howieramone2

While the Minnesota Twins are a homegrown team that relies heavily on players from their farm system to sustain success in the major leagues, reclamation projects are an important part of their team construction. Once-highly-touted prospects or players that have had some big league success and saw a dip in production with their former team for various reasons are often of interest to a team in a mid-sized city looking to get the most value out of their signings.
 
These players are relatively low-risk and high-reward based upon their perceived potential and low cost to sign. If they pan out, the organization looks smart for turning around the career of a player that was once considered a top prospect. If they don’t, they can be released for relatively little cost to the team other than the cost of giving playing time to a struggling player.
 
For a team like the Twins, who play in a mid-sized market and have relatively parsimonious ownership, this is a way to get potentially high-end talent without high cost or long term commitment. Pelfrey, a high draft pick who had two strong years as a member of the New York Mets, signed to a one-year, $4 million deal in 2013 following Tommy John surgery. Then, in a much scrutinized move, was re-signed for two years, $11 million following a tough first year.
 
Fifteen million dollars is nothing to sneeze at, but it is relatively cheap for a former first round pick who had two strong seasons as a member of the Mets in 2008 and 2010 — so long as he pitches like the player he can be.
Pelfrey was awful in his first year with the Twins. He came back from Tommy John surgery faster than expected, pushing himself to get back on the mound against doctor’s orders, and felt the effects of accelerating his return timetable. He was 5-13 with a 5.19 ERA (79 ERA+), pitching 152.3 innings in 29 starts, making the $11 million extension he received the year after that much more perplexing. “He’s coming off Tommy John, he came back quickly, and we thought, ‘Okay, that’s a good starting point, but there’s more to come.’ That’s the reason,” Twins general manager Terry Ryan said when asked why the team re-signed Pelfrey. “And he showed some flashes, and he certainly showed the velocity and stuff like that, so we thought, ‘All right, he’s over the hump on the Tommy John response,’ and now all of a sudden we’re gonna get more. Well, unfortunately that didn’t happen.”
 
He only made five starts in the first year of his second contract, finishing last season with a 0-0 record, 7.99 ERA (50 ERA+) and only 23.2 innings pitched. “Last year was awful,” says Pelfrey, who has always been accountable, even during his most trying times with the Twins, “so this offseason I came in and worked my tail off to … honor that two-year deal and be the best I could, and I thought I put myself in a pretty good situation.”
 
Pelfrey has been the best pitcher in the starting rotation this year, going 5-3 with a 2.97 ERA (136 ERA+) in 13 starts. His play merits All-Star consideration and will likely garner a large contract for him in the offseason. A player playing out of his mind in a contract year is not unheard of — Joe Mauer hit .365/.444/.587 with 28 home runs the year before he signed his $184 million extension, and Kurt Suzuki made his first All-Star team on a one-year deal last season — and Pelfrey was certainly upset when he was assigned to the bullpen out of Spring Training, perhaps providing an incentive for him to pitch well in the rotation.
 
Pelfrey, however, attributes his success to three things: He’s in good health, his split-finger has given him the “pitch that he’s lacked for 30 years,” and his sinker is much better. “First time in a couple years, maybe since Tommy John, I don’t have to make my sinker move,” he says. “I can just throw it, and it has that natural sink, which it always had before.”
 
Pelfrey has had a split-finger since 2010, a year in which he went 15-9 with a 3.66 ERA (107 ERA+), but he had it revamped by bullpen coach Eddie Guardado in Spring Training this year. “To be honest with you, during Spring Training we’re watching these guys throw in the spring, and he’s throwing his splitty, and I looked at him and, jokingly, I go, ‘What is that pitch?’” says Guardado, chuckling. “He goes, ‘It’s my split finger, dawg.’ And I go, ‘That ain’t gonna work.”
 
Guardado says sometimes he has trouble working with veteran pitchers, given that they have had a track record of success and are often stuck in their ways, but Pelfrey didn’t take much time to get the split-finger down. By the end of Spring Training he was throwing it with ease, giving him a pitch that falls out of the strike zone, which complements his mid-90s fastball, curveball and sinker. “It’s like a new toy,” says Guardado, “He worked with it every day, and I just showed him the grip. Did we talk about it a little bit? Yeah, absolutely. But he did it all on his own. I’d like to take the credit, but he’s a hard-worker, man, so it’s all good.”
 
The split-finger, complemented by a naturally moving sinker, has given Pelfrey more confidence on the mound. His usually plodding pace has been improved upon. In many ways, the Twins have the pitcher they’ve always wanted right now. Health is always a concern for players, especially pitchers, but it’s rare for a veteran player like Pelfrey to all of a sudden have another weapon in his arsenal. It’s easy to look back and say it was a good signing now, but it took some fortitude and, frankly, stubbornness for the team to retain him after a tough first year.
 
It wasn’t just his potential, though, that enticed the Twins; they also liked his leadership. “It doesn’t hurt,” says Ryan. “It’s always nice to have a little bit of that veteran presence in any part of your club, especially when you’re talking about the rest of that starting staff, they’re relatively young.”
 
He was given a corner locker in the team clubhouse, and according to his teammates, he’s very approachable and has a way about him of offering constructive criticism without making a struggling teammate feel the need to get defensive. “He’s easy to talk to, he’ll come up to talk to you about certain things he sees, and he’s definitely a leader,” says Kyle Gibson, 27, who is in his third year with the team. “I think he approaches every situation like that very well. He’s not gonna come up to you and say, ‘Hey, you were really bad today, and this is what I saw.’ He’s gonna ask you questions, he’s gonna try to approach it in the most mature way possible, because that’s the kind of guy he is.”
 
Gibson, like Pelfrey, is a sinkerball pitcher who has undergone Tommy John surgery. He says that the two were able to speak freely about the difficulty of coming back, as well as the mental hurdles every player has to go through during the ups and downs of a season. “He’s been a guy who I’ve talked to about learning how to attack with my fastball a little bit better at certain times,” says Gibson. “I’m always trying to talk to him about something just because I feel like going through the surgery, whether it’s how we were feeling last year or the year before, I’m always a guy who’s looking to learn something, and that’s a great guy to learn from.”
 
