Jeremy Nygaard

It was an off-day on a hot day for the Minnesota Twins. For season ticket holders and others, you may have spent the evening listening to fans grill Trevor Plouffe and Scott Diamond. Some highlights from the 6th Fan Forum: [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Scott Diamond: The best thing about being Canadian? It’s being Canadian! On differences between Atlanta and Minnesota: “The atmosphere… feeling welcome.” Trevor Plouffe: On his hair – “I probably will (grow my hair out).” On how he stays hydrated: “I’ve been crushing (the coconut water).” On other sports: “I definitely could have gone pro in hacky-sac.” On who will lead the team in home runs: “I hope we all hit 70 home runs.” Be sure to read Cody's blog on the conference call here) It was not a great day for Twins starters on the farm. A spin around a busy Monday: ROCHESTER 1, LEHIGH VALLEY 10 Box score According to the Red Wings game notes, Cole De Vries is Saturday’s scheduled starter (though he’s likely to be recalled for the doubleheader). P.J. Walters will be making a rehab start on Sunday. Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Clete Thomas both had multiple hits. Matt Carson and Rene Rivera added doubles as well. Thomas scored the lone run for the Red Wings after doubling, advancing on a wild pitch and scoring on an error. Steve Hirschfeld had a rough start. He exited with two outs in the third, after allowing nine hits and seven runs. He walked one and struck out one. Deolis Guerra’s night started off better, but certainly didn’t end much better. He got through 2 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out one. Esmerling Vasquez struck one out in two hitless innings. Bobby Lanigan walked one in an inning. NEW BRITAIN 5, TRENTON 4 Box score The Rockcats entered the bottom of the 9th down 4-1 with only two hits to their name. At that point they were given the gift of “opposing pitcher wildness.” Deibinson Romero started off the inning with a walk. Nate Hanson followed with a single. Romero advanced to third on an error. Dan Rohlfing, who represented the tying run, was hit and replaced by Estarlin DeLosSantos. Chris Herrmann, pinch-hitting, struck out swinging. After James Beresford and Aaron Hicks both drew walks to make it a 4-3 game, Oswaldo Arcia stepped to the plate. Arcia ended the game in walk-off fashion with a two-run line-drive single to right field. He continues to raise his prospect status. Blake Martin got his second straight spot-star. In 4 2/3 innings, he gave up four hits and three wins (all earned). He struck out four. Dakota Watts relieved Martin with two guys on and allowed them both to score (credited to Martin). Watts ended up going 2 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and a run. He also walked and struck out one. Bruce Pugh earned his first AA win this season after giving up three hits in two innings. He also walked two and struck out two. FT. MYERS 5, CHARLOTTE 7 Box score This comeback fell short. The Miracle started off hot, jumping to a 3-0 lead after half of an inning. And then Cole Nelson got chased early. He made it only 2 1/3 innings allowing eight hits and six runs. He walked two and struck out two. Miguel Munoz got the final two outs in the third, stranding an inherited runner. He went two more innings, allowing only one hit and striking out two. Nelvin Fuentes scattered five hits (and an unearned run) over 2 1/3 innings. He struck out three. Ricky Bowen got two outs in the eighth. Danny Ortiz had a quiet, awesome night at the plate. He went 1-for-1, a home run in the 9th, with three walks. Lance Ray had double hits (one double) and drove two runs in. Levi Michael stole a base. Daniel Santana accounted for three of the teams 11 strikeouts. BELOIT 5, CLINTON 6 Box score This comeback fell short too. The Snappers left the tying runner standing on third to end the eighth inning. Miguel Sano got on it early smashing a double to drive in a run in the first inning. Drew Leachman followed it up with a triple to score Sano. Later in the game, Sano blasted his 16th home run of the year over the centerfield fence. And though his bat wasn't enough to get the win, getting on base three out of four times (one walk, one strikeout) is an improvement over what we've seen over the past couple of months. (Except for getting picked off first... but at least he was on base, right?) Leachman added two hits. Tim Shibuya’s second start since re-entering the rotation didn’t go as well as his first one (6 IP, H). He got roughed up, but "battled his tail off" to finish seven innings. He gave up 11 hits, six earned runs, walked one and struck out five. (Correction - Shibuya went 4 innings and gave up five runs on nine hits. Ryan O'Rourke threw the next three innings and gave up one run.) Bart Carter gave up a hit in an inning. Clint Dempster struck out one in a hitless ninth. ELIZABETHTON 14, PULASKI 1 Box score Much like Plouffe crushes coconut water, the E-Twins were crushing the ball today (14 runs on 18 hits). Rory Rhodes led the charge with four hits, including a double and home run, two runs and four RBI. Romy Jimenez had a similarly great night with three hits – a double and two home runs – three runs and three RBI. Jorge Polanco had three hits (double), three runs and an RBI. Niko Goodrum was a HR short of the cycle (he now has five triples), driving in three and scoring twice. Candido Pimentel had two hits including a triple. Travis Harrison had two hits including a double. Max Kepler 0-for-2, three walks and Jhonathan Arias 0-for-4 were the only starters to not get a hit. Jimenez (formerly Trinidad) is going to enter into the prospect discussion much the way Oswaldo Arcia did a couple of years ago. He didn’t play much last year, but in his minor league career he has been getting on base a lot, not striking out and now hitting for a lot of power. Keep en eye on him. Taylor Rogers had a very good start on a night where the ball appeared to be flying. He went four innings, striking out seven. He did allow a run on three hits and a walk. He’s made two starts so far as has struck out 14 in nine innings, only allowing one run. Josh Burris was really good again, striking out three in three scoreless innings. He gave up two hits. Tyler Herr struck out two and walked two in an inning. Dallas Gallant struck out one in a perfect 9th. GCL TWINS 3, GCL RAYS 4 (Game 1) Box score Finally back on the field in the GCL. The headline coming into the game was the rehab appearances by Joe Benson (struck out twice) and David Bromberg (4 H, 2 ER, K, 1 IP). It wasn’t a memorable game for either of them. The guy that everyone else is wondering about, Byron Buxton, went 0-for-3 with a groundout and two pop outs. Kelly Cross and Javier Pimentel both contributed multi-hit games and accounted for all three of the team’s RBI. Dereck Rodriguez added a double. The staff besides Bromberg pitched really well. Kuo Hua Lo allowed two hit and struck one out in three innings. Yorman Landa allowed a hit and run, walking three and striking one out in two innings. Trent Higginbotham struck out one in a perfect inning. GCL TWINS 2, GCL RAYS 1 (Game 2) Box score Byron Buxton picked up his first professional hit – a single. He also drew a walk and scored a run. He flew out in his only other at-bat. Fellow draftee Jorge Fernandez, who DH’d, went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Josue Montanez walked three and struck out three in three innings. He allowed only two hits and one run. Sam Gibbons picked up a win with two innings of two walk, two strikeout ball. He also had a wild pitch. Melciades DeLaCruz picked up a two-innings save, giving up a walk and two hits. He also struck out one. --- Players of the Day for Thursday, June 28, 2012 Hitters of the Day – Romy Jimenez (over a number of other E-Twins hitters), for the 2nd straight day *photo from Thrylos98 Download attachment: Romy.jpg Pitcher of the Day – Taylor Rogers Download attachment: rogers.jpg --- A Look Ahead – Friday, June 29, 2012 Schedule Rochester at Lehigh Valley – LHP Luke French (1-3, 5.84) New Britain vs Trenton – LHP Logan Darnell (6-6, 4.39) Ft. Myers vs Charlotte – RHP Matt Hauser (1-1, 2.57) Beloit vs Clinton – LHP Steven Gruver (5-6, 3.46) Elizabethton vs Bristol – RHP Hudson Boyd (0-2, 4.32) GCL Twins at GCL Orioles – 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. Click here to view the article

The Twins were beaten up pretty soundly by the juggernaut that is the Oakland Athletics. We should have known we were going to be in for a rough weekend when the Twins couldn’t squeeze a win out of their best pitching performance in almost five years. (It was nice to know you, Frankie.) Personally, I’m still holding onto Liriano, trying to sign him to an extension or offering him arbitration and taking the draft picks if he leaves, but that’s for another place on the website. (Semi-segue to the round-up…) During the game “Richard” asked TK about players in the minors. Kelly had some great perspective on guys. The player he talked most about was [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Evan Bigley, an OF currently at New Britain. Bigley was a 10th round pick in 2008 out of Dallas Baptist. As a college guy from that draft, he was first eligible for the Rule V draft last year. If the Twins were to move some outfielders, it will be interesting to see if having TK as a big supporter in the system would be enough to get him added to the 40-man roster this winter. You can find more on when guys are Rule V and MiL FA eligible here. TK also mentioned that he really liked Hicks, Sano (Molitor is helping him with his defense) and Rosario (who is in Fort Myers working his way back). Bremer talked a little about Benson’s disappointing year and TK said he believes Benson is heading back to New Britain tomorrow. He didn’t want to comment on pitchers because that’s not his specialty. Also, (not that you care) I’ve decided to publish a Top 50 (tentatively) Twins Prospect List. I feel like after paying pretty close attention to the Farm System over the last half-dozen years I’m finally informed enough to form an opinion. I tell you not because it’s the news you’ve all been waiting for, but because if I say I’m going to do something IN TYPE, I feel like I need to do it. I will be publicizing it on August 1st, after the Twins have added a handful of stud prospects. (Yeah, right…) And now, ladies and gentlemen, today’s round-up: ROCHESTER 8, TOLEDO 7 Box score Tsuyoshi Nishioka is the hero… though I’m unclear exactly what happened. Nishi came up in the bottom of the 9th with the tying run on second. This is play summary: Nishi singles to center field. Sean Burroughs scores. Nishi scores. Throwing error by catcher. One out. WTF?! RocRedWings go silent on Twitter. Somewhere a black White supremacist’s head explodes. (Chappelle reference.) EDIT: I found out what happened - after Nishi singled, he tried to advance on the throw home. The catcher threw the ball into center field and Nishi channeled his "inner-Carlos Gomez" by running all the way home for the winning run. Phew... Here’s what we do know: Clete Thomas drove in three runs. Matt Carson and Chris Parmelee had two hits. Parmelee and J.R. Towles had doubles. Esmerling Vasquez went three innings allowing two runs on three hits. Brendan Wise allowed three runs (two unearned) in two innings on four hits. Dan Sattler allowed a run on two hits and struck out two. Bobby Lanigan got the win for two innings of one unearned run ball, two strikeouts, a walk and a hit. Earlier in the day, RP Luis Perdomo was named Twins minor league player of the week. The Wings completed a four-game sweep winning all four games in the “come-from-behind” variety. Don’t look now… but the Wings are barreling down on .500. NEW BRITAIN 1, TRENTON 3 Box score It was a quiet first seven innings for the Rock Cats offense. They entered the 8th inning with only two hits (a single by Chris Colabello and a double by Danny Lehmann). They put together a semi-rally in the 8th getting singles from Nate Hanson and Aaron Hicks, but a strikeout by Chris Herrmann ended the threat. Oswaldo Arcia, who struck out to open the ninth, went 0-for-4, dropping his average at New Britain to .302. After that, though, the Rock Cats went walk (Colabello), single (Evan Bigley), single (Deibinson Romero), scoring Colabello. Nate Hanson advanced both runners on a groundout. With the tying runner on second and two out, James Beresford struck out swinging to end the game. B.J. Hermsen’s performance was aided by groundball double plays in the 1st and 5th innings. He ended with six innings pitched, allowing three runs, six hits and three walks. He struck out two and gave up two home runs. Edgar Ibarra relieved Hermsen with one out and one on in the seventh. He pitched two innings, striking out two. Marty Popham pitched the nine and hit his first batter, but got a groundball in between two strikeouts to make it out of the inning allowing no runs or hits. FT. MYERS 5, DUNEDIN 2 Box score The Miracle got one hit off Dunedin starter Jesse Hernandez. It was a Rene Tosoni home run, so the value of the hit was maximized, but it only left three innings for Fort Myers to erase a one-run lead. They didn’t need all three innings. And they erased the lead and then some. Tom Stuifbergen continues to work himself back onto the prospect radar. He went 5 1/3 innings, allowing eight hits, but no walks and only two runs. He struck out three. He worked into the sixth and kept his team in the game; know of any teams that need that from their starting pitchers? Jose Gonzalez saw eight batters in relief and mowed them all down. He struck out three. (Does anyone remember when the Twins used to have “Snapper mow-em-down innings”? Ah, the old days…) Michael Tonkin pitched the ninth, striking out one and walking one. He earned the save. The story of the game was the Miracle 8th inning: Andy Leer strikes out.Danny Santana doubles.Levi Michael draws a walk.Rene Tosoni singles to load the bases.Joe Benson singles. Two runs score.Kyle Knudson walks to load the bases.Lance Ray singles to score two more runs, but is thrown out at second (which is ok, cause it probably allowed the runner at home to score).Danny Rams strikes out. Besides the 8th and the aforementioned Tosoni home run, Lance Ray added a single in the seventh. The win snapped a three-game losing streak. BELOIT 5, LAKE COUNTY 8 Box score Ryan O’Rourke made a seven out sport-start (in place of Steven Gruver) and had a rough night, allowing seven hits and runs, three home runs. He struck out two. Cole Johnson allowed three hits in 2 2/3 innings. He struck out three and walked one. Gruver allowed two hits and two walks in two innings. He gave up one run, struck out one and so threw a wild pitch. Dallas Gallant allowed a hit in an inning where he struck out one batter. Gruver started the first 16 games he pitched in, but has pitched out of the bullpen three times now in the last week. I am not sure whether this is in an attempt to limit his innings (he’s thrown 81 2/3 innings this year after throwing a combined 127 last year) or if he’s being shifted to the bullpen. Gruver’s at his best when his fastball is in the high-80s and he’s pounding the bottom of the zone. The Snappers bats managed three extra base hits (doubles by Steven Liddle, Jonathan Goncalves and J.D. Williams), but managed only six total. Luckily, they were able to translate those six hits (and two Lake County errors) into five runs. Miguel Sano Watch: 0-for-3 with a walk and run scored. The Snappers have one more game at Lake County before getting a day off on Wednesday. They will return home – along with play-by-play gal Chrissy Scaffidi – to open a series against the Lansing Lugnuts. Let’s hope that the Snappers can join Chrissy as coming home as “winners”. (If that doesn’t make sense to you, get on Twitter.) ELIZABETHTON vs BLUEFIELD – POSTPONED, Rain GCL TWINS – DAY OFF --- Players of the Day for Sunday, July 15, 2012 Hitters of the Day – Tsuyoshi “Walk-off” Nishioka Download attachment: Nishi.jpg (mlb.com) Pitcher of the Day – Jose Gonzalez Download attachment: gonzalez.jpg (www.knuckleballsblog.com) --- A Look Ahead – Monday, July 16, 2012 Schedule Rochester at Norfolk – TBA New Britain vs New Hampshire (two games) – LHP Logan Darnell (8-6, 4.13) and RHP Steven Hirschfeld (5-4, 3.06) Ft. Myers vs Dunedin – TBA Beloit at Lake County – RHP Tyler Jones (1-3, 3.28) Elizabethton vs Bluefield – TBA GCL Twins at GCL Orioles – TBA --- 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. Click here to view the article

Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg Join Seth and I tonight as we talk about the latest developments in Twins Territory. Tonight's episode is brought to you by the Talk2Contact podcast. Yeah, those guys! We're less than a week from Opening Day, so we will have plenty to talk about. We also welcome any and all questions that you may have. Feel free to answer them here, or on Twitter, or live during the show. NOTE THE TIME CHANGE: We'll be pushing back the start time to 9pm, which will be our "regular-season-so-the-minor-league-games-are-finished-start-time." Cool? [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] You can view tonight's episode . If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Click here to view the article

As we sit around three months from draft day there have been many risers and fallers around the draft world. Some larger than others. Obviously, there is still a lot of time for things to happen, but this is how I would stack the Twins Draft Board if it were up to me.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] The first installment of my draft board featured a top 4 as well as some other names to watch. The following list has stayed the same at the very top, but has seen many changes around it. It's also expanded to a top 8. http://cache.comcorpusa.com/640/0/crop/nbc33tv/media/sports/mlb_draft.jpg (photo from WVLA NBC33 | Baton Rouge News, Weather and Sports | Baton Rouge News) As I mentioned last month: In the last 20 years, the Twins have had 24 1st round draft picks (not counting supplemental picks). Of those 24 picks, 11 have been prep position players and eight have been college pitchers. The other two groups: college position players (4) and prep pitchers (1) have been much less represented. The Twins first pick (fourth overall) will come with an approximate $4.5m price tag. JEREMY’S SMALL BOARD (Keep in mind, please, that this is not a “mock draft”. This is not a reflection of my top players. This is my attempt at stacking a “Twins Draft Board”, based on a number of things.) 1) Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford WHY HE STILL MAKES SENSE: Appel has been nothing short of dominant so far this season. WHY THE TWINS COULD PASS: Scott Boras. Because of Appel's inclusion in the draft pool, it's going to be hard for anyone to project. He's a wild card. MY TWO CENTS: Appel has been good enough that, as the #1 guy on my board, I take him and cut money from Rounds 2-10 to give him as much as possible. The stickier part of this situation is that, as a college senior, the signing deadline wouldn't apply. So unless you give up on him before the deadline, you can't rely on "fallback options", that you took in the later rounds. PRICE TAG: We know it's going to be high. That's a given. 2) Sean Manaea, LHP, Indiana State WHY HE STILL MAKES SENSE: Though he hasn't been as "lights-out" as he was this summer, he's still been good and projects to be a top-of-the-rotation type pitcher. And he's a lefty. The Twins would do good to add him, even though he'll need more minor league time to develop than Appel would. WHY THE TWINS SHOULD PASS: I think Manaea - even more so than Appel - has solidfied his spot in the top 5. If I had to bet, I'd say the Twins won't get the chance to draft (or pass on) Manaea. MY TWO CENTS: I'm hoping to make it to Friday night's game at the Metrodome to see Manaea in person. I would guess my suspicions will be verified. PRICE TAG: Manaea would be smart to take slot money and get signed as quickly as possible. 3) Clint Frazier, OF, Georgia HS WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Frazier is the top-rated high school player in the nation. And then he goes and hits two home runs in the Frazier/Meadows showdown yesterday. He's going to be a top 5 pick. The Twins love prep outfielders. WHY THE TWINS SHOULD PASS: The Twins should pass because they need to pass. Baseball is about pitching, and even though Frazier has a cannon, he's not standing on a mound when he's showing it off. MY TWO CENTS: Frazier has some experience in the infield. As a prospect, though, he didn't take off until he moved to the outfield. If I was convinced Frazier can become a star, I'm using his versatility as my crutch. Would you feel differently if instead of drafting a prep OF, the Twins took a prep 3B? I'm not sure how the transition would go, but the Twins have tried to make the OF to INF switch with Rosario. It would be a very expensive gamble. PRICE TAG: Like Buxton, Frazier will probably sign for near-slot. 4) Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: If you're a low-to-mid-90s guy, you're a prospect, as Gray was coming into the season. When you're a mid-to-high-90s guy, you're an very good prospect. When you touch 100 and have the feel to spin a ball, you're an elite part of the draft. WHY THE TWINS SHOULD PASS: Are you buying the hype? Gray is full of helium. His arm is fresh now but what happens as the season progresses? Is he still throwing 100? Is he more susceptible to injury? So far reports check out. But for as quickly as he's risen, he's got three months to stay on top. MY TWO CENTS: Twins fans, this is the guy to keep an eye on. He has really taken off. Viewed as a potential first-rounder before the season, he has climbed up draft boards with every start. If Manaea doesn't improve and Appel's demands remain a question mark, Gray may not stop climbing until he's #1. PRICE TAG: As another junior pitcher, he probably won't have any unreasonable demands (hopefully). 5) Ryne Stanek, RHP, Arkansas WHY HE'S DROPPED: Despite coming into the season being mentioned in the same sentence as Manaea and Appel, Stanek has had a disappointing first month of the season. He isn't lasting late into games and he isn't missing many bats. WHY THE TWINS SHOULD STILL CONSIDER HIM: Stanek still has the conference schedule to impress the scouts; if he can get it done against the best conference in baseball, his stock will rise. MY TWO CENTS: At the very least, Stanek is one of four (or more) college pitchers that are viable options for the Twins at #4. PRICE TAG: You have to worry a little bit about guys that come into the season hyped as a potential #1 pick and begin to drop. 6) Dominic Smith, 1B/OF, California HS WHY HE'S DROPPED: Smith was in the news for the wrong reasons earlier this month. Long story short: Smith was ejected from a game and subsequently suspended for the following game. In an effort to not hurt his draft stock, scouts were told that he wasn't at the game because he was sick. Well, the truth came out and now Smith and his school look bad. WHY THE TWINS SHOULD STILL CONSIDER HIM: Despite what could be considered a make-up/character issue, Smith is still a premium prospect and offers standout defense (albeit at first base) to a team that emphasizes defense. MY TWO CENTS: Someone to keep on the radar, but probably not someone that will make the top 4 at any point. PRICE TAG: It should be mentioned that the Astros banked a lot of their pool by taking a prep player and paying him less than slot. 7) Bobby Wahl, RHP, Mississippi WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Wahl is appearing on the list as a pitcher that doesn't have a tremendous ceiling, but is already nearly a finished product. He offers a low-to-mid-90s fastball and a low-80s slider that misses bats. His changeup is also coming around. By the time June rolls around Wahl may possess three pitches that are currently in the 55-60 range. Not likely to be an ace, he could still be a very serviceable #3. And soon. WHY THE TWINS SHOULD PASS: When you're drafting at #4, you should be shooting for the stars. Not taking a guy because he's close to his ceiling. MY TWO CENTS: The Twins could do "safe". Wahl would be safe. If Wahl continues to impress and moves up the board, I'd be okay with safe. If he's a borderline top-10 prospect... I'd rather take a shot on someone with more upside. PRICE TAG: I would guess Wahl will sign for slot (or if drafted higher, cut a deal) and sign quickly. 8) Austin Meadows, OF, Georgia HS WHY HE'S #8: I won't rule out anything at this point and Meadows is highly-regarded. I'm interested to see what Meadows does after Frazier so obviously stole the show yesterday. Your move, Austin. Others to watch: Chris Anderson, Jacksonville, has probably taken a bigger leap than any other college pitcher. Once viewed as a 3rd-5th round pick, he's moved up in the first round conversation. He's still moving up. I don't see him entering the top 10, much less the top 5, but he's got time on his side. Scouts love him and as a Minnesota prep, so do the locals. (Some have suggested taking him #4 and paying him like a late 1st rounder. That isn't necessarily my style, but I can assure you that the Twins brass will leave no stone unturned.) Jonathan Crawford, Florida, is throwing it in the high-90s, but he's lacking success. Like Stanek, he'll have plenty of time to build his status back up. It's not helping that Florida can't catch a break. I'll leave Minnesota LHP Tom Windle and prep OF Ryan Boldt grouped together again. I would guess the Twins would love for Windle to fall to the 2nd round, but I don't see it happening. Boldt has probably solidified himself as a mid-1st rounder strictly on his play last summer. Though the Twins rarely go to the "college position players well", there are two 3B that should be mentioned: Kris Bryant, San Diego and Colin Moran, North Carolina. I prefer Bryant's right-handed power (even though he will probably end up in the OF or at 1B), but I don't see the Twins going this route. As long as I'm mentioning avenues that aren't taken, I'll name a prep pitcher who enamors me: Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Tennessee HS. Sheffield is a hard-thrower, but also very intelligent. There is a strong belief already that he'll be a tough sign, so if the Twins do something to save money early, maybe Sheffield - a first-round talent - could be one of those options later. Feel free to discuss. Click here to view the article

After yesterday's off-day, the Twins are back tonight and so is the newest edition of Twins Hangouts. Seth and I will cover the last week of action in Twins Territory - the .500 big league club and the early success of the four affiliates. Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg So grab your favorite beverage, pop some popcorn, turn down the lights and the volume on the television and join us as we hangout and talk Twins. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] If you have questions for us to answer, please leave them below. Click here to view the article

