lightfoot789

I take it the 1.88 ERA is not enough for you? Lol I'll take the winner. Pitching to contact is not always bad. If your entire staff is "pitch to contact" then I would agree with you, but it doesn't hurt to have a guy or two who knows how to throw strikes and has incredible control.

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140531&content_id=77612272&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_l123&sid=l123 Read his stats for "May" under series probables in above link - OUTSTANDING Q&A with Matt Tomshaw http://twinsdaily.com/content.php/1343-12-Questions-With-Matthew-Tomshaw

The Miracle are the only affiliate not to have Video and/or Photos on their website from this season. We are 30+ game in to season and fans have no way to evaluate their prospects other than the written material they read on website. I would love to see what some of these guys look like (even an occasional photo). Despite new ownership move - what is the excuse for limited news coverage? How awesome would it have been to see Buxton score from 2nd on a wild pitch? Etc. Etc. Any thoughts?............................

Sounded like some very hard hit balls at Hammond field tonight (per radio sound). Mejia makes the Miracle a very dangerous team with his solid hitting. Does this mean Polanco plays more 2B now or does Mejia continue to move around the infield?

Despite my man crush - How awesome must it have been for Adam Brett Walker to hit a Home Run on his first MLB pitch against Boston Red Sox Saturday? He later hits a double in his next AB. Although only Spring Training - That had to be an awesome experience. Lower level Minor leaguers played well most of Spring Training games this year. (Polanco / Kepler / Vargas / etc.). Maybe they can handle failure better than most and should be moved a little quicker than the normal Twins Way. Trial by error might be the way to go if this Twins season goes upside down.

Is there an official roster for Fort Myers Miracle yet? I'd love to know who some of the pitchers are? Are they keeping 12 or 13 pitchers and same with position players?

Adam Brett Walker II hit the first pitch he saw in his first MLB game and drove it out of Jet Blue Stadium for a 2 run Home Run and the start of a key 7th inning rally, in which the Twins took the lead for good (7-4). It was the most runs the Twins had scored since March 14th. This kid is special. Does anyone know of the last time a Twin to hit a HR on his first professional MLB pitch? He followed his great start off with a double to left center in his next AB. 2 for 2 on the day. The most impressive thing about this kid is he is humble & just wins! I thought the minor leaguers played well overall in their call up assignment. Goodrum mustered up 2 BBs and played solid defense. Petterson played outstanding defense at 3B. Back to Walker:): I know it was the last Spring Training game, but it was still the Red Sox (World Champions). The pitcher he hit it off, had given up only 3 hits all spring and 0 runs before that HR. I couldn't find one highlight on any webcast news link. It was almost as if the HR never existed. I heard that leading up to and including his MLB ST game - he was 8 for 9 (thru 3 games) with 6 doubles - 1 HR - 1 single and a sac fly. He had something like 6 HRs during ST with 12 or 13 doubles (since March 11th). Are we still upset he doesn't walk enough? Would you rather he do damage to the ball or just get on base for the other mashers to bring him home? Let's see how many of you are excited for that gameplan this season? High OBP is what the Twins need. WRONG!!! Runs is what they need and it will come shortly (2015) in the form of prospects (including Adam Brett Walker II). WAS I THE ONLY ONE IMPRESSED?

Adam Brett Walker II hit the first pitch he saw in his first MLB game and drove it out of Jet Blue Stadium for a 2 run Home Run and the start of a key 7th inning rally, in which the Twins took the lead for good (7-4). It was the most runs the Twins had scored since March 14th. This kid is special. Does anyone know of the last time a Twin to hit a HR on his first professional MLB pitch? He followed his great start off with a double to left center in his next AB. 2 for 2 on the day. The most impressive thing about this kid is he is humble & just wins! I thought the minor leaguers played well overall in their call up assignment. Goodrum mustered up 2 BBs and played solid defense. Petterson played outstanding defense at 3B. Back to Walker:): I know it was the last Spring Training game, but it was still the Red Sox (World Champions). The pitcher he hit it off, had given up only 3 hits all spring and 0 runs before that HR. I couldn't find one highlight on any webcast news link. It was almost as if the HR never existed. I heard that leading up to and including his MLB ST game - he was 8 for 9 (thru 3 games) with 6 doubles - 1 HR - 1 single and a sac fly. He had something like 6 HRs during ST with 12 or 13 doubles (since March 11th). Are we still upset he doesn't walk enough? Would you rather he do damage to the ball or just get on base for the other mashers to bring him home? Let's see how many of you are excited for that gameplan this season? High OBP is what the Twins need. WRONG!!! Runs is what they need and it will come shortly (2015) in the form of prospects (including Adam Brett Walker II). WAS I THE ONLY ONE IMPRESSED?