In some ways it’s unfortunate that Pelfrey is coming into his own in a contract year at age 31. He’s a Scott Boras client, so he’s unlikely to come back on a discount, and the Twins suddenly have plenty of depth in the starting rotation. Still, for the time being he’s one of the best pitchers in the league, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The team is finally competitive again, Phil Hughes is off to a slow start, so the team is in need of an ace, and Pelfrey has no doubt left a meaningful mark on the younger pitchers, especially Gibson. “So far I’m glad that it’s working out,” says Pelfrey, “but there’s a lot of baseball left, so we’ll just keep it going.”
 
This article was originally published on the Cold Omaha section of 105TheTicket.com.
 
Tune in to The Wake Up Call every Sunday at 8:00 am to hear the crew break down the week in Minnesota sports.
 
Follow Tom on Twitter @tschreier3.

I've been a Twins fan my whole life. About 6 years ago I started paying more attention to the minor league system, and found myself getting excited about the potential of young guys. As I started to pay more attention, I found myself looking further down the pipeline to the Dominican Summer League stats to see who might be the next guys to show up on prospect lists. Of course information is pretty scarce on a majority of these players and scouting reports seems non-existent except for the higher bonus guys. While scouting box scores and stat lines is always precarious, one guy caught my eye. That player was mentioned by Miguel Sano as one to watch for this most recent spring - Alexis Tapia. Tapia will likely be heading to the Appy League next week, but has pitched 2 innings in relief for Fort Myers this year as well. And while he certainly has a work a lot to prove given that he is still in the rookie levels, I am pleased to see him getting some attention.
 
Why did he catch my eye in 2013 in the DSL box scores? A combination of his size (6'2" 190ish) and an excellent K/BB ratio (31/5). Tapia showed well in the GCL last year as well and hopefully the 19 year old will continue to develop and give Twins fan another pitcher to dream on.
 
As I look at this years DSL squad and some of the early season returns, there are a few pitchers with similar characteristic to those that drew my attention to Tapia. Of course, we are still dealing with extremely small sample sizes, but so far so good. While Huascar Ynoa gets more attention due to his larger signing bonus, here are a few others to keep an eye on: (Click on their name to go to their respective MILB player pages)
 
Brusdar Graterol : The 6' 1" 180lb Venezuelan righty has pitched 10 innings across 3 outings and amassed 15 strikeouts to just 1 walk, an impressive start for the youngster who is still only 16 years old!
 
Carlos Suniaga : Another Venezuelan righty, Suniaga turned 18 last month and is 6'2" 187. In 12.2 innings he has struck out 11 and walked only 1.
 
Miguel De Jesus : Miguel is a bit older at 19 and comes from the Dominican Republic. He's 6'2" 175 and also throws right handed. He has been dominant though, with 22 K's and only 1 BB in 15.2 innings. His WHIP is a ridiculous 0.45 and he has yet to allow a run. Due to his older age, perhaps we could see De Jesus make a few appearances in the GCL this season.
 
Luis Bellorin : Luis is another Venezuelan. He's 17 years old 6'1" 167. He's a bit smaller and his walk numbers aren't quite as good as the others on this list. In 14.1 innings, he has walked 6 and struck out 12. Again, the numbers aren't quite as exciting, Luis is unique to the others in an exciting way due to the fact that he's a southpaw.
 
It will be interesting to see how these young guys develop. Obviously, they've got a long way to go to even get on the prospect radar, let alone a big league roster. However, their numbers this year suggest the Twins have done a pretty good job of adding some upside arms in the international market.

The Minnesota Twins have played through their first third of the 2015 Major League Baseball season. As they came out of the gates slow, surprises started to take place throughout the month of May. After sitting alone atop the American League and AL Central, the calendar then turned to June. Since then, the summer has been anything but pleasant for the Twins.
In June (as of this writing), the Twins are 4-11. In those 11 losses, the Twins have scored more than two runs just three times (with one of those times being a total of three runs). Two of their four wins have come scoring just two runs. Also in that span, the Twins have lost to run totals of one, two, and three (three times) runs. At this point, it's pretty safe to say the offense is struggling and needs a boost.
 
Enter Miguel Sano.
Earlier this month, Byron Buxton was promoted by the Twins. While Buxton was the organization's (and baseball's) top prospect, it was Sano who was expected to reach the big leagues first. After missing last season due to Tommy John surgery, there was no doubt Sano would need to shake off some rust. Now into June, Sano appears like he could immediately provide a boost to a struggling Twins lineup.
 
Since May 20, Sano has hit .324/.410/.592 over the course of 19 games for Double-A Chattanooga. In that time span, he's launched four home runs and driven in 17. His 16/10 strikeout to walk ratio is in a good place, and it would appear that Sano is more than clicking at the plate. His power has been talked about since the day he was signed by the Twins. On the season Sano has 12 home runs, and he's compiled 102 longballs in his 435 minor league games.
So far in 2015, the Twins have started both Kennys Vargas and Kurt Suzuki in the 5 hole 18 times. While Vargas may profile capable of that role, he's hit .150/.150/.150 with nine strikeouts, zero walks, and no extra base hits since being recalled from Triple-A Rochester. Suzuki has regressed from his career year in 2014 as expected, but even at his best (15 HR in 2009), he isn't a power threat.
 
What's worse than Vargas and Suzuki getting at bats in the heart of the order, the Twins have started Eduardo Nunez and Eduardo Escobar in the 5 hole a combined 12 times on the season. The two utility men have combined for four home runs over the course of 234 at bats. Looking for power in the middle of the lineup, Escobar's .624 OPS simply isn't going to get it done.
Now, although Sano has tormented Double-A pitching, expectations for his major league contributions should no doubt be muted. As with Buxton before him, Sano will be making the leap from Double-A when his time comes. This is definitely the right move, but the success may not immediately translate. The one thing that should however, is his power.
 
Where Buxton's hit tool is one that is still developing, Sano commands the strike zone well (he's striking out a career low $24.6%), and has an elite level of power. Currently graded 80/80 Raw Power by Fangraphs, Sano possesses the ability to destroy plenty a baseball. His Double-A career .292 ISO (isolated power, or slugging minus average) should be more than welcomed at Target Field.
Paul Molitor hinted that they have been keeping an eye on Sano, and his promotion could come sooner rather than later. The argument probably should be that it needs to be sooner rather than later. Sure, Sano may not hit .300 or even .280 in his first go-round at the big league level, but give him three months and you can bet on him launching 15-20 home runs.
The Twins offense needs a boost, it's time to let it Sano.
 
For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

With the depth of the Twins system, they will have several players that need to be put on the 40 man roster this winter to avoid the rule 5 draft. Are there so many that the Twins should consider trading some of them this summer? How many spots will reasonably be available this winter?
 
