Bob Sacamento

I've got no problem with him talking about God and don't consider it controversial. I'd consider him saying he worshipped Satan controversial or he thought the coaches sucked lol. Baseball is steeped with religion past and present, if a player feels it helps him - more power to him.

Most HS pitchers are at least four year projects if not longer. You're often going from raw throwers and turning them into pitchers, it can take a bit for everythign to start clicking.

I'm pretty sure I've got some video and/or pictures of Rowan at the plate...if I find them I'll post them. What was interesting about Ebersohn was that he was obviously adjusting thru the season, offensively and defensively. Thus he looked better at season's end then when it started, not a lot of guys can say that. He looked like he wanted to play another month or so lol. Defensively, his running routes on flyballs was poor, I saw him get turned around a few times and lose the ball but by season's end his routes were cleaning up.

You don't get too many players (especially newly drafted ones) saying something controversial, goal at this stage is stay out of the press.

They've been saying legal everywhere soon since the 70's... As for Rosario, I could care less about his past marijuana indiscretions and MLB feels the same way (no drug testing for the big boys-just all those MiLBers) but I've heard complaints for years from organizational staffers/clubhouse attendees about his attitude/makeup. It comes down to more or less cocky/arrogant and doesn't put in a full effort; personally I've never seen it. I just ran into him less than a month ago over in Jupiter, FL at the WWBA HS tournament; was as nice as could be. My only concern is when I asked him why he was at tourney, he said he was watching some friends play; the kids that were playing were 13-17yo...

Having seen Berrios numerous times from GCL,to Instructs to FSL to Spring Training, and him being one of my favorite players (especially considering I'm a Cubs fan), I've seen him hit 98 a few times but nothing consistently up there.

While in GCL, Olsen had a much further developed plate approach then the rest of the catchers on the team thus why he didn't stay here too long. What I was most impressed about was his defensive game; showing off good gamecalling framing, along with good pop times behind the plate. Even if there was a language barrier with some of the pitchers, Olsen didn't show it. As a 34th rounder, can't complain too much; his big test will be his first pro season in 2016.

I got to see Rowan play in the GCL and he was overmatched at times but like he said himself he's used to seeing a 90 mph fastball and these kids are rocking 95 mph with a plus breaking ball. From what I could see towards the end of the season, he started to adjust at the plate with his hands appearing more set and less pre-swing load, in his final 9 games, he was 8 for 28. Interesting kid, always love seeing players from other countries and the Twins work that well - Australia, Germany, South Africa.

Turner has the qualities to be a backup catcher with his catch and release skills behind the plate, his bat is going to be average at best. Garver possesses the better hit skill but defensively he's still well behind Turner.

Good to see Tommy still climbing the organizational ladder, great guy and seems to get the most out of his players. I don't know if there is another coach on the team that players love playing for more then him.

Gordon has helium because he is a plus defender at SS and he's going to stick there. As long as his bat continues to look even average at best, you have your SS for the next 7 years. As for Gonsalves, he was a late first - early second round talent who dropped in the draft due to missing time in HS season because of a school suspension. The suspension stems from him protecting a friend/teammate about their possible marijuana usage. So honestly, his talent is looking just right and not exceeding expectations.

Pretty sure the FO's MO in taking those power arm relievers in the draft (and trading for) was building that pitching staff from the back forward ala KC Royals and what many clubs are trying to do now. If you can have 3 shutdown relievers it makes the starting pitcher just have to manage the game thru 6 innings and less reliant on that ACE going deep into the game.

