Jeremy Nygaard

Thanks guys. I found his email address online and emailed him. He responded pretty quickly and we exchanged a few emails Wednesday night/Thursday morning. I didn't hear from him then for a couple of days (wonder why?). I emailed him back after I heard he signed and he said he hadn't yet, but would be. I had to modify some questions, but again responded pretty quickly. He does sound like the type of guy that has his head on right. The Twins comp I have for him right now is James Beresford. Should be solid with the glove, plus speed (better than Beresford), but skinny and needs to add strength. I could see him getting three years of rookie ball.

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php?642-Get-to-Know-Em-Will-Hurt

Last Tuesday night during Seth's weekly podcast, I expressed some surprise that the Twins hadn't drafted a middle infielder yet. Right away Wednesday morning, the Twins drafted a high schooler from Lexington (KY) Catholic (Ben Rever's alma mater). Not only did they get a guy who can slot in nicely to the system's middle infield, but they got a guy that will go far in MiLB.com's annual "best name contest". I had the chance recently to exchange some emails with one of the newest Twins. Twins fans, meet Will Hurt. [ATTACH=CONFIG]1194[/ATTACH] (examiner.com) The following interview was originally posted at ManCenter.com Jeremy Nygaard: First of all, congratulations on getting drafted. Tell us what this week has been like for you, not only in baseball terms, but also with high school. Will Hurt: Thank you! It's been a very fun and exciting process but at the same time a very hard decision to make. All of my friends at school have been very supportive throughout the whole thing and I cannot thank them enough for that. What were your expectations coming into the draft? WH: I always have high expectations of myself but there's always doubt that something could go wrong. However, I've known throughout the year that my chances of getting drafted were very high it was just a matter of where and how much. Now that the draft is over, you have made, presumably, a very difficult decision: Sign instead of going to Coastal Carolina. Tell us how you arrived on that decision and now that you've made your decision, what's next for you? WH: It was an extremely hard decision, by far the hardest I've ever had to make. The coaches at Coastal are great guys, I don't think there is a college program with greater guys as coaches. Coach Gilmore and Coach Schnall were the biggest reason I decided so early to go ahead and choose where I wanted to play college ball. It was privilege and an honor for them to think so highly of me to give me the chance to play baseball at such a great school. I made my decision because it's obviously something I've always wanted to do so why not go ahead and take advantage of having three years of pro experience instead of those three years in college ball? I feel like it was in my best interest to go ahead and get started. Coach Gilmore at Coastal Carolina says losing you to professional baseball would be a “crushing blow”. As a Twins fan, I read that as getting you to sign was a “huge steal.” Speaking of steals, it sounds as though speed is your number one tool. How do you use your speed to produce on the field? WH: I always want to try and make everyone I'm involved with happy as best I can. Unfortunately, in the situation, I can't do that. I've got to do what I think is best for me and my future. I love stealing bases and laying down drag bunts to use my speed as my advantage. On the defensive side, speed gives me a huge advantage at SS by being able to get to balls most people cannot. The Twins were introduced to Lexington Catholic when they took Ben Revere in the first round of the 2007 draft. Have you had a chance to meet Ben Revere? And if so, did you seek his guidance in making a decision to play pro ball? WH: Ben actually tweeted me the day after I got drafted and told me he'd make sure to get in contact with me as soon as possible. Everyone I've met that knows Ben have told me nothing but good things about him. I love the way he plays the game. He looks like he's having so much fun out there, always smiling and playing hard. I made my decision before I had a chance to speak with him, however. If I'm ever in need of advice I feel like he'll be a guy I can go to. Revere was signed by scout Billy Corrigan. Was Corrigan the scout responsible for drafting you and what types of conversations did you have with him leading up to the draft? WH: The scouts I interacted with the most were Rick Sellers and Tim O'Neil. Both are great guys who were very informative and helpful with every question my family and I had (there were a lot). Both told me to do what I think is best for me and that nobody else can make this decision for me. They not only told me about the positives of playing pro ball but how hard and how much work it is which really made me trust in them that they weren't just trying sign me for their own benefit but that they also wanted what's best for me. Will, thanks a ton for taking the time to help us learn more about you. Good luck with the rest of the season; great to have you in the system! WH: Thank you and I appreciate it! Can't wait to get started. ---- Will will report to Fort Myers on Friday and will receive his assignment then. He will most likely remain there with the GCL Twins. You can follow Will on Twitter @will_hurt.

Williams picked up a three-inning save last night (his seventh). He registered his first two strikeouts in June, but also walked three. Total speculation, but if/when some of the college draftees sign and progress to Beloit, it wouldn't surprise me if Williams got a shot to move up to the Miracle bullpen.

I don't think it's a matter of us "wanting" them to move together. It's the reality.

I shared the same feeling 100%. Exchanged emails with Hurt this morning, he hasn't signed yet, but he will be soon. Good news for the Twins.

