Jeremy Nygaard

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The Twins just beat the White Sox 4-1. Ben Revere had a four-hit night. Frankie Liriano found his mojo and went seven strong, striking out five. (I've officially declared on Twitter that unless the Twins are blown away by a trade offer, I want them to keep Liriano and offer him arbitration.) Glared Berkins (or do you prefer Jaren Purton?) slammed the door. Sadly, Ozzie Guillen wasn’t in the opposing dugout to enjoy watching the Twins do what the Twins do. Yesterday, it was announced that the Twins would promote LHRP Tyler Robertson. Robertson becomes the 7th player selected by the Twins in the 2007 to make the major leagues (in a Twins uniform). He was their third round selection following Chris Parmelee and Joe Benson. Congratulations to Tyler! The organization felt a trickle-down effect after the promotion of Robertson and the subsequent placing of P Matt Maloney on the 7-day DL. The Red Wings press release cited Maloney’s “strained left (throwing) elbow”. Taking one of these empty spots is P Luis Perdomo, on his way up from New Britain. While Perdomo doesn’t have a lot of starting experience (only three starts ever), he does have big league experience and did pitch five innings in relief Saturday. So Perdomo could be given a chance to start. On his way from Fort Myers to New Britain is RP Dakota Watts. Watts has essentially split the last two years between high-A and AA, so the hard-thrower will not be a new face in the Rockcats clubhouse. He has been dominant in limited innings so far for the Miracle in 2011. Finally, A.J. Achter will be heading to the Miracle bullpen to replace Watts. Achter was the Twins 46th round draft pick in 2010, so the fact that he is continuing to climb the ladder exceeds the typical standard for a 46th round (which don’t even exist anymore!) draft pick. No word yet on who the Snappers will be getting to replace Achter (but it would be irresponsible for me not to suggest that the Twins have signed many recent draft picks who have lots of relief experience). A spin around a busy Monday: ROCHESTER 4, CHARLOTTE 2 Box score Despite what you believe about the Red Wings, they completed their third season series tonight and they didn’t lose any of the three series. The Red Wings were 6-2 against Louisville, 4-4 against Gwinnett and, after tonight’s win, 5-3 against Charlotte. Cole De Vries, in what many believe was a tune-up before a call-up, went eight solid innings. He gave up six hits, two walks, two runs and struck out four. Kyle Waldrop went 1-2-3 in the 9th, striking out one, to pick up his second save on the year. It was a good thing that De Vries was as good as he was, because the bats weren’t very effective tonight. Luckily, in an inning where they were able to collect two hits, they were aided by a hit by pitch, an error and a passed ball on a strike out. Those three runs in the 5th were enough to get the win. J.R. Towles was the lone hitter with multiple hits. NEW BRITAIN 6, RICHMOND 2 Box score The Rockcats snapped a seven-game losing streak last Thursday… and they haven’t lost sense. Today’s win over Richmond not only completed a four-game sweep, but also extended their winning streak to five games. After the Rockcats made their last out in the eighth inning (the game was shortened, presumably due to weather), Andrew from TwinsFanFromAfar was overheard saying, “We’re going streaking! We’re going up the quad and to the gymnasium.” No word yet on whether he made it, or if his wife intercepted him on the way home. Brett Jacobson started for the Rockcats and had a head-scratcher of a game. He gave up a double to start the game, but got an assist for Arcia for an out at third. He then mixed in walks and a wild pitch to fill the bases. And then he got a double play. In the second, he walked two more and got another outfield assist for a double-play. How about the third? Hit-by-pitch, followed by a… you guessed it: another double-play! In the fifth inning, Jacobson walked to more and was relieved by Edgar Ibarra. Facing his first batter, Ibarra coaxed a ground-ball double play. Jacobson’s final line: 4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 7 BB, 1 WP, 1 HBP, 1 K. 81 pitches, 32 strikes. ZERO RUNS. (As Seth would say, “This is why I love baseball. You think you’ve seen it all… and then something new happens!”) Evan Bigley continues to be the story in New Britain. Last week’s Eastern League player of the week came out today and hit his 10th home run of the year – a 3-run, 2-out blast. Chris “Don’t call me Pee-Wee” Herrmann, Oswaldo Arcia, Estarlin DeLosSantos and Shawn Roof all added two hits. FT. MYERS 3, TAMPA 9 Box score As Tropical Storm Debby continues to R. Kelly all over the state of Florida, the Miracle were (luckily) able to get only one game in today. Tom Stuifbergen went four innings and was far from his World Cup form: 4 IP, 9 hits, 6 runs, 1 K. The positive is that he was able to make and finish his start without injury. Matt Hauser relieved Stuif and continued the run-fest, yielding 3 runs on 4 hits. He struck out four, while walking one. Michael Tonkin struck out two (and hit one) in an inning. Miguel