MinnFan4Life

AB Walker is FAR less a defensive liability than Sano. Walker would AT THE LEAST be serviceable (if not better) at corner outfield positions, better than several that have been stationed in left or right field in a Twins uniform over the last 3 or 4 years. He has a good throwing arm and solid quickness for a big man. I cant speak to his routes or tracking fly balls. We will struggle to find Sano a position to play in the field, WAY too many errors at third base. He could very likely end up being a very young DH. YES, there are too many Ks for ABW. That area has to improve. But Walker has MORE power than Sano. Hard for many to believe with all the hype that Sano has had all this time, but it is true. Your arguments in regards to age and the strikeout & walk numbers are valid. Your statements that Sano trumps Walker in the areas of defensive value, overall skillset and tools is not.

FINALLY, the Good One Has Come Back To Ft Myers! Special Thanks to the Rock for using one of his catch phrases. And as much as I love this guy, I have to admit that it IS too early to call Stephen Gonsalves the Great One. But for the first two months of this season, Gonsalves HAS pitched like a Great One. And around mid-evening on Monday, Gonsalves let us know the answer to one of the top 5 questions regarding Twins minor league affiliates... When is Stephen Gonsalves going to be promoted to High A Ft Myers Miracle? On Monday, following another dominate start in which he threw 7 shutout innings with 12 strike outs in Cedar Rapids - Gonsalves tweeted that he had been informed he would be moving up to Ft Myers. This move is not official yet. Cedar Rapids Kernels team mate, pitcher Jared Wilson HAS been officially promoted to the Miracle to pitch in one of two games during a double header tomorrow. At this point, I don't know if Wilson will also stay with the Miracle or be sent back down to Cedar Rapids after he lends a hand to Ft Myers' rotation for the double header. Having just pitched on Monday while taking a no-hitter into the 7th, Gonsalves wont be available to pitch again until Friday. After Wilson starts one of those two games in the twin-bill - a corresponding roster move will take place to make Gonsalves' promotion official. And a well deserved promotion it is. The tall southpaw typically went through most of the Midwest League like a hot knife through soft butter. The 20 year lefty certainly had nothing left to prove at that level. He will begin his Miracle career late this week, wearing the #22 jersey. I wish him well, thank him for always being gracious with his time, and am excited to see how he handles facing another level of competition.

Gonsalves Ripping Through MWL in Dominating Fashion So Seth unveiled this year's version of the Adopt - A - Prospect project. And I was super pumped to grab one of my top 3 favorite prospects in the entire Twins organization - Southpaw Stephen Gonsalves. He came right out of shoot, firing on all cylinders. He has not slowed down since. I have though. Slowed down, that is. Since mid-May, I have not been able to keep pace with Gonsalves. I have fallen behind badly in updating his section. The main reason, it's plain boring. Start after start, it's the same thing over and over again ... Gonsalves goes 6 innings, Gonsalves goes 7 innings. Gonsalves allows 1 earned run or less. Gonsalves strikes out 10 times as many batters as he walks. Gonsalves is pitcher of the week. Gonsalves is pitcher of the month. Gonsalves has used up all of the known adjectives for excellence. Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah. Same old same old. Well, that sounds a lot better than I am lazy and a professional procrastinator anyway. I have recapped some of his games. While it's fine to look at his final stat line - I like to review the games, batter by batter he faces. I think it gives you a little better feel for how he has pretty much mowed through the competition that he has faced at this level and will lend credit to the argument that his promotion to Ft Myers is already long overdue. Later, I will attempt to catch up on the game recaps and address the questions about his breaking pitches. Stephen has graciously given me some of his time on multiple occasions and has replied to a number of questions. But for the time being, let's try to play a little catch up be reviewing the tall lefty's outstanding performance through the first full two months covering all 8 starts he has made for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Game# Date WorL IP Hits ERs Ks BBs ERA 1.) 4/11 1 - 0 6 5 1 9 0 1.50 2.) 4/17 0 - 0 7 5 1 10 1 1.38 3.) 4/23 1 - 0 7 1 0 11 1 0.90 4.) 5/1 0 - 1 7 5 2 8 1 1.33 5.) 5/7 1 - 0 5 3 1 5 4 1.41 6.) 5/14 0 - 0 4 4 2 4 0 1.75 7.) 5/20 1 - 0 6 1 0 7 3 1.50 8.) 5/26 1 - 0 6 3 0 12 1 1.31 Season Totals Games W - L Innings Hits ERuns KOs BBs ERA 8 Starts 2015 5 - 1 48IP 27 7 66 11 1.31 In these games, Gonsalves has allowed only 2 Home Runs - Using mostly his fastball, change up and location. He has hit 4 batters in the above 8 starts. Opposing batters have a paltry .163 batting average vs Gonsalves and he has posted an impressive Whip of 0.79 A tremendous first two months HAS TO have a promotion to High A Ft Myers coming VERY SOON. I will try to do a better job of keeping up with more timely updates. This kid is for real. I have NO DOUBT that he will find his way to target field, just not as soon as many of us would like.

