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Walker hits 3 Run Home Run in Miracle win http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140404&content_id=70989968&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_t509&sid=t509

http://www.news-press.com/article/20140403/SPORTS/304030054/0/NEWS0104/Miracle-loaded?odyssey=nav|head Miracle are loaded Last year's team was excellent; this one could be better “He’s a beast,” Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony said of Walker, who is 6-4, 223 pounds and a third-round pick in 2012 out of Jacksonville University. “If it were any other year,” Antony said, noting the presence of Buxton and Sano, “he would have been our minor league player of the year.” Walker sometimes wears stirrups over his socks, a baseball fashion statement that goes back to Jackie Robinson. “I like to change things up a little bit,” Walker said. “I wear them when I’m in the mood. I’ll dust off the stirrups.” ---------------------------------------------------

Breakout Player of the Year: Levi Michael (.300+ BA & high OBP) already solid defender Comeback Player of the Year: Tim Shibuya (Pitcher) / Max Kepler (Hitter) Relief Pitcher of the Year: Tyler Jones shows better control and Sits 95+ Starting Pitcher of the Year: Jason Wheeler Hitter of the Year: Adam Brett Walker [.355 OBP with same walk ratio ] Top Prospect: Byron Buxton Eddie Rosario will have a great 2nd half but not enough ABs to qualify

Minors: Next crop of Twins' offensive talent on display with 2014 Miracle April 2, 2014 Article quote - Naplesnews.com Mientkiewicz got an early glimpse of Walker in the instructional league in spring training. “If how he was seeing the ball this spring is any indication, we are in for a treat,” Mientkiewicz said. “His numbers speak for themselves, but he has been better than advertised. “When he clicks a ball, there’s not too many guys in the Major Leagues right now that have his kind of pop.”

Gotta Love the Twins Daily Love 1st MLB Call Up Hit in Twins Debut 2014 Spring Training Finale

Matthew Tomshaw December 17, 1988 in Kingston, New York, US (Age 25) Throws: Left http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQF-fWnz_qrB07srTpQs3YVdx6ztYBQ6Wg8rDRBds2rALV-lPiWoIV3RAQc Drafted: by the Minnesota Twins in the 42nd round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft from Jacksonville University (Jacksonville, FL). Was team mates with fellow Twins and Miracle players -Jonathan Murphy and Adam Brett Walker. High School Career with Quote from Recruiting Coach at Jacksonville University: As a senior at Kingston High School, Tomshaw was named player of the year and first team all-conference. As a junior Tomshaw after allowed only 21 hits and struck out 71 batters in 47 innings. "Matt is the top left-handed pitcher in the state of New York and has a chance to be a solid draft pick in June," said Montez. College Head Coach Quote: “I’m glad that someone will give Matthew an opportunity at the next level,” said JU head coach Terry Alexander. “He may not have the flame throwing arm that all scouts look for but he is a very talented pitcher. Matthew is a true competitor and has proven that he can beat the elite teams in the nation.” 2014 Fort Myer Miracle - Roster Write Up: One of three players on the roster to hail from Jacksonville University, Tomshaw was honored for his exceptional academic performance. Earning a spot on the Dean's List and as an A-Sun All-Academic Honors recipient, Tomshaw majored in finance. Tomshaw saw most of his 2013 season as a starter with the Miracle. Between Fort Myers and Cedar Rapids, he only pitched eight of 26 games in relief. http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=607751 Matt Tomshaw MiLB Career Stats

