Beloit Snappers
Twins Single-A Affiliate Team Record: 79-61 (44-26 in the first half, 35-35 in the 2nd half)
The Beloit Snappers had a season to remember in '07. The team won the Midwest Western Division in the first half with a 44-26 record and the team won 27 games at home. The first-half victory ensured them a playoff spot, regardless of how they played in the 2nd half. The Snappers tailed off to a 35-35 record in the second half, but thanks to their young talent, they advanced to the Midwest League Championship.
Twins '06 first round pick Chris Parmelee really helped carry the load on offense. The 19 year old outfielder hit .239/.313/.414 with 23 doubles, 5 triples, 15 home runs and 70 RBI. He continues to struggle to get on base, and he strikes out a lot, but his numbers show that he has the potential to be a huge power threat in the big leagues. He will probably be in Ft. Myers for the majority (if not all) of the 2008 season.
Chris Parmelee
Another '06 draft pick Joe Benson will likely be joining him in Ft. Myers. The converted catcher hit .255/.347/.368 with 18 doubles, 8 triples, 5 home runs, 38 RBI's with 18 stolen bases in 122 games as the Snappers outfielder. Benson had a poor April, batting just .170 and May wasn't great either, batting just .230. He improved as the season progressed, which made people remember his potential. He is one of the most athletic players through the system, and is a potential 5-tool player.
Wilson Ramos joined the team out of extended Spring Training in June, and was an immediate impact hitter for the Snappers. Ramos hit .291/.345/.438 with 17 doubles, 1 triple, 8 home runs and 42 RBI's in just 73 games with the team. He could quickly move up the top prospects charts as being the best catcher in our system. As another 20-year-old, he will also likely join Benson and Parmelee in Ft. Myers next season.
The pitching was definitely the Snappers strongest asset in '08.
Tyler Robertson absolutely dominated the Midwest League with a 9-5 record, a 2.29 ERA and 123 strikeouts in just 102.1 innings. Robertson gave up just 3 home runs and 33 walks as well. The thing that impresses me the most about him, is that he gave up just 3 home runs on the year. As a strikeout pitcher, he's more likely to be susceptible to the long ball while he's trying to throw harder (example: Johan Santana). He had such a strong season, that he was named the Twins #1 prospect by Seth Stohs over at Seth Speaks.
Alex Burnett also had a strong season. The 20-year-old right hander went 9-8 with a 3.02 ERA and struck out 117 batters in his 155 innings pitched. Burnett blew lefties away with a .188 average and 64 of his strikeouts also came against lefties. He went 6-4 with a 2.44 ERA in the 2nd half of the season. He will also join Robertson and the rest of the youngsters in Ft. Myers in '08.
A very pleasant surprise for the Snappers came from former 1st round pick, Matt Fox. Fox missed all of the 2005 season while recovering from a labrum and rototator cuff surgery, he pitched well for Elizabethton in 2006 and as a 24-year-old, he pitched well with Beloit in 2007. He could quickly advance through the system, but he may be limited to middle reliever if he makes it to the big leagues. But 2007 was definitely a promising season for him and the Twins.
The Snappers lost to the West Michigan White Caps in the 5th game of the Championship series. The team got strong contributions by Danny Santiesteban and Joe Benson in the playoffs as well as strong outings from Matt Fox, Robertson, Cole Devries and Alex Burnett. The team will have a pluthera of great prospects in 2008 and will be a top-contender to take the Midwest League Championship.
Team Batting Leaders
- Average: .302, Danny Valencia
- SLG %: .500, Danny Valencia
- OBP: .398, Johnny Woodard
- Hits: 110, Joe Benson
- Doubles: 23, Chris Parmelee
- Triples: 8, Joe Benson
- Home Runs: 15, Chris Parmelee
- Runs Batted In: 70, Chris Parmelee
- Stolen Bases: 18, Joe Benson
- Wins: 9, Alex Burnett/Cole Devries
- Loses: 8, Alex Burnett/Brian Kirwan
- ERA: 1.51, Jeff Manship
- Innings Pitched: 155, Alex Burnett
- Strikeouts: 123, Tyler Robertson
- WHIP: 0.77, Jeff Manship
- Holds: 12, Danny Leatherman
- Saves: 28, Robert Delaney
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