tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5276982322859779672024-03-13T16:29:47.676-05:00Josh's ThoughtsA baseball fan giving his thoughts on the Minnesota Twins, their minor league affiliates and everything baseball.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.comBlogger732125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-23119117704489036642011-03-25T14:24:00.003-05:002011-03-25T14:28:10.051-05:00Joe Mauer Sings in New Explore Minnesota TV SpotI received an e-mail about a new television ad for "Explore Minnesota" that features Twins catcher Joe Mauer singing. It's a fun advertisement, so make sure to check it out!<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_hkp_KNT_e0" allowfullscreen="" width="640" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe><br /><br />Dear Mr. Mauer,<br /><br />On behalf of all Twins fans, please stick to baseball.<br /><br />JoshJosh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-89254472918600660762011-02-04T02:05:00.003-06:002011-02-04T02:09:05.100-06:00Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook - 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/TUuz4xuFzJI/AAAAAAAAApo/Cfs_fZYSIBc/s1600/Twins_Prospect_Hdbk_Final_2011.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 261px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/TUuz4xuFzJI/AAAAAAAAApo/Cfs_fZYSIBc/s400/Twins_Prospect_Hdbk_Final_2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569743152174451858" border="0" /></a>Twins fans,<br /><br />I'm pleased to announce that the <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/minnesota-twins-prospect-handbook-2011/14730071">Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook - 2011</a> is now available to order. The book costs $14.95, but trust me, it's worth every penny and then some. Seth Stohs (<a href="http://sethspeaks.net/">Seth Speaks</a>) asked me for a little help with the book and I jumped at the chance to help him. As many of you know, Seth has been a big help to me since I started writing and I'm happy to help him with anything I possibly can. As Seth has said, the meat and potatoes of the book is the prospect profiles of 150+ Twins minor league players, but the book also has a lot of other cool things that make the book whole:<br /><br /><ul><li>An article on the Rochester Red Wings by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Josh Whetzel</span>, their radio and TV play-by-play guy since 2003.</li></ul><ul><li>An article on New Britain Stadium by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeff Dooley</span>, the team's Director of Broadcasting and their play-by-play guy on the radio.</li></ul><ul><li>An article on the Ft. Myers Miracle by their play-by-play broadcaster <span style="font-weight: bold;">Alex Margulies</span>.</li></ul><ul><li>An article on the Beloit Snappers by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeff Vohs</span>, the team's General Manager.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q&A with Danny Valencia: Major Leaguer</span> - an interview with Valencia after his rookie season came to an end.</li></ul><ul><li>Interviews with Minor League Player of the Year, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Benson</span>, and Minor League Pitcher of the Year, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Gibson</span>.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stories from the 2010 Draft</span> - an article on the Twins draft and stories on five of the players that the Twins selected.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nate Hanson: Minnesota's Own</span> - Seth wrote an article on Chaska native (and former Gopher) Nate Hanson, who had a breakout 2010 season in Ft. Myers.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Winning vs. Development</span> - an essay by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Travis Aune</span> (<a href="http://travistwinstalk.blogspot.com/">Travis Twins Talk</a>).</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">In the Right Direction</span> - I wrote an article on the progress made by Twins 1B/OF prospect Chris Parmelee.</li></ul><ul><li>Lists and Rankings - includes Top 10 lists from many of your favorite Twins minor league bloggers and other "experts." My top 30 prospects are included.<br /></li></ul>As you can see, this book is a must have for every Twins fan and minor league enthusiast. Seth has delivered non-stop Twins coverage - free of charge - since 2003 and buying this book would really go a long way in showing your support for not only Seth, but the rest of the Twins blogging community.<br /><br />So what are you waiting for? <a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/minnesota-twins-prospect-handbook-2011/14730071">Order a copy today</a>!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/minnesota-twins-prospect-handbook-2011/14730071"><img alt="Twins Annual 2010" src="http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g45/JJTwins21/TwinsProspectHandbookAd3.jpg?t=1296806449" border="0" height="250" width="630" /></a></center>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-66949151449631576382011-01-20T18:53:00.003-06:002011-01-20T19:00:18.496-06:00An explanationI know it's been long overdue, but I think it's time for me to explain my absence from this site.<br /><br />As many of you know, I'm in college. I started in 2006 and I'm still going at it. I went into college having no clue what I wanted to do with my life. Over the first three years, I switched my intended major four different times before finally deciding on journalism. Unfortunately, my indecisiveness (and my decision to transfer) ended up costing me a lot of time (and money). So in the Spring of 2010, I got to the point where I had enough of college and I just wanted to get out as quickly as possible (a decision many have told me they don't agree with). So in doing so, I started taking more and more credits. I took 18 last Spring and 19 this fall. Sadly, this made it too hard for me to write outside of class.<br /><br />I still continued to watch a lot of baseball and I continued to pay close attention to the Minor Leagues, but after writing all day long at school, the last thing I wanted to do was to come home and write more. (If you're wondering, yes, I will probably delete this in the future so that my future employer never finds it. Haha!) I do apologize to anyone that actually does read this site, it was never my intention to be gone this long.<br /><br />My initial "leave" came with the intent of starting up a new site. But I quickly found out that I knew very little about website design and it's created a lot of headaches over the past few months. I wish I could come here today to say that I'm close to a solution, but I can't. I thought I was "techie" enough to do it, but I quickly fell flat on my face and I'm still trying to pick myself off the pavement.<br /><br />Over the past few months, I've been given the opportunity to write in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seth Stohs'</span> "<a href="http://talkintwinsbb.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/minnesota-twins-prospect-handbook-2011-pre-order-now/">Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook - 2011</a>" and the Minnesota Twins Annual 2011. Despite being M.I.A. in the blogging community, Seth and the rest of the <a href="http://twinscentric.com/">Twins Centric</a> crew both gave me the opportunity to write for them, which truly meant a lot to me. Both were great writing chances and I can't express how thankful I am enough.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Moving forward:</span> I wish I knew what was going to happen with the website situation. I'm going to continue trying to find help, but at some point, I might just decide that I've had enough and resort to coming "back" here. Either way, I know I will be happy with my decision.<br /><br />I know many people might not care, but I felt that it's better late than never to write an explanation. I hope to be writing more in the near future, but in the meantime, feel free to follow me on Twitter : <a href="http://twitter.com/JoshsThoughts">@JoshsThoughts</a>.<br /><br />And as always, please feel free to e-mail me at <a href="mailto:jajohnson021@yahoo.com?subject=Email%21">jajohnson021@yahoo.com</a>.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-21879222831305266702011-01-20T07:51:00.002-06:002011-01-20T18:02:24.194-06:00Guest Post: PokerJunkie.com<span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" >The following is a guest post. The views expressed in the article are those of the author. </span><br /><br />As most of you already know, earlier this month Bert Blyleven was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame along with Roberto "I spit in your general direction" Alomar. For those of you younger Twins fans that are unaware of his accomplishments, Blyleven was an all-time great picture who spent 11 of his 22 years in the big leagues with the Twins. He finished with 287 wins, 3701 career strikeouts, and a career 3.31 ERA. He also had 242 completed games for his career. Clearly, Blyleven will go into the Hall of Fame wearing a Twins cap since it is obvious that he made his biggest contribution with the Twins. However, this brings me to the matter of whether the Hall of Fame should decide which cap a player should wear into Cooperstown.<br /><br />The current policy of the Hall of Fame is to put the team cap on the player statue from the team that they are identified to have made their "most indelible mark" on the game. In the past, the hall has deferred to the player in choosing the cap, but that changed in 2001 after there were reports that some players were taking bribes to wear a particular cap.<br /><br />Some of you may think that this policy would not have that big of an impact on players going into the hall. However, let's take a look at a few key examples. For those of you that remember Andre Dawson, what team do you identify him with? The Cubs right? Well, Andre must go into the hall wearing an Expos hat due to having spent most of his career there. When you think of Wade Boggs, you usually think of him as either a Red Sox player, or a Yankee. Boggs had requested to be enshrined as a Yankee since that is where he had his success. However, the hall decided to put him as a Red Sox. Gary Carter fans would expect no less than for him to be enshrined as a N.Y. Met. However, he went in as an Montreal Expo. (That would be the Washington Nationals for you younger fans.)<br /><br />Luckily, we won't have that problem with Blyleven due to the two stints he had with the Twins, but imagine if he had been with another team for a reasonable amount of time and the Hall of Fame denied his request to be a Twin. I personally think that it is shameful that the hall does not defer to the players in this matter. If there is proof that the player is being bribed, that is one thing. However, in most cases the players are requesting to be enshrined with the team that they either had their best years with or the team that they consider "their team."<br /><br />I have a lot of respect for the job that the Hall of Fame does. Unlike some sports, our Hall of Fame truly enshrines the great players throughout history, and not players that <a href="http://www.pokerjunkie.com/poker-sites.php">online poker sites rated</a> as great. Deferring to the players to make a decision on their hat is a small concession that I feel that they should make, especially if you consider the fans. Andre Dawson will always be a Cub, Gary Carter a Met, and Bert Blyleven a Twin. In the end, the impact that a player makes with the fans is just as important as the impact made on the field, and that should in some part can be recognized by letting the players choose what hat they wear into Cooperstown.<br /><br />This article is provided by <a href="http://www.pokerjunkie.com/">PokerJunkie.com</a>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-58048029822051915682010-07-30T02:05:00.009-05:002010-07-30T14:27:53.846-05:00Might as well have been for bottle CappsThe Minnesota Twins made a surprising move last night when they traded away blue chip catching prospect<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Wilson Ramos</span> and left-handed reliever <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Testa </span>to the Washington Nationals for closer <span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Capps</span> and $500,000 in cash.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/soozeblb_1272996171_ramos.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 200px;" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/soozeblb_1272996171_ramos.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/000/951/180/98315021.jpg.24034_cropped.jpg?1273512978"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 200px;" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/000/951/180/98315021.jpg.24034_cropped.jpg?1273512978" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Ramos, who ranked as the <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-wilson.html">No. 2 prospect</a> in the Twins system before the season, has been less than impressive in his first season of Triple-A. Testa was ranked as the <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-49-joe.html">No. 49 prospect</a> heading into the season and is back in Single-A Fort Myers after struggling in Double-A New Britain. His inclusion into the trade doesn't bother me. He is a 24-year-old with control problems who is still three stops away from the Major Leagues. Capps, on the other hand, turned a bad situation into a good one when he was released by the Pirates last winter. He signed with the Nationals and was selected to this month's All-Star game (thanks in large part to the every team must have a representative rule).<br /><br />Heading into the season, Ramos was considered a can't-miss prospect who was coming off of a Venezuelan Winter League where he hit .332/.397/.582 with 12 home runs in 54 games. He was one of the last cuts <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ron Gardenhire</span> made in Spring Training, and after hitting .400/.400/.733 with two home runs over 30 at-bats, it seemed Ramos' time in Triple-A may be short-lived.<br /><br />He was summoned from the minor leagues in early May and spent a week with the club, while <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe </span>Mauer nursed a bruised heel. Ramos came out swinging and went 6-9 with three doubles in his first two games before finishing up his time in Minnesota going 1-18. From that point on, nagging injuries, attitude problems and a .241/.280/.345 slash line proved to be enough for the Twins to rid themselves of one of their best prospects.<br /><br />This is what I wrote about Ramos at the beginning of the season:<br /><blockquote style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilson Ramos</span> was signed as a non-drafted free agent on July 7, 2004. He didn't make it to the states until 2006, but he certainly has made his presence felt since. Admittedly, I flirted with ranking Ramos as the top overall prospect.<br /><br />In 2006, Ramos began the season in Extended Spring Training before joining the Gulf Coast League. With the Twins, Ramos hit .286/.339/.435 with 16 extra-base hits in 154 at-bats. In 2007, Ramos again found himself in Extended Spring Training but he eventually joined the Beloit Snappers in June with the struggles of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Greg </span>Yersich. He went on to hit .291/.345/.438 with 26 extra-base hits in 292 at-bats. After the season, Ramos ranked in as my <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2008/01/joshs-thoughts-top-50-twins-prospects_01.html">13th best prospect</a> in the Twins system. In 2008, Ramos moved up to the Florida State League where he hit .288/.346/.434 with 38 extra-base hits with the Ft. Myers Miracle. In 2009, Ramos continued to move through the system, this time playing for the New Britain Rock Cats in the Eastern League. He broke his finger in May and after returning in June, he missed two months with a pulled hamstring. All together, Ramos hit .317/.339/.496 with 25 extra-base hits including seven home runs in 224 at-bats. After finding himself healthy, Ramos hit .332/.397/.582 and drove in 49 runs in the Venezuelan Winter League.