The Big Picture The Dodgers have a very loyal following. They attracted over 3 million fans every year from 1997-2010. Then there was an ugly divorce between owners and a multi-billion dollar sale of the team. New ownership is trying to put all of that in the rearview and make the playoffs for the first time since winning their division in 2009. Download attachment: dodgers.jpg The Dodgers were the hottest team in baseball out of the gates and were 17 games over .500 as recently as June 17. A late-June swoon – losers in eleven of their last twelve games – where injuries to key players certainly played a part, dropped them back to reality and they now trail the Giants in the NL West, with the Diamondbacks quickly gaining ground. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Why They Will Trade With The Twins The Dodgers offense in June was downright ugly. They scored only 83 runs in June (including a six-game stretch in which they were shutout five times), the least in the Major Leagues. Their June OPS was .571. That’s not quite Buteran; but it is 40 points worse than Nick Punto during his worst Twins year! To add insult to injury (or maybe the other way around…), stud outfielder and clean-up hitter Andre Ethier went down with an oblique injury: One of the most fickle of all injuries. He could be out days or months. If they have to throw him on the disabled list, he’d join the likes of All-World CF Matt Kemp, starting 2B Mark Ellis, starting P Ted Lilly, set-up man Matt Guerrier and closer Javy Guerra. As you probably guessed, the Dodgers are actively working the phones, looking for help – not only in the middle of the order – but presumably at the back of the bullpen. Despite all of the injuries and off-the-field distractions, GM Ned Colletti has put together a collection of players that, when healthy, are arguably the most-talented group in the National League, if not Los Angeles and all of baseball. As the word gets out that the Dodgers are looking for “middle-of-the-order thumpers”, it would be wise for the Twins to make a courtesy call. You see, where the Dodgers need power the most (left field, first base and third base), just so happens to be the positions of the Twins three most-powerful hitters. I’m not going to suggest that the Dodgers can “afford” to take on Justin Morneau’s remaining salary of over $20m. I will, however, point out that the Dodgers current 1B combo of James Loney/Juan Rivera has a combined OPS of around .650. And their 2013 commitment to the two? Only Rivera’s $500,000 buyout. The Dodgers are in the market for a first baseman. Right now. LF Bobby Abreu isn’t nearly the player he used to be (when he was drilling line drives off Nick Blackburn’s face), yet he’s batting 3rd due to all the injuries. If I were the Dodgers, I would feel much better using the 38-year old’s bat in a pinch-hitting role. When Kemp (batting 3rd/RH) and Either (4th/LH) come back, having a RH/LF “masher” batting 5th would be the ideal situation. The Twins also have one of them – signed to a very reasonable contract – in Josh Willingham. Moving onto the final (and probably most controversial) position: Third base. Juan Uribe is listed as 33 years old. Does anyone actually believe that? If you’re fat and 33, fine. But when you’re fat and Uribe’s age (whatever that actually is… 36? 37?), that’s not a good sign. Regardless, Uribe, when healthy in 2012, is hitting .205 with an OBP of .248 and an OPS of .535. Sheesh, up until a month ago, I thought the Twins 3B situation was bad. Might the Twins listen if the Dodgers called about Trevor Plouffe? His value over the last few weeks is the highest it’s ever been (and probably the highest it ever will be). Is this power we've seen over the hot streak sustainable? He did cool off a little, but hit two home runs again today. What do the Dodgers think? How much could you get for him, who has five more years of team control? Trading Plouffe would be a unique attempt by the Twins to “sell high”. If not, Dodger fans, there’s always Danny Valencia… Options that may help the Dodgers bullpen would obviously be Jared Burton and/or possibly Matt Capps. If I were the Dodgers (or any team), I would inquire on Jared Burton, he would be a Matt Guerrier-type asset to a bullpen that misses the real (and more expensive) Matt Guerrier. I would also fake bad reception if the Twins bring up Matt Capps’s name. Why They Won’t Trade With The Twins Listen, the Dodgers have a window of opportunity right now and they can’t afford to let this season slip away. The underlying issue is that their best players are hurt now… and they need reinforcements now. By the end of July, there is a pretty good chance (or at least the hope) that they’ll have the heart of their offense back and rolling. If the Twins want to maximize value, dealing a month before the deadline isn’t the best way to achieve it. As far as first baseman, where there will continue to be a need, there are options out there with less risk. The Dodgers have been linked to Astros 1B Carlos Lee. Lee has finally returned from a hamstring injury. The rumors of the Astros getting back a solid pitching prospect – and the Dodgers picking up some of his remaining salary (close to $10m of the $18.5m 2012 salary) – would be hard for the Astros to turn down. There are conflicting reports about who the Astros would acquire in this trade as well as who would pick up what amount of Lee’s bill. The hang-up, as I type this, is whether El Caballo will waive his no-trade clause and accept a trade to L.A. (away from his ranches in Texas). Acquiring Lee would probably mitigate any interest the team might have had in Justin Morneau, though the Dodgers apparently believe Lee can still play a little in the outfield. Conclusion The Dodgers are going to deal, so keep an eye on them. They also made a trade for an aging player (Casey Blake) a few years ago and because they didn’t want to pick up the $6.1m tab that was owed to him, they shipped a top prospect (Carlos Santana) back. If the Twins were willing to pick up most of Morneau’s contract, would the Dodgers sweeten the pot? Something worth noting from the Dodgers perspective: They have 3 guys on the 60-day DL, so they have 43 players on their 40-man. To take on more guys, you’d have to assume they’d be dealing from their active roster. They’ve also recently agreed to sign Cuban OF Yasiel Puig to an absurd 7-yr, $42m major-league deal, so they’ll have to make more room… and might be less inclined to take on an outfielder in a deal. Though I don’t believe Puig is going to be contributing this year (or next). ~~~ Possible Trade Targets Zach Lee – RHP Lee, the 28th overall pick in 2010, dropped down draft boards because it was nearly certain he would be attending LSU to play baseball and quarterback the football team. When the Dodgers selected him, it was viewed as a “punted pick”, made to save the club some money. In the biggest shocker of all draft signings in 2010, Lee signed for $5.25 million at the August deadline. His top-of-the-rotation ceiling moved him to the top of Dodger prospect lists. He was left off of this list initially, because it appeared there was little to no chance of the Dodgers trading him. But once he was mentioned in Carlos Lee trade rumors - even though it doesn't appear likely he'll be traded - he was added. Nate Eovaldi – RHP Eovaldi made his big-league debut last year and held his own over six starts (ten appearances). Forced by injuries to join the rotation this spring, he is 0-4, 4.04. He’s a power pitcher who may end up in the back of a bullpen. Allen Webster – RHP The Dodgers #2 prospect behind Lee has slowly been climbing the ladder and has struggled in his first full season at AA. Webster is a sinkerball pitcher who sits in the mid-90s. His change-up is phenomenal. He was baseball’s #68 rated prospect coming into the year, according to MLB.com Chris Withrow – RHP The 2007 1st round pick out of Midland, Texas fits the “power” mold the Twins were looking to add in the 2012 draft. If he could harness his stuff, he’d be a middle-of-the-rotation type guy; if not, his future’s in the bullpen. Currently, his future is on hold. He’s on the minor league DL after suffering a vicious cut on his hand while throwing a snorkel mask. (You can’t make this stuff up!) This is Withrow’s first option year as he was added to L.A.’s 40-man last November. Garrett Gould – RHP Gould made his full-season debut last year in Midwest League and went 11-6. He was promoted to High-A this year and currently has a 1-6 record. His peripherals haven’t changed much (besides his BABIP going from .260 last year to .352 this year) and he’s still striking batters out (72 Ks in 72 IP this year). His status could eventually elevate to the top-of-the-rotation starter, though #3 starter is more likely. Scott Barlow – RHP A 6th round draft pick in 2011 out of a California high school, Barlow added weight and velocity and was primed to breakout as a prospect. Earlier this week, it was announced that Barlow would miss the rest of the year due to Tommy John surgery. As was discussed about Kyle Drabek earlier, could this be a chance for the Twins to “buy low”? Chad Billingsley – RHP If the Dodgers were to deal from their right-handed pitcher depth, may they be willing to part with a member of their current rotation? The big-bodied righty is the type of pitcher the Twins prefer to employ. He has a hefty contract – he’s in the first year of a three-year, $35 million deal - and moving it would free up money to spend elsewhere. (picture from franklinavenue.blogspot.com) Click here to view the article

Join Seth and I as we talked about a wide variety of Twins topics.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Download attachment: Google-plus-hangouts2.jpg Watch and listen to Seth and I tackle a variety of topics. We cover the Joe Mauer move, off-season leagues, Byron Buxton and injuries, some free agents targets and answer your questions! Leave us your feedback. <!-- Place this tag in your head or just before your close body tag. --> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js"></script> <!-- Place this tag where you want the widget to render. --> <div class="g-post" data-href="https://plus.google.com/105223969215261032144/posts/GKKSiKVWa9Q"></div> Click here to view the article

Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg Join Seth and Jeremy tonight at 9pm. We'll talk all about the activity over the last seven days. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Here's the event page if you would rather watch it there. If you have questions or comments, please leave them below. Click here to view the article

Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg Join Seth and Jeremy on Tuesday night at 8:30 to discuss the events of the last week. Obviously, Miguel Sano is going to be a discussion topic. But there will be many other things you might want to hear. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iJOcOi-kLBs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]You can view live on this page (using the video link above) or you can view live on the where you'll have access to the live Q and A. You can view all past episodes here (YouTube link) and download all of the previous shows here (iTunes link) Please leave questions and comments below! Click here to view the article

Download attachment: 2014-Draft.jpg With the college season getting underway (where weather allowed), it's a good time to kick off the first of what will become a series of Draft Boards. These are not my draft boards. I've tried to gather as much information as possible from people involved in the actual decision-making process. Of course, at the end, I still have to try to slot them in an order. At this point, there is so much that can happen. The Twins draft 5th overall. The most recent info suggests there are around 20 guys on the radar and there are already a few that the Twins don't think will be available when they are on the clock. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] There are a couple of threads already on TwinsDaily about the draft, so feel free to chime in there as well as in the comments below. 1) Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC St Rodon has been considered the crown jewel of this class since dominating during his freshman season. On a number of occasions, John Manuel of Baseball America has said that, as a prospect, Rodon would ranked #2 or #3 already. Of course, Scout.com's Kiley McDaniel has pointed out that the gap between Rodon and the field isn't insurmountable. My take: It would be an upset for Rodon to fall from #1. Short of injury, he isn't falling much further. And even in the event of injury, chances are he would role the dice and come back to go #1 next year. With that being said, if he blew his arm out and dropped to #5, I'd take him without hesitation. 2) Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina Hoffman used an impressive showing in the Cape Cod League to catapult up draft boards. One might draw the parallel between Hoffman and Jonathan Gray from last year. While Rodon (and Appel) are better prospects right now, there is a ceiling that Hoffman has (and Gray had last year) that might make him more attractive to teams than Rodon. Some have thrown out Justin Verlander comps. That's high praise. My take: While it could be argued that drafting Hoffman may not be the Marlins style, I would be hard pressed to argue against him falling past the White Sox at #3. 3) Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt Ah, a wildcard. Beede was drafted out of high school in 2011 by the Blue Jays and went unsigned. While he's had success at Vanderbilt, he's also had control issues. At his best, he deserves to be mentioned with both of Rodon and Hoffman, but there's been too many times when he's not at his best. My take: personally - and I've been a fan of Beede for a long time - I wouldn't have him so high, but he's a name that's come up in regards to the Twins thinking he "won't be around". The caveat - because there needs to be one - is that if he drops to five, he'll drop further, because the control is an issue and the Twins wouldn't "risk that type of money". 4) Alex Jackson, C, California HS I have a feeling we're going to see Jackson all over the board. He got early comps to Bryce Harper and Wil Myers - prep catchers with bats that couldn't be held back long enough to fully learn how to catch. Now there are rumblings that his bat isn't as advanced and that teams could be patient with his glove. Either way, he's got a ton of value. My take: I haven't checked in lately, but I didn't get any impression that the Twins believe he would fail to hit or catch at the highest level. He should find himself squarely in the mix very early in the draft. 5) Trae Turner, SS, NC St The old college shortstop, eh? Do yourself a favor and check how many of the 30 starting shortstops came the major college route. I'll help you out: not many. While Turner should stick at shortstop at the professional level, he has a lot of value in his legs. With plus-plus speed, Turner could fit nicely at the top of the Twins order. There are questions about his bat (and strength), but he's shown well early this college season. My take: let's bring that college shortstop conversation even closer to home then let's bring it straight to Tobacco Road. Would you be gun-shy about making the same mistake that was made when Levi Michael was drafted? Would you trust that same signing scout? Interesting questions to consider, obviously, and while I think they are two completely different players, the microscope will be fixed closer on Trae Turner. 6) Luke Weaver, RHP, FSU Weaver is an interesting name to show up this high as he's not been rated as highly on national lists. I watched an FSU game late last season and was impressed with Weaver. To be honest, he reminded me a lot of Kevin Slowey. Not that I want to burn such a high pick on Kevin Slowey, but his command was superb. When I mentioned that to a Twins scout, I was told that it's a fair comp, but sells Weaver far short. Weaver's fastball is way better and that a better comp would be Zack Greinke. Hook. Line. Sinker. My take: if I was a betting man, I would put my money on Weaver and enjoy the payout. While he may not be the sexiest name, he has the potential to be a very, very good major league pitcher. 7) Tyler Kolek, RHP, Texas HS Why not go back to the same well as last year? Kolek spits fire. And his upside may be unmatched in this draft class. My take: as a high school pitcher, we could see so much happen to his draft stock. Right now, he possesses a plus-fastball. If he can turn one of his other offerings into a plus-pitch, he'll challenge for the #2 pick. But at this point, there is too much left unseen. One thing that needs to not go unnoticed is that area scout Greg Runser has had a hand in landing what seems like all of the most recent pitching draft picks. Runser also keeps his cards close to his chest. 8) Jacob Gatewood, 3B, California HS Gatewood snuck onto the list when I decided to expand it to eight players. Gatewood got on the map with an impressive home run display at Citi Field. There are still many questions about his game. He could stand to drive his stock through the roof or watch it drop. My take: some team will fall in love with Gatewood's power and take him early. I don't think it will be the Twins... at least, not yet. TWO OTHER NAMES TO KNOW: Dylan Cease, RHP, Georgia HS and Mac Marshall, LHP, Georgia HS While Georgia has been a hotbed for amateur talent, there hasn't been a ton of pitching to come from that state. The one name that sticks out in recent memory is Tampa Bay's Matt Moore. You know who signed Matt Moore? Jack Powell. You know who scouts Georgia for the Twins now? That's right - Jack Powell. While it remains to be seen how these guys perform in their senior seasons - Marshall doesn't pitch until next Friday - they both have a fan in the organization. Oh, did I mention that Powell is the guy responsible for making Buxton a Twin? Yeah, he's got the juice now. Obviously there are many names that can come and go when it comes to discussion about the #5 pick. These are just a few to remember as the season kicks off. So, what do you think? Click here to view the article

Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg Join Seth and I tonight along with special guest Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press. We'll be live at 8:30 and promise to get you geared up for Spring Training... as if you weren't already. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aKeMLJs3SgQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> You can view the YouTube page , where you'll have access to the Q and A feature. Leave your questions and comments below! Click here to view the article

NOTES: The data below is based on what I know or think I know. It may not be 100% accurate. Rule V and MiL FA are estimations and will be corrected as the dates approach. The "+c" designation reflects the total amount of innings the pitcher threw in his final college season plus his initial professional season. If you see something wrong, or have a question, please post in the comments. - Jeremy [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] [TABLE=class: datatable, width: 800, align: center] [TR=bgcolor: #ff0000] [/TR] [TR=bgcolor: #ff0000] [TD=class: chead, align: center]Pos [/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]Active Roster[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]Service[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2012[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2013[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2014[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]D.O.B.[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]OPT'S[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]RULE V[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]FA after[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]ACQUIRED[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]BONUS[/TD] [/TR] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]C[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Joe Mauer[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]8.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$23,025,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$23,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$23,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]04/19/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]NA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (01-1)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$4,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1B[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Justin Morneau[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]7.168[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$14,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$14,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]05/15/81[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]NA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2013[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (99-3)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$290,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Carl Pavano[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]13.161[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$8,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]01/08/76[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]NA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2012[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trade (Cle)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Josh Willingham[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]6.123[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$7,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$7,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$7,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]02/17/79[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]NA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2014[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]FA (12)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SP [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Scott Baker[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]5.124[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$6,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm orangebg, bgcolor: #FFCC99, align: center]$ -[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09/19/81[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]NA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2013[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (03-2)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$600,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Nick Blackburn[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]4.017[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$4,750,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$5,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm orangebg, bgcolor: #FFCC99, align: center]$ -[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]02/24/82[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]10, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]ELIG[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2014[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (01-29)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Matt Capps[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]6.017[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$4,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm orangebg, bgcolor: #FFCC99, align: center]$250,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09/03/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]NA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2013[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trade (Was)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]CF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Denard Span[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]3.111[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$4,750,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$6,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]02/27/84[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09, 10[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2015[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (02-1)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$1,700,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]DH/C[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Ryan Doumit[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]6.120[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]04/03/81[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]NA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2014[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]FA (12)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]INF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Jamey Carroll[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]9.020[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$2,750,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,750,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm orangebg, bgcolor: #FFCC99, align: center]$250,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]02/18/74[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]NA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2014[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]FA (12)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LRP [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Glen Perkins[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]4.010[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$1,550,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$2,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,750,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]03/02/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2016[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (04-1)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$1,425,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2B/SS[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Alexi Casilla[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]4.038[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$1,382,500[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB 3[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]07/20/84[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2013[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trade (LAA)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Jared Burton[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]4.014[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$750,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB3[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]05/02/81[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2013[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]MiL FA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Brian Duensing[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2.104[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$515,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB1[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB2[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]02/22/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2015[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (05-3)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$400,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Alex Burnett[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1.126[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$490,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB1[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB2[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]07/26/87[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]10, 11[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2015[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (05-12)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Anthony Swarzak[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1.038[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$487,500[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB1[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09/10/85[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2016[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (04-2)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$580,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]3B[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trevor Plouffe[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.162[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$485,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]SUPER 2?[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]06/15/86[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2017[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (04-1)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$1,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]C[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Drew Butera[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$414,300[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]SUPER 2?[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB1[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]08/09/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2016[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trade (NYM)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RF/CF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Ben Revere[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.167[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$402,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]SUPER 2?[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]05/03/88[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2017[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (07-1)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$750,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LSP [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Scott Diamond[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.034[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$398,700[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]07/30/86[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Rule V (ATL)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SP [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]P.J. Walters[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.095[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$390,800[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]03/12/85[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2017[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]MiL FA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OF [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Darin Mastroianni[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.002[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$390,800[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]08/26/85[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]waivers (Tor) [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Jeff Gray[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1.112[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$384,300[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11/19/81[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]ELIG[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2012[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]waivers (SEA)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Kyle Waldrop[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.024[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$296,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]10/27/85[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (04-1)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$1,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Cole De Vries[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$291,100[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]02/12/85[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]NDFA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1B/RF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Chris Parmelee[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.023[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$288,500[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]02/24/88[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (06-1)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$1,500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LRP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Tyler Robertson[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$270,200[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]10/23/87[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (06-3)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$405,500[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SS [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Brian Dozier[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$262,300[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]05/15/87[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (09-8)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$30,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Casey Fien[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.052[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$246,600[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]10/21/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09, 10[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]MiL FA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SP [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Liam Hendriks[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.023[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$246,600[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]02/10/89[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]I-FA (2/07)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$170,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Sam Deduno[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.049[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$241,300[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]07/02/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]MiL FA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SS[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Pedro Florimon, Jr.[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.023[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$136,400[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12/10/86[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]10, 11[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]waivers[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]P[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Jeff Manship[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.144[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$128,500[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]01/16/85[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LAST[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2017[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (06-14)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$300,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]P[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Luis Perdomo[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1.004[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$123,200[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]04/27/84[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]10[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2017[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]MiL FA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RF [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Matt Carson[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.111[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$115,400[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]07/01/81[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]10[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]MiL FA [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Matt Maloney[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1.031[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$94,900[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm redtxt, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]01/16/84[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]ELIG[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2012[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]MiL FA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1B/3B[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Sean Burroughs[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]4.092[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$83,200[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm redtxt, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09/12/80[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]ELIG[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2012[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]MiL FA[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]CF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Clete Thomas[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]1.027[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$78,700[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11/14/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]ELIG[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2012[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]waivers[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Esmerling Vasquez[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2.066[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$76,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]ARB1[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11/07/83[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]OUT[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2016 [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]waivers[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]- [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]SS[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Eduardo Escobar[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.027[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$70,800[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]01/05/89[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trade (CWS)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]C/LF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Chris Herrmann[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$44,600[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11/24/87[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (09-6)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$135,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Lester Oliveros[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.063[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$5,200[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]05/28/88[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trade (DET)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]CF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Joe Benson[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.023[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]03/05/88[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]11, 12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (06-2)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$575,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LSP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Pedro Hernandez[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]04/12/89[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trade (CWS)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Deolis Guerra[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]04/17/89[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LAST[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Trade (NYM)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]-[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Carlos Gutierrez[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]09/22/86[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Draft (08-1)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$1,780,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]RF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Oswaldo Arcia[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]0.000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center][/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]05/09/91[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]12[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm gray, align: center]INEL [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]I-FA (7/07)[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [/TABLE] [TABLE=class: datatable, width: 800, align: center] [TR=bgcolor: #ff0000] [/TR] [TR=bgcolor: #ff0000] [TD=class: chead, align: center]Pos[/TD] [TD=class: ctotal, colspan: 2, align: center]Other obligations[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2012[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2013[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2014[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2015[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2016[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2017[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2018[/TD] [TD=class: chead, align: center]2019[/TD] [/TR] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]C[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, colspan: 2, align: center]Joe Mauer[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$23,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$23,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$23,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$23,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LRP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, colspan: 2, align: center]Glen Perkins[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,750,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm orangebg, bgcolor: #FFCC99, align: center]$300,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]CF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, colspan: 2, align: center]Denard Span[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm orangebg, bgcolor: #FFCC99, align: center]$500,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]LSP[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, colspan: 2, align: center]Francisco Liriano[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,426,200[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]INF[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, colspan: 2, align: center]Tsuyoshi Nishioka[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$3,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]P[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, colspan: 2, align: center]Jason Marquis[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$2,651,100[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]P[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, colspan: 2, align: center]Joel Zumaya[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$850,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]3B[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, colspan: 2, align: center]Danny Valencia[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]$121,000[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center] [/TD] [TR=bgcolor: #ff0000] [TD=class: ctotal, colspan: 3]TOTAL[/TD] [TD=class: chead, bgcolor: #ff0000]$98,213,700[/TD] [TD=class: chead, bgcolor: #ff0000]$64,250,000[/TD] [TD=class: chead, bgcolor: #ff0000]$44,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: chead, bgcolor: #ff0000]$27,250,000[/TD] [TD=class: chead, bgcolor: #ff0000]$23,300,000[/TD] [TD=class: chead, bgcolor: #ff0000]$23,000,000[/TD] [TD=class: chead, bgcolor: #ff0000]$23,000,000[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE=class: datatable, width: 400, align: center] [TD=class: cnorm, align: center]Legend[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm yellowbg, bgcolor: #FFFFCC, align: center]Team Control[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm greenbg, bgcolor: #CCFFCC, align: center]Arbitration[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm orangebg, bgcolor: #FFCC99, align: center]Option Year[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm oldbg, bgcolor: #E77471, align: center]Old for Roster[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm youngbg, bgcolor: #6AFB92, align: center]Young for Roster[/TD] [TD=class: cnorm addbg, bgcolor: #893BFF, align: center]40-man add[/TD] [/TABLE] Click here to view the article

