Bob Sacamento

In Fernando's first two starts for the Kernels, he's been nothing short of spectacular. In his first start he was limited to 63 pitches which was where he was at in EXST. That got in thru 5 perfect innings, giving up no hits, no walks, and striking out four. Of those 63 pitches, he threw 43 for strikes. In his second start, he was bumped up slightly to 71 which still got him thru five innings and facing 20 batters. He was a little less perfect giving up two hits (singles), 1 earned run, walked two, hit a batter, and struck out five. He induced 8 groundballs and 2 flyouts. So far so good for Fernando, he might see time back in Fort Myers this season this time as a Miracle.

Fernando Romero 6'0 226lbs RHP 12/24/1994 San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic Romero was showing great promise 2014 before blowing out his elbow in Cedar Rapids after just 3 starts. After so Fernando missed all of 2015 with Tommy John surgery as well as knee surgery that he was needed during rehab. Fernando is very gregarious, a life of the party type guy that his teammates love having around. Romero started throwing over the winter and was near full strength when camp broke for the start of this season. His fastball was as high as 98 mph in spring training yet stayed in Extended Spring Training to work on his overall arm strength and pitch count. I saw a few of his starts and he sat regularly at 95-97 mph with his fastball while his slider was nasty at 88-90 mph and he even throw a few good changeups around 78-83 mph. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaPQ5AbVKvg

When pulling the EXST pitchers on who they like to throw to this spring, the name that came up the most was Brian Navaratto. One pitcher said, "he just knows how to catch - doesn't stab at it like some guys and makes you comfortable with throwing in the dirt." The names of guys still in EXST that got some votes were Rainis Silva and the other surprising one was a 2016 UDFA Bryant Hayman.

That's probably not likely a big part of Arrieta's success has been they've let him throw how he wants to and how he used before the Orioles started messing with his mechanics. The other thing is Chris Bosio, that man has turned more trashpile pickups into gold than Rumpelstiltskin.

Manny in his Fort Myers rehabbing with a right quad injury, he says he's out of game action for six weeks which coincides with E-town's start up and is a much more appropriate place for Guzman to be than the aggressive assignment of CR he got to start the year. Here he is with Engelb Vielma and another rehabber (Vielma, unknown, Guzman in picture)

"Hector" as his teammates call him, pitched on 5/21 throwing one inning to start the game. His fastball was 86-90 mph with a slider at 79 to 83 and nasty break. Ynoa struck out two, walked one in his one frame.