Cedar Rapids Kernels C Brian Navarreto was credited with throwing out 2 runners attempting to steal in today's game vs Quad Cities. According to the Kernels twitter feed, they say that Navarreto has successfully thrown out 11 of the 16 runners who attempted steals when he was behind the plate. That's pretty impressive! You have to give some credit to the Kernels pitching staff as well, just as some pitchers give runners such a good jump that the catcher has no chance to throw the runner out. But if the 11 out of 16 attempts stat is correct, that's something that should open some eyes.

Gonsalves Receives Award Twins prospect Left Handed starting pitcher Stephen Gonsalves was named the Midwest Leagues pitcher of the week - for the week ending April 26. This award was awarded largely on his performance on April 23rd versus the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. During this start, Gonsalves went 7 complete innings - allowing just 1 hit and 3 total base runners. Gonsalves walked 1 batter while striking out 11 Timber Rattlers. One would think that with his start to the season - Gonsalves would be in line to be named pitcher of the Month for the Midwest League, as well. See the recap of his 1st 3 starts in the post above. This kid is on a roll so far. Very effective and consistant.

Gonsalves Throwing Gems Like People Throw Away Trash Left handed pitcher Stephen Gonsalves toed the rubber on the road on April 23rd for his third start of the season. He was pitching for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the final contest of a three game series against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, a Brewers affiliate. For the second time in three starts, Gonsalves was in position to give the Kernels a series sweep on the road if he could best the opposing team. Spoiler Alert: Victory, Sweep, and Domination Gonsalves produced another stellar pitching performance. He threw 7 shut out innings, yeilding just a single hit that never left the infield and allowing only three base runners in his best start of the year. He is rolling along like a machine. He has begun 2015 in full stride. He threw 90 pitches in this 7 inning gem, 59 of them being strikes. His control continues to impressive, as 2/3 of his pitches were strikes and moving his stat line to 30 strike outs versus only 2 walks in 20 innings of work to start the year. You would have to expect that he will likely be the first Kernels starting pitcher promoted to Ft Myers, when the need arises. Game Recap 1st Inning 1st Batter - Ground Out to 1st Base, 3U 2nd Batter - Fly Ball CF, F8 3rd Batter - Ground Ball to Gonsalves, 1-3 2nd Inning Gonsalves Mows Down the Side :shoot: 1st Batter - Strike Out (looking) 2nd Batter - Strike Out (looking) 3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 3rd Inning 1st Batter - Strike Out (looking) 2nd Batter - Pop Out SS, F6 3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 4th Inning 1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 2nd Batter - Bunt Single, Runner on 1st 3rd Batter - Gonsalves Hits Batters, Runners 1st & 2nd 4th Batter - Fly Out CF, F-8 5th Batter - Fly Out LF, F-7 5th Inning 1st Batter - Fly Out LF, F-7 2nd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 6th Inning 1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 2nd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 3rd Batter - Pop Out 2nd Base, F-4 7th Inning 1st Batter - Ground Out to 2nd Base, 4-3 2nd Batter - Bunt Attempt Catcher to 1st Base, 2-3 3rd Batter - Walk 4th Batter - Strike Out (looking) That was the end of Gonsalves's day, after throwing 90 pitches in 7 shut out innings. It appeared that he might be on his way to suffering another tough-luck no decision, since the game was scoreless for 5 innings, until the Kernels finally broke through and scored in the 6th inning. Gonsalves took it from there and the Kernels ended up with a 3 -0 victory and a 3 game sweep. During his last start, the game was tied at 1 after 2 innings and Gonsalves was sadled with a no decision as the Kernels didnt take the lead until the 8th inning, with Gonsalves completing 7 full. His line for this game was ... Win 7 IP 0 Runs 1 Hit 11Ks 1BBs It's hard to imagine Gonsalves starting the season any better. In 3 starts to this point, he has gone out a produced ... Game 1 - 6 Innings P, 1 Run, 5 Hits, 9Ks, 0BBs Win Game 2 - 7 Innings P, 1 Run, 5 Hits, 10Ks, 1BBs No Decision Game 3 - 7 Innings P, 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 11Ks, 1BBs Win With those 3 starts, his stat line for 2015 is ... 3 Starts 2 - 0 20 IPs ERA 0.90 2 Runs 11 Hits 30 Ks 2 BBs