Of the kids in GCL and Instruct camp, Kolten worked the counts probably the best of the crew which is also why he had 24 K in 70 AB. His swing is long with obvious holes in it, making him very susceptible to pitches letter high. In batting practice, kid hit some monster bombs, it just didn't translate into game action. Hopefully next year, it will. As for the conditioning portion, that's where he needs to improve the most, he looked winded and fatigued regularly. The coaching staff (namely Lepel) nicknamed him "CottonTop", which I don't think he enjoyed too much. My funniest moment involving Kendrick came in Instructs with Kendrick playing first, Stephen Gonsalves on the mound, and a BoSox runner at first. The runner had a sizeable lead, Gonsalves showed a plus move to first (ala Steve Carltonesque), it was so good that Kendrick was fooled by it (he was looking at home) and the ball sailed past him at first. Here is some video I took of Kolten at the plate https://youtu.be/KlNXYQMaLhE

Sano's bat is special, it'll play anywhere on the diamond; now where he can play at is a different story. Having seen him and Kris Bryant play 3B in the FSL two years ago, I put them in the same category. Defensively speaking 3B is their best position that they've proven they can play on a daily basis. Are they bad defenders? No. Are they going to win a gold glove there? Highly unlikely. But what they can do is play league average to a tick below at the hot corner for at least the next three years. Bryant is more athletic and can run better, making him a spot starter in the corner OF a little easier than the bigger bodied Sano. Best thing for the Twins and Sano is to keep Miggy at 3B/DH and work everything else around it. Worst case, I guess if Kyle Schwarber, Adam Dunn and Todd Hundley can play LF so can Sano.

In general, KBO, NPB, and Asian league pitchers usually throw more offspeed stuff than the MLBers do; what we call in the States "junkballers".

The Twins have had a relationship with Korean clubs/players, being in Ft. Myers (Twins spring camp) I've seen a group of Korean pro players here the past three years working out with minor leaguers.

The power will come especially as he adds more muscle and weight to his frame, he's apparently known for his strenuous workouts in the offseason. Having met his dad Wayne during the season, Trey has the genetics to definitely bulk up. I'm more concerned with his flexibility as he's already had a stress reaction in his lower back this season costing him valuable time in Instructional League; he just finished rehab a few weeks ago.

I was actually just going to write the same thing. Of course Carter is on his third team... Power is such a commodity nowadays, ABW is never going to win a batting title, hell he'll likely never hit above .240 in the bigs but a line of .220/.300/.450 is "do-able" it just might not be for the Twins.

Yeah in all my time on the backfields, I've only seen Sano play and take grounders at 3B and SS. His huge frame at SS was a sight to see !! LOL

91 mph FB? Everything I got on Norris has him at 93-95 mph and a plus offering. Add that with a plus slider and a future plus change, along with an average curve; if he can get ahold of his command he'll be a challenging TOR guy.

Sane you are correct, just because a guy can throw 98 mph doesn't mean it's better than his 93 mph with movement. Those two scouts appeared not to be the biggest fans of the Twins' pitching development but did not elaborate and I didn't pry. I do know the amateur scout said Clay used to have bigger stride in college that was the only physical difference I overheard.