This is the third and final (as of now) mock draft in advance of this weekend's MLB draft. You can view the first mock and second mock as well. Download attachment: mlb-draft.jpg Before I get into it, I'm going to post what I believe is the Twins draft board (explanation to follow): 1) Brady Aiken, LHP, California prep 2) Nick Gordon, SS, Florida prep 3) Alex Jackson, C/OF, California prep 4) Tyler Kolek, RHP, Texas prep 5) Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford [/hr]I think, talent-wise, that Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC State should be included, but I don't get the feeling that the Twins are confident they could fit Rodon into their budget. While Boras represents Rodon, I don't think that really matters; Rodon doesn't appear to be willing to settle for anything less than Top 2 money. I'm also not entirely confident that Kolek, Newcomb and Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU (who would be #6) are in the correct order. In essence, any one of those guys could be #4 on their board. As it is, if the Top 3 (plus Rodon) are off the board when the Twins go on the clock, they might just pull the trigger on Newcomb, who could be #1 on their board and immediately know they'll be able to aim higher for the rest of the draft. But enough about the Twins (even though that's why you're here). There are four other teams ahead of them that could really mess things up. Let's get right into it... 1. Houston - Brady Aiken, LPH, California prep - I'm going to leave this one alone, for the simple fact that I have no reason to change it. My mind says Aiken; but my body, my body is telling me Alex Jackson. I think this will be debated in the Houston draft room until the clock starts ticking. (Last week: No change) 2. Miami - Alex Jackson, C/OF, California prep - I actually switched this to Rodon, did the write-up and talked myself out of it. The deciding factor for me - and it may mean nothing - is giving up that Comp pick last weekend (and the money attached to it). If they knew it was going to take extra money to get Rodon done, wouldn't they have used some of that money on Rodon, if that's what it took? Yeah, plus the Marlins owners are dumb. So who really knows. (Last week: No change) 3. Chicago White Sox - Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC State - I've had Kolek in this place the previous two times, but it sounds like teams are getting cold feet when it comes to drafting a guy that, essentially, only has big velo. Unprecedented really, but a big risk. If they roll with Kolek, the Rodon drop could get long. (Last week: Tyler Kolek, RHP, Texas prep) 4. Chicago Cubs - Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana - Not necessarily the first, second or third direction I'd go here, but I can't ignore the late buzz despite my better judgment telling me it's a smokescreen to drive down the money demand from Nick Gordon. (Last week - Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC State) 5. Minnesota - Nick Gordon, SS, Florida prep - Gordon goes here because he's the top-ranked player left according to the board above. Honestly, the Twins would love for it to play out this way. People are going to hate on passing on Kolek. Not this guy. (Last week: Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU) 6. Seattle - Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford - (Last week: Nick Gordon, SS, Florida prep) 7. Philadelphia - Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU - (Last week: Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford) 8. Colorado - Kyle Freeland, LHP, Evansville - (Last week: No change) 9. Toronto - Trea Turner, SS, NC State - (Last week: No change) 10. New York Mets - Tyler Kolek, RHP, Texas prep - Once the tumble starts, there's no telling where it will stop. While I could see Kolek going to Colorado, the drop could continue to at least San Diego at 13. If it's Rodon that falls - with Kolek going at #3 - this should also be his floor. (Last week: Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon State) 11. Toronto - Touki Toussaint, RHP, Florida prep - (Last week: Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina) 12. Milwaukee - Grant Holmes, RHP, South Carolina prep - (Last week: No change) 13. San Diego - Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon State - (Last week: Touki Toussaint, RHP, Florida prep) 14. San Francisco - Luis Ortiz, RHP, California prep - (Last week: Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt) 15. LA Angels - Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt - (Last week: Max Pentecost, C, Kennesaw State) 16. Arizona - Max Pentecost, C, Kennesaw State - (Last week: Monte Harrison, OF, Missouri prep) 17. Kansas City - Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Hawaii prep - (Last week: Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Florida prep) 18. Washington - Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina - (Last week: Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco) 19. Cincinnati - Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU - (Last week: Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana) 20. Tampa Bay - Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco - (Last week: AJ Reed, 1B, Kentucky) 21. Cleveland - Casey Gillaspie, 1B, Wichita State - (Last week: Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV) 22. LA Dodgers - Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Florida prep - (Last week: Derek Hill, OF, California prep) 23. Detroit - Nick Howard, RHP, Virginia - (Last week: Nick Burdi, RHP, Louisville) 24. Pittsburgh - Monte Harrison, OF, Missouri prep - (Last week: Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU) 25. Oakland - Ti’quan Forbes, SS, Mississippi prep - (Last week: No changes) 26. Boston - Derek Fisher, OF, Virginia - (Last week: No change) 27. St. Louis - Jacob Gatewood, 3B, California prep - (Last week: Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Hawaii prep) 28. Kansas City - Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV - (Last week: Jacob Gatewood, 3B, California prep) 29. Cincinnati - Michael Kopech, RHP, Texas prep - (Last week: Spencer Adams, RHP, Georgia prep) 30. Texas - Michael Chavis, 3B, Georgia prep - (Last week: Jack Flaherty, RHP, California prep) 31. Cleveland - Derek Hill, OF, California prep - (Last week: Jacob Lindgren, LHP, Mississippi State) 32. Atlanta - Michael Gettys, OF, Georgia prep - (Last week: No change) 33. Boston - Spencer Adams, RHP, Georgia prep - (Last week: Luis Ortiz, RHP, California prep) 34. St. Louis - Forrest Wall, 2B, Florida prep (Last week: Justus Sheffield, LHP, Tennessee prep) 35. Colorado - A.J. Reed, 1B, Kentucky 36. Miami - Luke Weaver, RHP, Florida State 37. Houston - Nick Burdi, RHP, Louisville 38. Cleveland - Justus Sheffield, LHP, Tennessee prep 39. Pittsburgh - Foster Griffin, LHP, Florida prep 40. Kansas City - Mike Papi, LF, Virginia 41. Milwaukee - Alex Blandino, 2B, Stanford 42. Houston - Jacob Bukauskas, RHP, Virginia prep 43. Miami - Josh Morgan, SS, Florida prep 44. Chicago White Sox - Matt Chapman, 3B, Fullerton 45. Chicago Cubs - Brian Anderson, OF, Arkansas 46. Minnesota - Cody Reed, LHP, Alabama prep Thanks to the Twins win over the Brewers Wednesday, it means that on Thursday you can get 50% off a Large of Extra Large pizza when you use the “TWINSWIN” promotion code at PapaJohns.com. Click here to view the article

I hope you enjoyed watching the HR Derby. And by that I really mean, “I hope you enjoyed imaging what next year’s Home Run Derby is going to be like”. The best part about it being at Target Field next year is that you, well, won't have to hear anyone saying "back...back...back...back". [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] The Twins are obviously off for the All-Star Break. ROCHESTER RED WINGS – off for AAA All-Star Break. Chris Colabello participated in the AAA HR derby on Monday night. He went homerless in the first round. NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS 2, HARRISBURG SENATORS 3 (10 INNINGS) Box Score Miguel Sano returned from the Futures Game and promptly went 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts and a walk. He’s batting .196 in the midst of this “humbling experience”. Eddie Rosario continues to show he belongs, going 1-for-4 with a double and a walk. He also had a hand in the game’s only double-play. Reynaldo Rodriguez hit his 12th home run of the year (and - for now - has delayed Kennys Vargas’ promotion). Trevor May started tonight and had mixed results. The positive: seven innings pitched, three hits allowed, six strikeouts. The not-so-positive: 105 pitches/65 strikes, four walks. While the pitch-count is not a big deal, he’d be able to reduce his pitches if he could cut back on his walks. In this system, he will spend much more time in the minors if he continues to issue free passes. Cole Johnson struck out two in two innings before Matt Hauser allowed a walk-off home run in the 10th. The benches cleared at some point in the game. Details aren’t fully known and no one was ejected; it appears a pitcher and batter were chirping at each other which likely resulted in players coming out of their dugouts and milling about. Congratulations to Virgil Vasquez, who was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week. FOR T MYERS MIRACLE 9, LAKELAND FLYING TIGERS 10 Box Score I think you could classify tonight’s loss as a “heartbreaker”. The Miracle jumped out to a quick – and big – lead after scoring twice in the 2nd and six times in the 5th. Unfortunately, giving up enough runs in the last five innings, including five in the 9th, can really bite you in the behind. The Miracle plated one in the bottom of the 9th but Kennys Vargas struck out with the tying run on 2nd base. Kyle Davies started and lasted 6.2 innings. He allowed four runs on eight hits. He walked three and struck out two. Adrian Salcedo recorded four outs and gave up a home run. Corey Williams came in to the get the save. Instead, he got only two men out and before he left had given up five runs. Chad Rogers relieved him and struck out two for the final outs. Byron Buxton was 2-for-6 with a strikeout. Mike Kvasnicka (two RBI) and Andy Leer (four RBI) also had two-hit games. The star of the show offensively was Evan Bigley who is looking like he’s ready to return to AAA. Tonight he was 4-for-5 with a double. Download attachment: bigley.jpg Levi Michael was hitless but drove in two and had a stolen base. CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS 5, BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS 6 Box Score A couple things helped (though not enough to win the game) the Kernels’ today. First, Rays Top 100 pitching prospect Taylor Guerrieri exited the game after only two innings with an apparent arm injury. The Kernels also set a season high for home runs with four. Jose Berrios struggled. In five-plus innings of work, he allowed five runs on six hits and three walks. He struck out four, but also had a wild pitch and allowed a home run. He took the loss. If you’re looking for something positive, Berrios induced five groundball outs and only one fly-ball out. Caleb Brewer allowed two of Berrios’ runners to score. Hudson Boyd replaced Brewer and allowed one of his runners to score, too. Madison Boer pitched a hitless 9th inning. Let’s talk about the bats instead. Dalton Hicks hit his 31st double of the season. Travis Harrison went deep (again) for #15 (but really number 16). Max Kepler hit his fourth home run since joining the team about a month ago. The offensive story, though, was Adam Walker. This year, Walker came out of the gate on fire before cooling down in June and early July. Something clicked (or re-clicked) on July 11th. Since that game he is 9-for-17 with five home runs (including the two he hit today). He also has 12 RBI in that span giving him 79 on the year. Yes, he did strike out twice and there likely will always be a lot of swing-and-miss in his game. But if Walker can progress through the system and keep his strike out rate at no more than 25%, his right-handed power will still be a valuable addition to the Twins lineup. ELIZABETHTON TWINS 1, GREENEVILLE ASTROS 3 Box Score Scanning the box score, the only thing of note you will find is that 2nd round pick Ryan Eades pitched the final inning of the game and had a 1-2-3 inning (with no strikeouts). Offensively, E-town managed only four hits including a double by Mitch Garver and Bryan Haar's fifth triple. On the mound, the four pitchers who threw before Eades combined to walk 10. Tanner Mendonca started and had trouble keeping guys off base (two hits, four walks) and once they got on, keeping them at that base (two for three in stolen base attempts, in only 1.2 innings). GCL TWINS 0, GCL ORIOLES 3 Box Score The GCL Twins gave up 12 hits, but only 3 unearned first-inning runs to take the loss today. Leonel Zazueta got the start and was charged with the loss despite not being on the hook for any earned runs (though he did give up six hits, including a home run, in his three innings of work). Fernando Romero struck out three in his three innings of work. Daniel Sattler, working back from Tommy John surgery, struck out one in a two-hit inning. The rehabbing Mike Gonzales got two of the five hits today. He also walked once. Engelb Vielma, Jason Kanzler and Zach Larson each had a hit. It appears that tomorrow will be Kohl Stewart’s turn in the rotation. Click here to view the article

Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg Join Seth and me tonight for a special Wednesday edition of Twins Hangouts. We shifted away from our typical Tuesday slot because of the All-Star Game, but return at 9pm. Expect there to be plenty of Futures Game (and nachos) talk, as well as other highlights from the weekend. We'll preview the "second half" of the Twins season. Miss an episode? Well, they're all available on our webpage and iTunes. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]If you didn't happen to join us live on a special Wednesday episode of Twins Hangouts, we have it all for you here. We kicked off and gave our All-Star Weekend update. Seth's "Nacho Adventure" (:04) may have been a highlight or a low-point depending on your point of view. We were especially surprised by Celebrity Sunday (:08). We talked about Jeremy's All-Star Game (:13) before remembering that Jennie Finch needed to be discussed (:20). We had our usual "Pleiss Distraction", this time courtesy of ERolf (:23). We had more discussion about the All-Star weekend, including the game (:27) and derby (:34) before switching gears to Twins talk. We made arguments for our Twins first-half MVP (:38), top pitcher (:43), disappointing hitter (:52) and disappointing pitcher (:58). We moved to the minor leagues where we pegged similar awards: hitter (1:00), starting pitcher (1:03) and relief pitcher (1:06). We gave a 12-minute Trade Deadline primer (1:07) before Seth gave a MiLB report (1:19) with scouting reports on some E-town pitchers (1:24). We took questions at 1:27 and had our "closing thoughts" at 1:32. Twelve minutes later, it was all over. Leave any questions for tonight below!! Click here to view the article