This, from Keith Law, on where Byron Buxton ranks in the Twins system:

I enjoyed the list (though I don't necessarily agree with it!)

As far as scouting goes, I would agree with your assessment. The thing that BA has going for them is that they have connections with all of the clubs. They talk to the clubs' scouts and compile lots of opinions. In their handbook, you'll often see them say "people inside the organization" or "scouts outside the organization", etc. It also doesn't appear that those guys are seeking jobs with MLB teams, so I would assume there are levels of trust that organizations probably have with BA that they don't necessarily have with Keith Law, who obviously is seeking jobs (interviewed for Astros GM job last offseason). Obviously, these are just my opinions, so I could (and may) be way off.

My opinions... YHIMH - Arcia will be in NB before long; Rosario and Sano will be moved together (and probably slowly). Shane - I agree with almost everything you're saying, but Buxton's ceiling is higher, so he's my #2. Rosario has definitely helped his prospect-standing, so I bet we see him in the 50s on major prospect lists over the winter. Mr. Ed - If any pitching draftees are moved to Beloit's pen, I think Tonkin and Achter both move up. The problem is the cluster of pitchers on FM's DL... where do all those pitchers go when healthy?

You can view the page at http://www.twinsdaily.com/content.php?636-Thursday-s-Minor-League-Round-up

The Twins were off today, but they did make a roster move: Chris Parmelee will be recalled in time for the Chicago Cubs series and Cole De Vries will be headed back to Rochester. Also in Rochester: Anthony Slama was placed on the 7-day D.L. Both Samuel Deduno and Brian Dinkelman were activated. Steve Hirschfeld was transferred back to New Britain. In other news, Jason Marquis made his Padres debut and went six innings. He allowed nine hits, four runs (two earned) and a walk. He struck out six. Let’s check on the minor leagues on this Thursday night: ROCHESTER 2, NORFOLK 1 (13 innings) Box score Matt Carson’s walk-off single in the 13th inning ended a four hour and eighteen minute game. It was Carson’s lone hit in five at bats. Nishi and J.R. Towles both had two hits, including a double each. Pedro Florimon and Ray Chang each added two singles. Danny Valencia, who DH’d today, went 1-for-6. Luke French struck out six in 5 2/3 innings. Kyle Waldrop came in with two runners on in the sixth and allowed one of French’s runners to score. Casey Fien, Lester Oliveros, Deolis Guerra and Tyler Robertson combined to pitch six scoreless innings. They struck out five while allowing four hits and two walks. The Red Wings faced both Pat Neshek and J.C. Romero in the game. NEW BRITAIN 1, AKRON 2 Box score The Rockcats dropped their fifth straight and were only able to scratch out three hits. Chris Herrmann, batting leadoff, went 0-for-2, but walked twice. Aaron Hicks, Matt Rizzotti (double) and Chris Colabello (double) accounted for all the team’s hits. Logan Darnell pitched pretty well. He was two outs short of seven innings, allowing seven hits, two runs and four walks. He struck out two. Caleb Thielbar came in with one out and the bases loaded. He induced a ground-ball double play. He then pitched a perfect eighth, striking out one. FT. MYERS vs TAMPA Today’s doubleheader was postponed due to rain and unplayable field conditions. So Wednesday’s suspended game will be resumed tomorrow and a seven-inning game will follow. BELOIT 4, BURLINGTON 3 Box score The Snappers ended a three-game skid by beating Burlington 4-3. Eddie Rosario led the way going 3-for-4. He had a double and two runs scored. He also knocked in a run. He’s upped his batting average to .304. While the “promote the superstar” discussion has died down, maybe it shouldn’t have… but maybe we were talking about the wrong guy…? No other hitter contributed more than one hit. Miguel Sano went 1-for-4. He did strike out twice; but, on a positive note, didn’t commit any errors. Matt Summers pitched a solid game despite getting a no-decision. He went six innings. He allowed five hits, three runs (all earned), two walks and struck out two. A.J Achter got three outs, walking one. Clint Dempster allowed a hit in two-thirds of an innings. Michael Tonkin, who has got to be nearing a promotion, struck out all four batters he faced to pick up his fourth save. --- Players of the Day for Thursday, June 7, 2012 Pitcher of the Day – Red Wings Bullpen [ATTACH=CONFIG]1164[/ATTACH] Hitters of the Day – Eddie Rosario [ATTACH=CONFIG]1165[/ATTACH] --- A Look Ahead – Friday, June 8, 2012 Schedule Rochester vs Norfolk – RHP Esmerling Vasquez (3-3, 3.99) New Britain at Erie – No starter announced Ft. Myers at Tampa– RHP Marty Popham (3-2, 5.63) Beloit at Burlington – LHP Steven Gruver (4-4, 3.23) --- 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.

Merck is listed as a senior on MLB's draft tracker, but he redshirted last season (2011), so he still has a year of eligibility left. Obviously, he could realize he has an opportunity to play professional baseball and sign, but after seeing seniors fly off the board yesterday, he could return to school and go higher (though his bonus isn't going to be great either way).