Matt Thomshaw

Adam Brett Walker II - DOB 10/18/1991 (22) Birthplace: Milwaukee, WI 6'4 230 lbs. - RF R/R Drafted 3rd Round - 97th pick College Career Played his college ball at Jacksonville University (FL) with fellow Twins & Miracle teammates Jonathan Murphy and Matthew Tomshaw. Entered college as a 17year old and was Drafted following junior year as a 20 year old. He was one of the youngest college draftees in the 2012 draft. In 2010 Walker II was honored as a Freshmen All American by Louisville Slugger. In2011 Walker II was named first team All-America from Perfect Game USA and second team All-America from CollegeBaseballInsider.com, Baseball America, Louisville Slugger (Collegiate Baseball), the NCBWA and the America Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). Walker II also was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy (NCBWA) and Golden Spikes Award (USA Baseball). He earned the ABCA All-south region honors and named District III Player of the Year by NCBWA to round out the list. He received these honors as a 1st baseman. As a junior, Walker II enjoyed his best season as a Jacksonville Dolphin after leading the A-Sun with a .409 batting average, 99 hits and 23 doubles in helping the Dolphins reach the NCAA regionals for the fourth time in the last six seasons. He also paced the squad with 13 home runs, 75 RBI, 165 total bases and a .685 slugging percentage. His hits and total bases totals each broke single-season records for the program. For his efforts Walker II took home the A-Sun Player of the Year and first team all-conference honors. Finished his college career 40 for 41 in stolen base attempts. Off the field, Walker picked up two A-Sun All-Academic honors for his work in the classroom. Collegiate Summer Wood Bat Leagues 2010- Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League (GLSCL) - Voted Top Prospect and Led team to first regular season title in team history. 2011 - Cape Cod League - Led the Cape in strikeouts which hurt his draft status. However, he led his team in home runs and rbi on their way to winning their first regular season title in over 23 years. 2nd in Cape All Star Game HR Derby. Professional Career 2012- Led Appalachian League in HRs (14) and hit another 3 HRs in the post season to help E'Town win the Appalachian League Title. Hit a 3 run HR in the bottom of the 9th inning in the deciding game with 2 outs to send Championship game to extras. Was named the League Post Season Offensive Player of the Year in the playoffs. [3rd Runs - 3rd Triples - 4th RBI - 2nd K's - 5th Total Bases (League Ranking)] 2013 - Led Midwest League in HRs (27) -RBI (109) - Total Bases (267). Was second in league in Runs Scored (83) and Xtra Base Hits (65). Walker was named MWL Player of the Week 3x during the season. Two more times than anyone else. He was honored as a Mid-season All Star and Post Season All Star. He was named Topps MWL Player of the Year after helping the Cedar Rapids Kernels to the best record in minor league baseball. He was named a Twins MiLB OrganizationalAll Star in 2013. Walker II is 17 for 17 in stolen base attempts (including playoffs) as a professional. He is 57 for 58 including his college career as a base stealer. 2014 - Hit a HR on the first pitch he saw after being called up by the MLB Twins for their final Spring Training game. He concluded his day by also hitting a double and finishing 2 for 2. (1.000 OBP / 3.000 SLG / 4.000 OPS) Video of Walker Highlights These individual highlights must be viewed on a laptop or desktop computer. They do not show individual highlights on phones or IPads. FYI AdamBrettWalkerKernelHighlights2013 Click either link and judge for yourself

If Hicks has a solid year - will it be because: A) He was sent down to AAA last year in latter part of season? He decided not to play Winter Ball and give his body and mind a rest? C) He had his trial by fire at the beginning of 2013 and learned from it? D) There are no other options Leading to my next question - Is failure based on trial by fire always a bad thing if the prospect knows it is a more likely probability? Learn from it and grow from your mistakes. Especially if your team is already bad to begin with. (Not the Twins in 2014, but definitely in 2013)

Do you believe in the clutch gene? How about Adam Brett Walker hitting a HR on the first pitch he saw in his only Spring Training Call Up (MLB) this past Saturday. He then follows that up with a Double and 3 apparent successful fielding plays in RF. Announcer said the ball went over the simulated Monster out the Stadium at Jet Blue Park. *Game tying HR in Appy League Championship 2012 *3 Grand Slams in 2013 and 9-12 with bases loaded *HR and Double to spark comeback in first MLB action HE JUST WINS

I'm excited about the Fort Myer Miracle this year. How many true potential MLBers do you see on this squad? Legitimate chance to make it or whom you see making it?

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

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?...........................

Which Minor League club do you think will have the greatest success this season in the Twins system and why? Now that Sano is out for 2014 - Who in MiLB (Twins) has the greatest chance to reach MLB by mid-season or beyond?

Now that minor league Spring Training is almost over - Who do you think had a decent Spring Training in the lower levels? Although hard to judge based on ST success or failures - Who are your surprise performers for 2014 (soley based on ST results)?

It might take 2 to 3 years but don't forget Adam Brett Walker as a power offensive threat for the Twins. As my friend monitors the minor leaguers down in Fort Myers - He states that Walker has hit 4 or 5 Home Runs and 6 Doubles in the few games that the minor leaguers have played already. Minor league games started on the 11th of March and today is only the 21st. I was told hit hit a HR and a double today too. Just saying - My Sleeper has potential that seems to stay under the radar.

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