Christopher Fee

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1785-Rochester-Recap-Vance-Worley-s-Debut

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4180[/ATTACH] When the Minnesota Twins acquired starting pitcher Vance Worley from the Philadelphia Phillies in the off-season trade involving Ben Revere, no one thought that the opening day starter would be spending Memorial Day pitching in Rochester, NY, for the Red Wings. After a dismal 1-5 start with the Twins, an ERA over seven and a WHIP of almost two, it was no real surprise that something had to be done. The Twins are hoping that he can become the pitcher they were hoping to have acquired this past off-season, after a brief stint in Rochester. Pete Orr led the game off with a lead off single up the middle, something that Vance had been struggling with all year, getting out of the first inning. Worley said, “It was definitely in my head for sure, that’s what I’ve been struggling with too, giving up first inning runs. I knew that I needed to not let that guy score.” After getting the number two hitter to fly out to center, Eric Fryer threw a strike to shortstop Doug Bernier to get Orr stealing, and then was able to get another fly ball to center to get out of the first inning unscathed. The second, third and fourth innings, Worley allowed one runner to reach, and it wasn’t until the 8th inning that he allowed a runner to reach second base. “He used all of his pitches and was aggressive with them, he got some quick outs at times. Everything that you look for in a big league pitcher right there, he is a good pitcher that belongs in the Major Leagues.” manager Gene Glynn said regarding Vance Worley’s start this afternoon. Worley pitched a complete game shutout, throwing 119 pitches and 74 for strikes, while he did walk four batters; they were spread out throughout the game, limiting the damage that could have been done. The eight and ninth innings were really the only ones that Lehigh Valley had the potential to put together a small rally in the game. “It was pretty good, I haven’t had a whole lot of strikeouts. There were a couple that were looking, that’s normally how I strike guys out. I’m not a guy that’s going to try to go out there and punch everybody out, I’m the guy that’s going to put the ball in play and that’s what is going to allow me to go deeper into the games”, Worley said regarding his four strikeouts in the game. Strikeouts have been something that he had been struggling with getting up in Minnesota (25 in 48.2 innings pitched), it was encouraging to see him controlling the strike zone. “I was trying to keep my pitch count down, go deeper into games and to keep the ball down. That’s what I’ve been struggling with up there (Minnesota), I needed to get back to being myself.” Outside of striking out the Taco Bell K-Man, Vance Worley gave the Frontier Field crowd of 5,226 something they’ve seen a few times as of late, a complete game shutout victory. While I wouldn’t expect Worley to be called up immediately, it was definitely encouraging to see him getting through innings without major damage. “It’s very important to get one of these types of games in”, Worley, said. “I’ve been struggling all year starting in the spring, I haven’t been myself. The velocity has been there, the break on everything is there, and it’s just a matter of getting it down. I needed this, I need to find myself down here so that I can go back up and help those guys.” Rochester scored one run in the 2nd inning on an Eric Fryer RBI single, then the Wings scored four more in the 6th inning to secure a 5-0 victory over the Iron Pigs. For the Red Wings it was their fourth complete game shutout of the season, Kyle Gibson has two of them, P.J. Walters and now Vance Worley have one each. For Worley, this was not his first CG shutout; July 9th, 2010 he pitched a CG shutout, while he was with Reading (AA Phillies). Rochester broke Lehigh Valley’s six game winning streak, which started after Kyle Gibson almost threw a CG shutout against them last Sunday.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1740-Player-Profile-Samuel-Deduno