The Twins started their road trip at Progressive Field on Monday night and got a stand-out performance from Kyle Gibson, a big hit from Eddie Escobar and, because it’s the minor league report, the first hit of Danny Santana’s big league career. Download attachment: 20140303__140303_DannySantana_skybox.jpg Earlier Monday, the Red Wings announced that they’ve activated RP Deolis Guerra. The Miracle also made a bullpen swap, adding RP Brandon Peterson and DL'ing closer Brian Gilbert. In case you missed it yesterday, Dalton Hicks was placed on the DL to make room for the return of Byron Buxton. You can view these – and other moves and rosters – here. Moving on to the farm… Red Wings Report ROCHESTER 4, COLUMBUS 6 Box Score With Logan Darnell’s promotion and the Red Wings playing for the fifth(!) straight day, Rochester leaned on LHP Brooks Raley to make a spot start. Raley has worked exclusively out of the bullpen for the Red Wings, but made 25 starts for the Iowa Cubs (PCL) last year, so this wasn’t an entirely new experience. Raley only lasted three innings (throwing 70 pitches), but escaped without giving up a run. It was a brief one hit, three walk, five strikeout performance. Ryan Pressly wasn’t great in relief and allowed three runs on four hits. He lasted only two innings. His ERA is up to 5.52. Matt Hoffman allowed one run in two innings and got four outs on the ground. A.J Achter gave up a two-run blast in the eighth inning to take the loss. James Beresford provided all of Rochester’s offense on one swing – a grand slam. His second career home run. He also had three of the team’s seven hits. Oswaldo Arcia and Eric Fryer added doubles. Rock Cats Review NEW BRITAIN 3, TRENTON 2 (10 INNINGS) Box Score After Lester Oliveros gave up the go-ahead run in the top half of the 10th inning, it looked like the Rock Cats might drop another game below .500. The offense, which had been pretty anemic for the first nine innings, had other ideas. It started with a Reynaldo Rodriguez double and was followed by a Danny Ortiz bunt single. A wild pitch advanced Ortiz to second. Brandon Waring was walked to load the bases with nobody out. Matt Koch "batted" in the game-tying run by letting ball four fly by. Tony Thomas reached on a fielder’s choice. The choice, probably obviously, was to get Ortiz out at home. Corey Wimberly came up with the bases still loaded and promptly drove a pitch to right field to score the winning run, in walk-off fashion. It should also be mentioned that New Britain didn’t score their first run until the bottom of the ninth, when Nate Hanson doubled home Wimberly. Matt Summers pitched five innings of one-run ball. He struck out four and walked one. Daniel Turpen (two innings) and Ryan O’Rourke (one inning) both pitched hitless innings while posting K/9’s of 18.00. Lester Oliveros picked up the win, after leaving the game in line for the loss. Because that’s how baseball works. The benches also cleared after Matt Koch was run in to trying (successfully) to make an out at home. No managers were injured during the disagreement. Miracle Matters FORT MYERS 3, BRADENTON 2 Box Score Day 2 of Return of the Buxton was identical to Day 1: 0-for-3, two strikeouts. (He did have an outfield assist.) The Miracle pick up the win despite only getting two hits (including a Mike Gonzales double) and a walk on Monday. It helped that that all came in the first inning. They added an insurance run in the third as the result of an error. The Miracle were facing Tyler Glasnow, a top prospect who was throwing 98 mph cheese. Matt Tomshaw is credited with the win. He pitched six innings, gave up six hits, allowed an unearned run and struck out two. Mason Melotakis allowed one run in 2.1 innings. He walked and struck out one. Madison Boer picked up save #4 for working the last 2/3 of an inning. Kernels Nuggets CEDAR RAPIDS 5, QUAD CITIES 2 Box Score The Kernels got another strong outing from Ethan Mildren on Monday. The tall righty allowed four hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out only two, but surrendered only two runs and one was unearned. Brandon Bixler picked up the win, but walked three in two innings. Hudson Boyd picked up his 5th save with a hitless ninth inning. The Kernels were aided by four River Bandit errors. Offensively, Zach Larson drove in two runs on two hits. Logan Wade had two hits (one double) and Engelb Vielma had two hits (and drove in a run on sac-fly). Bryan Santy had a two-run double. Ivory Thomas reached base four times (one hit, three walks). Vielma and Larson each stole a base. TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY HITTER: James Beresford, Rochester PITCHER: Matt Tomshaw, Fort Myers TUESDAY’S PROBABLES: Rochester @ Columbus (5:35 PM Central) – Kris Johnson (Listen) Trenton @ New Britain (5:35 PM Central) – Taylor Rogers (Listen) Bradenton @ Fort Myers (6:05 PM Central) – Brett Lee (Listen) Cedar Rapids @ Quad Cities (7:00 PM Central) – Josue Montanez (Listen) --- The Danny Santana photo was taken by Ben Garvin of the Pioneer Press and used in a March 3 article. --- ~~~ The Twins beat the Indians on Monday so you can get a half price large or XL pizza from PapaJohns.com by using the promo code 'twinswin' on Tuesday! Click here to view the article

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! The Twins lost the opener against the Giants late Friday night. Game two was also a late-night affair. The Twins return home for a four-game set against the Rangers and we can anticipate a 25-man roster that will undergo some changes between now and then. Though guys may have been deserving of getting that promotion during the week, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to fly guys completely across the country for one or two games. Moving on to the farm… [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Red Wings Report ROCHESTER 0, SCRANTON W/B 2 Box Score Besides James Beresford, who went 3-for-4 with a double, there is very little to talk about offensively. Oswaldo Arcia and Doug Bernier both had one hit and Deibinson Romero had a walk. Other than that, no player reached base. Josh Willingham was lifted after going 0-for-3 with a strikeout. Logan Darnell had a very solid six innings. He allowed three hits and two walks. He struck out four. Unfortunately one of the hits was a home run and the other was a run-scoring double. Ryan Pressly pitched the last two innings of one-hit ball. He struck out two. The loss drops the Red Wings to 25-22. Rock Cats Review NEW BRITAIN 6, BINGHAMTON 8 Box Score The Rock Cats blew two leads tonight en route to dropping to 20-26. The pitching was not stellar. Tyler Duffey gave up nine hits and four runs in only four innings. Dan Turpen gave up four runs while recording five outs. Ryan O'Rourke only pitched to one batter and retired him. Adrian Salcedo took the loss (and dropped to 0-6) by giving up two runs in one inning. Lester Oliveros struck out the side in one inning of work. The offense was good - but not good enough. Corey Wimberly had three hits, with a triple, while driving in two runs. Nate Hanson doubled twice. Tony Thomas had two hits, including a double and drove in three runs. Kennys Vargas made his return to the lineup and got two hits. He did strike out once. Miracle Matters FORT MYERS 6, JUPITER 5 Box Score Despite committing five errors – leading to four unearned runs – the Miracle were able to hang on and get the win, improving to 27-21. Brett Lee was on the mound and didn’t get a lot of help from the team behind him. He did, however, get a lot of groundballs (12:1 GB:FB) and gave up only six hits. Consider, too, that all of the five errors came directly after groundballs and we’re talking about a literal mass-killing of all of the worms at Hammond Stadium. Lee struck out four and walked two. Reports from Brian Sakowski (Perfect Game) had Lee at 89-92 with solid command. He remains a favorite as an under-the-radar prospect for, well… just about everyone who writes about prospects here. Lee is now 5-1 with an ERA of 2.11. Download attachment: lee.jpg Tim Shibuya and Steven Gruver earned holds and Madison Boer recorded two outs by strikeouts for the save. Offensively, the Miracle had a pretty balanced attack as all nine starters recorded hits. Mike Gonzales (5) and Niko Goodrum (1) both hit home runs. Travis Harrison, Adam Walker and Max Kepler all doubled. Goodrum also stole his tenth base of the season. Photo courtesy of Captive Photons Committing tonight's errors were Jorge Polanco (15, 16), Kepler (2, 3) and Anderlin Mejia (3). Kernels Nuggets CEDAR RAPIDS 2, QUAD CITIES 5 Box Score The Kernels blew an early lead with starting pitcher Ethan Mildren couldn't get out of the sixth inning. His final line - 5.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R (4 ER), 2 BB, K - looks much less impressive than it did after four. While recording only one out in the fifth, he allowed a double , a walk and two home runs in the fifth. Brandon Bixler, who's been phenomenal all season, gave up one hit while recording five outs. Hudson Boyd pitched a perfect final frame. Despite out-hitting Quad Cities 8-6, the Kernels failed to do any damage besides in a two-run second inning. Engelb Vielma and Ryan Walker drove in Jason Kanzler and Bo Altobelli. Chad Christensen stole a base. Vielema stole two bases (they came in the same at-bat). The Kernels are now five games below .500 (22-27). TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY HITTER: Corey Wimberly, Rochester PITCHER: Brett Lee, Fort Myers SUNDAY’S PROBABLES: Rochester at Scranton/WB (12:05 PM Central) – Kris Johnson (Listen) New Britain at Binghamton (5:35 PM Central) – Sean Gilmartin (Listen) Fort Myers vs Jupiter (3:05 PM Central) – Jose Berrios (Listen) Cedar Rapids at Beloit (4:00 PM Central) – Josue Montanez (Listen) Click here to view the article

Happy Memorial Day! The Twins returned from their west coast trip fresh off a Giant sweeping. They were in action Monday afternoon against the Rangers. It marked the first game that Aaron Hicks played as only a right-handed batter. It also marked the first loss of Aaron Hicks’ career playing as only a right-handed batter. After Sunday’s game, it was announced that both OF Josh Willingham and OF Oswaldo Arcia would be re-joining the Twins. Heading back to Rochester would be OF/1B Chris Colabello and C/OF Chris Herrmann. The Kernels also made a move, sending RP Yorman Landa to the DL and bringing P Chris Mazza up from extended spring training.Download attachment: images.jpg No one was deserving of the picture, so you’re getting a bunch of the US flag instead. Moving on to the farm… Red Wings Report ROCHESTER 10, SYRACUSE 5 Box Score The Red Wings had 13 hits and pushed across ten runs in Monday’s victory. Chris Rahl hit his second home run. Deibinson Romero had two doubles. Only Dan Rohlfing failed to get a hit. Trevor May didn’t have his best stuff today. It took him 107 pitches to get through five innings. He walked three and struck out three. While he allowed five hits, only one run scored and it was unearned. The bullpen struggled. Matt Hoffman struck out three, but gave up two solo home runs. Michael Tonkin walked three and allowed a run. Aaron Thompson gave up a home run. Rock Cats Review NEW BRITAIN 0, BINGHAMTON 5 Box Score Not much to say about this one. Corey Wimberly doubled and Brad Boyer singled. That was all for the hitting. Pitching-wise, Virgil Vasquez made a start and pitched six innings of four-hit ball. Unfortunately, four runs scored, though only two were earned. He struck out four and walked two. DJ Baxendale made his second appearance (both out of the bullpen) since coming off the disabled list. This outing lasted two innings. He allowed one run on two hits. It should be noted that he threw only 21 pitches. (He threw 14 in his first outing.) It remains to be seen if Baxendale gets stretched out to return to the rotation or continues in his bullpen role. Miracle Matters FORT MYERS – OFF DAY The Miracle were off today and will be back on the field tomorrow. Kernels Nuggets CEDAR RAPIDS 5, BELOIT 6 Box Score The Kernels comeback came up short, scoring three runs in the eighth off back to back home runs by Chad Christensen and Mitchell Garver. Bryan Haar got the Kernels on the board in the top of the fourth with a two-run home run of his own. Those three hitters - the 3-4-5 batters in the lineup - had five of the team's eight hits. Engelb Vielma added a double. Garver also stole his fourth base of the season. Kohl Stewart, who had been so good up until this point, left a lot to be desired today. He walked four in only 2.1 innings. He also gave up five hits which resulted in four runs (all earned). He struck out three. Felix Jorge made his first relief appearances since starting his first eight games. He last 2.2 innings. He gave up a walk and three hits, which resulted in two earned runs. He struck out two. Jorge will be replaced in the rotation by Derrick Penilla. Chris Mazza struck out three and walked one in two hitless innings. Mazza was making his season debut. Alex Muren pitched one inning, allowing a hit. TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY HITTER: Deibinson Romero, Rochester Red Wings PITCHER: Chris Mazza, Cedar Rapids Kernels TUESDAY’S PROBABLES: Rochester vs Syracuse (6:05 PM Central) – Scott Diamond (Listen) New Britain at Portland (5:00 PM Central) – Pat Dean (Listen) Fort Myers @ Clearwater (6:00 PM Central) – Matt Tomshaw (Listen) Cedar Rapids @ Beloit (11:00 AM Central) – Derrick Penilla (Listen) Click here to view the article