<br /><br />Ramos' offensive prowess is mostly what he is known for, but Ramos is also a stout defender behind the plate. Pitchers like the way he calls the game and his strong arm makes it hard for base runners to steal on him. But two things stand in the way for Ramos are his history of injuries and a guy by the name of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe </span>Mauer. Ramos has the potential to be one of the best offensive catchers in baseball, but THE best is already on the roster, so it doesn't seem likely that he'll play an extensive role with the Twins (at least not as a catcher). The Twins could consider using using him at DH, but that seems like it'd really be diminishing his value. Ramos needs to prove in 2010 that he can stay on the field, which may be all that is separating him from being the top prospect.</blockquote><br />Despite being blocked by Mauer at catcher, Ramos' value was not diminished. Many believed that with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Kubel</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Cuddyer's</span> time in Minnesota possibly coming to an end after 2011, Ramos could have been saved to be not only Mauer's back-up, but an everyday DH.<br /><br />Ramos' offensive potential, defensive prowess and position made him a valuable trading chip; one that Twins fans were really banking on to bring back a hefty return. Before the season, Twins fans moaned and groaned over the thought of the Twins trading Ramos to San Diego for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Heath Bell</span>. That's not to take away from Bell's or even Capps' ability, it's just that trading a top prospect for a reliever is a half-baked idea.<br /><br />If we're talking about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joakim Soria</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jonathan Papelbon</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jonathan Broxton</span> or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Bailey</span>, sure. But we're not. We're talking about a guy that posted a 5.80 ERA and was then cut by the second-to-worst-place-team Pittsburgh Pirates last winter. And the same guy who is will command a hefty price in arbitration this off-season.<br /><br />Like <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Gleeman</span> <a href="http://aarongleeman.com/2010/07/30/twins-get-matt-capps-from-nationals-for-wilson-ramos-and-joe-testa/">wrote</a>, the Twins believe they're getting an "All-Star closer" when in-reality, they're just getting someone who isn't significantly better than what they already have.<br /><br />While I do have a hard time supporting this trade, I do get what the supporters are saying.<br /><br />Rauch has been questionable as of late and is very inconsistent. If the Twins want to make a run into the post season, they need to make sure their bullpen is lights out. While this trade doesn't give us that, it does make the bullpen (as a whole) a helluva lot better than it was before.<br /><br />While we all cringe at Ramos being the traded player, Capps could provide us with a lot of value in 2011. With Nathan coming back from Tommy John surgery, there's no telling if or when he'll be able to be relied upon to close out ballgames. He could have a setback or he may never be right again. For that, the Twins prepared themselves by acquiring a guy they obviously feel comfortable going into next season as their closer if needed.<br /><br />To recap, here are the pro's that I've found for the trade:<br /><ul><li>The Twins added to their bullpen depth by acquiring a good, capable reliever. Albeit, he's not a shutdown closer like we need.<br /></li><li>They also prepared themselves for any complications they may have with Joe Nathan as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.</li></ul>For the con's, I have to put you in the direction of <span style="font-weight: bold;">John Bonnes'</span> post entitled "<a href="http://twinsgeek.blogspot.com/2010/07/8-things-i-hate-about-capps-ramos-trade.html">8 Things I HATE About the Capps-Ramos Trade</a>." John touches on eight different things that I believe all could give Twins fans a reason to feel discouraged.<br /><br />So what now?<br /><br />I originally had a post ready (can you believe it) that was going to give my thoughts on the next few days. Basically, I felt that the Twins were probably a lot more likely to go after a reliever now, and wait for a starting pitcher until August, when guys like <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ted Lilly</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tom Gorzelany</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brett Meyers</span> (among others), will undoubtedly be passed through waivers. That is of course if the Twins still need a starting pitcher.<br /><br />At this point, I think the Twins will still try to acquire a starting pitcher, but I don't believe they'll actually act on anything until August (if at all).<br /><br />I will share one snippet from the post, which now I find to be both amusing and completely sad:<br /><blockquote style="font-family:courier new;">If the Twins are serious about going after <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott Downs</span> or any other reliever, they'd be fools to overspend and use someone like <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ben Revere</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angel Morales</span> or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilson Ramos</span> as bait. Trading a top flight prospect for a reliever, who isn't a shutdown closer, is more of a cardinal sin than walking a pitcher is. You just don't do it.</blockquote><br />Meh. What do I know?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My final thoughts:</span> Is taking a baby step back from the ledge still considered "talking somebody off of it?"Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-57736963442865491982010-06-29T00:33:00.001-05:002010-06-29T00:34:47.834-05:00Help wanted, help needed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0602/fan_g_haren1x_576.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 575px; height: 324px;" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0602/fan_g_haren1x_576.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Put so elegantly by <a href="http://aarongleeman.com/">Aaron Gleeman</a>, the Minnesota Twins have slumped away their lead in the A.L. Central and now, for the first time since April 5th, are not in first place. Poor offense and horrendous pitching is a baseball team's worst nightmare, and the Twins have had both. Other than a couple players, the Twins have been horrendous in a month they usually "get going."<br /><br />The rumor mills have been churning and the Twins have found themselves caught up in the middle of a lot of them. Thanks to a new revenue and high expectations, the Twins have put themselves in position to be "buyers" at this July's trade deadline. But unlike in other years, the Twins have the opportunity to add a legitimate difference maker (which isn't to say the players we've added in past years didn't make a difference).<br /><br />There have been three names that don't seem to be going away: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cliff Lee</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dan Haren</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Roy Oswalt</span>.<br /><br />All three of these guys have something in common; they are all pitchers. And not only are they <span style="font-style: italic;">pitchers</span>, they're great pitchers. Why not look for offense? Because good hitters are hard to come by this year, especially if you're comparing them to the quality of pitchers that are believed to be available. Or least that's the way I see it, feel free to disagree.<br /><br />So looking at those pitchers, who should the Twins go after? If it were up to me, my choice is probably the most unlikely. Being a big fan of player development, I don't like the thought of acquiring a "rental" player. If the Twins don't believe they can re-sign the player they require, I don't want to see them give up a lot to acquire them. That philosophy has been the Twins M.O. for years, and it's one I completely agree with.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">So do I believe Lee is the best fit? Well pitching-wise, yes. He's had success in the American League Central and fits the Twins model of pitchers who have great control. </span><br /><br />But unlike Oswalt and Haren, Lee is a free agent at the end of the season, which means he'd likely be acquired as a "rental." Could the Twins re-sign him? Maybe, but I think that's highly doubtful with the New York Yankees already salivating about the thought of acquiring him.<br /><br />How about Oswalt? He has two years remaining on his contract and he also has a history of success. But while his contract would ensure that he's here for more than three months, the salary he's receiving is probably a bit much for the Twins to absorb, especially if they're trading multiple highly-touted prospects to acquire him.<br /><br />So that leaves Haren. While he's struggled this season, there's no doubt that he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. Since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008, Haren is 37-24 with a 3.51 ERA and 8.7 K/9, which includes his 4.65 ERA.<br /><br />So what makes Haren so desirable? That he's under team control through 2012, with an option for 2013. And the salary? He's making $8.25 million in 2010, he'll make $12.75 in 2011 and 2012 with a $15.5 million club option in 2013. A very manageable price for a very good pitcher.<br /><br />But all of this really means nothing unless you compare the packages that it'd take to acquire each player. The Twins most valuable trading chip is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilson Ramos</span>, a highly-touted catcher who is blocked by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Mauer</span>. But while Ramos is expendable, trading him for Lee should be out of the question. Ramos' potential is too good to trade him for three months of Lee, unless you can guarantee two things: a clause which states, "If the Twins do not win the World Series, we will return Wilson Ramos to them," or a window of opportunity to work out a contract extension. Unfortunately, neither will happen. The most I trade for Lee is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nick Blackburn</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ben Revere</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Anthony Slama</span>. I'd assume another team could top that, but I do think the Mariners would accept that if they're that serious about moving him.<br /><br />The Astros already have a young catcher named <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Castro</span>, who they selected in the first round of the 2008 draft, so Ramos probably wouldn't entice them as a centerpiece. They would probably ask for a package of young pitchers and outfielders, which the Twins definitely have. Other than <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Gibson</span>, who is likely "untouchable," <span style="font-weight: bold;">David Bromberg</span> is the Twins best pitching prospect. And other than <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Hicks</span>, who is also probably "untouchable," (at least in this case) the Twins have <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angel Morales</span>,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Joe Benson</span> and Revere as young outfielders.<br /><br />And then there's the Diamondbacks. The hard thing about trading with Arizona is that for the most part, they have a very young team, with most of their positions "filled" for the next few years. So why would they want to trade Haren? Because for one reason or another, they're trying to free up cap space, and Haren's their highest paid player. Would Ramos entice them as a centerpiece? With <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miguel Montero</span> on the team, you wouldn't think so, but Montero is set to begin arbitration this winter, so they may look to move him to a club with catching needs. But Ramos, of course, would only be a starting piece. On top of him, I'm sure one of the three outfielders I previously mentioned would need to be included, as would a young pitcher.<br /><br />So what would my offer be? Well...<br /><br />Wilson Ramos<br />David Bromberg<br />Angel Morales<br />Anthony Slama<br /><br />for<br /><br />Dan Haren<br /><br />There has been a lot of talk that some of these teams could target <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kevin Slowey</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Scott Baker</span> or<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Nick Blackburn</span> in a trade, but since I think the Diamondbacks are serious about saving money, I didn't include any of them in this offer. The only starter that they'd probably be interested in is Slowey, which (for me) would immediately eliminate both Bromberg and Morales from the offer.<br /><br />Mentioning Slowey in trade talks amongst Twins fans is a form of sacrilege, but I have no problem saying that I'd trade him in a heartbeat, if it makes sense. However, I think the Twins would be better-off keeping all of their starting pitchers.<br /><br />What are your thoughts? Should we focus on pitching? Who would you target? How much is "<a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/96862079.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqCP:i_17cQiU47cQUU">too much</a>?" Feel free to send me an e-mail at <a href="mailto:jajohnson021@yahoo.com">jajohnson021@yahoo.com</a>.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-14021484201251203182010-06-16T01:33:00.005-05:002010-06-16T01:37:13.970-05:00Is a major lineup change needed?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/TBhvdZExabI/AAAAAAAAAo4/3tbG88adDC8/s1600/Delmon+Young+Jed+Jacobsohn+Getty+Images.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/TBhvdZExabI/AAAAAAAAAo4/3tbG88adDC8/s400/Delmon+Young+Jed+Jacobsohn+Getty+Images.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483255097061370290" border="0" /></a>[Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images]<br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Delmon Young</span> is on fire. And that's probably an understatement. For those who haven't noticed, Young is now hitting .295/.333/.500 with 15 doubles, eight home runs and 41 RBI. He also has a 14-to-22 walk-to-strikeout ratio. Last year, Young had 12 walks and 92 strikeouts. It wasn't even a month ago that Young was hitting .250/.304/.438 with nine doubles, four home runs and 16 RBI. But in the last 22 games, Young has hit .368/.386/.605 with six doubles, four home runs and 25 RBI.<br /><br />As someone who has never ridiculed <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bill Smith</span> for acquiring Young, and someone who has always been a big fan of his (Young), I'm excited to see him hitting with such authority. Since joining the Twins prior to the 2008 season, Young has been awful until the second-half of the season. But the fact that he's on pace to hit 44 doubles, 22 home runs and drive in 111 runners at this point of the season is very encouraging.