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4111[/ATTACH] Entering his 10th professional season, it’s safe to say that 2012 was his best year in Samuel Deduno’s career thus far. Not only did Deduno end the year in the Minnesota Twins rotation, but he also had the opportunity to pitch for the Dominican Republic, his home country, in the World Baseball Classic. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Colorado Rockies in 2003, 19 year old Samuel Deduno was on the road to pursuing his dream of playing in the Major Leagues. “ I was 19 years old in the Dominican, I felt very good about getting signed, I knew that if I kept pitching and kept working something good was bound to happen, and it did.” However, it’s safe to say after a successful rookie season in the Frontier League, his next three seasons in the Rockies system were very forgettable. Compiling a record of 19-25, an ERA of 5.32 and a strike out to walk ratio of just under 2-to-1, and then an arm injury causing him to miss the entire 2008 season, Samuel Deduno’s career appeared to be in some serious danger. After rehabbing his right arm in 2008, something clicked for Deduno in 2009, while pitching for the Rockies Double-A affiliate, Tulsa Drillers. With a record of 12-4, an ERA of 2.57 and striking out 131 batters in 138.2 innings, it appeared that things were finally starting to turn around for Samuel Deduno. "I give the glory to God, he has given me everything. I was feeling pretty positive about everything, myself and my team." During the 2011 season, the Rockies went ahead and released Samuel Deduno, and after a small stint with the San Diego Padres, Deduno was signed to a minor league contract by the Minnesota Twins at the end of the 2011 season. In nine starts in Rochester last season, he went 1-2 with a 2.14 ERA, his strikeouts were over one per inning and his walk to strikeout ratio was better than two to one. In 15 starts in Minnesota, Deduno had control issues, and that’s putting it mildly. With a walk to strikeout ratio of one-to-one, an ERA of 4.44, many people questioned if Deduno was going to be back in Minnesota for the 2013 season. In spring training, he was competing for the 5th starter position with the Twins, when he decided to go and represent his country in the World Baseball Classic. “The GM called me and said to expect a call from the Dominican team. I wanted to go and play for my country, and I played pretty good, everything was working, fastball, curveball, change-up.” While some people would question that decision, the numbers don’t lie, he was more dominant in those games, than he has been in his career thus far. In 13 innings pitched Deduno struck out 18 batters while walking five, he lead the Domincan Republic to victory in the gold medal game over Puerto Rico, but unfortunately a groin injury would hold him out for the beginning of the year. Before a game earlier this week Deduno talked a little bit about how he was recovering from the groin injury he suffered after the WBC. “I’m feeling pretty good, just need to keep throwing and pitching.” I then asked him about the opportunity to of rejoining the Twins rotation? “I don’t know, I can’t control that, when I go to the game I need to work on my game, it’s my job. I’m looking to pitch for a long time, I have to pitch good, I have to throw strikes.” Samuel Deduno has started three games so far in 2013 for the Rochester Red Wings, compiling a 0-0 record, with a 2.70 ERA, 17 SO, 10 BB in 16.2IP.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1688-Rochester-Red-Wings-Ohio-State-Recap

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1689-Rochester-Red-Wings-Ohio-State-Recap