You're getting two days of minor league activity in one today, including a slew of transactions. The Twins signed a St. Paul Saint, they promoted two exciting pitching prospects up a level, and they found room for Chris Collabello in Rochester. Meanwhile, the weekend was good to some familiar names to Twins fans - albeit in Rochester. Meanwhile, AA-New Britain is facing elimination and adding some infielders. Could that mean promotions to AAA for a few of the Twins bigger prospects? [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Transactions As many of you know, on Friday Ryan Doumit was activated from the 7-day Concussion D.L. and Chris Colabello was optioned to Rochester to make room. Today, Rochester announced that RP Luis Perdomo was placed on the D.L. with a right calf strain. That opens a spot for Colabello. Also, yesterday 1B Michael Gonzales was activated by Cedar Rapids and earlier this morning MiLB.com posted on Twitter that Kohl Stewart was being promoted to Elizabethton. This likely has been the plan all along - to promote Stewart and Gonsalves together - but the cut on his foot set him a couple of weeks behind. Earlier this evening, the St. Paul Saints announced that the Twins had purchased the contract of 2B Brad Boyer. The Twins later confirmed that Boyer would be heading to New Britain. Don't forget to keep up-to-date on every affiliates roster (and more) on the site's Roster and Payroll page. Reviews are going to be briefer as they'll still be plenty to read. ROCHESTER RED WINGS Lost 2-6 at Buffalo Bison on Friday Pat Dean got the start and was closer to his prior self than his first two AAA starts. He gave up five runs (four earned) in five innings. He walked two and struck out one. He was relieved by Virgil Vasquez who struck out three in the final three innings. He allowed an unearned run to score. Both pitchers have been good in AAA as starters in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see how these two in particular are handled as the season draws to a close. They might both be worth keeping in Rochester for the playoffs. The assumption when Dean came up it was to make a brief appearance, but after two sensational starts it would have been hard to move him down. Darrin Mastroianni was an on-base machine. He went 1-for-2, but reached base twice on walks. Surprisingly, he wasn't able to steal any bases. James Beresford (now batting .294) and Ray Olmedo both had two singles. Chris Parmelee doubled. Won 7-3vs Louiville Bats on Saturday Scott Diamond squared off with former farmhand Yohan Pino and came out victorious. Diamond was not as good as last time out, lasting five innings, scattering seven hits and a walk, and allowing three runs (two earned.) The bullpen picked Diamond up. A.J. Achter abandoned two of Diamond's runners as he completed two scoreless innings. Shairon Martis finished the game off with two innings of one-hit ball. The offense offered plenty of support. Darrin Mastroianni had three singles and a walk. Again, no stolen bases or attempts (which makes me question how good the leg really feels). Eric Fryer continues to be hot. He had three more hits including two doubles. He drove in three runs. Eduardo Escobar, James Beresford and Chris Colabello all added to hits a piece. Same two teams tomorrow at 6:05 ET with Logan Darnell on the hill. NEW BRITAIN ROCKCATS Lost 0-1 at Binghamton Mets on Friday It's becoming more and more clear that New Britain is going to be the first affiliate eliminated from playoff contention. Their elimination number has decreased to 11 after Friday's loss. Cole De Vries was a tough-luck loser in this one. De Vries pitched five innings of three-hit one (home) run ball, but the offense provided no support. The bullpen of Dan Turpen and Dakota Watts completed the game with three shutout innings. Danny Santana and Reynaldo Rodriguez both had two hits for an offense that only managed to reach base six times and strike out 14 times. Eddie Rosario, Miguel Sano and Even Bigley all struck out three times. Lost 4-5at Binghamton Mets on Saturday The RockCats jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the 2nd inning, but ended up blowing a 4-0 lead to the team that is clearly - and by clearing, I mean 12 games - better than everyone else in the Eastern League. Miguel Sano warmed up after a cool stretch. He homered in the 3rd - his 15th in AA, 31st overall - and also added a double. Danny Santana had a nice three-hit, three-RBI game that included a double and a stolen base. Matt Summers struck out seven in 5.1 innings. He only allowed one hit, but walked four which ultimately led to three runs scoring. Ryan O'Rourke relieved Summers, but didn't record any outs while allowing a hit, a walk and two runners to score. Cole Johnson struck out four in 2.1 innings and didn't allow a run, but was credited with a blown save after allowing all three of his inherited runners to score. D.J. Baxendale starts for the RockCats tomorrow at 6:35 ET against Binghamton. The squad will need to make a roster move to add Brad Boyer. The intrigue is added when Boyer's primary two positions (2B and 3B) are manned with New Britain's best prospects. With the RockCats out of the playoff hunt, we could surely see some guys moving. FORT MYERS MIRACLE Lost 4-8 at Bradenton Marauders on Friday Despite out-hitting Bradenton 11-8, the Miracle came up short on Friday night. Manuel Soliman got roughed up and chased early (six runs in two innings pitched). Corey Williams struck out two, but walked three, in 2.1 scoreless. Steven Gruver (2.2 IP) and Chad Rodgers (1 IP) both gave up a run. The bats were active but the team struggled to string hits together as they only had six at-bats with RISP (2-for-6). Byron Buxton had two hits and two stolen bases. He's now batting .310 with 17 stolen bases in high-A. Combined, Buxton has 49 steals to go along with 45 extra base hits. His slugging percentage is the biggest thing to take a hit since his promotion. New Britain (and AA) will prove to be the ultimate test. D.J. Hicks had a 3-run blast which puts him at 103 combined RBI for the year. I believe Seth tweeted that when Hicks reached 100, Adam Walker and Hicks were the only two members of MiLB's 100 RBI club. Kennys Vargas did not play today. His numbers have continued to plummet since Sano left the lineup. The reason Vargas was left in Fort Myers was to see how he'd handle being in a lineup without Sano's protection. The results has been "not as good as D.J. Hicks". At literally the same age (Hicks is four months older), the question may become - or has it already been asked and answered - has Hicks passed Vargas on the Organizational Depth Chart? Lost 2-3at Bradenton Marauders on Saturday (12 innings) Some good stuff here. In the top of the 4th inning, Jason Wheeler hit a Bradenton batter. It just so happened it was the same guy who ran over Jairo Rodriguez at home plate yesterday. Allegedly, after the batter was hit both managers ran onto the field and got into a fight behind home plate. The benches cleared and both Doug Mientkiewicz and Bradenton's manager were ejected. (You can get some video here or read it play-by-play style here.) The game itself also quite an affair. Though mostly because of it's length. The offense wasn't great - with only three players collecting hits. Byron Buxton had a double and triple (with ease) to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. He also threw runners out at 3rd and at home and walked twice. He didn't rescue a cat from a tree tonight, though, so he has that going against him. Stephen Wickens extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a three-hit game that included two doubles. Mike Kvasnicka also had a three-hit game. He doubled once. The team as a whole was 0-for-11 with RISP. Jason Wheeler allowed an unearned run in 6.2 innings. He struck out six. Nelvin Fuentes allowed a run in 1.1 innings. Tyler Jones struck out three in three two-hit innings. Adrian Salcedo took the loss. He walked four batters and balked in the winning run. Ouch. David Hurlbut starts tomorrow at Bradenton, 5pm ET. CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS Won 6-5 vs Beloit Snappers on Friday Is it just me or does it seem like the Kernels and Snappers have played 100 times already this year? The Kernels scored early and then barely withstood multiple Snapper rallies to win this game in front of 5,879 fans - the most in Perfect Game Field history. Max Kepler accounted for all (three) of the team's RBI with a triple and a home run. Joel Licon also had two hits. Both Licon and Mike Gonzalez added doubles. Brett Lee pitched 4.2 innings. He walked two and allowed two runs while striking out four. Dallas Gallant picked up the win by striking out three to secure the next four outs. Alex Muran allowed two runs and Madison Boer allowed an additional run, but earned the hold and save, respectively. Won 6-1 at Peoria Chiefs on Saturday The offense we've come to expect out of the Kernels lineup showed up today and helped improve the team to 30 games over .500. Max Kepler was again the story offensively. He homered and double tonight. While Kepler struggles against lefties and has been very inconsistent, he's also shown flashes of being a big-time prospect. The Twins face a very big decision with Kepler as he'll need to be protected from the Rule 5 draft this winter. He's probably three plus years from the Major Leagues - which means he'll be out of options around the same time he's ready. The alternative is exposing him for another team to stash on the 25-man for a year. A story line to keep an eye on. Adam Brett Walker also had two hits, including a double. The question often is asked, "Why is he still here?" Well, simply put, why not? He's getting the chance to be "the man" in this lineup - and he's proving he can do it - which is a confidence booster for both himself and the organization. He's also able to play everyday and get better. Fort Myers is shuffling six players through five spots (and you're not sitting Buxton), adding Walker would only compound the existing log-jam. Plus, while Walker has come a long way defensively, I'm still not 100% convinced he sticks in the OF. Cedar Rapids is a little more cozy than Fort Myers. Travis Harrison, who hit the "first full-year wall" and cooled off, also added two hits. Hudson Boyd struck out three in five innings. He walked four and allowed four hits, but only one runner scored. Former starters Christian Powell (4 K, 3 H, 2 IP) and Mason Melotakis (3 K, H, BB, 2 IP) finished out the convincing victory for the Kernels. Josue Montanez will take the mound in Peoria tomorrow at 5pm ET. ELIZABETHTON TWINS Won 3-2 vs Johnson City Cardinals on Friday (14 innings) It took 14 innings to finally beat the pesky Cardinals, who only managed five hits. The pitching was very good. Felix Jorge pitched the first seven innings, striking out seven and allowing two runs on four hits and two walks. Aaron Slegers pitched three innings of no-hit ball. He struck out four. Slegers could certainly help out Cedar Rapids as they inch closer to the postseason. In fact, with the starters at E-town currently, I'd presume there is a pretty good chance that both Slegers and Ryan Eades may start 2014 in the Miracle rotation. Download attachment: slegers.jpg mlbnetwork.mlb.com Brandon Peterson struck out five in three innings of one-hit ball. Josh Burris got the save after retiring the side in the 14th. The E-town bats collected 12 hits but struck out 15 times. Bryan Haar, Rory Rhodes and Zach Larson all had two-hit games. Romy Jimenez added a double. Lost 6-9vs Johnson City Cardinals on Saturday Yorman Landa lasted five innings, but allowed five runs (three earned) on seven hits and a walk. He only struck out two. Landa has seen the Ks go down and the hits and runs go up as he's progressed through the season. Bryan Haar had three hits. Rory Rhodes added a double. Zach Larson continues his solid year with another hit. Tomorrow's starter is TBD. GCL TWINS Won 7-3at GCL Red Sox on Friday Jason Kanzler led the offensive charge Friday night with three hits including a double, two stolen bases and two runs scored. While Kanzler's bat hasn't gotten going yet, he remains intriguing due to his speed and defense. Recently-signed Ivory Thomas had two hits and two stolen bases. He's got four in his brief time in the GCL. Jonatan Hinojosa drove in two runs on two hits, including a double. Brandon Easton got another shot as a starter and walked six in three innings. He allowed two runs. Josh Guyer got the next three innings and gave up one run. He struck out two. Miguel Gonzalez (3 Ks in 2 IP) and Tyler Stirewalt (2 Ks in 1 IP) both made scoreless appearances. Won 8-1 vs GCL Red Sox on Saturday More offense and good pitching by the GCL squad earlier today. Eleven hits spread out pretty evenly. Brian Navaretto and Rick Schwarz both doubled. Chad Christensen and Kanzler added #ShowoffDoubles. Navaretto and Will Hurt both drove in two runs. Thomas and Kanzler each stole another base. The bats have been slow to get going - no one in today's lineup has a batting average of over .252 - but you wouldn't have known that judging by today's results. Sam Gibbons struck out six in five innings. He gave up one run on three hits. Seth Wagner made his fourth - and best - appearance as a member of the Twins organization with three innings of one-hit, one-walk ball. He struck out two. Wagner is a big-bodied kid who signed near the deadline. He's a project, but one to keep and eye on. Could he become a lefty version of Michael Tonkin? Check back later tonight when Saturday's games get added. If you have questions or comments, please leave below. Click here to view the article

IF YOU MISSED EITHER OF THE HANGOUT (6-7pm) OR THE KFAN SHOW (9-10pm), YOU CAN LISTEN TO THEM HERE OR DOWNLOAD THEM HERE. Jeremy and Seth will be covering the draft live via Google Hangouts tomorrow night. The duo will be joined by The Twins Geek himself for this show, so be sure to come back tonight to watch. Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg Our show will start right at 6:00 as we preview the Twins selection, which should happen around 6:30. We'll recap that selection and, potentially, preview the 2nd round selection before signing off at 7pm. [/hr]We'll pick it up from there at 9pm live from the KFAN studios for another hour. Questions or comments? Leave them below. [/hr]Thanks to the Twins win over the Brewers Wednesday, it means that on Thursday you can get 50% off a Large of Extra Large pizza when you use the “TWINSWIN” promotion code at PapaJohns.com. Click here to view the article