Gonsalves 2nd Start - Another Dandy Left handed pitcher Stephen Gonsalves took the hill for his second start of the 2015 campaign on April 17 versus the Peoria Chiefs. Both Gonsalves and the Cedar Rapids Kernels looked to continue their red hot start to the season. Spoiler Alert: Both were successful The young left hander's first start of the year was an impressive 6 inning Win in which he allowed only 1 earned run on 5 hits, while striking out 9 batters and not walking any. The tall hurler stayed in his groove in start number two. Gonsalves pitched 7 innings in his second start. Once again, he gave up only a single earned run, allowing 5 hits. This outing, he fanned 10 batters while walking one. Unfortunately, the score remained tied 1-1 after Gonsalves finished his seventh inning of work - so he took a no decision. Zach Tillery replaced Gonsalves in the 8th and pitched two shutout innings. Tillery worked both the 8th and 9th innings and was credited with the win as the Kernels scored late to secure another victory. Gonsalves' Line ND 7IP 5 Hits 1 Run 1 Earned Run 10 Ks 1 BBs Game Recap 1st Inning 1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging) :shoot: 2nd Batter - Line Drive back to Gonsalves - 2nd out 3rd Batter - Walk 4th Batter - Fly Ball - CF 2nd Inning 1st Batter - Ground Ball 2nd base, Runner out at 1st 4-3 2nd Batter - Single to RF, Runner at 1st 3rd Batter - Strike Out (looking) 4th Batter - Double to LF, Scores Runner from 1st 5th Batter - Pop up to Nick Gordon SS, Side Retired 3rd Inning 1st Batter - Single, Runner at 1st Gonsalves, Pick Off attempt - Throwing Error, Runner to 2nd 2nd Batter - FC Ground Ball to Gonsalves, Throws Runner Out at 3rd 3rd Batter - Ground ball Double Play, Short to Second to 1st 6-4-3 Side Retired 4th Inning 1st Batter - Fly Ball LF 2nd Batter - Single LF, Runner on 1st 3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 4th Batter - During At Bat, C Brian Navarreto Throws Out Runner Attempted Steal, 3rd Out Caught Stealing 2-4 5th Inning Gonsalves Mows Down the Side :shoot: 1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 2nd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 6th Inning 1st Batter - Ground Out Third to 1st, 5-3 2nd Batter - Fly Ball RF 3rd Batter - Strike Out (looking) 7th Inning Gonsalves Reaches Double Digit Strike Outs :shoot: 1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 2nd Batter - Strike Out (swinging) 3rd Batter - Double to RF, Runner on 2nd 4th Batter - Strike Out (looking) That finished his day. Two consecutive quality starts to begin the season. Unlucky to not get the win in his second start, but the Kernels did end up with the victory. After two starts, Gonsalves' stat line is ... 2015 1W - 0L 13 IP ERA 1.38 10 Hits 2 Earned Runs 19Ks 1BB Again, Keep on eye on this guy. He is good!!!