Munoz struck out one and allowed a hit in one inning. The bats played like they didn’t expect to have to show up at the ballpark today. Danny Ortiz was the sole Miracle hitter with more than one hit. (He had two singles.) Daniel Santana had a double. Angel Morales had a three-run home run, which is a promising sign for the once highly-rated prospect. He is in the midst of a bad season, and an even worse month of June. BELOIT 4, KANE COUNTY 2 Box score The Snappers are now 3-1 on the 2nd-half-opening-road-trip. Tonight’s win (again) should be credited to a stellar pitching performance. Jason Wheeler didn’t turn in his best performance of the year judging by his line: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K. But looking closer, after laboring through the first inning – where he walked the first two batters he faced, had an error behind him and hit a batter – resulting in two unearned runs, he came back and did a solid job getting through five innings before turning it over to the bullpen. Tim Atherton, who’s ERA is now 0.51, made it through 2 1/3 innings, allowing only one hit, but walked three while striking out three. Corey Williams picked up a five-out save, striking out three. The bats did just enough to get the team a win. J.D. Williams can become a significant offensive catalyst. He stole two bases tonight, including home. His problem is his inability to get on base. He hasn’t taken a walk in his last ten games. And his OBP is currently .311. I would love to see the Twins take an even-slower-than-normally-slow approach with Williams. He could be huge for this organization someday. Miguel Sano hit his 15th double tonight, but also committed his 27th error. He is on a four-game hitting streak and has hits in six of his last seven games, but is only batting .188 in his last ten games. I expect Sano to turn it around offensively and also settle down defensively over the next couple of weeks, now that people aren’t calling for his promotion every day. (Yeah, I get that he doesn’t understand English all that well, but I’m sure he was hearing the talk.) Drew Leachman added two hits and Tyler Grimes had a double. ELIZABETHTON 9, BRISTOL 1 Box score My first impression after looking at the box score: No triples! In fact, all 12 of the E-Twins hits were singles. But the bats – particularly at the bottom of the order – did get it done. Travis Harrison had three hits and a walk. Michael Quesada had two hits and four RBI. Jhonathan Arias, Romy Jimenez and Rory Rhodes all had two hits. Max Kepler had a hit and a walk. Niko Goodrum struck out three times. Goodrum (5) and Harrison (6) both committed errors. Ricardo Arevalo made his second start of the year and still has a 0.00 ERA. After 9 1/3 IP, he has an 11/3 K/BB ratio. Today’s start lasted 4 1/3 IP, allowing five hits and two walks. He struck out seven and surrendered an unearned run. He did have two wild pitches. Tyler Herr struck out four in 2 2/3 innings, allowing two hits, but abandoned both inherited runners. Zach Jones (BB, K) and Dallas Gallant (2 K) both pitched an inning. Gallant, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, is a prospect to watch. ELIZABETHTON 9, BRISTOL 1 Box score My first impression after looking at the box score: No triples! In fact, all 12 of the E-Twins hits were singles. But the bats – particularly at the bottom of the order – did get it done. Travis Harrison had three hits and a walk. Michael Quesada had two hits and four RBI. Jhonathan Arias, Romy Jimenez and Rory Rhodes all had two hits. Max Kepler had a hit and a walk. Niko Goodrum struck out three times. Goodrum (5) and Harrison (6) both committed errors. Ricardo Arevalo made his second start of the year and still has a 0.00 ERA. After 9 1/3 IP, he has an 11/3 K/BB ratio. Today’s start lasted 4 1/3 IP, allowing five hits and two walks. He struck out seven and surrendered an unearned run. He did have two wild pitches. Tyler Herr struck out four in 2 2/3 innings, allowing two hits, but abandoned both inherited runners. Zach Jones (BB, K) and Dallas Gallant (2 K) both pitched an inning. Gallant, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, is a prospect to watch. GCL TWINS, GCL ORIOLES postponed due to weather. --- Players of the Day for Monday, June 25, 2012 Pitcher of the Day – Cole DeVries [ATTACH=CONFIG]1356[/ATTACH] Hitters of the Day – Michael Quesada [ATTACH=CONFIG]1357[/ATTACH] (arizonawildcats.com) --- A Look Ahead – Tuesday, June 26, 2012 Schedule Rochester at Lehigh Valley – RHP Brendan Wise (is replacing Maloney in the rotation. He hasn’t made a start since May 27. Wise is 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA. Of his 42 2/3 innings pitched, 36 2/3 have come in relief.) New Britain vs Trenton – LHP Aaron Thompson (1-2, 5.57) *based on current rotation Ft. Myers vs Tampa – RHP Madison Boer (3-6, 8.41) Beloit at Kane County – RHP Matt Summers (6-4, 4.09) Elizabethton vs Bristol – LHP Corey Kimes (0-0, 4.50) *based on current rotation GCL Twins at GCL Orioles (two games scheduled) – NO STARTERS ANNOUNCED --- If you have any questions on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and we’ll try to answer them! Comments also welcome.