<br /><br />A lot of people have been clamoring for Young to be moved up in the lineup, but people need to be more aware of the situation than what's on the surface. It's easy to see that<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Michael Cuddyer</span>, the player who would likely swap places with Young in the lineup, is struggling, but he too is having a nice past couple of weeks. In the same amount of games as Young's stretch, Cuddyer has hit .321/.394/.536 with eight doubles, two triples and two home runs. He also hasn't hit into a double play since the Twins played the Boston Red Sox on May 19th.<br /><br />At least swap Young and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Kubel</span>, right? Again, no. Since May 25th, Kubel is hitting .323/.389/.692 with six doubles, six home runs and 16 RBI. As someone who has had a history of struggle against left-handed pitchers, Kubel's last two home runs have come against southpaws.<br /><br />The middle of the Twins lineup is running on all cylinders right now, and nothing drastic needs to be changed there. If the Twins moved Young to fifth, would it make a big difference? Him hitting seventh is not the reason the Twins are 6-7 in June. Instead, that blame can be placed on players hitting .094/.164/.151 in the two-hole since his the injury to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Orlando Hudson</span>. Well, that and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Justin Morneau</span> hitting .255/.308/.468 over the same span, but that's besides the point.<br /><br />I've singled out the offense (the two-hole in particular), because as a unit, it has only scored an average of 3.8 runs per game (not including Tuesday's game) since Hudson's injury. And to just show how much the Twins rely on Hudson, the offense averaged 4.9 runs per game (in the games Hudson played) before his injury.<br /><br />I know people have grown tired of others saying, "the offense will turn around eventually" but I truly believe that the Twins lineup would benefit most by being healthy. When Hudson and <span style="font-weight: bold;">J.J. Hardy</span> return from injuries, it should be enough time for the Twins to decide what they want to do before the trade deadline. With guys like <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mike Lowell</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mark Reynolds</span> thought to be available, the Twins should have enough time to get a feel for their lineup before making their playoff run.<br /><br />Give it time, there's no need to make any major changes just yet.<br /><br />[Image courtesy of <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7467/photos;_ylt=Aiq3Qm5jX9PQa2ZiAlM8tGaFCLcF#photoViewer=urn%3Anewsml%3Asports.yahoo%2Cgetty%3A20050301%3Amlb%2Cphoto%2Cf5a7e641cd2b923da2b86c8b6bcb1dda-getty-97516564jj010_minnesota_twi%3A1">Yahoo.com</a>]<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;" ></span>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-19327952127639988602010-06-01T22:25:00.001-05:002010-06-01T22:25:23.815-05:00Twins Minor League Month in Review: Rochester Red Wings - May<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t534">Rochester Red Wings</a> (19-32, 5th in the International League - North</strong><strong>)</strong><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yJzKqA6PI/AAAAAAAAAnc/8WvXRm7Pmps/s1600/Fort+Myers+Miracle+Logo.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yjsfbulQI/AAAAAAAAAnk/UauswocR8ss/s1600/Rochester+Red+Wings+Logo2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yjsfbulQI/AAAAAAAAAnk/UauswocR8ss/s400/Rochester+Red+Wings+Logo2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466424032468309250" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Team Leaders - Hitters Team Leaders - Pitchers </span><br /></pre></span><pre><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Hits: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=502143">Danny Valencia</a> - 54 Wins: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=503438">Rob Delaney</a> - 5<br /></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Avg: </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=434705">Jason Repko</a> - .310 ERA:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=448252">Kyle Waldrop</a> - 1.47<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"> OPS: </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=502230">Dustin Martin</a> - .828 IP: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=457729">Ryan Mullins</a> </span>- 46.33<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"> HR: </span><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=453857">Brock Peterso</a>n - 6</span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> K:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502043"><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></a><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=453249">Jeff Manship</a> - 19<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"> RBI: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=458711"><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=502230">Dustin Martin</a> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 100%;">- 33 Saves:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=460104">Anthony Slama</a> - 10<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"> SB: </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=434705">Jason Repko</a> - 8</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> WHIP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=543427"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=460104">Anthony Slama</a> - 0.79<br /><br /></pre>After a 10-19 May, the Red Wings continue to slide down the standings. Despite having a very talented group of hitters and pitchers, the team hasn't been able to find its rhythm yet. The offense didn't score a lot of runs and the starting pitchers have struggled keeping the team in the game.<br /><br />The Red Wings starters had a 6.26 ERA in May. There were six quality starts in May, but only one before May 21st. The unit got better as the month went on, which could be a sign of things to come. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Anthony Swarzak</span> returned to the rotation after missing a-month-and-a-half with a broken foot. In just his second start, he went seven innings and gave up only one run. His return and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Perkins</span> suddenly piecing together a couple respectable starts could help fuel the Red Wings in June.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deolis Guerra</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-16-deolis.html">16</a>) was called up following the release of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Yoslan Herrera</span>, and at just 21-years-old, he's shown his inexperience. Through four starts, Guerra is 0-3 with a 6.26 ERA. He has walked just six and has struck out 16 while inducing 30 ground-ball outs. He probably belongs in Double-A, but there isn't anyone from New Britain that has earned a promotion to Rochester.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Hops:</span> Matt Fox</span> has done a good job filling in as a starter, going 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA in five May starts. He hasn't walked a runner in 15 2/3 innings but has struck out seven in that same span.<br /><br />The bullpen has a group of very talented relievers, headlined by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Anthony Slama</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-17-anthony.html">17</a>), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Waldrop</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rob Delaney</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-26-rob.html">26</a>). The three combined to go 3-2 with a 2.34 ERA in 36 May appearances. Waldrop was unbelievable, allowing just two earned runs in 21 1/3 innings while walking five and striking out 16. Slama remains solid, but he continues to walk to many batters. He converted five saves in May and had a 1.98 ERA. Delaney, however didn't have such a great month. While it's easy to look past the fact that he had a 4.80 ERA on the month, you can't ignore that he allowed four of his seven inherited runners to score.<br /><br />Although everyone is clamoring for Slama to be the first reliever to be called up, Waldrop might be the most likely. He's pitching the best and is already on the 40-man roster.<br /><br />The offense wasn't great, in fact the only players that didn't see their numbers regress are <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jose Morales</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Tolbert</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Danny Valencia</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-7-danny.html">7</a>). Tolbert hit .269/.318/.410 with seven extra-base hits in 78 at-bats. Valencia had a 20-game hit streak in which he hit .388/.409/.518 with 11 doubles. He finished May hitting .330/.384/.408 including .353/.463/.382 over his last 10 games. He still hasn't hit a home run, but that shouldn't be a big cause for concern to anyone. He's still hit 15 doubles on the season, which is tied for seventh most in the International League. Morales didn't play in April, but he hit .309/.397/.382 with four doubles and eight walks in 55 at-bats.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trevor Plouffe </span>(#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-24-trevor.html">24</a>), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dustin Martin</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Repko</span> all lead the offense in April, but each took a step back in May. Still, they all put up respectable numbers. Each hit between .278 and .291 with an OPS between .719 and .756. Together, they had 14 doubles, five home runs and 40 RBI in May.<br /><br />But perhaps the most disappointing player on the Red Wings has been <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilson Ramos</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-wilson.html">2</a>), who continues to play with no motivation. While his .175/.321/.407 tri-slash line probably isn't effecting his prospect status very much, it's very, very irritating to see him play so badly. There have been reports that he's just not motivated by playing in Triple-A Rochester, but the Twins aren't going to reward him if he's hitting like this. Especially with Morales getting closer and closer to returning.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's Next?:</span> In 20 of their 30 games in June come against either first or second place teams in the International League...<span style="font-weight: bold;">Luke Hughes </span>(#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/2010-top-50-twins-prospects-25-luke.html">25</a>) has been on the disabled list with a strained groin since May 11th, but he will hopefully return to the Red Wings lineup at some point this month.... June is typically a very active month when it comes to player movement, and while none of the current Triple-A guys really threaten to be "Super-2"-type players, the Twins may call up Slama or Waldrop if they find a spot open in their bullpen or Valencia or Plouffe if they find a spot open in their infield... Also, make sure to watch <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ben Revere</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-ben.html">4</a>) in Double-A, who could surprise people with a promotion.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-40299349521566953222010-06-01T19:29:00.001-05:002010-06-01T19:30:05.359-05:00Twins Minor League Month in Review: New Britain Rock Cats - May<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.rockcats.com/">New Britain Rock Cats</a> (14-36, 6th (last) in Easter</strong><strong>n League Eastern Division)</strong><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9vuYJliMqI/AAAAAAAAAnM/rv8H8xWa6Rk/s1600/New+Britain+Rock+Cats+Logo2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9vuYJliMqI/AAAAAAAAAnM/rv8H8xWa6Rk/s400/New+Britain+Rock+Cats+Logo2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466224671401849506" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size: 100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Team Leaders - Hitters Team Leaders - Pitchers </span><br /></pre></span><pre><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Hits: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=459434"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=519184">Ben Revere</a> <span style="font-size: 100%;">- 57 Wins: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=502043">Kyle Gibson</a> - 3<br /></span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Avg: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=459434"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=519184">Ben Revere</a> <span style="font-size: 100%;">- .315</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> ERA:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=488735"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=502043">Kyle Gibson</a> - 1.37<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"> OPS: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=476058">Erik Lis</a> - .812 IP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=518999">Mike McCardell</a> - 57.67<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"> HR: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=502035">Steve Singleton</a> - 4 K:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=493555">Carlos Gutierrez</a> - 40<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"> RBI: R<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=459434">ene Tosoni</a> - 21 Saves:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=519157">Chris Province</a> - 4<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"> SB: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=519184">Ben Revere</a> - 18 WHIP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=456487">M. Williams</a>/<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=502043">K. Gibson</a> - 0.95<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"></span><br /></pre>New Britain continued to struggle in May, with little improved from April. After winning only 25% of their games in April, they finished May with a 30% win percentage. The starting pitching continued to do well while the bullpen continues to struggle. The offense, however did make a big improvement, scoring 1.5 more runs per game.<br /><br />The offensive leader of the month was without doubt <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ben Revere</span>. Revere hit .274/.361/.306 through 62 at-bats in April, but hit .336/.412/.429 in 119 May at-bats. He hit eight extra-base hits, including his first Double-A home run and walked almost twice as many times as he struck out. He also stole 12 bases, giving him 18 on the season, which is good for second most in the Eastern League.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steve Singleton</span> also had a great month, hitting .313/.355/.509 with 14 extra-base hits in 112 at-bats. He continues to struggle against left-handed pitching and with runners on-base, but Singleton is a solid all-around player who will get everything to click eventually. He probably won't be able to follow the "trend" of being promoted mid-season, like he's done since 2008, but it won't be because of poor play.