With the DFA of Tim Stauffer, the Twins currently have 40 men on their 40 man roster. There is one spot available as Ervin Santana will not count until he return in July.
 
The Twins will have some players entering free agency following the season. Those spots will be open. Those players include
 
Torii Hunter
Blaine Boyer
Mike Pelfrey
Brian Duensing
 
Any of those players can be replaced. The Twins should not feel the urgency to extend them this summer. They might consider trading them for whatever the market will return. That is 4 spots.
 
The remaining 36 are under team control in some form or another. Some will be eligible for arbitration. The Twins may elect not to take them to arbitration.
 
Trevor Plouffe
Jordan Schafer
Tommy Milone
Shane Robinson
Eduardo Nunez
Casey Fien
Eduardo Escobar
 
I would think that Plouffe, Fien and Escobar would be offered arbitration. If Milone isn't traded, he may also be offered arbitration. I would think Schafer, Robinson and Nunez can be replaced.
 
Adding those three that is 7 spots
 
The Twins have some players on the 40 man roster that might be considered close to replacement level. They include
 
A.J. Achter
Logan Darnell
J.R. Graham
Ryan Pressly
Caleb Thielbar
Aaron Thompson
Michael Tonkin
Jason Wheeler
Chris Herrmann
Josmil Pinto
Doug Bernier
Aaron Hicks
 
Darnell and Wheeler are lefthanded and may not make it through rule 5 but have little upside. The Twins really need to see what they have in Achter, Thielbar and Tonkin this season. At their age, if they don't feel Achter and Thielbar are worth a long look on the roster, they probably feel like they can be replaced. Pinto now has red flags due to concussions. If he can't catch does he have a spot? Among this list, I think Graham, Pressly, Tonkin, Pinto and Hicks are safe. The rest can be thrown with the group that will need to be put on the 40.
 
That is 7 more spots for a total of 14.
 
You could probably add Suzuki, Mauer and Nolasco to the performing near replacement level list but they have too much money tied into their contract. The Twins could free up a spot if they found a way to dump their contracts.
 
There are two players that don't need to be added to the 40 until the following year, but could get called to the majors in 2015. Buxton and Berrios. They would not be a good candidate for a September call up because of the 40 man status. The only reason to call them up would be to help the team soon. I think they will call up Buxton. With Ervin Santana's return, I don't think we will see Berrios until 2016.
 
13 spots
 
These are the players will be eligible for the rule 5 draft if they are not put on the 40.
 
Bard, Luke
Baxendale, D.J.
Duffey, Tyler
Haar, Bryan
Harrison, Travis
Hicks, Dalton
Jones, Zack
Melotakis, Mason
Muren, Alexander
Polanco, Joel
Rogers, Taylor
Valera, Rafael
Vielma, Engelb
Wade, Logan
Walker, Adam
 
Michael, Levi
Johnson, Cole
Goodrum, Niko
 
13 spots for those and players above not yet added.
 
I think adding Baxendale, Duffey, Harrison, Jones, Rogers and Walker are givens.
 
7 spots
 
Achter, Thielbar and Herrman should be safe.
 
4 spots
 
In summary...
 
Hunter, Pelfey, Boyer, Duensing, Schafer, Robinson, Nunez, Darnell, Thompson, Wheeler and Bernier were removed
 
Buxton, Baxendale, Duffey, Harrison, Jones, Rogers and Walker were added
 
There are 4 more spots. Are there more than 4 players that urgently need to be added? Do the Twins need to trade away prospects due to 40 man roster decision this winter?
 
Note: Thanks to TD and the organizational report. It is very likely I missed something or someone in doing this article. Any help would be appreciated.
 
Edit: Schafer released. Buxton added to 40. Bernier removed. Fryer added. I would remove Fryer at end of season.

Quite possibly the most often, or even overused word to describe what may lie ahead for the Minnesota Twins in 2015 has been regression. While it's hard to assume that a three game losing streak is indicative of what's to come, there's no doubt Minnesota's offense has struggled of late. Although that may be reflective of a team that has capitalized in high leverage situations, there's something bigger at play here. The Twins offense slumping has not been combined with an all-around collapse, and pitching has been the silver lining.
On the season, the Twins team ERA sits at 3.88; a mark that's good enough for fourth in the American League and ninth in all of baseball. Putting that into context, Minnesota is still without their key free-agent acquisition, and Phil Hughes owns the worst ERA (4.81) in the rotation. On the flip side, the biggest bright spot comes in the form of Mike Pelfrey, who's 2.28 ERA ranks fourth in the American League.
 
Over the course of the last week, Minnesota has last games giving up 1, 4, 3, and 2 runs. In those games, the offense combined to score three total runs. Wasted quality starts have become something that has hurt the Twins in their recent slide. While the offense has been missing in action, the hurler on the mound has kept things interesting.
The Twins have done some shuffling in hopes of sparking a lineup resurgence. Kennys Vargas was brought back to DH from Triple-A Rochester, and Danny Santana was sent packing. Vargas should add some much needed punch to the lineup as he was on a tear before his initial demotion. Eduardo Escobar leaves a lot to be desired in taking over for Santana, but the Twins could turn to Jorge Polanco in the near future.
 
As the summer continues on, prospects like Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano should also force their way into the Twins lineup, giving them another added boost. Slumps from Trevor Plouffe and Torii Hunter shouldn't be expected to continue, and at the end of the day, the Twins still have their silver lining.
Riding out the recent offensive downturn, the Twins pitching has been there to lead the way. Expect Ervin Santana to be a difference maker for Minnesota when he returns in July. Top pitching prospect, Alex Meyer, also looks like he could provide some immediate value. Since transitioning to the bullpen, Meyer owns a 1.17 ERA 10/4 K/BB ratio and a .148 batting average against. Despite not being given up as a starter yet, Meyer may provide more value out of the pen in the short term.
Going into the season, and considering the recent years of struggle, it would have been hard to convince someone that it would be the pitching that kept the Twins afloat. Now as a true asset, Minnesota is in an advantageous situation as soon as they can rectify the offensive woes. That still needs to happen sooner rather than later, but for now, it looks like the men on the mound are in a good place.
 
