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RJA

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  1. RJA
    It is really quite easy to come to this conclusion if you look at the game logs. After three games, his ERA was .59. Since then, his ERA has climbed to 5.57. Since the first three games, he has given up something like 25 earned runs in roughly 25 some innings. I am not suggesting he is the only problem, but I fear I must disagree with you that his game logs show anything other than a trend much like Shoemaker's last year.
  2. RJA
    Berrios was obviously highly motivated against his old club. When he pitches like he did today, with his great stuff and good location, he is among the best. Unfortunately, he is just as likely to follow this game up with one where he gives up 6 runs. I always loved his passion, and how hard he worked to keep himself in shape and get better, so I am pulling for him--whenever he isn't playing the Twins. As for the Twins staff, Bundy and Archer look like the wheels are coming off, so I expect an additional arm will be added before the deadline. Likewise, the bullpen is going to need help, so it could be a busy summer for trades.
  3. RJA
    The best news out of this game is that Buxton had three hits and a homerun. If Buck gets back on track it will be a huge plus. The second best news is Miranda getting two homeruns. Like with Buxton, if he gets untracked and more comfortable in the bigs, it will be a second huge plus.
  4. RJA
    It is too early to judge this trade. Berríos might bounce back this year and in future years, or he could continue to struggle. Martin could breakout or remain a prospect that seems a tad overrated. SWR might also breakout this year, or he could swoon later this summer like he has in the past. Let’s revisit this a year or two from now. Frankly, Berríos never was as successful as he should have been given his stuff, but if he reaches his potential, he will be very good. That might be true of Martin and SWR as well.
  5. RJA
    Thank you, Seth, for the information on Swain and Hanner. I saw Swain and Hanner last year and liked their stuff, but both had iffy control in the games I saw. Hanner really looks like he has solved that problem this year, and Swain has improved as well. I hope both get bumped up to see how they do at the next level. I will say it for the hundredth time, the pitching depth in this system is amazing and bodes well for the future.
  6. RJA
    I agree with Bunsen82 that they have drafted a lot of shortstops, but I think the feeling is that prospects with shortstop skills are often able to transition with ease to third, second or an outfield position, so I wouldn't rule out a highly skilled shortstop for a pick. But I also agree with Bunsen82 that if Parada were to fall, he would be the pick, especially given Jeffers' struggles at the plate. I disagree with Mayo about college bats as the farm system and the MLB roster are full of college bats--Larnach, CES, Martin, Wallner, Sabato, etc. Plus, they have Kirilloff, Lewis, Miranda, and others ready for MLB duty. I would not mind it if the Twins went Lesko or Prielipp if the opportunity presented itself, especially in lieu of bat only players who don't have a real position.
  7. RJA
    I love the article, Matt. Thank you. I love these archive displays as they bring back great memories, especially when accompanied by background stories. Baseball is so rich in history--it is great to see the Twins recognizing this and keeping the past alive.
  8. RJA
    I agree with comments above. Gray makes sense as the choice given his performance throughout the month, but boy is Smeltzer a great story. What is really impressive is his ability to pitch deep into games and save bullpen innings.
  9. RJA
    As I have noted before, Steer's development has been a joy to see. He works hard, hustles, and has improved in all aspects of his game. And, he is consistent. I suspect we will see him at Target Field this summer, especially with all of the injuries. Isola has been a surprise, and in the games I have watched does a good job behind the plate. Miller just plain looks the part of a complete player. What impresses me at his young age is his poise and confidence. He has major league player written all over him.
  10. RJA
    Great summary. Seth, I would be interested in your takes on Balazovic and Parades. Balazovic's stuff is so good, but the results just aren't there. I am wondering if there is some mechanical flaw that is messing him up. Also, I have never seen Parades pitch, but as Minderbinder noted above, his success seems rather sudden. It does not appear that he had significant control issues in the past, but he is certainly doing a much better job of limiting hits. Is this a function of being in lower A rather than in a college environment, or has he changed something in his pitch selection, or increased the giddy-up on his fastball?
  11. RJA
    The big difference in his game this year is limiting walks. I always think if your stuff is good enough to play well at AA, you have a shot at the bigs. It will be interesting to see how he is doing a few weeks from now. Hopefully, he continues his success at St. Paul and we see him at Target Field.
  12. RJA
    I know that injuries are not up this year compared to last around the MLB (average days out is longer however), but it sure feels like the injuries are hitting teams harder this year. Maybe it has to do with who is being hurt rather than the numbers. It seems the Twins, White Sox, and Tigers have all been especially banged up this year.
  13. RJA
    Great point on Schulfer, roger. I agree 100%. I mentioned Festa in an earlier post, but Schulfer has really been a shutdown guy at Wichita, and he seems to have solved his problem with bases on balls. Only 4 walks this year. And, he has AA experience. Great take.
  14. RJA
    I would think the Twins have a pretty significant innings limitation on him this year, so I don't think it would be a good idea to switch him to a bullpen role where his routine will totally change. I would keep him as a starter in the minors and maybe promote him to St. Paul this summer if he continues to throw well. He is issuing a lot of walks this year so he still has some things to work on. I could see Festa moving quickly into a relief role however. He is really looking good.