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yangervis Solarte</span> was promoted to New Britain on May 12th. Since his promotion, Solarte has hit .312/316/.494 with eight extra-base hits. Solarte was the only consistent hitter in Ft. Myers, so with New Britain's offensive struggles, the Miracle lost their offensive leader. The Rock Cats have won eight of 19 games since Solarte's promotion. He doesn't have a set defensive position, but his bat is too good right now to keep out of the lineup. The Rock Cats will continue to find a place for Solarte as long as he continues to hit.<br /><br />After getting off to a great start, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rene Tosoni</span> struggled a bit in May. A shoulder injury has summoned Tosoni to full time DH duties, which may be effecting him a little. Tosoni's numbers in May weren't horrible, but they were down from April. He hit eight extra-base hits and walked 17 times in May, but his OPS dropped .134 points. His shoulder injury has prevented him from being called-up to Triple-A Rochester, and until he's able to play the field, he'll remain in New Britain.<br /><br />The starters, as a collective unit, wasn't as good as their numbers suggest. Yes, they had a collective 3.97 ERA. But it weren't for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Gibson</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Carlos Gutierrez</span>, that 3.97 ERA becomes a 5.21 ERA.<br /><br />Gibson made four starts for the Rock Cats and despite moving up a level, his numbers were even better than they were in Advanced-A. Gibson was 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA and a 42/13 GB/FB ratio. He struggled in his last start, but he still went five innings and gave up only two runs. He's one of the hottest pitchers in the Minor Leagues right now, but he probably won't be moving through the system as quickly as people would think. The Twins have made it known that they will be careful with Gibson this year, as he's just a year removed from a stress fracture in his right forearm. Gibson may be in New Britain for a while, but I still wouldn't be surprised to see him in Triple-A Rochester before the year is done.<br /><br />Carlos Gutierrez had a great month, posting a 2-2 record and a 2.15 ERA. He struck out 24 batters, walked 13 and had a 2.95 GB/FB ratio. I still think Gutierrez's future is as a closer, but he'll remain in the rotation as long as he's pitching like this. He has now appeared in 32 games with New Britain (half as a starter), and he has a 4.87 ERA.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler Robertson</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">David Bromberg</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael McCardell </span>all struggled in May. Robertson made six starts on the month, one of which came for Triple-A Rochester, and was 0-5 with a 5.93 ERA. On a bright note, he did have a 48/13 GB/FB ratio on the month, He has only made it through five innings two times and continues to walk too many batters. After four April starts, David Bromberg looked to be on cruise control. But when May came, Bromberg lost all control of his pitches and started becoming very hittable. He finished May 1-3 with a 6.15 ERA. McCardell, has made 10 starts on the season and still hasn't won a game. But not all of the blame cane be placed on him. In each of McCardell's five May starts, the bullpen gave up an inherited runner. Also, three of the team's seven blown saves came when McCardell had started. Still, all three of these pitchers need to turn things around quickly, which can hopefully salvage the season from being a complete embarrassment.<br /><br />The Achilles Heal for the Rock Cats this season has been the bullpen. After a 6.04 ERA in April, the Rock Cats pen had a 5.44 ERA in May. The unit blew seven saves in 10 opportunities and had a 3-7 record. They have allowed 33% of their inherited runners to score, but there were only nine games in which they didn't inherit a runner in the first place.<br /><br />The biggest turnaround came from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Province</span>, who lowered his ERA to 6.23 after having a 10.03 ERA following April. He was 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA and two saves in 13 appearances. Joe Testa also made an improvement, but he still had a disappointing month. His 5.17 ERA in May helped lower his season ERA to 8.22.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Williams </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Loek Van Mil</span> were promoted from Ft. Myers, but neither have been lights out. Williams was 1-1 with a 3.95 ERA in 10 appearances for the Rock Cats. Van Mil only appeared in two games, and hasn't pitched since May 22nd.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spencer Steedley</span>, the Rock Cats best reliever, went on the disabled list with a forearm strain. He has been out since May 5th and there's no timetable for his return. The Rock Cats desperately need to revamp their relief corps, and getting Steedley back soon would definitely help.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's Next?:</span> June is typically a very busy month for promotions, and I do expect both <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Benson</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-11-joe.html">11</a>) or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Parmelee</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-13-chris.html">13</a>) to return to New Britain at some point...The Rock Cats don't have a terribly difficult schedule in June, but they do face the Altoona Curve six times and the Trenton Thunder four times. The Curve lead the Eastern League West and the Trenton Thunder are second in the Eastern League East.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-35450823434310883432010-06-01T16:30:00.002-05:002010-06-01T16:34:56.738-05:00Twins Minor League Month in Review: Ft. Myers Miracle - May<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.miraclebaseball.com/">Ft. Myers Miracle</a> (21-29, 5th in the Florida State League - South</strong><strong>)</strong><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9xRoH4oyYI/AAAAAAAAAnU/lsEwGaRO3c0/s1600/Beloit+Snappers+Logo2.gif"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yJzKqA6PI/AAAAAAAAAnc/8WvXRm7Pmps/s1600/Fort+Myers+Miracle+Logo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 260px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yJzKqA6PI/AAAAAAAAAnc/8WvXRm7Pmps/s400/Fort+Myers+Miracle+Logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466395559847848178" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Team Leaders - Hitters Team Leaders - Pitchers </span><br /></pre></span><pre><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hits: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=542934">Evan Bigley</a> - 40 Wins: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=476965">Michael Tarsi</a> - 3<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Avg: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=476633">Chris Parmelee</a> - .340 ERA:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=543427">Bobby Lanigan</a> - 2.67<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> OPS: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=501994">Joe Benson</a> - .925 IP: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521232"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502043"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=476965">Michael Tarsi</a> - 52<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> HR: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=501994">Joe Benson</a> - </span><span style="font-size:100%;">4 K:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=543670">Bruce Pugh</a> - 47<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> RBI: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=466480">Deibinson Romero</a> - 40 Saves:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502169">Billy Bullock</a> - 8<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> SB: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t509&t=p_pbp&pid=444557">Estarlin De Los Santos</a> - 4 WHIP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=543427">Bobby Lanigan</a> - 0.99<br /><br /></pre>After winning just 38% of their games in April, the Ft. Myers Miracle improved in May to win 45% of their games. 7% isn't a lot, but it is improvement. What changed the most? The offense. After scoring just 2.9 runs per-game in April, the Miracle lineup scored 4.07 runs per-game in May. But while the lineup finally started to hit its stride, the starting pitching started to struggle.<br /><br />Consensus top pitching prospect <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Gibson</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-5-kyle.html">5</a>) made just one May start for the Miracle before being promoted to Double-A New Britain. The Miracle replaced Gibson with <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dan Osterbrock</span>, which was thought to be a suitable replacement. Unfortunately, Osterbrock's success in the Midwest League hasn't been duplicated in the Florida State League, as he has had problems with consistency. Through five starts, three have been successful while two have not. He's struggled when runners have been on base, but hopefully he will turn it around in June.<br /><br />But while Gibson's departure has hurt the Miracle, it wasn't the biggest blow the team suffered. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bobby Lanigan</span>, who was arguably the best pitcher in the FSL in April, suffered an injury and hasn't pitched since May 6th. He's hoping to return in early June. But his injury allowed the Miracle to call up Beloit's ace, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Liam Hendriks</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-42-liam.html">42</a>). The right-handed Aussie has continued his 2010 campaign in Ft. Myers and is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in four starts for the Miracle. With the exception of one start, Hendriks has been impeccable on the mound. If taking his one poor start out, Hendriks is 2-0 with a 1.39 ERA, a 19/2 K/BB ratio, a 21/14 GB/FB ratio and a .169 BAA. Hendriks has sky-rocketed up prospect charts and is someone Twins fans should become familiar with.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bruce Pugh</span> also went down with an elbow injury after making three May starts. He had a 1.89 ERA and 24/5 K/BB ratio in 19 innings. He will hopefully be back in early June.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Tarsi</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adrian Salcedo</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-10-adrian.html">10</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blake Martin</span> combine made 11 starts and the three accounted for six loses and a combined 6.11 ERA. Tarsi's stats are a little deceiving, considering that he's really only had two horrible starts out of his last seven. In those two starts, Tarsi has given up 12 earned runs in 10 innings, raising his season ERA to 4.85. Salcedo was promoted from Extended Spring Training to make a few spot starts before eventually heading to the Appalachian Rookie League or Midwest League. Martin has been placed back in the bullpen after giving up 12 runs in 12 1/3 innings of work.<br /><br />While the starting rotation struggled, the bullpen has officially turned things around after a rough start to the season. The unit finished May with a 2.94 ERA in 104 innings. They converted 10 of 12 saves and allowed only 29% of their inherited runners to score.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tony Davis</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrei Lobanov</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-31-andrei.html">31</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Billy Bullock</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-20-billy.html">20</a>) were the stars of the bullpen in May. Davis gave up only four earned runs in 16 1/3 innings. After struggling with his control in April, he had a 16/7 K/BB ratio in May, giving him 19 strikeouts and 16 walks on the season. Lobanov continues to show impressive control and has walked only three batters in 11 1/3 innings. The Russian native was 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA and 10 strikeouts in May. At this pace, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lobanov extend his stay in the Florida State League, despite being only 20-years-old. Between April and May, Bullock looked like a completely different pitcher. The 2009 2nd round pick gave up only one run in 16 May innings, striking out 23 and recording five saves over that same span. Bullock's turnaround caught the eye of the Florida State League and he was one of four Miracle players selected to the FSL All-Star Game.<br /><br />As noted above, the offense also turned things around in May. The return of 2009 Miracle mashers <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Benson</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-11-joe.html">11</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Parmelee</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-13-chris.html">13</a>) has helped the Miracle score an average of 4.29 runs per game since their return.<br /><br />Benson's demotion to Ft. Myers caused an uproar throughout Twins Territory, but the 22-year-old Benson is not going to finish the season in the Florida State League, so Twins fans need to remain patient. Since his demotion, Benson is hitting .263/.364/.561 with four home runs and four stolen bases. Benson now has nine home runs on the season, which leads the Twins Minor League system.<br /><br />Parmelee's demotion was more warranted (than Benson's), but he's making more of his demotion than his teammate is. A 1st round pick in 2006, Parmelee has always shown outstanding power with a lack of knowledge of the strikezone. But in his demotion, Parmelee has struck out as many times as he's walked, all while having a .491 slugging percentage. If Parmelee continues to hit the way he is, he'll be back in New Britain sooner rather than later.<br /><br />Shortstop <span style="font-weight: bold;">Estarlin De Los Santos</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-40-estarlin.html">40</a>) joined Benson and Parmelee in Ft. Myers following his demotion, but got off to a very slow start. The defensively-gifted De Los Santos committed 10 errors in New Britain and has committed four in Ft. Myers. His glove has never been a question, however his arm has been subpar to say the least. He's continually bounced balls to first base and, which has resulted in three throwing errors for the Miracle.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Dozier</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-44-brian.html">44</a>) was called up after <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ramon Santana</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-39-ramon.html">39</a>) landed on the disabled list, and he's handled the promotion well. Through 30 at-bats, Dozier has nine hits (two doubles) and a 9/5 BB/K ratio.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Herrmann</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-41-chris.html">41</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Evan Bigley</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-47-evan.html">47</a>) continue to struggle, but the two took part in 28% of the runs scored, by either being the runs scored or driving in the run. Both have potential to be solid players, so hopefully they'll turn things on in June.