nasty” by other pitchers. I can’t tell you what hitters have called it. Control was his issue last year in college. In 21.1 innings, he walked 20 batters, but he also struck out 32. If his stuff can be harnessed, Burris could be the next Tom Gordon (for those that are too young to remember the 90s, this is very much a compliment!). #32 – Deolis Guerra, RHP Guerra came to the Twins as a much-hyped 18-year-old from the Mets in the Johan Santana trade. He struggled mightily thanks to the Mets pushing him far too quickly. Finally, the Twins moved him to the bullpen in the second half of the 2011 season, and he has been incredible since. In his last 27 games of 2011, he threw 52 innings. He allowed 36 hits, walked 13 and struck out 65. After giving up one run in 12.2 innings for the Rock Cats this spring, he was promoted to AAA where he has given up two earned runs in 16.2 innings. In total, he is 3-1 with a 0.92 ERA in 2012. In 29.1 innings, he has given up just 15 hits, walked six and struck out 29. Opponents are hitting just .152 off of him (.175 in AAA). The still-just-23-year-old works with a fastball in the upper-80s that can touch 92 at times. He has a good curveball, but it is his changeup that gets him to the next level. Does he have enough fastball for the big leagues? Well, we will likely find out in the next couple of months. #31 – Lester Oliveros, RHP Oliveros came to the Twins last August with Cole Nelson in the Delmon Young trade. The Venezuelan right-hander will turn 24 years old later this week. Although he pitched minimally for the Twins and Tigers in 2011, he began this season in AA New Britain. He posted a 1.42 ERA in 19 innings before being promoted to Rochester recently. He has thrown 5.2 scoreless innings with just four hits, one walk and nine strikeouts. Combined, he has not allowed a run in his last 17.2 innings pitched. Oliveros throws hard, reaching into the mid-90s. He has a hard slider as well, but it will be his control that will determine how good he can be as a big league pitcher. [ATTACH=CONFIG]1027[/ATTACH] So, there you have my choices for Twins prospects 31-40.Later this week, I’ll be back with my next installment which will be prospects 21-30). If you have any questions or comments on any of these prospects, please feel free to ask.

I'd be shocked if he wasn't "just optioned." But if it's wrong in two places, it's worth looking into, so I'll do that.

DeVries looks like a AAAA type. Sure, he doesn't have the dominating stuff which is why he's debuting in 2012 as a 27 year old. Of course, the same can be said of PJ Walters. Take out 2010 and DeVries has had good success at every level. I agree, expectations should certainly be tempered, but it is ok to be optimistic too... Frankly, I at least have some hope with Cole DeVries. He's replacing Jason Marquis, a guy who provided little hope to Twins fans. It's a rebuilding year. Why not give DeVries 5-6 starts and just see. I think his big league role would be more as a back of the bullpen type, but I know I'm excited for a good guy, a local guy, and a guy who has certainly put in his time in the organization!!

Robby Incmikowski and AJ Pettersen were the guests on tonight's SethSpeaks Weekly Minnesota Twins Podcast. It was lot of fun to talk to Robby and Aj about a plethera of subjects regarding media, the Twins, the draft, the Gophers, and much more. Check it out and leave feedback! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jack-steal/2012/05/23/sethspeaks-weekly-minnesota-twins-podcast