[ATTACH=CONFIG]4027[/ATTACH] At 14-20, the Rochester Red Wings are substantially better than they were two weeks ago. After a 2-11 start, the Red Wings have gone 12-9 in their last 21 games, and after facing the top tier teams in the International league to start the year, it was finally time for Rochester to play teams they have had success against in years past. First Stop Columbus Rochester began the road trip by going to Columbus to play a four game series against the Clippers (Indians). Last season the Red Wings went 6-2 against the Clippers, so it was safe to say that hopes were high, that the winning ways may continue on the road. The bats continued to come to life in the series, as the Wings combined to score 18 runs in the four game series (4.5 per game) and compiled 39 hits in the series as well (9.75 hits per game). In addition to the continued run production and increase in hits, the most important stat, runners in scoring position. In 32 at bats versus Columbus, Rochester compiled eight hits or a .250 batting average over the four game stretch. While the offense is continuing to improve, the pitching continues to get better for the Red Wings as well. In the series in Columbus, Rochester pitching allowed 16 runs in those four games. (Four runs per game). The starters combined for a 4.09 ERA, however that number is a bit deceiving. In 11 innings, Kyle Gibson and P.J. Walters gave up 8 runs which translates to a 6.55 ERA. Liam Hendriks and Samuel Deduno combined to pitch 11 innings, while giving up just 2 earned runs in their starts (1.64 ERA). The bullpen continued to get better as well, after giving up three earned runs in game one of the series, they would allow just one run in their next 9.1 innings pitched, combining for a 3.00 ERA, much improved as well. Holy Toledo After splitting the two game series in Columbus, the Red Wings took the two-hour drive North to Toledo, to begin a four game series against the Mud Hens (Tigers). Last season Rochester went 8-0 against Toledo, so there was hope the Red Wings hot streak would continue. In four games against the Mud Hens, the Wings scored 13 runs (3.25 runs per game), that number is very much inflated by the eight run slugfest that took place Tuesday night. If you take out that one game, Rochester combined to score just five runs in three games (1.66 runs per game), and went 1-2 in those games. Usually when one area of the team is inconsistent, you’re hopeful that the other aspects of the team will be able to pick you up, that was not the case in this series. The numbers are lopsided in this series as well, Rochester allowed 20 runs over the four game series, and however 19 of the 20 runs were scored in two games. Rochester’s starters gave up just eight runs in 26 1/3 innings which is an impressive 2.73 ERA. The bullpen however, was not as overwhelming, giving up 10 runs in 15 2/3rd innings pitched (5.75 ERA). Rochester went on to split the series with Toledo and Columbus, ending the eight game road trip at 4-4. What Lies Ahead? Rochester returns home to Frontier Field on Friday, opening a four game series against the Columbus Clippers (Indians). The Red Wings finish up an eight game home stand, hosting mega prospect Wil Myers and the Durham Bulls (Rays). Last season Rochester was 2-6 against Durham, including losing three out of four games at Frontier Field in 2012. Team Leaders Batting Average Clete Thomas - .346 Chris Colabello - .313 Evan Bigley - .303 Home Runs Chris Colabello – 8 Clete Thomas – 6 Oswaldo Arcia – 3 RBI Chris Colabello – 23 Clete Thomas – 17 Doug Bernier – 11 Wins P.J. Walters – 3 Kyle Gibson – 2 Virgil Vasquez – 2 ERA Tyler Robertson – 2.45 Shairon Martis – 3.04 Andrew Albers – 3.30 Strikeouts P.J. Walters – 36 Kyle Gibson – 35 Andrew Albers - 27

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1638-Rochester-Red-Wings-Review-This-is-What-We-ve-Been-Waiting-For

[ATTACH=CONFIG]3910[/ATTACH] After finishing an eight game home stand at 3-5, the Rochester Red Wings took the short trip up the New York Thruway to Syracuse to play the Chiefs (Nationals). Last season the Red Wings won just three games in Syracuse, something that they would match in their first trip to NBT Bank Stadium. The Bats Come Alive In their four game series against the Chiefs, Rochester scored 31 runs on 50 hits. Things change when you average almost eight runs per game, and just over 12 hits as well. Before their series began on Tuesday, the Red Wings had not scored more than seven runs in a game since April 7th, and through their first 18 games, Rochester had scored a total of 53 runs (2.9 runs per game). The Wings also continued to improve their average with runners in scoring position (RISP). In the four game road trip Rochester was 14-53 (.264), which is significantly higher than in previous weeks. The Pitching Woes Continue It seems so far this season, either the pitching or hitting is strong, but never at the same time, this trend continued. In the four games against the Chiefs, starting pitching combined to give up 11 runs in 23 innings (4.30 ERA). The bullpen had their own problems as well, in 18 1/3rd innings; they gave up 10 runs (4.91 ERA), including two blown saves. Coming Back Home After going 3-1 on the road, improving their record to 8-14 on the season, Rochester returned to Frontier Field for a four game series against the Buffalo Bisons (Blue Jays). Kyle Gibson pitched his best game of the season on Friday, going 6 2/3rd innings, giving up just two hits, striking out seven. Caleb Thielbar and Tim Wood pitched the remaining 2 2/3rd innings to preserve the shut out. Winners of four straight games entering Sunday, there were high hopes with Liam Hendriks on the mound, maybe the Wings winning streak would continue. Unfortunately for Rochester, and Hendriks, he was unable to contain the Buffalo offense, giving up eight hits and five runs in five innings pitched. Tyler Robertson and Daniel Turpen did pitch four shutout innings in relief, but the four run deficit would be too much for Rochester to overcome. If all aspects of this team clicks, there is still hope that they can have something to play for in September. What’s Ahead Now at 9-15 on the year, Rochester has two more games at home against the first place Bisons. The Red Wings then go on the road, starting a four game series against the Columbus Clippers (Indians). Last season the Red Wings went 6-2 against the Clippers, going 3-1 at Huntington Park. After four games in Columbus, Rochester continues to Toledo, playing four against the Mud Hens (Tigers). The Wings went 8-0 against Toledo last season, the only team Rochester went undefeated against in 2012.