Once again, the Twins and Red Sox took to the diamond for Instructional League ball. There was a new giddiness in the air as the League is done as of Tuesday and a good number of these players will head home for the winter. Image courtesy of Bob Sacamento -- Photo of Nick gordon Once again, the Twins and Red Sox took to the diamond for Instructional League ball. There was a new giddiness in the air as the League is done as of Tuesday and a good number of these players will head home for the winter. Everyone already has their plans set and everyone has something different in store. Still, for now, there was baseball to be played and talent to be evaluated. This weekend members of the Twins front office were visible in the stands with GM Terry Ryan, Special Assistant Bill Smith, Scouting Director Deron Johnson, and head of Player Personnel Mike Radcliffe. The Red Sox top brass was also in the stands with GM Dave Dombrowski being the most notable. On the rubber for the Twins Friday was Williams Ramirez who was facing one of the Red Sox's top pitching prospects, Michael Kopech. The two matched each other pitch for pitch in the first two innings before Ramirez gave up a couple of hits and a run. For the duration of Instructs, the Twins have either let their starter go two or four innings depending upon their seasonal workload. Ramirez went 4 IP and was relieved by Logan Lombana (1 IP), John Curtiss (2 IP), and Yorman Landa (1 IP). Landa once again was 93-95 mph, spotting his fastball on both corners while breaking off a couple decent sliders. So I know this might sound like a broken record but Nick "Flash Jr" Gordon is really good, not only in the field but at the plate. In the field, he showed slick fielding going far into the hole, jumping and showing off a strong, accurate throw to first. Later in the game, he charged a soft grounder barehanded and threw out the runner while never getting his feet under him. At the plate, he hit the ball hard and up the middle with a compact stroke that is designed to take advantage of his speed. Additionally, he worked on his bunting skills. This wasn't a sacrifice style bunt yet rather a run and tap a la Otis Nixon or Brett Butler. After the game, I asked Gordon about his bunt earlier; he said that's part of his game that he really wants to improve and feels it adds another part to his game. He plans on working on it this offseason with his brother who's one of the better bunters in baseball today and has been coached by some of the best. Another hitter I'm continually pleased to see is Lamonte Wade with his beautiful lefthanded swing and advanced approach at the plate. He really had some good at-bats. Apparently, Gonsalves' last outing was Thursday when he went two innings and he said he felt good but was excited to shut it down for the rest of the year. As he said. this was the most he's ever thrown and by the end of the regular season he was tiring and throwing in Instructs just added more fuel to the fire. Also throwing on Thursday was Fernando Romero who went two innings, hitting 93-95 mph. In side notes, 2015 draftee and reliever Rich Condeelis was sidelined with several stitches in his chin as he was hit by a ball thrown by fellow pitcher Zach Tillery. Unlike most of the pitchers in camp, Condeelis is going to continue to throw for another month or so to stretch out his arm. Unbeknowst to me, Rich has only been pitching for the last 6-7 months as he spent much of his career as a first baseman. The organization is supportive of his sidearm delivery and will let him continue to throw in that fashion. As it turns out, the player I've been sitting and talking Spanglish with over the entire summer was Fernando Romero (he would never give his name other than "Paul"). He saved me a front row seat next to Deron Johnson and Mike Radcliff so that was nice of him. He absolutely hates his picture taken and thought I was a scout at the beginning of the GCL season. On Saturday, lefty Sam Clay started for the Twins, going 4 innings. his fastball was continually 89-91 mph, maxing out at 92 mph, with a slider around 76-78 mph. I was sitting next to two AL East Scouts (one amateur, one pro), and they were comparing notes on Clay. Last year, Clay's fastball was continually 92-95 mph when he first joined the Twins. They jokingly said that's the Twin's for you. I asked them what they meant and they said happens a lot with Twins pitchers. Clay was relieved by an inning of Wilfredy Liranzo and Brandon Poulson for an inning before the game was called due to rain. Poulson threw one slider, the rest were fastballs at 90-95 mph averaging 93. In the box, Tyree Davis got some of his first game action of the 2015 season. Tyree has really bulked up, adding 20 lbs of muscle over the year as he's been relegated to the weight room due to his elbow injury. He luckily avoided surgery and he said that it feels 100%. He wants to continue his season in the Caribbean but is unsure if the team will give the okay. Also getting some at-bats was former first-rounder Levi Michael, who looked very rusty out on the field. Levi's a great guy and I'll always root for him but his baseball career is looking bleak. Overall, it was a great summer of the GCL and Instructs. The Twins wrap up their season hosting the Orioles on Monday and visiting the Red Sox on Tuesday. Till February!! In the meantime, I'll be getting my baseball fix and a foothold on the 2016 draft with all the showcases in South Florida. View full article