Draft time is quickly approaching as it's less than three weeks away so it's crunch time for the MLB teams front offices and the Twins are no exception. This weekend the Twins invited seven players to come out to see the complex/facilities as well as workout for the scouts. The most well known was 3B/SS Luis Curbelo and was joined by infielders Fransisco Thomas and Nick Derr, catchers Henry Matais and Bryan Torres, and pitcher Josh Wincowski. RHP JC Flowers was present but did workout as he was a late minute addition and was ready to pitch which is where most teams are looking to draft him at. Below is a miniscouting report on each one in the squad as well as picture and video. Luis Curbelo 6’3 195lbs 3B/SS R/R Carolina, Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Baseball Academy Luis A. Curbelo is a tall athletic kid who has really filled out since I last saw him in October at the WWBA Championship in Jupiter, FL playing for the Orlando Scorpions. Curbelo has played mainly SS in HS and on his traveling teams. Even though he's already gotten bigger in six months, he still has plenty of physical projection left as he ages. Curbelo is a natural righty with a wide stance who starts his bat and hands high before bringing them quickly through the zone. With his plus bat speed, it's not out of the question to envision him producing 25 homers as he develops. Defensively, he's not staying at shortstop due to his growing size and the lack of range that comes with it. Still he has good footwork, a strong accurate arm and surprising speed. Curbelo was the most impressive of the bunch and the scouts agree as he's a Top 100 prospect. His signability is a question as he's committed to the University of Miami and as his mom said "we have an amount in mind...but he does want to play pro ball". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tij4E8QnEWA Nick Derr 6’0 180lbs SS/2B R/R Sarasota FL IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) Nick Derr is a strong athletic player who is built like a football player. He was a teammate of Curbelo's on the WWBA Championship squad in 2015, but was limited in playing time. Derr starts his hands high, loads and then uses a leg kick to drive the ball. His right handed swing gets long at times and he does not get cheated with his swings as he is has a very aggressive stroke. Defensively, he got a look at 3B/SS/2B, with second looking like his best position. At any of the positions, he showed a very strong arm, probably the best of the crew at tryouts but his footwork was a little slow and he's not the quickest at transferring the ball. Derr is committed to Florida State but could forgo the scholarship for a chance at chasing his dreams, he reminded me of a young Brian Dozier. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOFiQZJYodg Fransisco Thomas 6’2 200lbs SS/3b S/R Carolina, Puerto Rico Osceoloa HS (FL) Francisco Thomas is a very athletic who is a legit switch hitter with good bat speed and similar swing from both sides although his swing from the left side is more advanced. His right handed swing looks choppy at times. Defensively, his glove action was the best at the tryouts, very fluid footwork and a very strong arm. He made a couple of plays in drills that illicitted a few "oh yeahs" from the quiet Twins scouts. He looked like he can stay at SS for the time being but as he ages 3B could be a better spot for him. He's committed to San Diego State which shouldn't be a problem to buy him out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUIA18bbLv0 Josh Winckowski 6’3 190 RHP Fort Myers FL Cypress Lake HS Josh Winckowski is a tall slim righty who projects well physically as he develops. He works from over the top with a long stride, in his tryout he had issues repeating his delivery and release point. When he is on, he throws a 86-90 mph fastball with bowling ball sinking action with a curveball that has 11-4 break. Winckowski also features a 78-80 mph slider and a 80-84 mph changeup. He's committed to Florida SW State College and isn't considered more than a third day draft pick (Rounds 11-40). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icDidN3oaoM Bryan Torres 6/1 180lb C R/R Sabana Hoyos, PR Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (PR) Torres showed off good raw skills with good pull power as he hit one BP ball over the fence, of course he also hit two Twins' scouts rental cars. Torres is very long legged and armed, he's still very skinny but will bulk up once he gets to the states. Defensively, Torres has alot of work to do as his throws from home to second were high arcing. Outside of that, there is little information available on the kid. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U3t_paIuog Henry Matais 6’0 200lbs C R/R Coral Springs, FL Coral Springs HS Matais is physical strong and stout, with large forearms and a thick lower half. Offensively, he features a short stride with a compact swing that helps him get around quickly. Defensively, his transfer from glove to hand was solid and his arm strength is good just a little wild. As with Torres, there is little information available on the high schooler. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn0FEC1pHNs JC Flowers 6’3 180lbs RHP/OF R/R Orange Park, FL Trinity Christian Academy Flowers didn't participate in drills at tryouts as his mom said they were asked last minute. Flowers is extremely athletic probably more so than anyone else in attendance. I've seen Flowers at a few of the local Perfect Game events in Fort Myers but also at the WWBA in October, offensively he's projected to add future power as he bulks up his frame. His swing is short and compact with wide spread stance, and is very fast out of the box. Still it looks like his future is on the mound as Flowers has improved his mechanics and increased his velocity. When I saw him in June in Ft. Myers compared to October in Jupiter, he didn't look like the same player, as he physically matured he learned how to pitch. He throws from a 3/4 arm slot and hides the ball well. In October, JC's fastball was 89-92 with a 78-82 mph curveball that could be downright filthy at times. The curve has 10/4 break with heavy spin, he also throws a 79-81mph slider and a developing change at 81-83 mph. Flowers has committed to Kentucky and after talking to his mom, it might be hard to get him out of it. Flowers looks to be a Day 2 draftee (Rd 3-10). There is no official word but heard from a couple of players that there is suppose to be another set of HSers coming out next weekend as well. As always if there is anything going on at the complex, I'll report it. If you want more EXST, GCL, or Instructional League videos you can always visit my YouTube Channel or check out my Flickr Page.

Well the Twins have almost 8M to spend on the draft and with taking two 50K player at 6th and 8th would save you 350K alone. Or you could punt third or fourth or take one bargain 2nd Rder thus using saving on taking a 1st Rounder talent who falls because of $$ (ala Astros and Daz Cameron last year). Alot of ways the Twins can play it but for some reason you just get the feeling they won't do anything too outlandish. 1st/15. Twins: $2,817,100 2nd/56. Twins: $1,141,600 2nd/73. Twins: $878,500 2nd/74. Twins: $865,200 3rd/93. Twins: $645,600 4th/123. Twins: $477,900 5th/153. Twins: $357,800 6th/183. Twins: $267,800 7th/213. Twins: $200,900 8th/243. Twins: $178,200 9th/273. Twins: $166,300 10th/303. Twins: $156,600

That's what my Cubbies did last year, giving 3rd Rd Bryan Hudson (1.1M, slot was .730M) and4th Rd DJ Wilson (1.3M, slot was .503M) while their 6th thru 10th rounders were giving $50K (slot was 282K), $5K (211K), $30K (174K), $5K (162K), and $2K (slot was 152K). While the Twins in 2015 drafted pretty much straight up except for giving 4th Rd Trey Cabbage an extra 240K so the Twins took Chris Paul in the 6th and gave him 50K while slot was 290K.