Will these guys make Miracle team and/or who will be left off or added?

My thoughts: With so much talent still on the roster and increased pitching (Eades / Sulbaran / Segles?) possibly joining them by mid season - I think they will again make the playoffs and prove to be a force in the FSL. Possible lineup: 1. Jorge Polanco - leading off and playing SS. I heard he played for the past week. Line up changes since JD Williams went down with injury 2. Levi Michael - playing 2B and hoping for bump to AA as offense improves 3. Max Kepler - He has been killing the ball this spring (MLB and Minor league games) CF 4. AB Walker - 12 Doubles and 5 HRs in less than 20 spring days. RF (Run producer) 5. Dalton Hicks - Will continue to provide RBIs and hit in clutch situations - 1B 6. Travis Harrison - Great at hitting line drives with growing power - LF (replaces JD) 7. Stuart Turner - Will work well with staff and hold runners in place (Love Grimes too) C 8. Niko Goodrum - Has played 3rd w/ Harrison in LF - Best infield arm - Good OBP 9. Jonathan Murphy - DH provides great speed in certain gameplans or 9. Grimes / Turner at DH or another Power guy from AA club who moves down Pitching should continue to progress from second half of Kernels season. Under the Radar prospects who just win.

I've been studying the possible roster of the Ft. Myers Miracle this 2014 season. They are almost a replica of the 2013 Kernels except they are starting the season with Kepler as opposed to Buxton. Seth and Jeremy had different opinions as to how well they would do. One said they wouldn't even make the playoffs and the other had them with the best team within the organization. That being said - What do you think?

The 2012 ETown Twins (Appy League Champions) aka Cedar Rapids Kernels (Best Record in MiLB) will show you what Cohesion is all about in about 2 years. The question should be: WHAT DO THESE TEAMS HAVE THAT CREATE SO MUCH CHEMISTRY and CHAMPIONSHIP FLARE? They've done it with talent and chemistry and role players. They had fun doing it too. What is and was their magic formula?...........................

How much does a Radcliff try to get to know draftees on a personal level if they are not Top Prospects? Does he solely rely on the word of his managers at the lower levels and coaches at the lower level? What about when that late round draftee becomes a surprise Top Prospect? Basically I'm asking - When do prospects get to know Radcliff and learn of his (Twins front office) personal expectations? Following Draft? Rookie Ball? A? AA? AAA? or is it always the coaches who share expectations to the players? Great Article

The OBP is somewhat unrealistic for Player "A". That being said: With a slightly better OBP (.320), but better similar numbers in other categories, who would you then take? Player "A" is fictional - Player "B" is Joe Mauer's average numbers over 10 years. I hope we never become a money ball team. I like bunts and stolen bases and hit and runs. Play small ball with your small ball guys and let your Big Boppers do the Bopping. That should be the Twins Way of the future. Lot's of speed on the horizon and lot's of Power. The same way Jake Mauer led the Kernels to the BEST record in the MiLB. And he did it with a pitching staff that was 8th out of 16 teams. Speed and Power will be the Twins Way. Chemistry and Character will determine our future. How do our pieces fit moving forward? Is there chemistry with our prospects and Big Leaguers? Just do your job doesn't always work. I'm excited to see the chemistry of our lower level teams. Winning breeds winning.

