MinnFan4Life

Sunday, April 21 Goodrum delivered a 2 run single today that proved to be the game winner in the Cedar Rapids Kernels 3-2. This was at least the second game winning hit (not my favorite stat) of the season. Niko's never going to be a power bat at short. That's not his game. However, I like the fact that there seems to be a little clutch in his stick. Should help his confidence level as well. I think it is obvious that at the major league level, Minnesota is anything but settled in the middle of the infield. In fact, with some highly touted pitching prospects added recently- it may now be the Twins' biggest area of need. I still see no super-prospects in the system other than (I hope) Eddie Rossario. Perhaps if Niko continues to develop and improve, he could move himself into that conversation.

Niko seems to be a great kid. Certainly rooting for him. Posting on Saturday, April 20th - He helped Cedar Rapids avoid a sweep with a couple of singles and a couple of RBIs in an 11 - 2 victory of Peoria. Has good range. We will hope that the batting average and overall approach at the plate continues to improve this season so that he can advance and let us see if he can get to Target Field at Short Stop. Certainly seems like the path is open at that position.

TRex - Great question. I'm not sure that was the thinking behind having him throw both the 8th & 9th inning last night, though. I would like to see Zach stay at back end of the bullpen for now. The organization has often taken short inning guys and see how the react to extended innings and that could definately be a possibility here. But recently the Twins have gone out & targetted several players for that starting pitcher role. (Alex Meyer, Trevor May, and some of the pitchers from the last draft who have already been slotted as starters). Zach's looked pretty good out of the bullpen to this point. There aren't too many guys like Verlander who maintain or even increases his velocity as the game goes on. I hope they ride it out for now by keeping him in the closer's role. As we hope that some of these kids grow into roles with the big league club, we will need depth at all positions - including the pen. I like the idea of a power pitching, HARD throwing closer in the future. I am no scout - but I would guess that is Zach's best option right now going forward. Maybe I am wrong. All I know is it is nice to see power arms in the system.

Jones Continues To Roll Thursday, April 18 Ft Myers Miracle RP Zach Jones closed out a victory for the Twins High A minor league team Thursday night in a back and forth battle with the St. Lucie Mets. The Miracle beat the New York Mets minor league affiliate 11 - 8, notching their 13th win in their first 14 games of the season. Jones threw the final 2 shutout innings on Thursday to record his 5th save of the year in a game that also featured Miguel Sano's 5th home run of the season. Jones was once again very effective, pitching the 8th and 9th inning for the Miracle. That gives Zach the lead in saves throughout the entire Twins organization. While it is early in the 2013 campaign, Jones has been impressive. In Thursday night's save, Jones threw 2 innings - striking out 3 batters, walking 1 without allowing a hit. *If my stats are correct, to this point - Jones has appeared in 6games. Pitched 8 total Innings. Struck out 10 batters. Walked only 2. Allowed just 1 hit, lowering his vs opponent batting avg to .042 He has not allowed an earned run yet this season. For those of you who need help with the math - That is an ERA of 0.00 For those of you who are not sure - That is pretty darn good. Leading all Twins pitchers in saves within the organizaton is even more impressive when you consider that Jones is sharing the closer's role with highly thought of prospect Corey Williams. Williams has recorded 4 saves, as well. Of course, when your team is 13 -1 to start the season and the staff has 9 saves - You likely aren't going to have all 9 saves yourself in just 14 total games. This kid continues to impress me. I would truly love to see him get the chance to work with Twins coach Bobby Cuellar on developing an effective change up to go along with his powerful fastball. Keep an eye on this potential bull pen weapon

I had a chance to speak to a terrific woman during Spring Training in Ft Myers who opens her home to different players while they are playing in Elizabethton. She will often take international players because their house is very close to the ball park and they are most likely the ones not to have access to a car. She has been house mother to Miguel Sano, Kenny Vargas and others. She had Jose stay with them while he was playing at Elizabethton. She said that he was INCREDIBLY focused and dedicated for an 18 year old kid. He wants no distractions and is totally and solely about baseball during the course of the season. That's really incouraging given his obvious athletic talents. He also has a trait that could prove to be a bit of a double edged sword. She claimed that he is also a perfectionist. That could be difficult for him mentally after rough outings, but leads him to be very focused when working at his craft. As an example, she told me that he understands and speaks English fairly well. However, he only speaks English when he absolutely has to - because he feels that he doesn't speak it well enough. Kid seems to have a lot of talent and great stuff. I would like to know how well he will fill out as he continues to grow because the slight frame can be potential for injury. Overall, though - I am REALLY high on this pitcher.

Greeting Twins Fans. While E-Challenged I will be attempting to update fans on Right Handed Pitcher Zach Jones. Zach is currently a relief pitcher for the Ft Myers Miracle. Zach is 22 years old. He was drated last year by the Twins in the 2012 Draft out of San Jose State. He was taken with the Twins only 4th round pick, #130 overall. 6' 1" 185 lbs Throws:R Bats:R Born 12/04/1990 After signing on June 17th of last year, he split time between Elizab and Beloit. He begins this season at High A - Ft Myers. Currently used as a relief pitcher, he is one of the Miracle hurlers filling the closers role. I would put Zach in the Power Pitcher category. His fastball has been clocked in the mid 90's this season. He's hit 95, 96 and even 97 on the radar gun this year. My stats have Zach recording 4 saves already this year during the Miracle's impressive 12 - 0 start to the season. He has appeared in 5 games during the 12 game undefeated run - throwing a total of 6 innings. While most of the Miracle roster has impressive stats during this red hot start, Zach is no different. All his appearances have been in relief. In 6 innings pitched, he has 7 strikouts - allowing only 1 hit and 1 walk during that time. Opponents have a pultry combined batting average of .053 vs Jones. On a personal level, I had the chance to speak with Zach for a couple of minutes in Ft Myers in Mid-March during Spring Training. He seemed to be a nice, polite and personable young man. Thus far, he seems to be moving through the ranks of the Twins organization rather quickly having only been drafted last June and playing with his third Twins affiliate. (Elib. & Beloit - 2012; Starting at Ft Myers - 2013). Being stuck living in Iowa, I will have little opportunity to see Zach pitch in person anytime soon, but will do my best to keep fans updated on his progress. He seems to be off to an impressive start so far and may be eyeing New Britian yet this season. I VERY MUCH WELCOME ANY FANS COMMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS REGARDING INFORMATION ON JONES' PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE SEASON - ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE THE CHANCE TO SEE ZACH PITCH IN PERSON. THANKS.

I'd like Ft Myers RP Zach Jones, Please. Dont know what the poster meant who said there's not much left to choose from. Zach was a hard choice from about a dozen prospects I'd like to pick - and that's considering all the guys that have already been picked.