I saw Curbelo play in the WWBA in October, talked to him and his parents then and again today, they remembered me from then thought I was somehow affiliated with the Twins but then saw my Cub hat. Anyway, he's going to bulk up the older he gets you can see it in his frame. He wants to sign but has a number in mind that teams must meet (like most kids) elsewise he's going to the U of Miami for the next couple of years.

Well you all can thank me later because I'm sure I'll hear about from someone in the front office next week but the Twins worked out several HS draft prospects today at the Complex. Information I'm sure you'll find nowhere else but here JC Flowers (who just watched) (Kentucky commit), Luis Curbelo (Miami commit), Nick Derr (FSU commit), Fransisco Thomas (SDSU), Henry Matais, Josh Winckowski (Florida SW St), and Bryan Torres. Torres and Matais worked out behind the plate. Video of BP and infield drills coming later. Fransisco Thomas, Henry Matais, Luis Curbelo Nick Derr, Luis Curbelo JC Flowers Josh Winckowski Bryan Torres

Like with most pitchers , if you can start him do it, save the bullpen as a back up plan when starting is no longer viable

If I know Fernando he wasn't happy coming out with a no-hitter. The 63 pitches is in line with where he was maxing out in EXST. Any reports of velo?

Matt's been considered a top 15-20 for pretty much most of the year, so I don't consider that a ton of helium. You want helium look at Justin Dunn (Boston College) who was in absolutely no first day draft talks to start the year and has shot up the board to mid to late first rounder of late.

What I can't believe is the helium Justin Dunn out of Boston College has been getting, went from pretty much unknown at beginning of the year and now looking as a mid to late first rounder.

Well your Braves are looking good for Groome at #3 with Philly going for a college guy at #1 as well as the Reds. As one scout I talked to said you, pretty hard to get fired for taking a 6'6 lefty who throws 97 ala Puk. Still I'd rather have Groome.

Great kid, very talkative. Looks like he eliminated some of that herky jerky delay motion in his delivery where he drops down that he had even in GCL last year. Can't really tell from that angle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kacNVSGB-4

Just talked to him - he doesn't know, he says he's ready to get called up now and I can't disagree too much. The velo is there as he's hitting as high as 98, his slider is nasty 88-90 and he's throwing his change for strikes. My guess is they want his pitch count up as the most he's thrown in EXST to date is about 60 pitches in an outing.

His dad is 6'11 so it's not out of the realm of possibility that he grows another 2-3 inches but yes baseball doesn't have a good long history of "too tall" pitchers being successful. Of course, you can always convince yourself that "this one" will be different and you found your Randy Johnson but more likely you found your Chris Young.

Very poised on the mound, 91-93 mph when I saw him, peaked at 94.1 with a filthy curve. He's already 6'6 and will physically keep growing so added velo will come. He's also only been pitching for the last two years, so low mileage on that arm. Video from WWBA 1st start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlcyWXTGTHs

At WWBA, DJ was watching Manning very closely in his two outings

I think you are correct, it might not be Manning who's available at #15 but one of those HS arms should be - Ian Anderson, T.J. Zeuch, Braxton Garrett, Joey Wentz, Forrest Whitley, and probably someone else I'm forgetting. I wouldn't be shocked if Zach Burdi is available the organization zeros in on him, if they think he can start. High School arms are where it is at this year, there might not be a clear cut best of the bunch, but at #15 that's why you have a scouting system to weed out who is BPA and who fits best with your system. If Ryan/Johnson and Co continue their past trends, they'll take a HSer. Personally, I'm a big fan of Lowe's, got to see him throw an inning at WWBA but mainly he played 3B (cannon for an arm). He has huge power potential and the ball rockets off his bat, he had one of the best exit velocity off his bat in the entire tourney (103.6mph) but he has holes in his swing and some scouts don't see him as more than a 50/80 in terms of contact. The thing is he's extremely athletic so there is hope that there is coachability there and it improves.

A couple of potential first round picks (but mainly potential later picks) are slated to start coming to Fort Myers for tryouts/workouts in the next two weeks. It's a decent list of HS prospects with potential tools. No I'm not going to publish it as I got blackballed for a while last year when I did (list included Kendrick, Camacho, Marrero) and I still have the Florida Ops Manager (Maloney) shoot me the stinkeye. But if I see them on campus, I'll report it.

Zach Collins eh? He just seems like an anti-Terry Ryan & Co. pick at least first round wise. Outside of Levi Michael in 2011 (30th overall), the Twins haven't drafted a college positional player since 1997 in Matt LeCroy. Don't get me wrong I think Collins is one of the best all around bats in the draft but there plenty of questions surrounding his ability to stay behind the plate. If he's not a catcher, he's likely a corner IF/OF. I just got a hard time seeing the Twins go that way but with this draft who knows.