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.

Talking to some field pers. Overall, they view Polanco as primarily a second baseman who COULD play some short. They will get him more work at short. Scouting report on him right now is a guy who can make spectacular plays that others cant, but for too often misses the routine plays that should be made. I've also frequently talked to Niko Goodrum. He is a great kid, very polite and pretty humble. He likes Jorge, wouldn't route against him for his own personal gain - I tells me he is only worried about his own game. Isn't keeping track of what others are doing. Goodrum has a GREAT glove. The question with him is can his bat be enough at the major league level. I saw Jim Dwyer talking to Goodrum, in length, after he was replaced in the game vs the Red Sox minor league guys. Nearly 10 minutes or so. Talked about set up and position of his hands to handle certain pitches

To Steve & anyone else who may be interested. I saw this question posted before going to the fields on Wednesday. It was the first games vs other teams. Our Rochester and New Britian groups took on Pawtucket and Portland rosters from the Red Sox. BJ Hersem, I was told by players charting pitches, etc. - was throwing 87 - 89 with has fastball. Talked to him after his two innings. I got the standard "It felt good" response. "Still working on things". He didn't have any feeling on his velocity, when I asked. He did say he would like to tighten up location on some of his pitches. He was missing away and off the plate. The only other pitcher I got numbers on was Trevor May, pitching for Rochester. Virgil Vasquez (who is very cool and very friendly) was kind enough to tell me that May was throwing 92-94 with his fastball.

I seem to be in the minority, but I love TK in the booth. I know it's monotone & without excitement - but I appreciate how he explains what the approach should be as each pitch changes the situation. Broadcasting standards - marginal. Baseball knowledge - exceptional!

Zach Jones Work 2 Innings in Win for Miracle May 10 At Jupiter Zach Jones work 2 solid innings on the road in Jupiter for Ft. Myers in their extra Inning win on the 10th of May. The Miracle were deadlocked 2 to 2 entering the 8th Inning. Miracle pitcher Chad Rodgers started the bottom of 8th. He gave up a base hit to the lead off hitter to start the inning. Zach Jones was then brought in with a runner on 1st base and no one out with the score tied at 2. The 1st batter to face Jones (the second of the inning) tried to sacrifice bunt with 2 strikes. The bunt attempt went foul, giving Jones credit for a strike out and the 1st out of the inning. After getting a break with the 2 strike bunt attempt, Zach walked the next batter - moving the go ahead run into scoring position for Jupiter, putting runners at 1st and 2nd. The next batter grounded out and was retired at 1st base. There were then 2 outs but runners at 2nd and 3rd. Jones then closed out the 8th, striking out the next batter swinging and leaving the runners stranded in scoring position. The Miracle brought the heart of the order up in the top half of the 9th. M. Sano, K. Vargas, and M. Koch were due up. Surprisingly, Jupiter's pitcher fanned all three Miracle batters 3 up and 3 down. He was able to retire Ft. Myers in order, setting all 3 down swinging. Jones rose to the challenge and was able to match that in the bottom of the 9th. He retired all 3 batters in order, getting each hitter on swinging strikes. A rather dominate performance to send the game to extra innings. After throwing 2 Innings, Jones was replaced by Adrian Salcedo in the bottom of the 10th. The Miracle plated 3 runs in the top of the 11th and won the game 5-3. Final Line for Jones: 2 Innings pitched, 0 Hits, 0 Runs allowed, 1 BB, 5 Ks Miracle win 5-2

Zach Jones Grabs 6th Save of Season May 7 After a four day layoff from the mound, Zach Jones returned to action to garner a save for the Ft. Myers Miracle in a 4-2 win over Tampa. While securing the victory, Jones once again managed to look both inconsistant and dominating in the same outing. The Miracle had a 4 - 2 lead heading into the 9th inning. Jones took the mound in the top half of the 9th. Zach walked to lead off batter, bringing the tying run to the plate with no one out. Less than an ideal start to the inning for a prospect closer. He then proceeded to show why this fan remains excited about his potential. With a runner on first and leading by just two runs, Jones fanned the next three batters. All three batters struck out swinging, with Jones' fastball hitting triple didgits on the radar gun more than once. Zach gets his 6th save of the year. Miracle win 4-2. Final Line for Jones: 1 Inning pitched 0 Hits, 0 Runs Allowed, 1 BB, 3 Ks Save 6th of season

Zach Jones Throws 2 Shutout Innings May 3 vs St. Lucie Zach Jones came into the game for the Miracle in the top of the 8th Inning. He promptly retired the first two batters that he faced. The third batter of the inning hit a ground ball that Jones fielded but made a wild throw to 1st base. The batter reached safely and went to 2nd on the errant throw. Compounding matters, Jones then unleashed a wild pitch that allowed the runner to advance to third base. Zach escaped damage and got out of the inning by getting a ground ball out that closed out the 8th, stranding the runner at third base. Jones had an equally unsettling 9th inning, but once again found the third out before allowing a run to score. He returned to the mound for the top of the 9th inning and looked to be in command. He retired the first two batters of the inning on fly balls to lef field. Leading 6 to 0 and needing only one out to end the game, Jones then walked the next two batters. So with two out in the inning and runners on first and second via free passes, Jones got a simple ground ball out to end the game. Miracle win 6-0. Final line for Jones: 2 Innings pitched, 1 Hit, 2 BB, 0 K, 0 Runs allowed No Win or Save Qualified for.