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's Next?: </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shooter Hunt</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-48-shooter.html">48</a>) made his first start of the season on May 30th. The Miracle have been trying to ease him back into a starting pitcher, but he may be best suited as a reliever right now... The Miracle have an extremely difficult schedule in June. They will play host to both division leaders, both of the second place teams and a third place team.... <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Hicks</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-1-aaron.html">1</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angel Morales</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-6-angel.html">2</a>) aren't knocking the stuffing out of the ball in Beloit, but if Benson and Parmelee get promoted to New Britain, I'd expect both of Hicks and Morales to take their place in Ft. Myers....Twins reliever <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pat Neshek</span> will begin a rehab assignment in Ft. Myers beginning June 2nd.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-62576010920426410812010-06-01T06:30:00.007-05:002010-06-01T06:51:31.191-05:00Twins Minor League Month in Review: Beloit Snappers - May<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t554">Beloit Snappers</a> (26-25, 5th in Midwest League Western Division</strong><strong>)</strong><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9vuYJliMqI/AAAAAAAAAnM/rv8H8xWa6Rk/s1600/New+Britain+Rock+Cats+Logo2.gif"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9xRoH4oyYI/AAAAAAAAAnU/lsEwGaRO3c0/s1600/Beloit+Snappers+Logo2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 260px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9xRoH4oyYI/AAAAAAAAAnU/lsEwGaRO3c0/s400/Beloit+Snappers+Logo2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466333797474158978" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Team Leaders - Hitters Team Leaders - Pitchers </span><br /></pre></span><pre><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hits: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=572821"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=543305">Aaron Hicks</a> <span style="font-size:100%;">- 44 Wins: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521232">Tom Stuifbergen</a> - 4<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Avg: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=501013">Anderson Hidalgo</a> - .316 ERA:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521230"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></a><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521232">Tom Stuifbergen</a> - 1.09<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> OPS: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=543305">Aaron Hicks</a> - .793 IP: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=500888">Miguel Munoz</a> - 49.67<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> HR: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=543231">Michael Gonzalez</a>/</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=572989">Steven Liddle</a></span> - 5<span style="font-size:100%;"> K:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=500888">Miguel Munoz</a> - 43<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> RBI: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=519044">Angel Morales</a> - 23 Saves:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=542948">S. Blevins</a>/<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=572927">K. Holbrooks</a> - 6<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> SB: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=519044">Angel Morales</a> - 14 WHIP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521230">Liam Hendriks</a> - 1.06<br /><br /></pre><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(These stats are based on players being on the active roster only)</span><br /></div><br />After getting off to a great start to the season, the Snappers found themselves at the top of the standings in the Midwest League Western Division. They were off to a 13-8 record and they were really playing well until a few promotions left the Snappers with a makeshift rotation. The thriving 2010 Beloit Snappers quickly turned back into the embarrassing 2009 Beloit Snappers, a team which finished with the second worst record in the Midwest League.<br /><br />Upon first glance, it's easy to point fingers at the offense. After all, the Snappers offense ranks last in the Midwest League West in runs scored with 96 (an average of 3.84 runs per game). That number didn't change much as Beloit averaged 3.45 runs through the 31 games the team played in May. But what did change was that the pitching staff was giving up a lot more runs.<br /><br />After giving up only 2.38 runs per game in April, the starters gave up 4.33 runs per game in May. Allowing two runs more per game will cripple any team, especially with this offense. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dan Osterbrock</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Liam Hendriks </span><span>(#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-42-liam.html">42</a>)</span>, the Snappers two best pitchers, were both promoted to Advanced-A Fort Myers in early May. Neither of their spots in the rotation have been adequately replaced, despite the promotions of top prospects <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Tonkin</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-32-michael.html">30</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">B.J. Hermsen</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-12-bj.html">12</a>)<br /><br />The 13-foot, 1-inch Tower of Tonkin and Hermsen has struggled to find consistency. Each has made four starts, one of which was good. Both Tonkin and Hermsen had 7 innings gems in which they didn't allow a run or a walk. But taking in account that both of these pitchers are a year younger than the league average, their combined 4.09 ERA in 40 innings looks pretty darn good. Their height gives them an advantage on the mound, and that advantage is that they're able to induce a good amount of ground-ball outs. The two have a combined 1.45 GB/FB ratio.<br /><br />One player the Snappers expected were counting on was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Munoz</span>. The 6'2'' right-hander from Venezuela was 0-0 with a 2.75 in four April starts. But in May, Munoz was 1-4 with a 6.30 ERA in six starts. Another player the Snappers were counting on was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tom Stuifbergen</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-29-tom.html">29</a>). Stuifbergen was 4-0 with a 1.09 ERA in six appearances (five starts) until he strained his elbow after making just one start in May. He missed the remainder of the month, but thankfully he is now set to return after making an appearance as a reliever on May 27th. Stuifbergen is the Snappers best bet at replacing Hendriks.<br /><br />While the rotation tries to find itself again, the bullpen continues to remain consistent. The bullpen had a 3.55 ERA through 109 May innings, lowering the units' season ERA to 3.67.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eliecer Cardenas</span> was recalled from Extended Spring Training on May 7th, and the 22-year-old right-hander has done a great job in his first month in the MWL. He is 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA in 15 2/3 innings. He has a "live arm" with a lot of movement on all of his pitches, so it's not surprise that he's walked eight batters. But on the plus side of that, he's struck out 18.<br /><br />After not allowing a run in April, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kane Holbrooks</span> started turning the heads of many Minor League fans. And he continued his consistency in May, posting a 2.16 ERA in 16 2/3 innings. Holbrooks allowed four runs, three of which came off of two home runs. He struck out 27 batters while only walking four, to give him a 41/7 K/BB ratio on the season. He also has been able to induce a lot of ground-ball outs thanks to a great repertoire consisting of a fastball, slider and change-up. He has only been pitching since 2008, so he's still a work in progress. But so far, so good.<br /><br />Offensively, the Snappers saw a lot of slumping hitters in the month of May. With the exception of a couple batters, everyone saw their offensive production drop significantly.<br /><br />The offense relies heavily on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Hicks</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-1-aaron.html">1</a>), and unfortunately, May was a month he'd like to forget. The 2008 first-round pick hit .214/.321/.313 in 112 at-bats. The one-time patient Hicks struck out twice as many times as he walked, putting him on pace for 138 strikeouts through 450 at-bats. At the same time, he'd also walk 83 times in that span. In April, Hicks hit three home runs in half as many at-bats that it took him to hit one in May. His 2009 stats and 2010 stats are eerily similar, so hopefully Hicks takes a step forward in June.<br /><br />The only consistent offensive player the Snappers have had this season is<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Anderson Hidalgo</span>. Hidalgo isn't a player a lot of Twins fans may not know, but he might be someone worth paying attention to. Since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2006, Hidalgo has hit consistently at each level he has played, and 2010 is no exception. Hidalgo hit .317/.349/.475 in May with 14 extra-base hits. With 13 doubles in May, he is now one behind the league lead of 16.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Short Hops: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSpwtqKzFk4">Since getting hit on the head</a> on May 22nd, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angel Morales</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-6-angel.html">6</a>) is hitting .296/.367/.556 with a double and three triples.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">James Beresford</span> isn't considered an offensively-gifted player, most of his value comes from his outstanding defense and other intangibles that don't show up on stat sheets. However in May, Beresford hit .291/.345/.345 with five extra-base hits. Those numbers aren't anything to write home about, but it speaks volumes of how bad the Snappers offense actually was in May.<br /><br />Since I went to Beloit, I figured it'd be appropriate that I provided some kind of recap/thoughts from my trip (<span style="font-weight: bold;">NOTE:</span> Remember, I only saw two games, so a lot of this is based on knee-jerk reactions. But with that said, I feel very comfortable with everything I'm about to say. But take it however you'd like):<br /><br /><ul><li>I feel <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seth Stohs</span> summed up Beloit (as a city) pretty well <a href="http://talkintwinsbb.wordpress.com/2010/05/22/live-from-beloit-its/">here</a> and <a href="http://talkintwinsbb.wordpress.com/2010/05/24/day-2-in-beloit/">here</a>, so I won't really add anything else to that except that Chicago is only a couple hours away, so maybe try to get there (or even Milwaukee) during a long downtime. While Beloit's not a podunk town, it's not titillating either.<br /></li><li>Seth and I share the same opinions on a lot of players, however I feel I should emphasize some of the things he said in case you didn't read it.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Hicks</span> is very quick and has a great arm, those things are immediately clear to anyone. He stands over the plate and has a very quick swing, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fAfws4t1z0">which he shows in this video</a>:</li></ul><br /><center><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7fAfws4t1z0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7fAfws4t1z0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center><br /><ul><li>He took a few bad routes to balls, but he looks to be able to handle both center and right field effectively. He needs to improve on his base-stealing ability. Overall, I was impressed with him, but he has a lot of work to do.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Angel Morales</span> has a very nice swing and just missed on a few breaking pitches. He also is fast out of the box and has a good arm. Despite having a problem with strikeouts over his career, he didn't look inept against breaking pitches. As mentioned, he fouled a few of them off and just missed on several.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Danny Rams'</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-22-danny.html">22</a>) power impressed me, especially his opposite field power. He took a few pitches to right field, and the balls kept carrying. Even on Saturday when the wind was blowing to left center. Against breaking pitches though, unfortunately he looked absolutely lost. In his last at-bat that I saw, he struck out on a slider that bounced in the left-handed batters box.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reggie Williams</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-46-reggie.html">46</a>) looks pretty raw both offensively and defensively, but there's clearly potential. He made a few nice plays at third plays and a few plays that made me uneasy, but overall he held his ground. I'd think that his best defensive positions would either be second base or left field. He doesn't throw very hard, but he does have accuracy from third to first. He also has a very quick swing and he drove the ball several times.<br /></li><li>As Seth mentioned, <span style="font-weight: bold;">James Beresford</span> was the most impressive player, hands down. He has a good approach at the plate and takes a lot of pitches. He hit the ball hard, but it doesn't travel very far, and he'd probably benefit from a two-handed follow-through. Defensively, there's no question about his ability. If the ball is hit to him, he will get to it. He also is a leader on the field and was apart of every pitcher-catcher conference on the mound. His intangibles are impeccable and I think that he's more than ready for a promotion.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Tonkin</span> threw his fastball a lot, and he left a lot of his pitches up. Surprisingly, he doesn't look 6'7'' on the mound, but off of it, there's no question (not sure if that means anything, just something I observed. Could be because signs in the background). He has a lot of things to work on.<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Edgar Ibarra</span> was probably the most impressive pitcher I saw. It might be because I didn't have high expectations before seeing him play, but he certainly knows how to pitch. He has good control of his pitches, despite (surprisingly) walking a lot of batters, and his delivery is very smooth. His stat line for the game looked bad, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eliecer Cardenas</span> gave up three inherited runners when he came into the game. He doesn't overpower anyone, but he has good movement on his pitches.<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Hops:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Daniel Santana</span> doesn't belong in the MWL, but he does have a rocket arm. He's also my size, when I was in 7th grade.<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Hops:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Dozier</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-44-brian.html">44</a>) is a singles-hitter who looks like <span style="font-weight: bold;">J.J. Hardy</span> on the basepaths.<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Hops:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael Gonzalez</span> has a very, very long swing. Which is why he's an all or nothing hitter.