For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

Yesterday the Twins completed their 40 round draft, and picked up some promising players throughout the draft, but signablity could be an issue for some. Here is a review of the 40 picks:
 
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
Jay is a quick to the big leagues type reliever who will be converted to a starter next year, he has great stuff, and I considered him the second best pitcher in the class.
 
http://twinsdaily.com/blog/531/entry-6569-tyler-jay-2015-mlb-draft/
 

 
Kyle Cody - Right Handed Pitcher - Kentucky
Cody is a huge pitcher who has great stuff, but battled command this year. He will be given the chance to start, and if he can harness his command he could be a huge steal, but if he can't he will move to the bullpen, where he could end up being a real good power arm.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiC9pvwi0xI
 
Travis Blankenhorn - Third Base - PA High School
Blankenhorn is a left handed hitter with a good approach who was a shortstop in high school, but will move to third or a corner outfield spot as a pro, he has been given Alex Gordon comps, and he should hit for both average and power at the next level.
 

 
Trey Cabbage - Third Base - TN High School
Cabbage was the second prep third basemen taken by the Twins, and he also is a a very good left handed hitter, although he is not as good of a defender as Blankenhorn, he has more power potential.
 

 
Alex Robinson - Left Handed Pitcher - Maryland
Robinson is a power arm out of the bullpen, who throws into the upper nineties, but has struggled with command.
 
Chris Paul - Outfield - California
Senior sign who played well in the Northwoods league last year, he also hit .313 during he senior year.
 
Jovani Moran - Left Handed Pitcher - PR Academy
Moran is a projectable lefty who sits 88-90 with a good changeup.
 

 
Kolton Kendrick - First Base - LA High School
Kendrick has some of the best power in the class, and has gotten comparisons to Mark McGwire, he will be limited to first, and has raised questions about his ability to hit, but he will always be a power threat.
 

 
LaMonte Wade - Outfield - Maryland
Wade is a solid hitter who can play a good center field, he has deceptive speed, and has a good throwing arm.
 

 
Sean Miller - Shortstop - South Carolina - Aiken
Miller was one of the better defensive shortstops in the class, and is a good runner, but he has a light bat.
 
Kerby Camacho - Catcher - PR Academy
Camacho is a switch hitting catcher who has both a good bat and fine receiving skills.
 

 
Zander Wiel - First Base - Vanderbilt
Wiel had a great year hitting cleanup for Vanderbilt, showing potential to hit for average and power, he can also run fairly well for a first baseman, stealing 13 bases, plus he should be able to play corner outfield.
 

 
Cody Stashak - Right Handed Pitcher - St. Johns (NY)
 

 
AJ Murray - Catcher - Georgia Tech
Murray can hit, according to Deron Johnson, and he showed that during his senior year, hitting 15 home runs.
 

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGPHyZpdzPQ
 
Anthony McIver - Left Handed Pitcher - San Diego
McIver spent his college career at three different colleges. He is a senior sign.
 
Lean Marrero - Outfield - PR Academy
 
Nate Gercken - Right Handed Pitcher - Academy of Arts University (CA)
Gercken is a huge righty who throws a really good sinker. He is a senior sign.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvnJ3A9-DQ4
 
Daniel Kihle - Outfield - Wichita State
Kihle profiles as a center fielder, and can run the bases well.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v147396783/draft-report-daniel-kihle
 
Kyle Wilson - Right Handed Pitcher - MO High School
Wilson throws a mid nineties fastball and a really good curve.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v132092183/draft-report-kyle-wilson-hs-pitcher
 
Colton Eastman - Right Handed Pitcher - CA High School
Eastman may be a tough sign, but he has a three pitch mix, and it would be great if the Twins could sign him.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v130722883
 
Kamran Young - Outfield - Cal State - Dominguez Hills
Young is a senior sign, he played well in his junior year after transferring from College of the Canyons.
 
Blake Cederlind - Right Handed Pitcher - Merced College (CA)
Cederlind did not have a good year, but hits 94, so the Twins decided to take a gamble.
 
Alex Perez - Shortstop - Virginia Tech
Another senior sign who had a solid college career.
 
Jaylin Davis - Outfield - Appalachian State
Davis is a junior who had limited playing time this year, but he is known for his speed.
 
Logan Lombana - Right Handed Pitcher - Cal State - Long Beach
Lombana is a reliever.
 
Tyler Williams - Outfield - AZ High School
Williams' dad is a Twins scout, and he is considered a potential five tool talent.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v141615983/draft-report-tyler-williams
 
Dalton Sawyer - Left Handed Pitcher - Minnesota
Johnson said they plan on using Sawyer as a reliever.
 
Jonathan Englemann - Outfield - CA High School
Englemann is another potential five tool player, but he will be a tough sign.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v132126083/draft-report-jonathan-engelmann-hs-outfielder
 
Brad Hartong - Catcher - Indiana
Hartong is a five year senior.
 
Greg Popylisen - Outfield - El Paso Community College
Popylisen can fly, and was drafted because of his speed.
 
Tristan Pompey - Outfield - ON High School
Pompey is the brother of Dalton Pompey, and some say he has more tools, but it is unlikely that he will sign.
 
http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/67565098/v150300983/draft-report-tristan-pompey
 
Andrew Vazquez - Left Handed Pitcher - Westmont College (CA)
Vazquez is a senior sign.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-X62A-Twwo
 
Colin Theroux - Catcher - San Joaquin Delta College (CA)
 
Brian Olson - Catcher - Seattle University
 
Hector Lujan - Right Handed Pitcher - Westmont College (CA)
 
Rich Condeelis - Right Handed Pitcher - University of Pittsburgh
 
Jake Irvin - Right Handed Pitcher - MN High School
The only Minnesota prep player taken in the draft, Irvin will likely attend college.
 
Alex McKenna - Outfield - CA High School
 
Daniel Tillo - Left Handed Pitcher - IA High School
 
Max Cordy - Right Handed Pitcher - University of California Davis

http://www.tigerrag.com/Images/Interior/baseball/bregman_batting.jpg
 
Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
 
I said on Friday that I wouldn’t change this, and I haven’t, but Tyler Stephenson could be in play here.
 
Houston Astros-#2
Alex Bregman - Shortstop - LSU
 
Did not change, but if Swanson falls he would probably be the pick.
 
Colorado Rockies-#3
Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Florida High School
 
Once again I’m sticking with my previous pick, but Tyler Jay or Andrew Benintendi might be options.
 
Texas Rangers-#4
Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
 
Tate remains here, but if any of the shortstops fall they would get picked, or the Rangers could go with Daz Cameron or Trenton Clark.
 