Very perceptive. You are correct. His breaking ball if far from a refined pitch. I hate to "say" anything that could be considered negative about Gonsalves, because I am such a big fan. Guilty of thinking more with my heart than my head, especially with prospects. However, he has been able to find success to this point, largely with a solid fastball and effective change up - combined with above average control. His curveball tends to the slower, big bending breaking pitch used to try to keep batters honest. It is far from an out pitch, at this point. He has begun to work hard on a slider. I believe that this could be a very effective addition to his arsenal. He is bringing it along slowly, as he develops more feel and confidence in the pitch. He does not throw it often, mostly to left handed batters. But if it continues to develop, it could make him that much tougher when added to the fastball and change up. Ultimately, it is hoped that it will work more effectively than a standard straight curveball and, in time, may even become his out pitch. Again, I hesitate to say anything that isn't completely positive because I am so high on his potential. Truth is, right now, none of his pitches are ranked as highly above average. His fastball is typically 91-92. Maybe touching 93 on some occasions. But keep in mind, Gonsalves is only 20. We have had him in the organization since he graduated high school. I see the potential to add some velocity as he matures and continues to fill out. He uses the changeup efficiently. Given new pitching coach Neil Allen's belief in the use of the change up, this could be an area to refine even more. His poise and control are currently his greatest assets. If I were to make an honest assessment of his future with the Twins, I would say ... Imagine a day where we have actually built a true, effective starting rotation featuring pitchers like JO Berrios etc. Gonsalves would fit in nicely as a solid, innings eating, workhorse #3 guy in that rotation. His future is quite bright. As slowly as the Twins move prospects through the system, he has ample time to make the slider a pitch he can confidently use at any time, regardless of the count. It appears that as injuries, promotions etc. happen - we could see Gonsalves advance to Ft Myers well before my original midseason projection. I definitely can see this kid making it all the way to Target Field. Keep an eye on him.

I believe, unlike many on this site, that ABW will be an asset to the Twins - based mostly on his power potential. And I question the frequent criticism of his contact rate. Now granted, that is an area that definitely needs to improve. No question. I think every position player in the organization would like to improve in that area. But I would also argue that his biggest asset is his ability to hit with power. And most power hitters strike out at an alarming rate. Yes, without question, his contact rate should continue to be an aspect of his game that he (and everyone in the organization that works with him) should look to work to improve on. But those are always going to be numbers that cause concern. His game is carrying a big, thumping home run stick to the plate. And with that big stick comes a lot of strikeouts. As I look at the major league team, I also see an alarming number of strikeouts. The Twins OFTEN finish a game with double digit strike outs, many times vs pitchers that are less than dominate K machines. Doesn't seem to deter Terry Ryan from running that roster up the flag pole the past 4 seasons. And yet, I would argue that we are not carrying anyone on the active 25 with Walker's home run potential. If we are going to continue to field a team that strikes out as often as the Twins' lineups do, you might as well have a couple of players that bring more of a home run threat to the plate than we have now. Walker is a quality prospect. Definitely not saying that he should be in the majors yet. Without question, he needs more time and experience. At the same time, I would argue with those who say he has no chance to advance to Target Field. He plays solid (not great) defense. I would say he is a better defensive corner outfielder than Arcia currently is. His throwing arm is above average. And for a big man his size, he is surprisingly, sneaky quick. He could swipe a dozen bases a year - if he was run in the right situations. He has work to do. I'll give you that. But I fully expect to see him in a Twins uniform in the future