<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Hops</span>: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dakota Watts</span> throws gas.<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Hops:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eliecer Cardenas</span> has a lot of movement on all of his pitches.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Hops:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tobias Streich</span> is frustrating to watch at the plate and doesn't have a strong throwing arm.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Hops:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Josmil Pinto</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-27-josmil.html">27</a>) can sting the ball. </li><li>As for the field? It's pretty bad. I wasn't expecting much, but the infield was very bouncy and balls took a lot of weird hops. The complex as a whole is alright, but they definitely need a new field.<br /></li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's Next?: </span>The Snappers will play four series against the Midwest League East before facing the Midwest League Western division leaders Cedar Rapids in the middle of the month. They will then play six games against the Clinton LumberKings (separated by the MWL All-Star Game) before heading home to face the Cedar Rapids Kernals again....<span style="font-weight: bold;">Tom Stuifbergen</span> will make his return to the Snappers rotation on June 1st against Lake County....With the short-season Rookie Leagues starting this month, several players may be sent to either Elizabethton, TN to play in the Appalachian Rookie League or to Fort Myers, FL to play in the Gulf Coast League.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-81274586178454856922010-05-24T10:29:00.005-05:002010-05-24T10:31:24.964-05:00Angel Morales videoAs both <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.sethspeaks.net/">Seth Stohs</a> and I mentioned, we went to Beloit over the weekend to watch the Snappers. I don't have a lot of time to post my thoughts right now, but here is a video I took of Angel Morales getting hit in the head by a fastball.<br /><br />Looks pretty bad, but hopefully he'll be back soon (he was out of the lineup on Sunday).<br /><br /><center><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PSpwtqKzFk4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PSpwtqKzFk4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-77991067326435027532010-05-20T01:08:00.005-05:002010-05-20T01:49:41.736-05:00Minor League News and NotesWhile I was about to write a Twins news/notes piece, <a href="http://twitter.com/aarongleeman/status/14327696229">I saw that</a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Gleeman</span> was working on his. I haven't been writing a lot recently, so I didn't want my "return" to be more meaningless than it already would be, so I figured I would go with a Minor League News and Notes. Hopefully you enjoy!<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>When the Twins drafted <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Herrmann</span> (<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-41-chris.html">No. 41</a>) they knew he was versatile enough to play in both the outfield and behind the plate. And so far this season, he's played in 30 games: 10 at catcher, 10 games in center field, nine games in left field, and one at DH. He has two errors, one in left field and one behind the plate, as well as a passed ball. All-around, he's been solid defensively.<br /><br />Here are how his offensive numbers look (based on the position he is playing):<br /><blockquote>DH: 1-for-4 (.250/.250/.250) with a strikeout (no walks).<br />C: 7-for-39 (.179/.220/.256) with a home run and 10 strikeouts (no walks).<br />CF: 11-for-39 (.282/.317/.385) with four doubles, nine strikeouts and two walks.<br />LF: 11-for-31 (.355/.400/.516) with five doubles, six strikeouts and three walks (with a sac-fly)</blockquote><br />I'm not sure exactly where I'm going with this, but I figured it was interesting to note. Another thing that is hard to ignore are his home/road splits.<br /><blockquote>Home: 20-for-56 (.357/.413/.518) with six doubles, a home run, 12/5 K/BB ratio and two stolen bases.<br />Away: 10-for-57 (.175/.230/.228) with three doubles, 13/3 K/BB ratio and a caught stealing.</blockquote><br />When talking with Herrmann, he makes it clear that he doesn't care where he plays, despite acknowledging that there is a big offensive difference.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>Third baseman <span style="font-weight: bold;">Danny Valencia</span> (<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-7-danny.html">No. 7</a>) recently ended a 20-game hit streak for the Rochester Red Wings. Over the streak he hit (33/85) .388/.409/.518 with 11 doubles. Why was his on-base percentage only .409? Because he walked just two times over that stretch. To put it in perspective, over 500 at-bats, that would be about 12 walks.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>Right-handed starter <span style="font-weight: bold;">Adrian Salcedo</span> (<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-10-adrian.html">No. 10</a>) was called up from Extended Spring Training to take Bruce Pugh's place in the Ft. Myers Miracle rotation. He made his first start on Wednesday and gave up five runs on six hits over four innings. However, taking into perspective that he's 19-years-old (the average age for pitchers in the Florida State League is 23) and that he threw 43 of his 57 pitches for strikes (75%), it's very impressive. Salcedo has a mid-90's fastball that he threw a lot. He also has a very good change-up that he has good command of. His curveball and slider still need work, but both have good break.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>Speaking of Pugh, he was placed on the seven day disabled list with an elbow injury (sorry, that's as much as I've heard). It's not considered serious and according to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Alex Margulies</span> (the Miracle radio announcer), he will likely miss two or three starts before returning. All of this is coming after Pugh was named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week from May 10-16. In his lone start over that time, Pugh threw seven innings of one-hit ball against the Bradenton Marauders. He walked one and struck out 10 in the no-decision.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>Since returning to the FSL, outfielder <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Benson</span> (<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-11-joe.html">No. 11</a>) has three hits in three game, two of which went for extra-bases. He also has walked twice and stolen two bases. Like <a href="http://twitter.com/joebronk/status/14181073172">so</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/OverTheBaggy/status/14179531203">many</a> <a href="http://talkintwinsbb.wordpress.com/2010/05/18/call-me-perplexed/">others</a>, I'm very confused as to why he was demoted.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>The Rochester Red Wings have had the unlucky task of facing the two most hyped minor league pitchers of year. Last Friday, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aroldis Chapman</span> and the Louisville Bats came to Rochester to face the Red Wings, who had just lost six of their last seven contests. The Red Wings were ready and a three-run home run by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trevor Plouffe</span> (<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-24-trevor.html">No. 24</a>) knocked Chapman out of the game in the fourth inning. His final line was 3 1/3 innings, 9 hits, 8 runs, 3 walks and 5 strikeouts.<br /><br />Then yesterday, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Stephen Strasburg</span> brought his 0.00 ERA (through two starts) to Rochester. Unfortunately, things didn't go as well this time and the Syracuse Chiefs beat the Red Wings 5-1. Strasburg went six innings and extended his scoreless inning streak to 21 2/3 innings between Triple-A and Double-A.<br /><br />Regardless, both of these starts helped put a lot more fans in the seats, which was great for the city of Rochester and the Red Wings.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>After a very strong finish to the month of April, outfielder <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Hicks</span> (<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-1-aaron.html">No. 1</a>) has been ice cold in the month of May. Over his last 16 games, Hicks is hitting .196/.282/.213 with one double and a 23/8 K/BB ratio. Overall, Hicks is batting .259/.380/.378 with seven doubles, three home runs and 27 walks in 135 at-bats.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>During their most recent <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/twins-minor-league-weekly/2010/05/19/twins-minor-league-weekly">Twins Minor League Weekly</a> podcast, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seth Stohs</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Travis Aune</span> discussed their Top Five Twins Prospects up to this point of the season. For those of you that have read this site over the last couple of years, it's no secret that I love ranking Minor League prospects. So I figured I'd give mine:<br /><br />1. Aaron Hicks, OF<br />2. Kyle Gibson, RHP<br />3. Wilson Ramos, C<br />4. Miguel Sano, SS<br />5. Angel Morales, OF<br /><br />Make sure to listen to the show to see who Seth and Travis in their top five.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>Make sure to check out <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seth Stohs</span> latest latest <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/sethspeaks/2010/05/17/sethspeaksnet-weekly-minnesota-twins-podcast">SethSpeaks.net Weekly Minnesota Twins Podcast</a>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Topper Anton</span> of <a href="http://curveforastrike.blogspot.com/">Curve For A Strike</a> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Collette</span> of <a href="http://dockoftherays.com/">Dock of the Rays</a> are on before me. Make sure to check that out. <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WARNING: </span>Save yourself some brain cells and turn it off at the 58 minute mark. That is when the wheels fall off and I start blabbing about things that don't make sense. And sorry for mumbling. Part of it is my phone, but I do mumble when I speak.<br /><br />And speaking of Seth, he and I are hoping to go to Beloit this weekend to check out the Snappers as they face the Cedar Rapids Kernals. The Kernals trail the Snappers by 1.5 games in the Midwest League - Western Division.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And finally, the Twins Centric crew hosted their latest viewing party last Saturday. I </span></span></span></span></span>was fortunate enough to go and it was a blast. I got to meet a few people and converse with those I've already met. I'd list names, but I'm sure that I'd miss a few so I won't even begin. But all-in-all, it's a great experience and I hope you consider going to the next one. And for a little more persuasion, check out what <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eric Johnson</span> <a href="http://undomed.blogspot.com/2010/05/week-six-random-thoughts.html">had to say</a>.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-1400180772350946962010-05-12T01:07:00.004-05:002010-05-12T01:22:37.032-05:00Delmon Young Day - - Staying away from numbersThree months ago, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Andrew Kneeland</span> of <a href="http://www.twinstarget.com/">Twins Target</a> proposed that Twins bloggers take part in "<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/nick-punto-day.html">Nick Punto Day</a>." It was a day that turned into a big success, with a countless number of bloggers writing their thoughts on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nick Punto</span>. So now, three months later, we have another day designated to another controversial player.<br /><br />So without further adieu, here are my thoughts on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Delmon Young</span>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">(Warning: Most (ok, all) of what you're about to read is is scatterbrained.) </span><br /></div><br />When the Twins acquired Young, <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2007/11/young-dealt-to-twins.html">I was ecstatic</a>. On top of having enormous potential, he was one of my favorite players in baseball. Before going ahead, I'll explain why I liked him so much. You see, I have a personal vendetta against all umpires and when he did this, I couldn't help but fall in love with him:<br /><br /><center><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wCX_XlRYYDo&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wCX_XlRYYDo&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center><br /><br />I'm kidding of course. In all honesty, the (then) Devil Rays were my second favorite team in baseball. Was it due to their propensity for being one of the worst teams in baseball? A little. Who doesn't like the underdog? But it mostly stemmed from my love of Minor Leagues Baseball. The Rays were then (and now) known for an excellent farm system, so naturally, I followed them very closely.<br /><br />Young was drafted with the first pick in the 2003 draft out of Camarillo High School (CA). He was immediately compared to the likes of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Albert Belle</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gary Sheffield, </span>so when he flew the Rays farm system, those comparisons looked began looking legitimate.<br /><br />But besides enormous talent, what do both Belle and Sheffield have in common? They both have attitudes and are often seen as angry men. And unfortunately, neither of those were lost in Young. He was upset when he wasn't called-up to the Majors as a 19-year-old in 2005. And as it turns out, he was even more upset that he spent most of the 2006 season in the Minor Leagues (thanks in most part to his bat-throwing incident).<br /><br />He was an undisciplined, immature kid both on and off the field, which the Rays had no answer for. They allowed him to walk all over the organization, letting him spout off to teammates and management whenever he felt like it. But what were they to do? He was the future of their team. But I can't fault the organization for giving up on him, instead I fault Young.<br /><br />We all live and learn and I'm sure Young (if he could) would change a lot of things about his past. He knows he messed up, but all he can do now is try and move forward. But unfortunately, he hasn't been able to get over the hump.<br /><br />While breezing through the Minor Leagues, Young didn't learn a lot of the fundamentals that makes a good baseball player. He was fed a heavy-dose of fastballs, and never learned how to hit a breaking ball. He's since had to learn how to hit sliders and curveballs at the highest level. This has been an ongoing struggle for Young, but he has made steady improvements in both areas. He also had to learn how to be a professional off the field, which has been perhaps his biggest challenge throughout his career.<br /><br />He has always had problems fitting in with members of the clubhouse, but that looks to be changing. Twins manager <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ron Gardenhire</span> <a href="http://www.startribune.com/yourvoices/86208752.html">said in Spring Training</a> that some of Young's past struggles have helped make him into a great teammate. He put in a lot of work in the off-season and lost almost 30 pounds. I'm sure that has done a great deal of good to his self-esteem.