Houston Astros-#5
Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Florida High School
 
I think that the Astros will stick with the family connection and go with Tucker, but Benintendi could go here if they pick Rodgers at #2, or they might go with Daz Cameron.
 
Minnesota Twins-#6
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
 
Daz Cameron would probably be the pick if they think that he would sign, or if any of the players above fell they would likely pick them. If they don’t think Tyler Jay will start they would take Trenton Clark.
 
Boston Red Sox-#7
Daz Cameron - Outfield - Georgia High School
 
I think that the Cameron slide would end before Houston picks again, and this seems the
most likely place for it to stop, but the Red Sox also like Benintendi and Carson Fulmer.
 
Chicago White Sox-#8
Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
 
The White Sox are said to like college pitchers, and Fulmer is best available.
 
Chicago Cubs-#9
Andrew Benintendi - Outfield - Arkansas
 
The Cubs could take any of about 15 players, but they usually go with college hitters, so I think that they will go with Benintendi.
 
Philadelphia Phillies-#10
Tyler Stephenson - Catcher - Georgia High School
 
I’m going with Stephenson here, but the Phillies could take just about anyone.
 
Cincinnati Reds-#11
Trenton Clark - Outfield - Texas High School
 
Miami Marlins-#12
Garrett Whitley - Outfield - New York High School
 
Tampa Bay Rays-#13
Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
 
Atlanta Braves-#14
Cornelius Randolph - Outfield - Georgia High School
 
Milwaukee Brewers-#15
Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
 
New York Yankees-#16
Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - Missouri State
 
Cleveland Indians-#17
Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - California High School
 
San Francisco Giants-#18
Brady Aiken - Left Handed Pitcher - IGM Academy
 
Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Pennsylvania High School
 
Oakland Athletics-#20
Ian Happ - Outfield - Cincinnati
 
Kansas City Royals-#21
James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
 
Detroit Tigers-#22
Donny Everett - Right Handed Pitcher - Tennessee High School
 
St. Louis Cardinals-#23
Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Indiana High School
 
Los Angeles Dodgers-#24
Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - CC of Southern Nevada
 
Baltimore Orioles-#25
Nick Plummer - Outfield - Michigan High School
 
Los Angeles Angels-#26
Blake Trahan - Shortstop - Louisiana Lafayette

The Minnesota Twins have spent the last week or so jostling for position atop the AL Central. Having somewhat cooled off after their torrid run in may, the offense has been somewhat to blame. Now having brought power hitting designated hitter Kennys Vargas back into the fold, it appears that may be a targeted approach for run support. To help further, the Twins could look at the blueprint laid out by fellow AL surprise team, the Houston Astros, and allow top prospect Byron Buxton to follow in Carlos Correa's footsteps.
Houston made the move to call up top prospect Correa over the weekend. He was the lone player drafted ahead of Buxton, and has also experienced a ton of success at the minor league level. Starting at Double-A Corpus Christi this season, Correa slashed .385/.459/.726 with seven home runs and 32 runs batted in. He added 15 stolen bases and legged out 15 doubles as well. By all accounts, Correa dominated the Texas League.
 
The Astros sent Correa to Triple-A Fresno for 24 games following his hot start. While his average dipped (.276) he still got on base at a high clip (.345) and slugged .449. It was after just 24 games in the Pacific Coast League that Houston believed they had seen enough. In bringing up Correa, the Astros signified a desired to maximize their current winning ways, and continue along that path well into the summer.
Now the Twins have the opportunity to follow suit. With the Cubs having promoted Kris Bryant a few weeks ago, and Correa getting the call, Byron Buxton remains the last of the elite tier of prospects expected to reach the major leagues this season.
 
Much like Correa, Buxton suffered a lost season in 2014. Correa played in 62 games before suffering a season ending injury. In 2014, Buxton was only able to play in 31 games after dealing with a wrist injury and then a concussion. Now 54 games into his 2015 season, there's no doubt that the countdown to his arrival is on.
Unlike Correa, Buxton hasn't lit the Double-A Southern League on fire. After starting incredibly cold, he has evened out and is now batting .267/.327/.475. Outside of the traditional batting line however, his speed has played tremendously, evidenced by his league leading 11 triples and 19 stolen bases. Things are also continuously trending up for Buxton, who has batted .318/.376/.541 since May 16.
 
There's no doubt the Twins could use a boost at the top of their lineup, and Buxton profiles as an ideal leadoff hitter. Despite what Brian Dozier has done for Minnesota this season, it still makes sense to get a couple of guys on ahead of his power bat. Followed in the lineup by players like Torii Hunter and Joe Mauer, Buxton hitting ahead of that group would no doubt be a positive.
On top of the added offensive boost, the Twins could transform their outfield into a positive situation less than halfway through the season. Instead of Oswaldo Arcia and Torii Hunter flanking center, Minnesota could go Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton, and Aaron Hicks from left to right. Hunter would factor in at the DH spot and could spell Hicks in certain situations. No matter the configuration, Buxton possesses Gold Glove ability in the outfield with speed that would make Target Field look small.
 
At this point, it's hard to imagine that we aren't past the Super 2 deadline for prospects, and whether or not the Twins are taking that into consideration really shouldn't matter. I'm not ready to suggest that Buxton will be in Minnesota by the end of the month, but Correa's promotion should be seen as more of a blueprint for the Twins to follow than anything.
While believing we would see the star centerfielder sometime in August a few weeks ago, there's no doubt the timeline has changed to sometime in July at the latest. Minnesota is on a great run, and sustaining it will be done from within. Getting your best asset to the big leagues sooner than later is a great place to start.
 
For more from Off The Baggy, click here. Follow @tlschwerz

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Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
 
Same pick as last week, and I’m not going to change this since there are so many rumors, and Swanson is the most reasonable one.
 
Houston Astros-#2
Alex Bregman - Shortstop - LSU
 
Last week I had them take Fulmer, but this week I’m going to have them take Bregman, who they really like, but Fulmer is still in play here.
 
Colorado Rockies-#3
Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Florida High School
 
Last week I had them take Benintendi, and I think that there is a good chance that he does get picked by them, but Rodgers has the highest ceiling, so I think he goes here, but Jay and Fulmer will be players to watch.
 
Texas Rangers-#4
Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
 
With Bregman gone I think that the Rangers will take Tate, but Fulmer could be in play here as well, plus someone told me they like Buehler.
 