Gonsalves Wins First Start of Season The Cedar Rapids Kernels began their 2015 campaign on the road with a 3 game series at Kane County. I had expected Stephen Gonsalves to be at the top of the rotation for the Kernels. However, he was the starting pitcher on April 11th for game 3 vs Kane County and was looking to lead his team to a sweep on the road, as the Kernels had won the first two games to begin 2 - 0. Spoiler Alert: He did just that. Gonsalves turned out a quality start as the Kernels won the game 5 - 3 to begin the year a perfect 3 and 0 with a road sweep. Gonsalves was impressive, pitching 6 complete innings. He allowed just 1 earned run, coming on a solo home run surrendered with 2 outs in the bottom of the first inning. He was not perfect, however. Besides the home run given up in the first inning, Gonsalves had a throwing error in the second inning that allowed the runner to advance to second and also had a wild pitch in the fifth inning. But it was an extremely solid performance. It was good enough to earn the win and move his record to 1 - 0 to start 2015. He allowed the single run, while giving up 5 hits over the 6 innings. Far more impressively, he totaled 9 Ks without issuing a single walk. Game Recap 1st Inning: 1st Batter - Strikeout 2nd Batter - Fly Ball CF 3rd Batter - Solo Home Run 4th Batter - Ground Ball back to Mound, Threw runner out at first. 2nd Inning: 1st Batter - Infield Hit Back to Gonsalves; Throwing error advances runner to 2nd Base Gonsalves Responds 2nd Batter - Strike Out :shoot: 3rd Batter - Strike Out :shoot: 4th Batter - Fly Ball CF 3rd Inning: 1st Batter - Pop Up 3rd Base 2nd Batter - Double to LF 3rd Batter - Fly Ball CF 4th Batter - Strike Out 4th Inning: Gonsalves Retires the Side in Order 1st Batter - Strike Out 2nd Batter - Ground Ball to Gonsalves, Throws out Runner 3rd Batter - Strike Out 5th Inning: 1st Batter - Single 2nd Batter - Strike Out 3rd Batter - Fly Ball CF Wild Pitch Advances Runner 4th Batter - Strike out :shoot: 6th Inning: 1st Batter - Fly Ball LF 2nd Batter - Single 3rd Batter - Strike Out 4th Batter - Ground Ball 1st Base That was all for Gonsalves. Cedar Rapids brought in a new pitcher to start the 7th Inning. But it was a very nice way to begin the year. W 1W - 0L 6IP 5 Hits 1R 1ER 9Ks 0BBs I feel that this is the type of game to expect from Gonzalves most of the time. He has pretty solid control. Thus the key stat, 9 Ks and 0 BBs. This is his game and what we would love to see from all our pitchers at every level. He rarely gets himself into trouble. Should he continue along these lines, it would not be surprising to see him promoted to Ft Myers somewhere around the middle of the season. Having spent some time already in Cedar Rapids last season, it would fall in line with the Twins' typical time table and to date, his development would warrant a midseason promotion. One of his big keys will remain the Strike Out to Walk Ratio. This player has a very realistic chance to take a spot in the middle of the rotation for the Twins in the future. Keep your eye on him!

I have an absolute man-crush on this kid. I hitched my wagon to him before he got to Cedar Rapids. Love the fact he got the extra experience of pitching for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. While he has plenty of talent - I am most impressed with his work ethic, dedication, and desire to excel. I don't see anyone who wants it more then Berrios. I think everyone would benefit (prospects and guys on the 25 man roster) from being made to work out with him in the off-season. I asked those here who know more than I do about his chances of getting to Target Field this year. To a person, they all say next year. I disagree. I would imagine that next year would be the original plan - but I truly believe that Berrios is going to FORCE the Twins to call him up by August. I just haven't seen anyone in the organization as focused as Berrios. I will post here several times this year, because as I said before, I love this kid. He is going to be huge (for someone who everyone obsesses over his lack of height). Let me just leave you with this for now... Imagine, dare dream that the Twins were actually a competitive ball club right now. And consider their performances over the last year plus. If you had to call up a pitcher to try to win a game right now. Would you send for Alex Meyer or Jose Berrios?