Once again, the Twins and Red Sox took to the diamonds for Instructional League ball. Yet there was a new giddiness in the air as the League is done as of Tuesday and a good deal of these players will head home for the winter. Everyone already has their plans set and everyone has something different in store. Still for now there was baseball to be played and talent to be evaluated. This weekend the Twins front office were visible in the stands with GM Terry Ryan, Special Assistant Bill Smith, Scouting Director Deron Johnson, and head of Player Personnel Mike Radcliffe. The Red Sox top brass was also in the stands with GM Dave Dombrowski being the most noticeable. On the rubber for the Twins Friday was Williams Ramirez who was facing one of the Red Sox's top pitching prospects in Michael Kopech. The two matched each other pitch for pitch in the first two innings before Ramirez gave up a couple hits and a run. For the duration of Instructs, the Twins have either let their starter go two or four innings dependent upon their seasonal workload. Ramirez went 4 IP and was relieved by Logan Lombana (1 IP), John Curtiss (2 IP), and Yorman Landa (1 IP). Landa once again was 93-95 mph spotting his fastball on both corners while breaking off a couple decent sliders. So I know this might sound like a broken record but Nick "Flash Jr" Gordon is really good not only in the field but at the plate. In the field, he showed slick fielding going far into the hole jumping and showing off a strong accurate throw to first. Later in the game, he charged a soft grounder barehanded and threw out the runner while never getting his feet under him. At the plate, he hit the ball hard and up the middle with a compact stroke that is designed to take advantage of his speed. Additionally, he worked on his bunting skills. This wasn't a sacrifice style bunt yet rather a run and tap ala Otis Nixon/Brett Butler style. After the game, I asked Gordon about his bunt earlier, he said that's part of his game that he really wants to improve and feels it adds another part to his game. He plans on working on it this offseason with his brother who's one of the better bunters in baseball today and has been coached by some of the best. Another hitter, I'm continually pleased to see is Lamonte Wade with his beautiful lefthanded swing and advanced approach at the plate. He really has some good at bats. Apparently, Gonsalves last outing was Thursday where he went two innings and he said he felt good but was excited to shut it down for the rest of the year. As he said this was the most he's ever threw and by the end of the regular season he was tiring, throwing in Instructs just added even more fuel to the fire. Also throwing on Thursday was Fernando Romero who went two innings hitting 93-95 mph. In side notes, 2015 draftee and reliever Rich Condeelis was sidelined with several stitches in his chin as he was hit by a ball thrown by fellow pitcher Zach Tillery. Unlike most of the pitchers in camp, Condeelis is going to continue to throw for another month or so to stretch out his arm. Unbeknowst to me, Rich has only been pitching for the last 6-7 months as he spent much of his career as a first baseman. The organization is supportive of his sidearm delivery and will let him continue to throw in that fashion. As it turns out, the player I've been sitting and talking Spanglish with over the entire summer was Fernando Romero (he would never give his name other than "Paul"), he saved me a front row seat next to Deron Johnson and Mike Radcliff so that was nice of him. He absolutely hates his picture taken and thought I was a scout for the beginning of the GCL season. On Saturday, lefty Sam Clay started for the Twins going 4 innings, his fastball was continually 89-91 mph maxing out at 92 mph with a slider around 76-78 mph. I was sitting next to two AL East Scouts (one amateur, one pro), and they were comparing notes on Clay. Last year, Clay's fastball was continually 92-95 mph when he first joined the Twins. They jokingly said that's the Twin's for you, I asked them what they meant and they said happens alot with Twins pitchers. Clay was relieved by an inning of Wilfredy Liranzo and Brandon Poulson for an inning before the game was called due to rain. Poulson threw one slider, the rest were fastballs at 90-95 mph averaging 93. In the box, Tyree Davis got some of his first game action of the 2015 season. Tyree has really bulked up, adding 20 lbs of muscle over the year as he's been regulated to much of the weight room due to his elbow injury. He luckily avoided surgery and is said that it feels 100%. He wants to continue his season in the Caribbean but is unsure if the team will give the okay. Also getting some at bats was former first rounder Levi Michael, who looked very rusty out on the field. Levi's a great guy and I'll always root for him but his baseball career is looking bleak. Overall, it was a great summer of the GCL and Instructs, the Twins wrap up their season hosting the Orioles on Monday and visiting the Red Sox on Tuesday. Til February!! In the meantime, I'll be getting my baseball fix and a foothold on the 2016 draft with all the showcases in South Florida.