<br /><br />I still like Young. In fact, I probably like him more than most people. I admire the fact that he's been through a lot and that he's putting in the effort to try and ensure that his future is brighter than his past. But he still has a lot of work to do and unfortunately, he may never reach the potential he once had. But that's alright. Although we sometimes act like it's more, baseball is only a game and if Young continues to improve as a human, he'll be a winner.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-45489089427747765852010-05-11T11:55:00.001-05:002010-05-11T12:05:28.629-05:00TwitterI've been trying to post more on Twitter, so if you just can't get enough of me, you can find me there. I should be back tomorrow for Delmon Young Day, so check back soon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">@<a href="http://twitter.com/JoshsThoughts">JoshsThoughts</a></span><br /></div>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-44135870478578521072010-05-01T18:49:00.001-05:002010-05-01T18:53:50.045-05:00Minor League Month in Review: Rochester Red Wings - April<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t534">Rochester Red Wings</a> (9-13, tied for last in the Florida State League - North</strong><strong>)</strong><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yJzKqA6PI/AAAAAAAAAnc/8WvXRm7Pmps/s1600/Fort+Myers+Miracle+Logo.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yjsfbulQI/AAAAAAAAAnk/UauswocR8ss/s1600/Rochester+Red+Wings+Logo2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 260px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yjsfbulQI/AAAAAAAAAnk/UauswocR8ss/s400/Rochester+Red+Wings+Logo2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466424032468309250" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Team Leaders - Hitters Team Leaders - Pitchers </span><br /></pre></span><pre><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hits: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=501920">Brian Dinkelman</a> - 24 Wins: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=503438">Rob Delaney</a> - 3<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Avg: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=434705">Jason Repko</a> - .345 ERA:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=453249">Jeff Manship</a> - 3.48<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> OPS: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=502230">Dustin Martin</a> - 1.004 IP: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=457729">Ryan Mullins</a> </span>- 26.33<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> HR: </span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=502230">Dustin Martin</a> - 4</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> K:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502043"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></a><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=457729">Ryan Mullins</a></span></span>/<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=460104">Anthony Slama</a> - 19<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> RBI: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=458711"><span><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></span></span></a><span><span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=502230">Dustin Martin</a> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;">- 17 Saves:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=460104">Anthony Slama</a> - 5<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> SB: 3 - tied with 2 WHIP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=543427"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t534&t=p_pbp&pid=457729">Ryan Mullins</a> </span>- 1.18<br /><br /></pre>A lot of excitement surrounded the Rochester Red Wings, but like in past years, the potential and the production haven't matched. The Red Wings have seven players that appeared in my top 50 prospect list including two players in the top seven. Unfortunately, a mixture of poor pitching and a lack of offensive production have the Red Wings at the bottom of the division.<br /><br />The rotation was supposed to be anchored by a fleet of pitchers with Major League experience including <span style="font-weight: bold;">Glen Perkins</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Anthony Swarzak, Mike Maroth </span>and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeff Manship </span>(#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-21-jeff.html">21</a>). Swarzak made only two starts before breaking his foot and Perkins has managed to lose the little value he had left by struggling in each of his four starts. Together, Swarzak and Perkins have an ERA of 8.25. Maroth looked okay in his three starts, but he too was hit by the injury bug with an inflamed left elbow. Manship has been left to lead the rotation and has a 3.48 ERA in four starts.<br /><br />Thankfully, other players have stepped up in the absence of these guys and have managed to keep the Red Wings in games. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ryan Mullins</span> hasn't seen the International League since he was destroyed in four starts there in 2007. He's back and has been great since joining the rotation. He is 2-0 with a 2.74 ERA in four starts. He gave up six runs in three innings as a reliever, which is why he isn't leading the Red Wings in ERA. The Red Wings signed <span style="font-weight: bold;">Charlie Zink</span> who took Maroth's place on the roster. Zink, a knuckleball pitcher, made one start for Rochester. He only gave up two runs over five innings, but his six walks are very alarming and it's something to keep an eye on. Cuban-native <span style="font-weight: bold;">Yoslan Herrerra</span> has been fairly consistent over his first four starts for the Red Wings, but he hasn't pitched into the sixth inning yet.<br /><br />The bullpen consists of four highly thought-after pitchers in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Matt Fox</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Waldrop</span>,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Anthony Slama</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-17-anthony.html">17</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rob Delaney</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-26-rob.html">26</a>). Together, these four have combined for a very good, reliable bullpen. This quad has combined for a 2.28 ERA in 44 appearances. They also have a 58/22 K/BB ratio. Slama continues to show that he's ready for the Major Leagues, but he's not on the 40-man roster and the Twins aren't prepared to clear room for him yet, which has caused a lot of Twins fans to become frustrated.<br /><br />Granted these guys are young, but the offense was relying on the success of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wilson Ramos</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-wilson.html">2</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Danny Valencia</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-7-danny.html">7</a>), who have both struggled. Many criticized the front office for not bringing Ramos to Minnesota, but he is hitting below the "Mendoza Line" through 67 at-bats. Valencia might be "clicking" after getting off to a poor start. He is hitting .406 with five doubles and five RBI in his last seven contests.<br /><br />But the Red Wings have a good mix of veteran players as well, lead by <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jason Repko</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jacque Jones</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dustin Martin</span> have all played well in April. Perhaps the best option the Twins have at center field (besides <span style="font-weight: bold;">Denard Span</span>, of course) is Repko. The Red Wings signed him two days before the season started, and he's rewarded them by hitting .345/.448/.527 at the top of the Red Wings lineup. Jones has been slowed by a strained left quad, has hit .300/.382/.500 in 30 at-bats.<br /><br />Martin struggled in 2009, but he's off to a great stat in 2010. Through 65 at-bats, Martin is hitting .338/.419/.585 with seven extra-base hits and 17 RBI. He has been more patient at the plate and is driving the ball as well as he has throughout his career.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Dinkelman </span>(#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-36-brian.html">36</a>) is getting his first taste of Triple-A and is off to a great start. He's played all over the field, but his offense has remained consistent with his career numbers. On the other hand, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Trevor Plouffe</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-24-trevor.html">24</a>) is in his third season with the Red Wings but is finally looking better at the plate. Plouffe, who is three years younger than Dinkelman, is hitting .280/.362/.463 with eight extra-base hits and eight walks in 82 at-bats. I mention his eight walks because it is one more than the times he's struck out, which for Plouffe is a big thing. As his career 459/237 K/BB ratio shows, Plouffe has had a hard time with his plate discipline, which means we might finally see the Plouffe play to his potential. That is something that hasn't happened since he was drafted in the 1st round in 2004.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's Next?:</span> The Nationals have promoted phenom <span style="font-weight: bold;">Stephen Strasburg</span> to Triple-A Syracuse, which is a relief for the New Britain Rock Cats, but now a problem for the Rochester Red Wings. Rochester plays host to the Syracus Chiefs from May 18-21. The Red Wings face the Durham Bulls and Syracus Chiefs (division leaders) 12 times. But they also play the Norfolk Tides and Louisville Bats (last place teams) 13 times.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-1569085138548138052010-05-01T16:40:00.002-05:002010-05-01T16:41:23.755-05:00Minor League Month in Review: Ft. Myers Miracle - April<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.miraclebaseball.com/">Ft. Myers Miracle</a> (8-13, tied-5th (last) in the Florida State League - South</strong><strong>)</strong><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9xRoH4oyYI/AAAAAAAAAnU/lsEwGaRO3c0/s1600/Beloit+Snappers+Logo2.gif"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yJzKqA6PI/AAAAAAAAAnc/8WvXRm7Pmps/s1600/Fort+Myers+Miracle+Logo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 260px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9yJzKqA6PI/AAAAAAAAAnc/8WvXRm7Pmps/s400/Fort+Myers+Miracle+Logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466395559847848178" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Team Leaders - Hitters Team Leaders - Pitchers </span><br /></pre></span><pre><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hits: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=500208">Yangervis Solarte</a> - 20 Wins: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502043">Kyle Gibson</a> - 2<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Avg: </span><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=500208">Yangervis Solarte</a></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> - .317 ERA:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=543427">Bobby Lanigan</a> - 0.81<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> OPS: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=543305"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></a><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=500208">Yangervis Solarte</a></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> - .783 IP: </span><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521232"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></a><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502043">Kyle Gibson</a> </span></span>- 30.67<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> HR: 5 - tied with 1 K:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521230"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></a><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502043">Kyle Gibson</a> </span></span>- 28<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> RBI: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=458711">Drew Thompson</a> - 7 Saves:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502169">Billy Bullock</a> - 3<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> SB: Chris Cates - 2 WHIP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=543427">Bobby Lanigan</a> - 0.90<br /><br /></pre>The Ft. Myers Miracle won the South division in both the first and second half in 2009, but they were ousted by the Charlotte Stone Crabs in the semifinals. Manager <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jeff Smith</span> has been promoted to New Britain, which means that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jake Mauer</span> will have to try and fill the shoes the man that has brought two different teams to the playoffs in each of the past three years. Unfortunately, a punch-less roster makes it unlikely that Mauer will be leading the Miracle to another division title.<br /><br />The Florida State League is a pitcher-friendly environment. That's no secret. But it's also no secret that the Miracle lineup is the weakest it's been in years. But despite scoring a lead-worst 60 runs, the Miracle still managed to win eight games in April.<br /><br />Not enough can be said about the success of both <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Gibson</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-5-kyle.html">5</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bobby Lanigan</span>. The two-headed monster has a 3-3 record and a 1.33 ERA in nine starts. Gibson was roughed up in his first start, giving up three runs (five total) in 3 2/3 innings. But since that start, the Twins 2009 first round pick is 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in four starts. He has a ground-ball/fly-ball ratio of 7.3 (51/7) thanks to inducing 16 ground-ball outs on two separate occasions. In his last start, Gibson threw a one hit, complete game shutout against the Jupiter Hammerheads. As <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seth Stohs</span> notes, Gibson was very close to <a href="http://talkintwinsbb.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/gibsons-gem/">hurling a no-hitter</a>.<br /><br />Without Lanigan and Gibson, the rotation would have a 4.05 ERA. While still respectable, it would rank 2nd to last in the FSL. But it's important to note that it is improving, which is the good thing. Both <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mike Tarsi</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bruce Pugh</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brad Tippett</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-43-brad.html">43</a>) have all had recent success. In three starts since joining the rotation, Tippett has a 2.51 ERA. Pugh struck out over seven scoreless innings in his last start. And Tarsi has a 3.27 ERA in his last two starts (but he's given up five unearned runs in that same span).<br /><br />The bullpen has struggled, but since the season opener (when it gave up 13 runs), the bullpen has had a 3.87 ERA. The biggest improvement comes from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shooter Hunt</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-48-shooter.html">48</a>). Hunt gave up five runs in the opener, but since has a 2.02 ERA in 13 1/3 innings. He also has a 5/1 K/BB ratio over that span, which is probably the most important thing to note. 2009 2nd round pick <span style="font-weight: bold;">Billy Bullock</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-20-billy.html">20</a>) has been roughed up in two different outings, but he still leads the team with three saves.