Jeremy Nygaard

I wouldn't pass on him, but it's not Appel that concerns me. He'll go top 2. My concerns are the best two college bats and arguably the best prep hitter and arguably the next best college pitcher. Boras is going to line them up and say they should have went (and need to be paid like) 3, 4, 5 and 6. Boras's major involvement adds a lot of intrigue (for me anyway), though I could be way off base. Appel, though, is going to be a Cub and Boras and Epstein will get something done. All of those other guys have the leverage that Boras convinced Appel he had last year.

At some point, while researching for a previous draft, I came across a Baseball America podcast where they were discussing their “personal cheeseballs”. At first I was a little confused, but quickly came to realize that these “cheeseballs” were their favorites. In fact, to qualify to be a “personal cheeseball” you have to fit into only two categories: one – be a favorite; two – don’t be too good. For example, one of the BA guys (I think it was Callis, but I could be wrong) really liked Massachusetts prep outfielder Rhett Wiseman. Why I remember that one, I don’t know. Wiseman was ranked #136 in their pre-draft 500, had a solid commitment to Vanderbilt and ended up attending there after being drafted by the Cubs in the 25th round (764th overall). Obviously the “don’t be too good” is a rule only because it would be really easy to look back at a draft and say, “I knew Bryce Harper was going to be a stud, that’s why he was my personal cheeseball.” Not exactly living on the edge. I thought this year was as good as any to publicize my own personal cheeseballs. Today’s edition will focus on three hitters, none of which are ranked in Jon Mayo’s Top 75 draft prospects or appear in Keith Law’s future 50 (plus 10). Stephen Alemais, SS, Elev/8 Sports Institute (FL) [ATTACH=CONFIG]3988[/ATTACH] BRYAN PACE FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Alemais first caught my attention after reading about a showcase in the northeast two summers ago. It was something simple like “slick-fielding shortstop that could stick there professionally”. Given the Twins lack of success drafting shortstops and, really, the lack of Americans who man the position in the MLB, I think Alemais caught my eye because he’d be spending the rest of his high school career (and college or professionaly) in an “underdog” role. Are you asking yourself why a Florida kid was participating in a Northeast Showcase? If you are, good. This is where the story takes a turn. After trying to check his progress this spring, I noticed that Alemais was no longer listed with his prep team, All Hallows High School located in the Bronx. It was then that I found out that he had transferred from All Hallows to the Elev/8 Sports Institute in Delray Beach, Florida. Alemais, who committed to Tulane University last April, injured his shoulder in a playoff game last summer (which led to labrum surgery) and decided that it would be in his best interest to move to a place where he could play against better competition, not have to worry about the weather, and prove that he was back to good health. Luis Alicea, a 13-year big league veteran, is the Executive Director at Elev/8. Alicea expects big things from Alemais telling the New York Daily News a couple weeks ago that “he’s a very talented kid.” He added, “You look at him in a uniform and he has a little resemblance to a Derek Jeter, when you see his body. Athletically he’s very gifted. He’s very fast; he has quick hands. It’s like the game comes easy to him sometimes. He’s got a huge future ahead of him.” He’s currently the 42nd ranked draft prospect in the state of Florida according to Perfect Game. Alemais is strong academically, so dropping too far may force him to Tulane, but you’ve got to believe that uprooting and moving to Florida was done to improve his draft stock. The Twins typically try to add a middle infielder in the first 10 rounds. (Last year, they waited until Round 16 when they drafted Kentucky prepster SS Will Hurt.) I would hope the Twins would consider Alemais somewhere between rounds five and ten. Brian Navarreto, C, Arlington County Day (FL) HS Navarreto makes an appearance on MLB’s Top 100 draft prospects, but its in the back half. All the way down at number 89. Navarreto hasn’t gotten the hype of two other prep catchers in Florida, Chris Okey and Zack Collins, but is an interesting prospect in his own right. Navarreto is a pretty big dude (6’3, 220), but surprisingly athletic and, though raw, has all the stuff including agility and above-average arm strength to stay behind the plate. His big right-handed swing still has a ways to go, but, overall, Navarreto is a high-ceilling prospect. He’s also still somewhat unknown. Navarreto followed the path of Javier Baez, who also attended Arlington County Day, in that he is a Puero Rican native who came to Florida later in his prep days. Though he really just came onto the scene last summer, he’s already committed to South Carolina. Navarreto was in the news over a month ago when his team was involved in a bench-clearing altercation with Norman North (OK) High School. While the cause of the fight alledgedly was the result of racial overtones, Navarreto was a central figure when he punched an oppoent in the face after a play at the plate. (You can read the story and see some video here.) The Twins drafted a similar-type player, Jorge Fernandez, last year in the 7th round. Navarreto is a higher-regarded prospect and could possibly come off of the board in the third or fourth round. Justin Williams, OF, Terrebonne (LA) HS Easily the most well-known of my three “cheeseballs”, Williams also appears late in the Top 100 (at #88). Williams sometimes gets first-round mention, but appears to be a sandwich round pick at best and probably someone that fits into the second round. This isn’t really through a fault of his own, though. Williams’s prep team wasn’t very good (10-18 on the year) and the typical strategy opposing teams employed was to simply not pitch to Williams. So while teams didn’t get to see Wiliams, who won’t turn 18 until August, a lot in game action, they did get to see him in BP where he routinely put on a show. His power-potential ceiling is probably on par with Adam Walker’s, though Williams bats from the left side. Williams evokes a lot of comparisons to Jason Heyward for both the physical resemblence (Williams is a chiseled 6’3, 215) and also his defensive question marks as a prep. Heyward was a first baseman in high school and scouts doubted he could be an outfielder. (Heyward won the Gold Glove last year, at age 22. Whoops.) Williams played shortstop for his high-school team. So along with not getting to see him bat in game situations, scouts didn't get to see him play defense in game situations at his likely home – a corner outfield position. If any scouts were overly impressed by his glove, they could give him a shot at 3B before moving him to the outfield. Williams’ profile really fits the way the Rangers have drafted recently, but the Twins also went out looking for power last year and there might not be a prep prospect with more power potential. Oh, and I drafted Williams for my dynasty keeper league in March of 2012, so there’s that too. Who are some hitters that you consider your "Personal Cheeseballs"?