Once again, the Twins and Red Sox took to the diamonds for Instructional League ball. Yet there was a new giddiness in the air as the League is done as of Tuesday and a good deal of these players will head home for the winter. Everyone already has their plans set and everyone has something different in store. Still for now there was baseball to be played and talent to be evaluated. This weekend the Twins front office were visible in the stands with GM Terry Ryan, Special Assistant Bill Smith, Scouting Director Deron Johnson, and head of Player Personnel Mike Radcliffe. The Red Sox top brass was also in the stands with GM Dave Dombrowski being the most noticeable. On the rubber for the Twins Friday was Williams Ramirez who was facing one of the Red Sox's top pitching prospects in Michael Kopech. The two matched each other pitch for pitch in the first two innings before Ramirez gave up a couple hits and a run. For the duration of Instructs, the Twins have either let their starter go two or four innings dependent upon their seasonal workload. Ramirez went 4 IP and was relieved by Logan Lombana (1 IP), John Curtiss (2 IP), and Yorman Landa (1 IP). Landa once again was 93-95 mph spotting his fastball on both corners while breaking off a couple decent sliders. So I know this might sound like a broken record but Nick "Flash Jr" Gordon is really good not only in the field but at the plate. In the field, he showed slick fielding going far into the hole jumping and showing off a strong accurate throw to first. Later in the game, he charged a soft grounder barehanded and threw out the runner while never getting his feet under him. At the plate, he hit the ball hard and up the middle with a compact stroke that is designed to take advantage of his speed. Additionally, he worked on his bunting skills. This wasn't a sacrifice style bunt yet rather a run and tap ala Otis Nixon/Brett Butler style. After the game, I asked Gordon about his bunt earlier, he said that's part of his game that he really wants to improve and feels it adds another part to his game. He plans on working on it this offseason with his brother who's one of the better bunters in baseball today and has been coached by some of the best. Another hitter, I'm continually pleased to see is Lamonte Wade with his beautiful lefthanded swing and advanced approach at the plate. He really has some good at bats. Apparently, Gonsalves last outing was Thursday where he went two innings and he said he felt good but was excited to shut it down for the rest of the year. As he said this was the most he's ever threw and by the end of the regular season he was tiring, throwing in Instructs just added even more fuel to the fire. Also throwing on Thursday was Fernando Romero who went two innings hitting 93-95 mph. In side notes, 2015 draftee and reliever Rich Condeelis was sidelined with several stitches in his chin as he was hit by a ball thrown by fellow pitcher Zach Tillery. Unlike most of the pitchers in camp, Condeelis is going to continue to throw for another month or so to stretch out his arm. Unbeknowst to me, Rich has only been pitching for the last 6-7 months as he spent much of his career as a first baseman. The organization is supportive of his sidearm delivery and will let him continue to throw in that fashion. As it turns out, the player I've been sitting and talking Spanglish with over the entire summer was Fernando Romero (he would never give his name other than "Paul"), he saved me a front row seat next to Deron Johnson and Mike Radcliff so that was nice of him. He absolutely hates his picture taken and thought I was a scout for the beginning of the GCL season. On Saturday, lefty Sam Clay started for the Twins going 4 innings, his fastball was continually 89-91 mph maxing out at 92 mph with a slider around 76-78 mph. I was sitting next to two AL East Scouts (one amateur, one pro), and they were comparing notes on Clay. Last year, Clay's fastball was continually 92-95 mph when he first joined the Twins. They jokingly said that's the Twin's for you, I asked them what they meant and they said happens alot with Twins pitchers. Clay was relieved by an inning of Wilfredy Liranzo and Brandon Poulson for an inning before the game was called due to rain. Poulson threw one slider, the rest were fastballs at 90-95 mph averaging 93. In the box, Tyree Davis got some of his first game action of the 2015 season. Tyree has really bulked up, adding 20 lbs of muscle over the year as he's been regulated to much of the weight room due to his elbow injury. He luckily avoided surgery and is said that it feels 100%. He wants to continue his season in the Caribbean but is unsure if the team will give the okay. Also getting some at bats was former first rounder Levi Michael, who looked very rusty out on the field. Levi's a great guy and I'll always root for him but his baseball career is looking bleek. Overall, it was a great summer of the GCL and Instructs, the Twins wrap up their season hosting the Orioles on Monday and visiting the Red Sox on Tuesday. Til February!! In the meantime, I'll be getting my baseball fix and a foothold on the 2016 draft with all the showcases in South Florida.