DJ Hicks will sign. I'm fairly certain the he just graduated and there is really no benefit in returning to college for his last year of eligibility. I would guess his bonus is well below the 100K threshold.

Some semi-random thoughts on a few of the players selected today: Will Hurt, SS, Lexington (KY) Catholic HS – Committed to Coastal Carolina. Hurt is fast – and why wouldn’t he be, coming from the same high school as Ben Revere. As this point, I don’t think he’ll sign for 16th round money, but that tune may change as the deadline approaches. Zach Larson, CF, Lakewood (FL) Ranch HS – Though he was drafted in the 20th round, Larson appears to be a high school guy that will sign. The 6-2, 185 lbs right-hander will probably debut in the GCL and develop as a corner outfielder. Josh Graham, C, Roseburg (OR) HS – Committed to Oregon. Graham was one of many catchers drafted on Day 3. I think the Twins took a flier on a guy they haven’t been able to see much of (due to a broken hand), but they will continue to follow him as he plays for the Klamath Falls Gems summer league team. He’s another “doubtful sign” but could be the recipient of a nice bonus if there is extra money left a month from now. Jose Favela, C, Franklin (TX) HS – Committed to Howard JC. Favela is a big dude: 6-4, 220. As I mentioned with Graham, the Twins took a lot of catchers today. While I don’t think Favela is a shoo-in to sign, I would guess there is a better chance he signs than Graham. Justin Jones, P, California – Drafted in the 26th round this year, Jones was drafted in the 7th round out of high school. Jones would be well-suited to return to Cal for another year and try to improve his draft stock. Jerad Grundy, P, Kentucky – I expect the Twins to sign Grundy simply because they love left-handed pitchers from the University of Kentucky. Sean Hagan, P, St. John’s – Hagan will be pitching for the Red Storm this weekend in the Super Regionals. It is hard to predict whether he will sign or not, given his current situation. Timmy Robinson, OF, Ocean View (CA) HS – Robinson is likely to honor his commitment to USC, though it wouldn’t be the first time the Twins gave a large bonus to a relative of a current Twin. (The Twins signed Michael Tonkin as a 30th rounder out of high school. Tonkin’s sister, Blake, is former Twin Jason Kubel’s wife.) Kaleb Merck, P, Texas Christian – Suffice it to say, Merck will not be signing. His Facebook status: “Horrible Day. Disappointed” [ATTACH=CONFIG]1158[/ATTACH] I will post my signing projections in the next couple of days.

I think he's committed to USC. He doesn't have the arm of his brother, so I don't see him being converted to catcher... but yeah, Alex Burnett's brother and had the talent to go before Round 10. I would expect we hear his named called as a re-draft in 2015 (unless, of course, there is spendable money left in the bonus pool).

Robinson will be offered money if they Twins have any left at the deadline. The same way they signed Jason Kubel's brother-in-law Michael Tonkin. From the looks of it, Robinson will be one of the few guys I hit on this year, but his future (most likely in college) will be in the corner OF.

Throne is a decent basketball player at D2 Morningside in Iowa, slim chance he signs.

The Twins added another right-handed pitcher from Rice in the 5th round - Tyler Duffey. Duffey currently shares the closer distinction with 2nd round pick J.T. Chargois. While Chargois was the higher-rated prospect, Duffey had the better numbers. Duffey, however, is not the power-pitcher that Chargois is, but will probably be given a chance to start given his ability to throw a low-90s fastball, a slider and a change-up. If the change-up doesn't come around, he'll be shifted back to the bullpen; if it does, we could be looking at an Anthony Swarzak-type pitcher. Upon signing, Duffey will probably head to Elizabethton. The Twins went the prep route in Round 6 to draft LHP Andre Martinez out of Archbishop McCarthy HS in Florida. An FSU commit, we're looking at the first draftee that has a signability question. Martinez projects as a starter with a deceptive delivery. If the Twins pay overslot to sign him, he would start his career with the GCL Twins. The Twins have to start adding some infielders at some point, right?

The Twins added another right-handed pitcher from Rice in the 5th round - Tyler Duffey. Duffey currently shares the closer distinction with 2nd round pick J.T. Chargois. While Chargois was the higher-rated prospect, Duffey had the better numbers. Duffey, however, is not the power-pitcher that Chargois is, but will probably be given a chance to start given his ability to throw a low-90s fastball, a slider and a change-up. If the change-up doesn't come around, he'll be shifted back to the bullpen; if it does, we could be looking at an Anthony Swarzak-type pitcher. Upon signing, Duffey will probably head to Elizabethton. The Twins went the prep route in Round 6 to draft LHP Andre Martinez out of Archbishop McCarthy HS in Florida. An FSU commit, we're looking at the first draftee that has a signability question. Martinez projects as a starter with a deceptive delivery. If the Twins pay overslot to sign him, he would start his career with the GCL Twins. The Twins have to start adding some infielders at some point, right?