Zach Jones Records Win April 29 At Clearwater On Monday night, Jones entered the game vs Clearwater in the top of the 8th Inning. The miracle were trailing 3 - 2 at the time. Zach retired the first batter that he faced. Then with one out in the inning he surrendered a solo Home Run to Kelly Dugan. I believe it was Dugan's first Home Run of the season with Clearwater. After giving up the dinger, Jones retired the next two batters he faced - getting out of the inning. After 8 innings complete, Ft. Myers trailed Clearwater 4 to 2. The Miracle came up to bat in the top of the 9th and promptly scored 3 runs to take the lead 5 to 4 heading into the bottom of the inning. Jones returned to the mound for the bottom of the 9th. Zach struck out the first batter he faced. He then surrendered a single to the second batter of the inning. However Jones got the next batter to ground into a 4-6-3 double play that ended the game. Final score Ft. Myers 5 Clearwater 4. Jones gets credit for the win by allowing the home run in the 8th and becoming the pitcher of record when the Miracle scored 3 runs in the top of the 9th to take the lead. If baseball allowed it, Jones could have qualified for the save as well. But since he gets the win - he doesnt get credit for the save. Final line for Jones: 2 Innings pitched, 2 hits, 1 Run allowed (on Home Run) 1 K Gets the Win, Pitches the bottom of 9th to secure 5 - 4 Victory

Zach Jones Proves Human After All April 23, 2013 Relief pitcher and "co-closer" Zach Jones gave up his first earned run of the season in the Ft Myers Miracle 5 - 1 victory over the Palm Beach Cardinals on Tuesday. The Miracle salvaged the third game of the series and avoided a sweep on an extended road trip before a scheduled day off on Wednesday. The away game run resumes on Thursday night when the Miracle travel to Charlotte to take on the Stone Crabs, a Tampa Bay affiliate. The win over the Cardinals featured Miguel Sano's 7th home run of the year and Sano managed to avoid being ejected after launching the four bagger. This was Jones' 7th appearance of 2013 and his first since April 18th. Zach entered the game to start the eighth inning replacing Nelvin Fuentes, who pitched a scoreless seventh. He had to face 6 hitters to complete the inning. Jones retired the first batter, getting him to strike out swinging. However, he walked the next hitter, Matt Williams. With a runner on first, the next batter flied out to Angel Morales in center field. Jones then yeilded a single to put runners on first and third with two outs. Cody Stanley followed up that base hit with another single, scoring Matt Williams from third. Jones then closed the inning, retiring Danny Stienstra on a swinging strike out. The two singles were twice as many hits as Jones had allowed in his previous 6 appearances combined. Corey Williams replaced Jones in the ninth, retiring the side in order on three ground ball outs. The first two batters ground out to Miguel Sano at third. Williams then caught the grounder from the final batter of the game himself, throwing to Kenny Vargas at first who recorded all three outs of the final inning to secure the win. Jones' walk to Williams was his third of the season. Likewise, the two singles allowed in today's eighth inning means he has allowed just three hits this year. The two strike outs today, to begin and end the eighth, bring his season total to 12 K's. That total ranks third on the Miracle for total strikeouts behind two starting pitchers. With Jones allowing the run in the eighth inning, his ERA balloons to 1.00 (sarcasism). The two singles also means that opponents are now batting .103 against Jones. Like the 12 & 0 start to the season by Ft Myers, the run allowed today mean that neither Jones or the Miracle are able to remain perfect throughout the entire season. The win moves the Miracle 2013 record to 15 - 4, good for a 3 game lead in their division ahead of the St. Lucie Mets. Fans still have to like the start to the season by both Zach Jones and the Miracle as a team. There is a lot of talent on this ball club and leads fans to feel that the future is quite bright for a number of future Minnesota Twins currently playing for the Ft Myers Miracle.

If I am not mistaken (an that's entirely possible) I think Buxton has reached base at least once in every game this season. He's got the speed to make an impact as a base stealer. Having been thrown out multiple times, as well as being picked off, makes me hope that he can do some work on the basepaths with Paul Molitor. The thing that I like the best, aside from being a 5 tool player and his tremendous athletic ability, is he seems very down to earth. He is level headed, respectful and coachable. Compliments to his parents and family in regards to his (at least to this point) being humble and hungry to work to improve.

Hi TRex, There are no real plans at all to move Jones from the bullpen to explore using him as a starter. His curve ball is not thought to be anywhere close to major league level. I am not sure that he's used much at all since turning pro. This makes it harder to go through a lineup two and three times. I believe that he does use a slider. That is why I would really like to see him develop an effective change up. His game is going out and turning it loose for an inning or two at the most. Many scouts dislike his delivery. It would never be described as effortless. I feel (and I am no expert) that his potential path to the bigs is being a gun that comes out and throws smoke. Developing more control of the strike zone and a complimentary pitch will determine how likely that is to happening.