Crazy Question: 1) Would you rather have player (A) who averaged 1 hit per game while going 1 for 4 every game during his season, but got on base at a .250 OBP and had a .527 Slugging Percentage. (30 HRs / 10 Triples / 30 Doubles / 92 singles / 302 Total Bases / 104 Runs Scored / 124 RBI)? or 2) Would you rather have player ( who through an entire season, got on base at a .405 OBP and had a .468 Slugging percentage. (10 HRs / 4 Triples / 28 Doubles / 168 singles / 276 Total Bases / 84 Runs Scored / 62 RBI)? Consider that these stats stay pretty consistent from year to year. Both players play for the same team, however player “A” hits in the 4 hole and Player “B” hits in the 2 hole. Which player would you consider more valuable? Both have a strong value in terms of winning needs. The crazy question becomes: Who helps us win now with the current roster in place? And Who helps us win more in 2016 and beyond? In my opinion - Player "A" is a game changer and Player "B" is the model of consistency. Player "A" can change a game outcome with 1 swing, while Player "B" needs a stronger cast of players around him to prove his worth. YOUR PICK WOULD BE............? & WHY?

How was the hitting in the game? I would like to know who hit the ball hard and who looks primed for a quality season (thus far)? In 2012 the Twins were Top 10 in MLB in OBP and nearly last in HRs & sub .400 Slugging%. Where did they finish? How'd that formula work for them? The Kernels on the other hand had 89 more RBIs than the next closest oponent in their league. Result = Best record in MiLB - The also led the league in OBP (smaller margin) & Slugging % (only team over .400 OBP). That being said: OBP is extremely important, but the team with the most runs wins everytime. JUST WIN - Don't just get on base because its a cool stat. You need to score too.

Minor leaguers have been in camp for 2+ days and there is no information on the happenings of our minor leaguers: How are practices going? Who looks in shape or out of shape? What interesting drills are guys going through? What guys are practicing new positions and how do they look? Are they with teams or soley position groups at this point of camp? When do games start? Are there schedules available to post? I'm Talking Practice Fellas - Practice. Give me some news

Nice Article. I like the fact that J.D. Williams called the trio of Goodrum - Buxton and Himself the Soul Patrol while they played in Cedar Rapids. He is a funny kid and solid team leader. They were always seen together I'm told. Cedar Rapids had more African Americans on their team to start the season (2013) than the Twins had in the rest of their entire system. Cedar Rapids had 6 on the same roster at one point in the season. I would look for Adam Brett Walker to be a part of that Soul Patrol Outfield in 2 to 3 years and not Rosario. Tyler Jones (RHP) JD Wiliams (OF) Byron Buxton (OF) Niko Goodrum (IF) Adam Brett Walker (OF) Josh Burris (RHP) (though a short stay) If you are going to add Latin Players to the Soul Patrol outfield, then you must add Jeremias Pineda (OF). Williams - Pineda and Walker are young enough to possibly make that future roster and have useable roles.

*Tyler Jones and his 95+ fastball. Can he consisitently close games at the higher levels. I say yes, but can't wait to see it personally. *Travis Harrison was much better at 3B last year defensively than people give him credit for. He also show major power potential. He might hit 30 if he stays in Midwest league again this year. *Tim Shibuya - Just knows how to pitch *Matt Thomshaw - A lefty with 4 to 5 quality pitches to keep hitters off balance. He is an underrated pitching prospect to me. Great long / middle releiver IMO *Madison Boer is also another pitcher who came on strong last year. Upside is there *Dalton Hicks - Better defender than advertised and just drives in runs (Hrbek ) *Hudson Boyd - former 1st rounder needs a bounce back year. Revamp approach *Adam Brett Walker - Sano went from hitting .250 in midwest league to .350 in high A. Can Doug Mientkiewicz and staff help Walker to a similar turn around. Power should play out the same if he continues to refine swing.