I heard the interview and the discussion that preceeded it. What I gathered was that Doumit would probably rather extend than be traded. He really enjoys being a Twin. The terms that were thrown out were 2 yrs/$10m. (I was thinking $8.5ish would be more reasonable.) I also considered how that would affect Herrmann, but thats a 2014 problem, where Doumit could have greater trade value, if the Twins aren't competing yet. When asked if the team would buy or sell, Antony wouldn't commit, but said whatever helps the team in 2013 and beyond.

Not a shocker to many, I suppose, but I'm kinda surprised. Merck had a year left, was coming off injury, was disappointed where he was drafted and could hve helped his draft stock with a solid senior year. Curious to see what he brings to the table...

I was curious to see how the 2B never batted, so I checked out the box score... and the 2B did bat and went 1-for-2. Though it looks unique, not batting a specific position (besides pitchers, obviously) would be not only really tough, but probably really stupid because you're not keeping a "defensive guy" in, you're constantly rotating. As far as expanding rosters to 30... it won't happen. There's no good reason for it.

Buxton made his pro debut yesterday and went 0-for-4 with a K. Today was more of the same: F9, F8, 6-4 FC (and made it as far as 2B), F9. Though it's far too early to be alarmed, it is encouraging that he's getting wood on the ball and putting it in play. It's hard to be sure what kind of fly outs these were, but it's a much better sign that a bunch of 1-3s or 4-3s or Ks.

I think the Twins will handle Harrison similar to how Sano is being handled. If he can stick at 3rd, that's where he'll be. I think it's a slimmer chance that Harrison will stay at 3rd, as Sano is more athletic. First base will be his long-term position.