Houston Astros-#5
Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Florida High School
 
I’m staying with my pick from last week, but Fulmer, Jay, or Cameron could be in play.
 
Minnesota Twins-#6
Brady Aiken - Left Handed Pitcher - IMG Academy (Florida)
 
The Twins want Rodgers, but the rumors of him falling have become quiet, and with the top five players gone the Twins will roll the dice no matter who they take, whether it is Cameron and the shenanigans about him going to school, Kolby Allard, or potential relief pitchers in Fulmer or Jay. If I got to pick here I would probably take Fulmer, but I’m hearing that Aiken’s medical issues aren’t as bad as they were made out to be, and that he should go in the top ten, plus Aiken was at the top of the Twins board last year, so there is no reason not to take Aiken, given who else is on the board.
 
Boston Red Sox-#7
Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
 
The Red Sox drafted Fulmer out of high school, and they still like him, but they also like Benintendi.
 
Chicago White Sox-#8
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
 
I think that this would be a lock if it plays out like this, but this class is unpredictable.
 
Chicago Cubs-#9
Andrew Benintendi - Outfield - Arkansas
 
The Cubs like college hitters, and if Benintendi is available they might be tempted to take another one.
 
Philadelphia Phillies-#10
Daz Cameron - Outfield - Georgia High School
 
Once again I’m gong BPA with the Phils, but this week it is Cameron.
 
From #11 to #26 I’m only going to give the name, position, and school of who I think the teams will pick.
 
Cincinnati Reds-#11
Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - Missouri State
 
Miami Marlins-#12
Garret Whitley - Outfield - New York High School
 
Tampa Bay Rays-#13
Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
 
Atlanta Braves-#14
Tyler Stephenson - Catcher - Georgia High School
 
Milwaukee Brewers-#15
Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - California High School
 
New York Yankees-#16
James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
 
Cleveland Indians-#17
Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Indiana High School
 
San Francisco Giants-#18
Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Pennsylvania High School
 
Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
Trenton Clark - Outfield - Texas High School
 
Oakland Athletics-#20
Ian Happ - Outfield - Cincinnati
 
Kansas City Royals-#21
Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - College of Southern Nevada
 
Detroit Tigers-#22
Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
 
St. Louis Cardinals-#23
Nathan Kirby - Left Handed Pitcher - Virginia
 
Los Angles Dodgers-#24
Michael Matuella - Right Handed Pitcher - Duke
 
Baltimore Orioles-#25
Cornelius Randolph - Third Base - Georgia High School
 
Los Angeles Angels-#26
Kevin Newman - Shortstop - Arizona

The Minnesota Twins need to let loose. They need to believe that they can’t be held back by expectations, by the culture of losing created by four straight 90-loss seasons, by the numbers that say that they have outperformed their capabilities up until this point.
 
For the most part everyone in the locker room appears unhindered by outside speculation, ignorant or at least cleansed of the team’s previous losing ways. They feel that that they are, as a unit, more talented than people give them credit for after a 20-win May — the first time the Twins have reached that number in a month since 1991 — given that they have played everyone in the AL Central, as well as teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, and taken a series from everyone except the Detroit Tigers.
 
This is why the dance party was so vital for this team. Veteran presence and leadership get thrown around any time a team brings in an older player, but Torii Hunter’s influence on this team is tangible. It’s hard not to notice something different when the clubhouse is so full of smoke that Mike Pelfrey and Glen Perkins, who occupy the corner lockers next to the entrance, can’t see Joe Mauer and Hunter, who have the lockers by the players-only section of the room, when they are getting changed after games.
 
Entering the Twins clubhouse is like entering the high heavens, and it’s hard not to laugh when Hunter is running around saying, “It’s all medicinal. I have a card,” or at the notion of Pelfrey, all 6-foot-7, 230 pounds of him, dancing in the middle of a group of his teammates as a laser show takes place in the background. “I actually danced [and got] a lot of cheers, but I think they probably cheer for everything,” says the maligned starter, who is having his best season as a Twin. “I can’t imagine a 6-7 white guy being that good.”
 
“He doesn’t dance too much,” says Plouffe, beaming.
 
Why it works is that everyone on the team, except for Hunter of course, is a bad dancer. “It’s a ton of fun,” said Nolasco, another free agent signing who’s had his fair share of struggles, after picking up his 100th win.
 
“Dance moves are all right,” said Aaron Hicks, smirking. “What I learned in high school.”
 
“He took his shirt off and waved it in the air,” said Hunter, making fun of Hicks. “We got a lot of guys dancing, and we figured out a lot of guys cannot dance.”
 
While the post-game celebrations are unlikely to turn anyone into a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, it has allowed everyone to let their guard down. Plouffe, who came up as a shortstop in 2010, was converted to a third baseman that struggled at the hot corner before this season, has been able to joke around with the pitchers about his defense even though it is much improved. “I think I started at about an aluminum glove and then plastic and then I’ve moved my way up,” he says. “I still got a ways to go, but I’m improving, which is good.”
 
“He’s been unbelievable,” says Pelfrey. “I made a little joke, he might have started off with a plastic glove and every game he keeps moving up — he might even be at bronze right now. We’re working towards that gold glove.”
 
Plouffe admittedly has had his ups and downs in his major league career, and at times has become upset with criticism he got from fans, media and presumably his fellow players. “I mean, you hear it, but it’s not something I dwell on, because if baseball teaches you anything, it’s that if you fail, don’t give up,” he says. “Did I hear it? Sure. Did it deter me from working hard and believing in myself and being confident? No.”
 
Players have been outspoken about both their teammate’s strengths and weaknesses this season, something that has been taboo in year’s past. Things have always been congenial in the Twins locker room, but never this loose — at least not when the media are around. In the past, players deflected questions about one another if asked about a shortcoming, resorting to a select few stock answers. Now they are more honest than ever.
 
That’s the magic of a veteran like Hunter: After all, if a player is able to make a fool of himself in front of all his teammates with music blasting, lasers firing and smoke filling the room (and flowing into the manager’s office and the corridors of Target Field), why should he be embarrassed when he makes a mistake on the field? So what if the fans see it? The players know that they have each other’s backs, and that’s what counts.
 
It should be noted that Hunter did this on his own, and that new manager Paul Molitor could care less that he didn’t ask permission. “It was a nice surprise, kind of a little something different. I didn’t know that it would pick up steam, if you will,” he said (get it?). “It turned into a ritual as far as winning here was concerned, but I didn’t then, and I don’t have issues with it. It’s kind of them being able to establish their own thing that they do.”
 