The work ethic is there, he's mature, and he has the pitches to be successful. I enjoy seeing him while he's here in Rochester, but I don't think it'll be long before he gets a shot in Minnesota..... just needs to stretch out his outings a little bit more.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1617-Q-A-with-Kyle-Gibson

[ATTACH=CONFIG]3849[/ATTACH] Entering his fourth professional season, Rochester Red Wings pitcher Kyle Gibson is hopeful that this is the year he gets his chance to pitch in Minnesota. Currently listed as Baseball America’s #68 ranked prospect in their 2013 Top 100 Prospect list, and #5 on their organizational list, it’s safe to say that there are high hopes this year for the future Twins right hander. After batting practice on Monday, I had the chance to talk about his rehab, what his expectations are for the year, and what exactly is happening with the Wings so far this year. CF - Can you talk a little bit about how the team is doing this year? Not the start you guys had hoped for coming out of the spring. Kyle Gibson – I think the last four or five games is a better indicator of how the team is. We lost two to these guys (Pawtucket) at their place, I think it was a 1 to 1 ball game going into the sixth. Even yesterday (Sunday’s doubleheader) the one that we lost, it was a 1-0 game going into the sixth. If you look at the last four or five games we’ve played, we are a lot different team then when we started. We are starting to click a little bit, we are a little bit more comfortable up here. I think the offense is starting to hit their stride, and the bullpen has been really good, so that always helps. CF -Obviously it’s not just one thing, but you guys had a pretty good spring training, do you take that with a grain of salt? Or do you think that’s what we could be? KG – I think spring training was the indicator of how good the team can be. Our offense was really good. Our pitching threw pretty good, I think all of us coming up here thought we were going to keep it rolling. I think for whatever reason we had those games where our offense would struggle, and so would our pitching. We would have games where our pitching would do well and our offense would struggle or vice versa. Spring training is a whole lot different, you have the lineups shuffling a little bit more, there’s a lot less pressure on the situation. Right now we’re starting to find that lineup that’s working for us. One of the things that always hurts Triple-A is the movement up and down from the big leagues. You always have new guys coming in so that shuffles it up a little bit, which makes AAA a little bit different than every other level. CF - What was 2012 like for you as a player? You moved around a lot, still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, what was it like to basically have to rebuild? KG - I think it was a good process for me. You never want to have to go through an arm rehab program, but I think at the end of the day I’m mentally and physically stronger for it. I think at the end of the year being able to come back up to Rochester for a few start was pretty big, to get back up against this level of competition. Even though I didn’t have that much success, to be able to come back up here, I felt strong being back up here. The Arizona Fall League was a good experience as well, kind of the same as here. I was facing good prospects, faced a lot of guys on this team (Pawtucket), and all throughout the International League. I got a lot of good experience against a lot of good players. CF - How much of rehab is mental as well as physical? KG - Good question, if I could say 100 percent and 100 percent I would. I would say getting over the injury is more mental than physical. You do a lot of physical work, but at the end of the rehab, you get to the point when it’s time to let it go, and it’s time to move on from the rehab, and that’s where the mental part comes in. For me, I was able to do that okay because I had an elbow surgery before. My first outing in extended I was like, here’s a four seamer throw it as hard as you can, you get past that and that’s what helped me. CF - Are you on any sort of innings cap that you know of? Or are you and