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The Twins lost another series to a National League foe. The news came out today that Brian Duensing will be starting against the Reds on Saturday. Instead of dwelling on the Twins shortcomings, read 1,100 words about Thursday’s minor league action: ROCHESTER 8, DURHAM 14 Box score The Wings scored eight or more runs for only the third time in June; however, the 14 they allowed were the second most of their season. Brian Dinkelman had three hits, including a double and a three-run home run. Clete Thomas added a double and a solo home run. Pedro Florimon, Sean Burroughs and Michael Hollimon all added doubles as well. J.R. Towles had two hits. Matt Maloney, who started the season in the Twins bullpen, might soon be looking for a new place of employment. He allowed five earned runs and only recorded five outs. His stats since becoming a starter at the end of May: 6 GS, 20 IP, 45 H, 32 R (25 ER), 5 HR, 6 BB, 13 K. Opponents are batting .429 off of him. The fact that he is still starting is an indictment of the starting pitching depth in the higher levels of the organization. Brendan Wise went 3 1/3 innings in relief and allowed three hits and only one run while striking out two. He also came into the game with the bases loaded and got the final out of the second. Bobby Lanigan, making his AAA debut, had a forgettable game. He pitched two innings. He gave up seven hits, a walk and allowed six earned runs. Caleb Thielbar fared much better in his AAA debut. He walked a batter, struck out a batter and allowed a hit, but didn’t allow any runs. Deolis Guerra allowed a run and two hits. He also struck out a batter. NEW BRITAIN 5, ALTOONA 3 Box score The Rockcats ended their 7-game swoon with a win tonight. Aaron Thompson – who may be called upon soon to help out in AAA – had arguably his best game as a Rockcat. He scattered eight hits, allowing only three runs. He struck out two. Daniel Turpen (1 2/3, K) and Bruce Pugh (IP, H, BB, 2 K) did a great job closing the game out. Evan Bigley was the offensive headline. He had a home run, drove in two and scored twice. The only regular who didn’t have a hit was Aaron Hicks. Oswaldo Arcia scored and drove in a run, he also drew a walk. While unconfirmed, Andrew from TwinsFanFromAfar will probably be celebrating this win into the early morning. FT. MYERS 9, ST. LUCIE 5 Box score The Miracle jumped all over the Mets with five first-inning runs. They gave back three in the second, but matched it in the third. The offense was spread out pretty evenly. Kyle Knudson continued to hit well (three straight three-hit games) since his promotion, including a double. Levi Michael, Danny Ortiz (triple), Danny Rams (double) and Andy Leer (double) all had two hits. Ortiz and Leer each drove in two. Knudson and Leer both scored twice. Leer also stole a base. Pat Dean made it into the sixth, but was an out short of making it out of the sixth. He struck out five. He also allowed five runs and nine hits. Michael Tonkin made his Hi-A debut. He wasn’t as good as he has been lately – he didn’t strike out everybody he faced! But he was still solid. He got seven outs, three by strikeout. He walked two, allowed a hit and abandoned his inherited runner. Dakota Watts finished it off with an inning that included a hit and strikeout. BELOIT – MWL ALL-STAR GAME BREAK ELIZABETHTON 7, DANVILLE 2 Box score The E-town Twins won their second straight after losing their season opener. Rory Rhodes, playing left field, had his third straight solid game, going 2-for-5 with a home run. He drove in two and scored twice. Niko Goodrum, playing third base, had his third triple in his young season. He also committed his second error. Bo Altobelli had a double. D.J. Hicks went 1-for-2 with two walks. Max Kepler, DHing, went 0-for-5, but did score a run and drive one in as well. Corey Kimes made the start and pitched four innings. He allowed two runs on three hits (including a home run). He walked two and struck out one. He got 10 outs by groundball, only two by flyball. Josh Burris struck out three in three perfect innings. Steven Evans struck out two in a perfect inning. Zach Jones struck out two in an inning. He allowed a hit. GCL TWINS 8, GCL RAYS 4 Box score The Gulf Coast League affiliate won for the third straight time tonight. The offense was led by Bryan Santy, who had three hits (including a double) and an RBI. After an 0-for-8 start to his professional career, he’s 5-for-8 in his last two games. Kelvin Ortiz had a double and a triple and scored three runs. Jose Ramirez had two singles and two RBI. Aderlin Mejia had a three-run double and five RBI total. Joel Licon added a triple. Sam Gibbons struck out five in three innings and allowed three hits. Gerardo Ramirez pitched 2 1/3 innings and was credited with his second win, but allowed two earned runs on four hits. He struck out one. Gonzalo Sanudo pitched 2 2/3 innings. He allowed one run on two hits. He struck out three and abandoned his inherited runner. Felix Jorge allowed two hits and a run in one inning, walking one and striking out one. --- Players of the Day for Thursday, June 21, 2012 Hitters of the Day – Kyle Knudson [ATTACH=CONFIG]1316[/ATTACH] Pitcher of the Day – Josh Burris [ATTACH=CONFIG]1317[/ATTACH] (photo courtesy of Burris’s Twitter account) --- A Look Ahead – Friday, June 22, 2012 Schedule Rochester vs Charlotte – No starter announced New Britain at Richmond – No starter announced Ft. Myers at St. Lucis – Marty Popham (3-2, 5.31) Beloit at Cedar Rapids – David Hurlbut (2-0, 2.48) Elizabethton at Burlington – Angel Mata (season debut) GCL Twins at GCL Red Sox – No starter announced --- If you have any questions on the Twins minor league system, players, teams, etc., leave them in the Comments and we’ll try to answer them! Comments also welcome.