Molitor could have been insecure as a first-year manager and cracked down on the practice, either because he was upset about all the smoke in his office, or because he thought Hunter was trying to undermine him in a power struggle. But Molitor and Hunter played together with the Twins and formed mutual trust. What Hunter is doing is good for the team, and therefore it’s not going to be questioned.
 
The whole ethos of the Twins is predicated on everyone doing their thing, and it comes from the top. General manager Terry Ryan says he won’t look at the player he’s going to draft with the No. 6 overall pick — he’ll just rely on his scouting reports. “I hate to break your heart. Who do you want me to go look at?” he asked the media. “You gotta pick and choose what you’re gonna see. If I go in there and don’t like him, am I going to go to the 12 scouts that have seen him and say, ‘We’re not taking him’?”
 
It’s not an uncommon practice for him — he only saw Tommy Milone pitch a few times before trading for him, for example — and it’s something that can easily be criticized: The Twins aren’t winning because their manager doesn’t know who the team is acquiring. But what it means is that he has faith in his scouts and in the protocol that they follow. Even with decisions regarding the 40-man roster, he’ll allow Molitor to have his say before the final decision is made. “I’m not that hard to work with,” he says. “There’s no unilateral moves in this organization, everybody’s gonna have a say. Ultimately it’s gonna land in my chair — somebody’s gotta make a decision.”
 
That is why he gets upset when national media covers his team. “I don’t particularly like a guy dictating our future that has never seen us play,” he said when informed that Grantland writer Michael Baumann questioned whether the Twins were for real this year. “You base your opinion on visual, plus statistics — that’s fair.”
 
I reached out to Baumann — whose article not only represents popular sentiment at a national level, but in the Twin Cities as well — to get his take. Baumann is very active on Twitter, and responded right away by saying he relied mostly on statistics, many of which aren’t very complicated, as well as his general knowledge of baseball. He also said Ryan probably wouldn’t say that the team’s start was all luck, while acknowledging that it is a small sample size and difficult to predict a team’s future at this point in the season.
 
“Well, if he was sitting here, we could talk to him and see what he thinks,” says Ryan, who meets with the media every day, of Baumann, who is quoted above, “but he’s not here and he wrote that, and he hasn’t seen us play, right? That would be like me taking an evaluation that’s never saw a guy play, he just read the stat page. I would call that invalid.”
 
The bottom line is that the Twins have to keep winning, and perception will change. Plouffe, who came up as a rookie in 2010 that was looking to please everyone around him, has now taken a leadership role with this team and remembers what it was like before the team collapsed, says that he gets the same feeling in this locker room as he had before. “This year we’re a little bit more of a dark horse, I guess you’d call it, which is fine for us,” he says. “But it is similar in that we show up to the field expecting to win every day.”
 
This post was originally published on the Cold Omaha section of 105TheTicket.com.
Tom Schreier can be heard at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays with Ben Holsen and Mike Morris and co-hosts a morning show 8-10 a.m. on Sundays.
@https://twitter.com/tschreier3

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Arizona Diamondbacks-#1
Dansby Swanson - Shortstop - Vanderbilt
I think the Dbacks will go with Swanson or Bregman, and Swanson is more likely to stick at short, so I’ll have them pick Swanson here.
 
Houston Astros-#2
Carson Fulmer - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
After the Dbacks pick Swanson I’m going with another Commodore, and it is going to be Fulmer, who they like, and since he is unlikely to fall to #5 I think they take him here.
 
Colorado Rockies-#3
Andrew Benintendi - Center Field - Arkansas
I’ve heard that the Rockies will go college bat if Fulmer is gone, and Benintendi is the favorite here, I could also see them picking Bregman, but they could go with Jay or Rodgers.
 
Texas Rangers-#4
Alex Bregman - Shortsop - LSU
If Bregman falls the Rangers would be delighted, as one person said that Jon Daniels has handpicked him, but if he is gone Daz Cameron or Brendan Rodgers would be possibilities.
 
Houston Astros-#5
Kyle Tucker - Outfield - Plant HS (Florida)
The Astros will likely pick between Cameron and Tucker here, and since they have a connection with the Tucker family, I think that they will go with the best hitter in the class, but Cameron is the more athletic of the two.
 
Minnesota Twins-#6
Brendan Rodgers - Shortstop - Lake Mary HS (Florida)
The Twins love athletic high school hitters, and Rogers is the most complete player in the draft, but he could be gone by then. Other players to watch are Dillon Tate, Tucker, Bregman, Tyler Jay, and Cameron, and if they decide to go underslot James Kaprielian and Donnie Dewees will be players to watch.
 
Boston Red Sox-#7
Dillon Tate - Right Handed Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara
With Fulmer, Benintendi, and Bregman gone, the Red Sox will go BPA and take Tate, who has slowed down some, but it is his first year starting, and he should be able to get back on track quickly, but the Sox could take someone like Cameron, Jay, or Jon Harris.
 
Chicago White Sox-#8
Tyler Jay - Left Handed Pitcher - Illinois
If the draft falls out like this the White Sox will continue to do what they do and take a lefty with an electric arm, but Harris, Cameron, and Walker Buehler could be in play here.
 
Chicago Cubs-#9
Daz Cameron - Outfielder - ELC Academy (Georgia)
I think the Cubs will go BPA, and Cameron would be that in this scenario, but the Cubs might want to strengthen pitching, and if they do Buehler, Harris, and Kyle Funkhouser would be options.
 
Philadelphia Phillies-#10
Jon Harris - Right Handed Pitcher - MSU
Nobody knows what the Phillies are doing, including themselves, so I’m going BPA, but they like Buehler and Tyler Stephenson, but this is as good of a guess as any.
 
Cincinnati Reds-#11
Tyler Stephenson - Catcher -Kennesaw Mountain HS (Georgia)
The Reds would love it if anybody above fell, but if they don’t Stephenson would likely be the choice, but Ian Happ, Trenton Clark, or Buehler could be options.
 
Miami Marlins-#12
Phil Bickford - Right Handed Pitcher - Southern Nevada JC
There are rumors that Loria could dictate this pick, and some say he prefers college pitchers, and Bickford and Buehler would be the best available, but guys like Funkhouser or Brady Aiken could be options.
 