Baseball Amerrica - 13 Ranked Twins Position Players for 2014 Buxton #1 (Top 30 CF in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...nter-fielders/ Josmil Pinto#11 (Top 25 C in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...ings-catchers/ Meyer#19 - Stewart#21 - Berrrios#45 - May#59 - (Top 65 RHP in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...-righthanders/ Lewis Thorpe#11 (Top 30 LHP in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...s-lefthanders/ Adam Brett Walker#29 (Top 40 Corner OF in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...r-outfielders/ Miguel Sano#1 (Top 25 3B in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...third-basemen/ Max Kepler#14 (Top 20 1B in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...first-basemen/ Danny Santana#21 (Top 30 SS in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...gs-shortstops/ Eddie Rosario#8 - Jorge Polanco#10 (Top 25 2B in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minor...econd-basemen/ The Twins had no Relievers on the Ranked Listing in Minors ------------------------------------------------------- I'm intrigued by some of the Twins prospects who made the B.A. rankings. Are you surprised at all that Max Kepler is ranked at 1B or that AB Walker made the list at all for Corner Outfielders? Do you think Rosario would have been ranked higher if not for his incidents? Are you surprised that Polanco is ranked as high as he is throughout the minor league rankings for second basemen? I'm not. I said he was going to be a star in Elizabethton.

Buxton #1 (Top 30 CF in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-center-fielders/ Josmil Pinto#11 (Top 25 C in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-catchers/ Meyer#19 - Stewart#21 - Berrrios#45 - May#59 - (Top 65 RHP in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-righthanders/ Lewis Thorpe#11 (Top 30 LHP in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-lefthanders/ Adam Brett Walker#29 (Top 40 Corner OF in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-corner-outfielders/ Miguel Sano#1 (Top 25 3B in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-third-basemen/ Max Kepler#14 (Top 20 1B in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-first-basemen/ Danny Santana#21 (Top 30 SS in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-shortstops/ Eddie Rosario#8 - Jorge Polanco#10 (Top 25 2B in Minors) http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-second-basemen/ The Twins had no Relieverson the Ranked Listing in Minors

http://razzball.com/2014-minor-league-preview-minnesota-twins/ Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America 2013 (10) | 2012 (19) | 2011 (13) | 2010 (6) | 2009 (22) 2013 Affiliate Records MLB: [66-96] AL Central AAA: [77-67] International League – Rochester AA: [66-76] Eastern League — New Britain A+: [79-56] Florida State League – Fort Myers A: [88-50] Midwest League – Cedar Rapids Graduated Prospects Oswaldo Arcia (OF); Aaron Hicks (OF); Chris Colabello (1B/OF); Chris Herrmann (C/OF); Ryan Pressly (RHP); Andrew Albers (LHP); Pedro Hernandez (LHP); Kyle Gibson (RHP) The Run Down With regard to fantasy impact on the farm, the Twins are right there with the Cubs at the top of the league. And, narrowing our scope a bit, no team in baseball can boast a better one-two prospect punch than what Minnesota has with Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. But try not to distract yourself too much with the shiny, hyped-up names at the top of this list, because this org is loaded with talent from top to bottom. The top ten we have here don’t even tell the whole story — we’ll have to let the steady flow of homegrown talent speak for itself over these next few seasons. READ MORE http://razzball.com/2014-minor-league-preview-minnesota-twins/

Max Kepler is listed 14th amongst minor league first basemen. He is ahead of some promising names. Is anyone else surprised by this? 1st Base? Is this a sign moving forward? http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/position-by-position-rankings-first-basemen/

When looking at minor leaguers like Miguel Sano who has a flare for big moments - or Byron Buxton who seems to always be in the middle of game winning scenerios (runs/rbis/hrs) - What makes certain players clutch and others not so much? *Dalton Hicks game winning Grand Slam in Elizabethtons 2012 extra inning Championship game *Adam Brett Walker's game tying 3 run HR in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs in same game *Hicks continued to hit clutch doubles - HRs and singles in Cedar Rapids in 2013 *Walker hit another 3 run HR in the bottom of 9th to tie a game in 2013 *Walker hit 3 Grand Slams in 2013 and went something like 9 for 12 with bases loaded in 2013 Who and what were some of the clutch hitting and pitching performances in our minor league system in 2013? Give some stories as to who you think has that clutch trait..............