The Twins have a scheduled off day before starting a series in Anaheim against the Angels. The club is expected to make a move before tomorrow's game. The belief is they'd like to get down to 12 pitchers. While the exact moves are unknown, it should be noted that Chris Herrmann was replaced in tonight's game for no apparent reason. We should know more tomorrow. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Moving on to Monday's action: RED WINGS REPORT Rochester 2, Buffalo 4 Box Score It would be great to read about Alex Meyer's return to the win column... or at least a return to pitching a good game. However, it wasn't good. It lasted only 3.2 innings (and 73 pitches), but not before giving up seven hits, four runs (two home runs), two walks and three strikeouts. This is Meyer's third consecutive start where he's failed to make it to the fifth inning. It should be noted, too, that Meyer is only ten innings short of his innings total of last year. Edgar Ibarra (two innings) and A.J. Achter (2.1 innings) each allowed two hits in scoreless appearances. The lineup left some things to be desired. Deibinson Romero, Daniel Ortiz and Chris Rahl each had two hits, including Rahl's home run and Ortiz's triple. James Beresford also tripled. Ortiz was stranded on third base to end the game. ROCK CATS REVIEW New Britain 3, Altoona 4 Box Score Like all good things, the Rock Cats 12-game winning streak has come to an end. Despite winning 15 of their last 16 coming into tonight, New Britain (39-33) still trails Portland (50-26) by nine games in the Eastern League East Division. Virgil Vasquez was tasked to continue the streak and allowed four runs in six innings. The bullpen trio of Jim Fuller, Matt Summers and Dan Turpen combined for three shutout innings and five strikeouts, but the offense didn't offer enough support to get the win. Offensively, Eddie Rosario paced the lineup with three hits. He drove in a run and scored once also. Tony Thomas and Aaron Hicks added doubles. Hicks scored on a Rosario hit in the bottom of the ninth, but Rosario - the tying run - was stranded on third on when Reynaldo Rodriguez foul-popped out to end the game. Seth informed us on Twitter around 10 PM that it "appears" that Kennys Vargas will be on the Futures Game roster when it is announced tomorrow. MIRACLE MATTERS Fort Myers 12, Charlotte 1 Box Score The Miracle got it done early and often tonight. Nate Roberts collected his first hit of the year. And his second, third and fourth. He also hit three doubles, scored three runs and drove in two. If you're not familiar with Roberts - and you probably aren't unless you've followed the system closely for a long time - he is an on-base machine who has struggled (and that's not putting it too strongly) to stay healthy. Jorge Polanco, Niko Goodrum and Jairo Rodriguez all had two hits. This is the fifth-straight multi-hit game for Polanco. Rodriguez and Tyler Grimes both doubled. Goodrum stole his 13th base of the season. Travis Harrison was the only member of the lineup who didn't score a run; one of two (Dalton Hicks being the other) who didn't get a hit and one of two (Aderling Mejia, too) who didn't drive in a run. Harrison saw his 14-game hit streak come to an end. Jose Berrios was on the hill and was his normal self. Download attachment: berrios.jpg In six innings, he allowed five hits and no walks. He struck out eight and allowed only one run. Two triples and the run occurred after Berrios had sat in the dugout and watched the hitters bat around and force a pitching change. In his last 10 games, Berrios is 7-1 with a 1.56 ERA. He's struck out 82 in 63.1 innings. He's only walked 16 and allowed 42 hits (for a WHIP of 0.92). No one is really sure why Berrios is still in Fort Myers and he's probably solidified his status as a mid-season Top 50 prospect in all of baseball. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids had a scheduled day off on Monday. Tomorrow they will begin a series in Peoria. E-TWINS E-NOTES Elizabethton 1, Pulaski 2 Box Score The E-Twins fell to 3-2 on the season. E-town's pitching allowed only two runs on 12 hits. Derrick Penilla, back from Cedar Rapids, pitched 4.2 innings. He struck out five and allowed an unearned run on seven scattered hits. Randy LeBlanc allowed four hits in 2.1 innings. Cameron Booser allowed one hit in two innings. Offensively, the offense was pretty stagnant. Max Murphy and Brett Doe doubled and Austin Diemer, who had the only RBI, and Tyler Mautner singled. That was it for the offense. The team was 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Since his four-hit debut, Nick Gordon has gone 1-for-17 (0-for-4 tonight) and is batting .227. Fortunately, the cold streak has only included three strikeouts (but no walks). GCL TWINS TAKES GCL Twins 5, GCL Orioles 7 Box Score The rookie league team dropped their 3rd straight game to start their young season. Amaurys Minier failed to get a hit for the first time this year, but he did walk twice and score a run. Again, he started the game in left field and finished it in first base. Minier remains the top prospect on the roster. Manuel Guzman, a shortstop, had the only multi-hit game for the team. Miguel Gonzalez made his season debut and it was forgettable. In 3.1 innings, he allowed eight walks and five earned runs. He did strike out four though and walked none. Onas Farfan made his professional debut. He collected five outs (two by strikeouts) and walked three. Reyson Zoquiel took the loss, giving up two runs in two innings. TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Nate Roberts, Fort Myers Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Jose Berrios, Fort Myers TUESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Rochester @ Scranton/WB (6:05 CST) – Logan Darnell (Listen) Altoona @ New Britain (5:35 CST) – Pat Dean (Listen) Ft. Myers @ Charlotte (9:00 AM CST) – D.J. Baxendale (Listen) Cedar Rapids @ Peoria (7:00 CST) - Ethan Mildren (Listen) Pulaski @ Elizabethton (6:00 CST) – Michael Cederoth (Listen) GCL Orioles @ GCL Twins (11:00am CST) – TBD Click here to view the article

Join Seth and me tonight at 9:00 pm for the newest episode of our Google Hangout. We will be joined early in the show by a couple of big-time, young left-handed pitching prospects, Stephen Gonsalves and Lewis Thorpe. So, join us live and ask us lots of questions. Now available on our webpage and iTunes. Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg On the agenda: all the moves that have been made (specifically the AAA infield becoming the MLB outfield), some other moves that may still need to be made, some recent popular topics and more. We've also cover any and all things in the minor leagues as it relates to the Twins system. If you have any questions, please leave them below. You can also tweet us @TwinsHangouts if you'd like to go that route in asking questions. Click here to view the article

You may have seen Cody’s update earlier today on how the Twins prospects have done while playing in Arizona so far this fall. There are some other leagues underway in the warmer parts of the world and here’s an update on those players. This only includes players that are under contract to the team. Expected minor-league free agents are not included. *Stats through 10/28, in order of #Impressiveness Dominican Winter League: Jorge Polanco: 7 G, 11-for-28, 7 R, 3 2B, HR, 5 BB, 3 K, 2 SB, .393/.438/.607[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Jorge Polanco has had a very positive start to his winter. If Polanco follows the same development path as Eddie Rosario, we could see him competing for a spot sometime in 2014. While the debate has been if Rosario or Brian Dozier should be considered the 2B of the future, Polanco should definitely be a part of that discussion. Download attachment: polanco.jpg www.sbnation.com Miguel Sano: 2 G, 1-for-5, R, 4 BB, 2 K, SB, .200/.556/.200Miguel Sano had two throwing errors in two games before being shut down with elbow discomfort. Danny Santana: 5 G, 5-for-23, 4 R, 2B, RBI, BB, IBB, 7 K, 3 SB, .217/.280/.261 Deibinson Romero: 2 G, 1-for-6, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, .167/.333/.667 Chris Herrmann: 6 G, 3-for-15, R, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K, .200/.316/.333 Adrian Salcedo: G, 0.2 IP, H, 1.50 WHIP, .333 BAA Venezuelan Winter League: Eduardo Escobar: 11 G, 13-for42, 4 R, 2 2B, 2 3B, HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 9 K, .310/.356/.524 Jermaine Mitchell: 8 G, 6-for-31, 7 R, 2B, 2 RBI, 5 BB, 10 K, SB, CS, .194/.306/.226 Jairo Rodriguez: G Lester Oliveros: 4 G, 3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, BB, 3 K, 1.00 WHIP, .182 BAAOliveros is trying to prove he belongs back on the 40-man roster after recovering from UCL surgery. Virgil Vasquez: 4 G, 4 GS (0-1), 18.2 IP, 21 H, 9 R, 8 ER (3.86 ERA), 4 HR, 2 BB, 17 K, 1.23 WHIP, .280 BAA Dakota Watts: 6 G (2-1), 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER (2.57 ERA), 3 BB, 2 K, 1.43 WHIP, .259 BAA Cole DeVries: 3 G, 2 GS, 7.1 IP, 13 H, 7 ER (8.59 ERA), 4 BB, 8 K, 2.32 WHIP, .371 BAA Click here to view the article

This is the third in a series of (somewhat) weekly installments leading up to the June 5th through 7th draft. The focus is intended to be very Twins-specific. Part 1: Locals Part 2: The Top --- Thursday is Draft Day! Well, the NFL Draft anyway. We're also within a month of the MLB draft. Time to shed some light on recent happenings. When we left off in this series in late April, we looked at a handful of guys that the Twins would possibly consider at #5. Since that point, a lot has happened. Download attachment: mlb-draft.jpg As Carlos Rodon rebounded from a rough start and both Brady Aiken and Tyler Kolek jumped up draft boards, many people started projecting that Alex Jackson could be the target for the Twins. And then a few days ago, we started to hear whispers of the Twins potentially drafting Nick Gordon, a prep SS who has really started to impress lately. Those whispers got louder Wednesday morning when Kiley McDaniel released his Top 100 (but really 116). If that were true, it would be ok for the Twins too, as McDaniel had Gordon ranked #5 overall, behind only Aiken, Rodon, Hoffman and Kolek. If the Twins could get the "best player available" at their spot and do it while saving a few hundred thousand dollars... well, that would be the best news possible (for those who subscribe to the BPA theory anyway). It also didn't deviate far from what Chris Crawford thinks (where Gordon is slotted #6 behind the pitchers and Jackson) or what the MLB.com guys think (Gordon ranked #7). But you can see the divide - among experts anyway - though as Perfect Game had Gordon projected to go to the Giants at #14 in their most recent mock draft. And if nothing changed over the next month and the Twins did, in fact, cut a deal with Gordon, it would be fair to say that they did an ok job for themselves. But then things changed... in a hurry. At exactly 11:17 Wednesday morning, Kendall Rogers of Perfect Game tweeted that East Carolina RHP Jeff Hoffman would miss the rest of the season. At some point later, the news came out that he would be undergoing Tommy John surgery. All of a sudden, one of the guys many expected to be off the board by the time the Twins pick will no longer be considered by those same teams. And that deal the Twins could cut with Gordon? Well, now the Cubs are in a better position to make that same deal. McDaniel updated his list (Hoffman drops, Gordon up to #4 and Jackson follows at #5) and Crawford's mock draft (from Wednesday) follows suit: Nick Gordon may be off of the board before the Twins are up. That puts Alex Jackson (and Scott Boras) back in play. I wouldn't expect a discount there. But it also re-opens the chance that the Twins could go the pitching route - where many guys will be available and the team could probably save some money too. Guys like Aaron Nola, Tyler Beede, Kyle Freeland, and Erick Fedde may become more serious options. So why save the money? Well, it simply gives you more options with every other pick you make in the draft. There are a number of prep pitchers that may expect 1st round money that drop to the Twins in the 2nd round. There's also the chance that a guy drafted on the 3rd day could take some of that banked money and sign even though he didn't plan to. If you're looking for a list of those guys, it's too early for that. One guy you can take off that list is J.B. Bukauskas. Bukauskas reclassified into this class (effectively graduating early) to head to UNC early. He's seen a spike in velocity (touching 100) and had some first round steam. This week, he informed MLB teams that he'd like to go undrafted. This type of move isn't unprecedented, Josh Bell did the same thing only to sign for a record-breaking amount of money a few years ago. At the very least, though, on Wednesday we saw two top 50 prospects fall down, if not off, a lot of team's boards. And that's why the draft is so fun... we could have more draft-altering news tomorrow. Click here to view the article

Join Seth and I tonight at 9:00 pm. If you have any questions or comments, please leave below. Download attachment: hangoutspic3.jpg Miss the live show? No problem! You can listen here or download here. Some topics on the agenda include: The fast start of Kyle Gibson, a new Trevor Plouffe, who's Sam Fuld?, and a glimpse into the future with the draft just a couple months away. [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Click here to view the article