Tampa Bay Rays-#13
Walker Buehler - Right Handed Pitcher - Vanderbilt
The Rays have had their big guys in to see Buehler recently, and he seems like a logical pick here, but Happ, Kolby Allard, and Mike Nikorak, and Garrett Whitley will be considered.
 
Atlanta Braves-#14
Cornelius Randolph - Third Base - Griffen HS (Georgia)
The Braves want Stephenson, but in this scenario they decide to go with Best Georgian Available, and that would be Randolph, although I hear they like Allard a lot.
 
Milwaukee Brewers-#15
Trenton Clark - Outfielder - Richland HS (Texas)
Clark could be gone by now, but if he isn’t I think the Brewers take him, but they could go with Allard or Kaprielian.
 
New York Yankees-#16
Ashe Russell - Right Handed Pitcher - Cathedral HS (Indiana)
If it plays out to this the Yankees could go with Whitley, Kaprielian, Funkhouser, or Happ, but I think Russell has the most upside of them, so I’m having the Yankees go with Russell.
 
Cleveland Indians-#17
Garrett Whitley - Outfielder - Niskayuna HS (New York)
The Indians want someone like Buehler to fall, but if he doesn’t I think they will go with Whitley, but someone like Funkhouser or Kaprielian would be a nice pickup for the tribe.
 
San Francisco Giants-#18
Kyle Funkhouser - Right Handed Pitcher - Louisville
Last year the Giants picked Tyler Beede, and this year’s form of Beede is Funkhouser, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they go with him here, but Mike Nikorkak would also be in consideration.
 
Pittsburgh Pirates-#19
Mike Nikorak - Right Handed Pitcher - Stroudsburg HS (Pennsylvania)
People say the Pirates don’t particularly like anyone, so I think the will go with highest upside in Nikorak, or local kid Ian Happ.
 
Oakland Athletics-#20
Ian Happ - Outfielder - Cincinnati
I don’t think Happ will slide any further than this, but the A’s could go with someone like Cody Ponce.
 
Kansas City Royals-#21
James Kaprielian - Right Handed Pitcher - UCLA
The Royals like a few different college pitchers, and if Kaprielian is available they will probably pick him, but they could go after an injured pitcher.
 
Detroit Tigers-#22
Donnie Everett - Right Handed Pitcher - Clarksville HS (Tennessee)
The Tigers like Everett, and would probably take him if Funkhouser is gone, but they could go after Beau Burrows or Chris Betts.
 
St. Louis Cardinals-#23
Nathan Kirby - Left Handed Pitcher - Virginia
The Cardinals like college pitchers who fall, and that is what Kirby is, but they could go with Allard or a college hitter.
 
Los Angeles Dodgers-#24
Kolby Allard - Left Handed Pitcher - San Clemente HS (California)
The Dodgers would love Allard to fall this far, and if he does it would probably be enough for them to not pick Aiken or Michael Matuella.
 
Baltimore Orioles-#25
Kevin Newman - Shortstop - Arizona
With Happ gone, I think the Orioles will go with the best college hitter on the board, but Donnie Dewees could be in play as well, as could Brady Aiken, but the O’s like clean medical records, and Aiken wouldn’t fit the bill.
 
Los Angeles Angels-#26
Blake Trahan - Shortstop - Louisiana Lafayette
The Angels have been heavily linked to Trahan, and that seems like the pick here unless someone falls, but they could go with Richie Martin if this scenario plays out.

70-92, 66-96, 66-96, 63-99, those are the records of the Minnesota Twins over the past four seasons. At the end of 2014, Terry Ryan fired longtime manager Ron Gardenhire, and the Twins appeared determined to make a turnaround. While just a month into 2015, comments suggesting the Twins being lackluster and bad continue to be tossed around by the uninformed fan. It's time to realize the suggestion sounds clueless, and this club is proving you couldn't be more wrong.
 
As things stand, the Minnesota Twins are currently 13-12 on the year. They are sitting in third place in the AL Central and are just 3.5 games out of first place in the division. After experiencing a -20 run differential and starting the season off on a 1-6 note, the club battled through a divisional tilted schedule in April, and is ready to make some waves.
 
Despite having an atrocious pitching staff, and less than ideal outfield defense in 2014, the Twins were amongst the best in major leagues when it came to scoring runs. Thanks to uncharacteristic performances from Kurt Suzuki and Danny Santana, Minnesota was buoyed by less than predictable contributors. In 2015, the outfield defense remains a work in progress, the pitching isn't yet top-tier, and the offense has clicked. While the formula sounds the same, the result is trending in a completely opposite direction.
 
Twins teams of recent years haven't watched their records race towards 90 losses until the heat of the summer begins. As the season progresses, the Twins have generally dealt with declining play and injuries that have forced them into the doldrums of the AL Central. This time around, the 2015 version isn't waiting for the bottom to drop out, but instead, for it to rise to the surface.
 
Regression was to be expected on offense this season with a handful of players. As noted, Suzuki and Santana were key contributors a year ago, and likely would not repeat their performances. Santana struggled early and has since rebounded to a certain extent, while Suzuki continues to scuffle at the plate. Despite their less than ideal contributions, the Twins have seen positives from a handful of other players. Joe Mauer looks himself once again, Trevor Plouffe is off to a blazing start, and the lineup as a whole has held its own.
 
Outside of what is happening at the major league level, the Twins have some significant positives when it comes to depth. Top prospect Byron Buxton has bounced back from a slow start and has been absolutely on fire of late. While he still isn't likely an option until late summer at the earliest, Aaron Hicks has looked great for Triple-A Rochester. Missing out on the Opening Day roster, Josmil Pinto has positioned himself well in Rochester as well, and has turned his bat into a real asset. On the mound, Alex Meyer has struggled more often than not, but the Twins have plenty of options. Tommy Milone is a quality arm now on the farm, and he's joined by a lights out Taylor Rogers. Jose Berrios has continued to impress in the early going as well. No matter what way you cut it, the Twins depth from within this season is in a great place.
 
Previous losing seasons have been bookended by periods of competence and an unavoidable bottom falling out. This season, the Twins have the security blankets to make sure their current level of play remains at a consistent level throughout the season. Adding in prospects along the way, as well as the eventual addition of Ervin Santana, Minnesota will continue to turn heads.
 
It has become time to put the past four season of futility in the past and stop referring to this current club as a band of misfits. They've played their way into relevance, and the future prospectus is trending in an upward direction. Understand that this team isn't cut from the same cloth, and be better for it.
 
For more from Off The Baggy click here. Follow @tlschwerz