8 isn't really all that many for 2 teams when you can play 6 of them (3b, 1b, DH), specially since these guys are not as accustomed to playing games everyday.
With Jay's 66 innings already being a career high, how many more innings do you believe the Twins will have him throw this year? FWIW Burdi threw 20 innings between CR and FTM last year. But he also only threw 37 in his college season. I would be very surprised to see Jay with the big league club this season mostly because I don't see him throwing more than 20 innings.
Its interesting that they've taken 3 corner infielders already, but it seems like they've gotten some potential upside bats with those picks. I was a bit surprised they haven't drafted any catchers yet. I'm sure we'll see a couple added soon.
Like many, I too am a bit puzzled by the number of college relievers the Twins have been drafting. My hope is that it will pay off in a few years. My bigger hope is that it will pay off in a huge way in a few years if they can construct a bullpen of cost controlled guys and spend that savings on a frontline starter or impact bat. I know that is a lot to hope for but I do see some value in having a system with a bunch of potentially strong bullpen options. At the least, hopefully it keeps them away from Stauffer-like signings.
Congrats to Gonsalves on the promotions. I'm sure we're all excited to see what he can do at the next level. Hope he continues to develop his stuff as he faces new challenges. Corcino is off to quite the start with the Kernels! Bit of an interesting journey for the 22 year old as Seth writes here. Obviously its a very small sample size this year, but it would be terrific if the Twins have found a late bloomer to add to their prospect talent.
They are some great shots. They were linked in the "Blogosphere" section for a bit as the TwinsTrivia site linked to them and I linked to them in one of the Minor League daily reports - but they probably deserved their own thread - so thank you! I definitely encourage people to check them out - great photos that show some of the personality of the Lookout players.
Are there any specific things that Berrios is working on to further his development? I've heard that plane/movement on his fastball may be an issue. Adding a couple of inches probably isn't in the cards, but is Berrios working on adding some movement/sink to his fastball? Or is it more a matter of just getting the reps to refine his command and develop more feel for his change and curve? Sorry if any of this is covered in the handbook or elsewhere. Just curious how Berrios is being challenged to develop as the overall results are certainly there to this point.
So ... about that Berrios guy, pretty sweet to see Law continue to move him up his ratings. #2 ceiling is nothing to sneeze at. Here's hoping he reaches that ceiling and then does some sort of crazy fitness work out breaking through it.
Seth mentioned in one the daily Minor League reports that it was probably that Hu's turn in the Miracle rotation was skipped which is not uncommon for young pitchers in full season ball who are still working with smaller innings limits. Perhaps with the traveling to make the AAA spot-start, they thought it was a good time to give him that break.
That is definitely encouraging. Law is not one who is quick to change his evaluation, especially based purely on results. Makes me believe he's heard/seen enough to make a change. Perhaps, Berrios' work ethic has convinced Law that his size is not as big a concern for holding up as a starter. And maybe his command and mix of pitches has lessened Law's concerns about getting plane on his fastball - or maybe he is getting more movement on that particular pitch. I'm interested to hear more about why Law now believes he's a top 25 prospect talent.
Carson Cistulli included Hu in his "Fringe Five" article on Fangraphs for the second time this year. He includes a gif of one of Hu's strikeouts - possibly with the palm ball.
I wasn't sure about including the link since there is already one on the page - but here is the direct link to the pictures. Brace Hemelgarn Chattanooga Photos Seems like there's pretty good "chemistry" on the club with lots of personality and enjoying the game.
If anyone hasn't already, I highly recommend checking out the link to the Chattanooga pictures in the "Twins Blogosphere" section. Some awesome pics from Brace Hemmelgarn - game action, behind the scenes, stadium shots - just phenomenal!
Sano's May numbers were looking pretty solid. Last night made them look even better. Here's a link to his second home run. That Chattanooga lineup is as scary as advertised.
If you're that depressed by Buxton, Sano, Burdi, and Reed in a 2 week sample size, shouldn't you be equally excited about Hicks, Harrison, Walker, Polanco, Duffey, et al?
It seems Mike Gonzalez would/should draw the short end of the playing time stick. Sorry Seth and Shane if you've written this elsewhere, but I thought it should be mentioned directly here. Unless I'm missing something/someone, Kepler, Hicks, Harrison, and Walker can all be in the lineup together regularly.