BA has a new article (subscription required) that profiles Venezuela, where the Twins have had recent success with both Wilson Ramos and Oswaldo Arcia. The article, however, links specifically the Twins to Dominican shortstop Amaurys Minier. Stopping short of calling the Twins "favorites", it says they're showing "heavy interest". In a Sano-esque way, whoever gets Minier is getting him for his bat (he's a switch-hitter, but better from his left side), who will move "quickly" to third base, but may end up at first or in an outfield corner. Sound familiar? Minier's bonus - if the Twins are to sign him - will probably require between half to two-thirds of the cap. My take: the Twins still regret letting Miguel Cabrera slip out of their grasp and will pay to get Minier.

The 6 year FA rule is as clear as mud... according to my calculations, Soliman isn't a Minor League FA until after the 2014 season. Seth, weigh in please... I did some more digging: Soliman debuted in a short-season in 2007, so he didn't accumulate his first full year until the middle of 2008. So he wouldn't have six full seasons of service until the middle of 2013, so he'll be a FA after that season. (I think...)

Much has been - and will continue to be - written about 2012 #2 overall pick (but owner of the highest bonus at $6m) Byron Buxton. I'll start this thread off with links to a bunch of different stories about the prospect who is expected to make his professional debut in the next 3-5 days. Baseball America names Buck the HS POY Video from BA News Press article (following initial press conference in FM) Naples Daily CBS News KSTP interview with Joe Schmit (would love to read a transcipt... listen closely as Buxton says "spring training and all that.... what?!)

Byron Buxton

Hasn't started yet...

I would hope it is the same, but geez... if it's a lat, let's call it a lat.

I find this a little interesting; the injury that Bard had pre-draft was to a lat muscle, not the (more serious) shoulder. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if Bard spent the remainder of the season getting healthy and makes his debut at instructs this fall.

Soliman just tweeted: "Surgery tomorrow everything will be OK with God" Can't be good...

My bad. 27, not 25.

Oswaldo Arcia and Dan Sattler were promoted from Fort Myers to New Britain yesterday. Today, we've learned of three transactions so far: Bobby Lanigan and Caleb Thielbar from New Britain to Rochester and (as expected) Michael Tonkin from Beloit to Fort Myers. These moves put the Red Wings at 25 and leave the Rockcats at 23. The Miracle is at their limit, but the Snappers are short one player. (Cole Johnson, anybody?)

No kidding, huh? Their are probably Pirates fans out there that think they can trade Stetson Allie for both Morneau and Willingham, so it all evens out eventually. But you're right, Taillon and Cole - not going anywhere.

Ugh... Blackburn would probably be the opening day starter. Follow him with Diamond, Hendriks and Walters. Best guess for the 5th starter - based on what's already in the organization - would be some combination of Swarzak, Duensing, Manship and/or De Vries, until Gibson is ready. And the next best prospect on the horizon is B.J. Hermsen, who doesn't strike out enough guys to rate as anything higher than a durable #4. (He's also only pitched a little over 60 innings at AA... so he's not exactly banging down the door.)