Alex Meyer getting the $2 million that he turned down out of high school was a Boras tactic, but you're right, the old CBA was a mess. And, yes, the penalties are too severe for teams to go overslot, but that didn't stop Boras from telling the Pirates if they weren't willing to forfeit their first-round pick in 2013 that he was going back to school. Albert Almora, another Boras guy, had a pick value of $3,250,00 and signed on the deadline for $3,900,00 which caused the Cubs to go over slot by $280,350 ($4.7%). Scott Boras did what no one else was willing to do. He's not happy about it and I think he will have a significant effect on this draft from Pick #1 until July 15th. I bet Boras views the #4 pick ($4,544,400) as $4,957,620 (which is slot plus the extra 5%). I also hope I'm wrong. Can't wait to find out.

Alex Meyer, Boras client, signed at the deadline under the old system and didn't debut until the following season. It's not that I think Boras should scare the Twins, per se. I do however think the Twins and all other teams need to be careful when it comes to Boras. His clients will tie up teams' draft pool until the deadline and limit their flexibility. The Twins are in a better position than most, simply because they can narrow their pool down to essentially two guys and should know exactly what they're getting into, unlike the Pirates last year.

On InsideTwins this morning with Phil Mackey, Rob Antony was asked directly about Boras's representation of so many draft prospects. Antony's response... "We're not afraid of Scott." There's a difference between fear and avoidance, though... and we'll see if the Twins fall into the latter category in about a month.

Adam Bryant to join the Miracle.

Compensation protection is two years now. Regardless, McGuire to Pitt has steam.

Could you imagine a half-dozen guys all taking Appel-like tumbles in the draft? How crazy would that be... I hope it doesn't happen. Actually, I kind of hope it does. I'm really hoping Stewart isn't a Boras guy... and if he isn't, he's the guy I like most at #4 now.

No, he was on first, advanced to second... and was replaced. So either injury... or MLB promotion...? I'm thinking injury.