Name: Stephen William Gonsalves Born: 07/08/1994 San Diego, CA Age: 20 years Old Height: 6'5" Weight: 190 Lbs. Position: Starting Pitcher Throws: L Bats: L Drafted: 2013 4th Round Pick#110 In the 4th round of the 2013 First Year Player draft, the Minnesota Twins selected High School pitcher Stephen Gonsalves. Gonsalves pitched for Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, California. A highly touted young pitcher, Gonsalves had an outstanding junior season. He had a 10 - 0 record striking out 79 batters in 66 innings. His senior season wasn't viewed as favorably or at least some scouts didn't feel they saw the progression they thought they should with another season. Still, Gonsalves posted a 6 - 1 record in 9 starts with an ERA of 2.19 Gonsalves had, at one time, been considered a potential 2nd round talent, if not better - even as a high school pitcher. The Twins were able to draft him in the 4th round. He signed shortly after the draft and reported mid-season to pro ball. 2013 Gonsalves was assigned to the Gulf Coast League Twins at Rookie Level. He appeared in 5 games, making 2 starts. Posted a 1-0 record with a 0.63 ERA in 14 Innings. He was promoted to the Elizabethton Twins in the Appalachian League. He appeared in 3 games there, starting all 3. Posted a 1-1 record with a 1.29 ERA in 14 Innings to finish the short season. 2013 Totals 2W - 1L ERA 0.95 28 Innings 39Ks/11BBs WHIP 1.02 2014 Gonsalves began his first full season ball at Elizabethton. He appeared in 6 games there, all as a starter. Posted a 2-0 record with a 2.79 ERA in 29.1 Innings pitched before being promoted to Cedar Rapids in the Midwest League. He finished the 2014 season in Iowa. Low A He appeared in 8 games in Cedar Rapids, again starting all 8. Posted a 2-3 record with a 3.19 ERA in 36.2 Innings pitched. 2014 Totals 4W - 3L ERA 3.02 65.2 Innings 70Ks/21BBs WHIP 1.14 2015 Gonsalves will begin the season again at Cedar Rapids. If he continues to progress as he has thus far, it's logical to expect him to advance to Ft Myers around midseason. Editorial: This fan is extremely high on Gonsalves. He has been highly thought of since early in his high school career. Left handed (enough said). Big, tall kid with solid frame - but not too tall as many believe has contributed to Alex Meyer's control issues. Has room to fill out with should give him the body type that many covet for durability. While he does not have stuff that would likely be described as filthy, such as Jose Berrios or Felix Jorge - demonstrates steady control, variety of pitches and pretty good poise. In my brief chances to talk to him, seems to be a humble, well grounded young man. Could be a very solid mainstay in the rotation of the future. Considering where he has been ranked prior to the draft as a high schooler (always DIFFICULT to project), could be a steal as a fourth round draft pick. Frequently overlooked on these pages with the names of prospects like Alex Meyer, Trevor May, Kohl Stewart and my favorite Jose Berrios - Gonsalves is definitely a pitcher fans should keep an eye on. I will. Personally, I tweeted Stephen - telling him that the Twins could give him a 21st birthday present of a promotion to High A Ft Myers by July. All accounts that I am aware of rank him as a good teammate and a team first type of player. Again, while the stuff may not necessarily be described as nasty - the adjective "Workhorse" could apply to him in the future if he continues to improve and develop.

Very excited for another season of Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball as a Twins affiliate. Totally agree that, like last year, the biggest strength of the ball club will be the pitching staff.

I would like to request P Stephen Gonsalves, please.

Seth - I'm late to the party. I believe this is his year to get healthy & show us what he's got. Please put me down for Luke Bard.