  15. RJA
    I agree on Martin at short. He has 11 errors in 26 games at short and has not looked comfortable there this year. In addition, while he got three hits last night, he has 9 total extra base hits this year. If they are trying to get him to drive the ball more this year, I don't think it is working. He does have 20 stolen bases, so some of those base hits effectively turn into doubles, but he certainly isn't living up to all the hoopla around him on draft day, at least not yet. It will be interesting to see what the front office does with him going forward.
  16. RJA
    The biggest news of the night is Kirilloff driving the ball like he does when he is healthy. The second biggest news of the night is Hajjar's performance. It was great to see him limiting his walks.
  17. RJA
    Festa definitely looks like another one to watch closely. I think he was in 93-94 mph range in college, so he has added some giddy-up to his fastball. I know he has a good change up to complement the fastball. Do you know if he has improved his slider, Cody? If he has even a decent slider, he could be a weapon in the bullpen sooner than later.
  18. RJA
    I agree that the Twins need more bullpen help. Getting Acala back would help, but for the bullpen to have this many innings so early in the year sets us up for usage issues in the last half of the season. As noted, it does not appear either Bundy or Archer are going to go more than 5 at the most, so I don't see the need for innings changing as long as the two of them are in the rotation. Even Ryan and Ober are not really innings eaters. To do what the Rays do requires a lot of depth and I don't think the Twins are there yet.
  19. RJA
    Mock drafts are meaningless, but they are sooo much fun. Collier and Young have lots of helium at the moment, so it will be interesting to see where they end up. Young fits the Twins tendancy to draft young, athletic shortstops with excellent projectability. This is an interesting draft due to lack of college pitchers and so many injuries--it is a very difficult draft to predict.
  20. RJA
    Great summary. Cavaco certainly had a great day at the plate. Actually, after a dreadful start, he has been making steady progress this year. His May numbers are much better than his April numbers. It seems like it is often the case that something just seems to click with some prospects and they take their game up a level. I am not ready to put him in the Hall of Fame quite yet, but the progress is noteworthy and he is still VERY young. I love his smile! Balazovic still seems a little off and he has not put it all together yet. He has good stuff, but to my untrained eye, it appears like his ability to locate his pitches varies greatly between innings and even between at bats. Location. Location. Location.
  21. RJA
    Couple of observations. I agree with Roger and Dman that Schulfer looks like he could be a potential bullpen add later this summer. He has increased his strikeouts this year while reducing his walks. I suspect he will be in St. Paul soon. Second, Emmanuel Rodriguez is a work in progress but I noticed he drew three more walks and now has 44 for the year and a .484 OBP. Great eye for a yound kid. Finally, CES is still producing. I know rbi's is not a perfect analytic, but 37 in 38 games indicates he is getting some big hits.
  22. RJA
    You are asking the million dollar question, Cody, "will it last?" I am pretty sure the Twins won't continue at a 100 wins pace, but I do think there are reasons why they will continue to be successful. First, the starting pitching is pretty solid. I think Ryan and Ober have pitched enough in the past two years for us to realize they are going to be quality starters over the long haul. Gray has a history of success. Three very good and consistent starters will prevent long losing streaks. Second, the defense with Buxton, Correa, Polanco and Jeffers up the middle is solid. Third, the offense has enough options to keep it productive all year. Even Buxton's mini slump has not derailed the offense. I am not sold on the bullpen long term, but again they have a lot of options that they can rotate up from St. Paul and Wichita--Hamilton, Schulfer, and others--that may be able to contribute. Schulfer especially has been lights out--increasing his K's and limiting walks this year. My answer is yes, they will continue to win, but not quite at the 100 wins level.
  23. RJA
    Great article! While it is a small sample size, he does unquestionably crush left handed pitching. It will be interesting to see how his numbers end up this year.
  24. RJA
    Fantastic, detailed summary. I am SO happy for Spencer Steer. He has worked hard to make himself a better player and he is getting rewarded. I think he would be an asset to a major league roster. I know the Twins are flush with young talent, but his positional flexibility and bat would make him a great bench addition. I hope he continues his quality play at St. Paul. I have to say it again--the depth of this minor league system is extraordinary and I think that is a huge asset. Not every prospect makes it to the bigs. Some just don't adjust as they move up. Others have significant injury issues. Some just don't realize their potential for a variety of reasons. But, if a system has quality depth, the odds are that a good number of those players will develop into major league prospects. I think that is where the Twins system is at.
  25. RJA
    Nice summary, Theo. I like that TD rotates the minor league report around its writers as each of you has a little different take. Three thoughts. First, it was great to see Festa perform well in his first appearance after being promoted. He looked good to my untrained eye with the fastball running to 98 and a nice slider--he struck out the first batter he faced with a great slider. He is another guy who could rise fast. Second, I agree with what everyone said about Canterino. He looked great once again. I am sure the Twins will be careful with him, but boy, I think he could pitch at Target Field right now. Great stuff. Finally, it is nice to see Coulombe back on the mound. He has very quietly done a good job for the Twins out of the bullpen.
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