I saw his name. I saw Boras's too. I wonder if they were both involved with the same company. "Several Scott Boras Corp clients were prominent in the 1996 draft. Boras found a loophole that granted free agency to four top first-round picks: Matt White, Travis Lee, John Patterson, and Bobby Seay. He was able to get White a $10.1 million deal from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays; White has never reached the major leagues, however. Seay, who signed with the Devil Rays for $3 million, was a reliever with the Tampa Bay for four seasons and is now with the Colorado Rockies. Lee, a star with Team USA in the 1996 Summer Olympics, has been a solid backup for several teams, while Patterson is now a middle-of-the-rotation starter for the Washington Nationals." Scott Boras of Scott Boras Corp - Certified MLB Agent

This tips the RockCats over the roster limit, but it appears that James Beresford left the game with an injury tonight, so it would make sense that Pettersen is headed to New Britain to replace him.

Our friend, AJ Pettersen, just tweeted he is heading to Portland, Maine to join the RockCats... he may be posting about it later. Congrats AJ!!

Yes, I thought it was Boras who represented Lee, but couldn't verify it... see it now. Also of note, one of Boras's first clients, Tim Belcher, turned down the Twins offer of $100,000 because he was holding out for... wait for it... $150,000.

More on McGuire vs Denney: Twins view McGuire as more complete package; Denney with more power. Consider McGuire mid-first round, Denney back-half of first round. Interesting, yes. But sounds about right considering how the Twins operate. Sounds like Pittsburgh (who drafts 9 and 14) likes McGuire. I have my eyes on a different prep catcher, who I'll reveal in my next draft post, potentially this weekend.

Much has been made over the last 12 months about Stanford P Mark Appel and his "advisor" Scott Boras. Many believe that Boras is the reason that Appel passed on signing with the Pirates... and why wouldn't they? Appel has helped his stock and stands to make more money this year. Who looks like a genius? Well, unfortunately, Scott Boras does. You think amateurs notice? Absolutely. But let's not jump to the conclusion that the Twins are completely anti-Boras. They aren't. Both Mike Pelfrey and Alex Meyer, who were acquired this off-season, are Boras clients. The Twins, however, haven't taken a Boras client with a first round pick ever (as far as I can tell). At it's best, the Twins Draft/Boras connection can be called a rarity. So what's the point? Well, TwinsDaily learned earlier today a partial list of 2013 potential draftees that are being advised by Scott Boras. They are: Mark Appel Kris Bryant Sean Manaea Austin Meadows Colin Moran Ouch. Jonathan Gray is not on that list and definitely has a different advisor. Kohl Stewart's advisor, on the other hand, is unknown, but he has been linked to Boras previously. While I'm not going to shake-up my Draft Board solely because of this development, it is enough to create conversation. Given that so many Top 8 prospects are represented by Boras, my personal opinion is that the Twins can't avoid him... as much as they probably want to.

I have some news that deserves a thread of its own. We'll call it a curveball, stay tuned...

You are probably right. But you don't have to talk to scouts to know that the Twins would prefer a college pitcher. I can't remember if Ryan or Antony said it flat-out (maybe it was both). I'm on board with cmb0252's thinking: Appel, Gray, Manaea, Bryant or Stewart. (Though not necessarily in that order.)

If the Twins draft Bryant, 1B would be the "back-up plan". They view him as "less than 50/50" sticking at 3B. They don't need another option in the corner OF and playing him at 1B probably gets his bat into the bigs the quickest. He could probably handle an outfield corner in a (slightly better than) Delmon sortaway. But with an organizational opening (potentially) at first base, why not.

I chalked that one up to "Churchill isn't very good at his 'job'."

There's a way to link the stories to the guys' page right? I mean from their side of things. The story shows up on their page... is that right? Is it easy?

I intended to do it for today's write-up, but by the time it came around to posting, I decided I'd rather call it a night and go to bed. It is something that I will try to do more in my articles, though, because I agree - it's nice to have.