the team just kind of taking it as it goes? KG - When they sent me down in Spring Training, Terry Ryan told me to go down there and pitch. We aren’t going to baby you this year, we are going to let you go down there and throw and see what happens. I’m sure if I come up sore or tired later on in the season, we might rethink it, but as of right now I don’t have too much information on it. CF - So far you’ve had a couple of strong starts, but in the later innings you seem to struggle a little bit, what do you credit the good start to? KG - I’m getting closer to where I want to be. Pitch wise, I think I still have some work to do mentally. Just like yesterday (Sunday), I have the stuff that I want to have and for whatever reason I lose it in the 6th inning, and I start to lose it for them. I think there are some positives and negatives to it, my last two starts I’ve felt really good, but I’ve let the other team sneak into some situations where I shouldn’t have. I walked away from a start yesterday thinking, wow I gave up four walks and gave up three hits, I kind of beat myself up there. That’s one thing to make it to the next level I can’t do. CF - Would you consider yourself a strikeout pitcher, or more of a groundball pitcher? KG - I would consider myself a ground ball pitcher that can get strikeouts when I need to, how bout that? (laughs) One thing with the surgery, and the velocity that I have, I think it’s allowed me to use strikeouts a little more, even strikeouts with my fastball. That’s something that I’ve never done too well, I think the added sharpness to my pitches due to the rehab from the surgery has really helped me out with that. CF - Is your fastball your “outpitch”? KG - Yeah, I think it can be now. Before it was a little bit slower, 88-92 MPH, and I don’t think it was as much of an outpitch. I think if I need a ground ball double play or I need an out, that’s a pitch that I can go to now. CF - Can you compare where you are now to where you were two or three years ago? As a pitcher, and a clubhouse guy? KG - I think age, and the process that I went through, has definitely matured me baseball wise. I think as a pitcher, in certain aspects I’m better, and in certain aspects I’m not as good. The aspects that I’m working on are making sure that I’m mentally focused, and not beating myself. Before surgery I didn’t walk anybody, walks are just something that I hated to do, I still hate to do it I just haven’t been able to control it as much. I know how to use my stuff now, once I can consistently learn to use it the right way, that’s where I want to be as a pitcher. As a clubhouse guy, it’s different. We have a pretty veteran team here, where a couple of years ago I may be in the middle of the pack age wise. I think the veterans here are definitely doing a good job, especially pitchers like P.J. Walters and guys that have been around and have been in the big leagues are doing a good job pointing me in the right direction to help me grow as a player. CF - What is it like knowing that you’re just one phone call away from being called up to the Twins? KG – I mean there’s a lot of pressure in this situation, but at the same time we all know that we’re in a pretty good spot. I think the hardest part is not to think about that, and to go out and just try to win the game today. The more I’m able to focus on going out and winning that day the better I am, because I’m not thinking about, when that call might come? How it’s going to be? And the excitement that I’m going to have. CF - What are your goals for the rest of the season, for your team and yourself? KG – I think one thing we’ve struggled with in Rochester is having a full season of being really successful. We were .500 last year, but I think we want to be a lot better than that. The fans deserve a team that goes out there and wins 85-90 games, and go to the playoffs. I’d like to make it to the big leagues as fast as possible as well, ever since I was a kid I’ve always had a goal of making it to the highest level possible, for as long as possible. I’m going to try to get better and keep developing and hopefully make it up there at some point this year.

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