You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1658-Twins-Minor-League-Report-(5-2)-Michael-Walks-Off

If you missed Cody's minor league report from yesterday, you can read it here. Seth also made his choice for Twins minor league Hitter of the Month. Andrew wrote up about Alex Meyer's last start. There is a lot of draft info that cmb0252 put together into one thread. And after yesterday's minor shuffle in Rochester, the R&P page has been updated as well. On a separate note, after listening to the new Macklemore song "Can't Hold Us" a few times today, I'm convinced it's about the Twins top prospects - Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano. We had put some pretty high ceilings on those guys, but at this point... our ceilings might not be able to hold them. [ATTACH=CONFIG]3972[/ATTACH] (photo by Paul Gierhart) ROCHESTER RED WINGS 7, COLUMBUS CLIPPERS 6 Box Score The Red Wings jumped out to a quick start and then withstood a late rally to win tonight's ball game. The hitters handed the pitchers just enough run support with a well-balanced attack. All nine batters registered hits. The charge was led by Nate Hanson (who homered) and Clete Thomas (who doubled). Ray Olmedo also added two hits. Eric Farris led off the game with a home run. Evan Bigley, now batting in the 3-hole, went 1-for-5. He is batting .357 since his promotion to Triple-A. You may recall a game last season during which Tom Kelly sang Bigley's praises. Unfortunately, Bigley is another corner outfielder that can't play center. Thomas, Olmedo and Bigley all stole bases. Chris Herrmann committed a throwing error, his second of the year. P.J. Walters had a decent start tonight. He made it into the seventh inning, going 6.1, allowing three runs on eight hits. He struck out 6. Daniel Turpen allowed a home run. Tyler Robertson failed in his LOOGY role tonight, allowing a hit to the only batter he faced. Tim Wood, who has been lights out for the Red Wings, allowed Columbus back into the game. After walking the first batter he saw, he gave up a home run. The tying run reached on an error and then the go-ahead runner singled. Luis Perdomo relieved Wood and got the final batter of the game to fly out to Joe Benson. Kyle Gibson (1-3, 3.33) gets the starting nod tomorrow at 7:15 pm ET against Columbus. NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS 1, HARRISBURG SENATORS 6 Box Score B.J. Hermsen made his third attempt at getting his first win of the season. He made it into the six inning and recorded an out in that inning before giving way to Bobby Lanigan. Hermsen's final line was two earned runs (five runs) on seven hits and two walks. He struck out four. His 7:1 groundout to flyout rate was promising. Bobby Lanigan recorded five outs without giving up a run. A.J. Achter gave up a solo home run in his inning. Michael Tonkin struck out the side in the ninth. James Beresford, who had a very good April, went 1-for-3 with a double, but also committed a costly error in Harrisburg's four-run fourth inning. Antoan Richardson had two hits and a stolen base. Danny Santana and Jonathan Goncalves both added singles. The 14-13 Rock Cats play at Portland tomorrow night at 6 pm ET. While the starter is listed as TBD, it appears to be Pat Dean's turn in the rotation. Dean is 0-3 with a 4.56 ERA on the young season. FORT MYERS MIRACLE 3, ST. LUCIE METS 2 Box Score Another walk-off win for the Miracle improves their record to a very impressive 22-4. Of course you're wondering how Miguel Sano did. He went 1-for-4, but the "1" was a game-tying single with two outs in the 8th inning. He is batting .364 on the year. Kennys Vargas aka Baby Papi aka Little Papi aka Big Spoon went 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk. Stephen Wickens had three hits. Levi Michael (.185) went 0-for-2, but was the offensive hero when he drove in the game-winning run with his third base on balls of the night. Michael was the DH tonight. Jason Wheeler went five innings, giving up six hits and three walks. He struck out two and gave up two runs in a no-decision. Cole Johnson and Dakota Watts both pitched two scoreless innings. Watts, the pitcher of record when Michael walked, earned the win. CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS 3, WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS 4 (10 innings) Box Score As we've come to expect, Byron Buxton made a positive contribution in today's game. He hit a two-run home run, his 5th of the season, off of the right-field foul pole in the 3rd inning. He's reached base in every Kernel game so far this season and has his average at .388. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot else to talk about. The Kernels went 1-for-2 with runners in scoring position. Hudson Boyd pitched five innings. He allowed six hits, walking three. He struck out four and gave up two runs. Steven Gruver is credited with a blown save, but pitched well out of the bullpen. In four innings of work, he allowed four hits, a walk and a run. He struck out five and left the game with a season ERA of 1.31. Gruver has only made one spot-start on the year, but this is his third appearance of four innings or more. Tyler Jones came into the game in the 10th inning and struggled with his control. He sandwiched two walks around a strikeout before allowing a walk-off single. The Kernels are now 18-7 and will send LP Mason Melotakis (1-1, 4.08) to the hill tomorrow to face West Michigan in an early morning, 10 am CST game.