<br /><br />The offense has averaged 2.9 runs/game, but when opponents are scoring an average of 4.9 runs/game, it's hard to believe that they've won any games so far.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yangervis Solarte</span> is at the top (or near the top) of nearly every single offensive category for the Miracle. Solarte made a couple impressive defensive plays in Spring Training, but I'm willing to bet that he's probably an unknown amongst most Twins fans. He has played second base, shortstop, third base and left field already this season, which is probably the main reason why he has four errors on the season (three of which came in one game).<br /><br />Two oft-injured infielders, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Paul Kelly</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Drew Thompson</span> have also made contributions on offense. Thompson is hitting .269/.324/.403 with six doubles and a home run. Kelly had a six-game hitting streak halted by an ankle injury he sustained on April 20th. He hasn't played since, but it's important to note that it is an ankle injury and not a knee injury (which is what has derailed his career up to this point).<br /><br />Three players that the Miracle lineup is centered around are <span style="font-weight: bold;">Evan Bigley</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Herrmann</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ramon Santana</span>. But the are hitting a combined .226 (43 for 190) and have driven in only 15 of the team's 60 runs. All three are good hitters, so I'd expect them to "click" at some point, but until then, this offense will continue to flounder.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's Next?:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Hicks</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-1-aaron.html">1</a>), <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angel Morales</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-6-angel.html">6</a>) and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Liam Hendriks</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-42-liam.html">42</a>) may all be with the Miracle shortly, which should provide a big spark to both the offense and rotation. But with promotions, roster moves need to be made, which will likely mean the end of Gibson's stay in the Florida State League. They have a fairly easy schedule in May. They play both division leaders a combined nine times, but overall, their May opponents have a .488 win percentage.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-7795289146998339832010-05-01T14:17:00.002-05:002010-05-01T14:18:03.340-05:00Minor League Month in Review: Beloit Snappers - April<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t554">Beloit Snappers</a> (12-8, 3rd in Midwest League Western Division</strong><strong>)</strong><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9vuYJliMqI/AAAAAAAAAnM/rv8H8xWa6Rk/s1600/New+Britain+Rock+Cats+Logo2.gif"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9xRoH4oyYI/AAAAAAAAAnU/lsEwGaRO3c0/s1600/Beloit+Snappers+Logo2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 260px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9xRoH4oyYI/AAAAAAAAAnU/lsEwGaRO3c0/s400/Beloit+Snappers+Logo2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466333797474158978" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Team Leaders - Hitters Team Leaders - Pitchers </span><br /></pre></span><pre><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hits: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=572821">Brian Dozier</a> - 23 Wins: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521232">Tom Stuifbergen</a> - 3<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Avg: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=572821">Brian Dozier</a> - .319 ERA:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521230">Liam Hendriks</a> - 0.41<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> OPS: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=543305">Aaron Hicks</a> - .890 IP: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521232">Tom Stuifbergen</a></span> - 26<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> HR: 4 - tied with 3 K:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521230">Liam Hendriks</a> - 26<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> RBI: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=519044">Angel Morales</a>/<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=572989">Steven Liddle</a> - 11 Saves:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=542948">Steven Blevins</a> - 5<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> SB: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=519044">Angel Morales</a> - 8 WHIP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t554&t=p_pbp&pid=521230">Liam Hendriks</a> - 0.41<br /><br /></pre>2009 is a season that the Beloit Snappers would like to forget. They finished the season with a 57-83 record, the 2nd worst record in the Midwest League. And on top of that, they finished second worst in attendance, accounting for only 2.3% of the 3,629,038 people that attended Midwest League games.<br /><br />Nine players have returned from last year's roster to help turn get the team off on the right foot. And so far, they're doing just that. Through 20 games, the Snappers have the fifth best record in the Midwest League and finished off the month of April with nine wins in their last 12 games. The team's success has hinged on the pitching staff. The starters have a collective 2.38 ERA in 102 innings of work. They also have a 93/30 K/BB ratio and a 113/82 ground-ball/fly-ball ratio.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Liam Hendriks</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-42-liam.html">42</a>) has been astonishing thus far. The 21-year-old Aussie started 11 games for the Snappers last season and is off to a hot start in 2010. Through four starts, Hendriks is 1-0 with a 0.41 ERA. He has a 13-1 K/BB ratio and has induced 24 ground-ball outs. The only run he surrendered came in his last start. He gave up a lead-off double to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sean Halton</span> of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and he scored on a ground-ball later in the inning. He won the "Midwest Pitcher of the Week" on April 19.<br /><br />Another player off to a grat start is<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Tom Stuifbergen</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-29-tom.html">29</a>). The 21-year-old Dutch has a 1.38 ERA through 26 innings. He has made four starts, and has thrown at least six innings in each of them (he also made a relief appearance in the season opener). He has a ground-ball/fly-ball ratio of 33/17 and a K/BB ratio of 23/7.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miguel Munoz </span>struggled in has last two starts, but he still has a 2.75 ERA on the season. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dan Osterbrock</span>, on the other hand, has been great over his last two starts. He has a 3.10 ERA on the season and was named the "Midwest Pitcher of the Week" for the week of April 19-25. He was 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in two starts.<br /><br />Having four of the five starting pitchers with an ERA of 3.10 (or under) are a main reason that the Snappers are second in the Midwest League with a 3.01 ERA.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>But the bullpen has been great as well. The group has an ERA of 3.84 in 77 1/3 innings pitched.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kane Holbroooks</span> has not allowed a run in 12 1/3 innings out of the pen while <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steven Blevins</span> has converted five saves in as many opportunities. Edgar Ibarra gave up four runs in his first outing of the season, but has not allowed a run over his last 9 2/3 innings pitched. Over that same span, Ibarra has walked just one batter while striking out 12.<br /><br />The biggest struggle has come from 2009 3rd round pick <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ben Tootle</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-32-ben.html">32</a>). Tootle has given up 10 runs in 9 2/3 innings and has struggled with his control. He has given up three runs in an appearance on three different occasions. He can throw in the upper 90's, but with no sense of control, he will not make it very far. He has a team lead four wild pitches, despite pitching in the second fewest innings.<br /><br />The offense, unfortunately has been a cause for concern for the Snappers. It averaged only 1.7 runs per game through the first six games, but since has averaged 5.4 runs over the last 14.<br /><br />And it's no surprise that consensus top prospect <span style="font-weight: bold;">Aaron Hicks</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-1-aaron.html">1</a>) has been the reason for this offensive turnaround. Since starting the season 1-31, Hicks has hit .528 (19 for 36) with three home runs, six RBI and five stolen bases since April 17th. I was able to ask Aaron what has changed and he said, "I'm just trying to stay on the ball more and watch it as long as possible."<br /><br />He now how has a team high .890 OPS and has walked six times more than anyone else on the team. He began the season hitting third, but has since been moved to the top of the order, which the Twins Minor League direct <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim Rantz</span> says is <a href="http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/91835659.html?elr=KArks47cQiU17cQiU47cQUU">another reason for his turnaround</a>. Hicks remains versatile in the outfield, starting 11 games in center field and five games in right field. He has two of the team's six outfield assists, both of which came in the first two games of the season.<br /><br />Like Hicks, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Angel Morales</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-6-angel.html">6</a>) is also back with the Snappers and is also off to a great start. He is tied for the team lead in home runs, RBI, outfield assists and leads the team in stolen bases and slugging. He and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Steven Liddle</span> join Hicks in the outfield and the three of them have done a tremendous job so far. Liddle is also tied with Morales in each of the three categories mentioned above.<br /><br />But Liddle isn't the only 2009 draftee that has been a surprise for the Snappers offense. 9th round pick <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brian Dozier</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-44-brian.html">44</a>) is the team leader in hits and batting average (.319).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's Next?: </span>Before heading out on a grueling 13 game road trip on May 25th, the Snappers have a very favorable schedule, with no team above .500. They play state rivals the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers nine times this month, which bodes well for the Snappers since they've won five straight against them (dating back to last September). Watch out for the promotions of Hicks, Morales and Hendriks. All three are in their second season with the Snappers and all could be in the Florida State League sometime in the next 45 days. This will pose a problem for the Snappers who will have a hard time trying to fill the void of these three.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-77913450694211510082010-05-01T04:22:00.005-05:002010-05-01T14:23:25.287-05:00Minor League Month in Review: New Britain Rock Cats - April<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.rockcats.com/">New Britain Rock Cats</a> (4-16, 6th (last) in Easter</strong><strong>n League Eastern Division)</strong><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9vuYJliMqI/AAAAAAAAAnM/rv8H8xWa6Rk/s1600/New+Britain+Rock+Cats+Logo2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 260px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9vuYJliMqI/AAAAAAAAAnM/rv8H8xWa6Rk/s400/New+Britain+Rock+Cats+Logo2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466224671401849506" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Team Leaders - Hitters Team Leaders - Pitchers </span><br /></pre></span><pre><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hits: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=459434">Rene Tosoni</a> - 24 Wins: 4 - tied with 1<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Avg: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=459434">Rene Tosoni</a> - .338 ERA:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=488735">David Bromberg</a> - 1.13<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> OPS: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=459434">Rene Tosoni</a> - .878 IP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=488735">David Bromberg</a> - 24<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> HR: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=457542">Juan Portes</a>/<a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=476633">Chris Parmelee</a> - 2 K:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=488735">David Bromberg</a> - 19<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> RBI: 3 - tied with 7 Saves:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=519157">Chris Province</a> - 2<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"> SB: <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=519184">Ben Revere</a> - 5 WHIP:</span> <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=P&sid=t538&t=p_pbp&pid=519318">Spencer Steedley</a> - 0.75<br /><br /></pre>On paper, the New Britain Rock Cats might have the best team in the entire Eastern League. But so far, they've been the worst. By a lot. The team finished April with a dismal 4-16 record, which is the worst record throughout all of baseball (in both the Major and Minor Leagues). The team certainly has great potential, having 13 players that appeared on my <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/search/label/Prospects">Top 50 Prospect list</a>, the most out of any Twins affiliate. But a mixture of poor offensive production and disappointing pitching has resulted in winning percentage of .200.<br /><br />The offense, lead by <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-ben.html">four</a> <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-9-rene.html">top</a> <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-11-joe.html">13</a> <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-13-chris.html">prospects</a>, has managed to score only 54 runs this season (or 2.7 runs/game). The only hitter that deserves praise thus far is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rene Tosoni</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-9-rene.html">9</a>). Tosoni is hitting .338/.385/.493 with seven extra-base hits (all of which lead the team) in 19 games thus far. His OPS of .878 is 168 points higher than <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mark Delonc's</span> OPS, which is the second highest on the team. But even worse than that is the fact that Delonc doesn't have enough at-bats to qualify amongst the leagues leaders, which then puts <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ben Revere's</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-2-ben.html">4</a>).668 OPS the next highest on the team. Tosoni has cut his strikeouts down from last year, but he still has struck out nearly four times for every walk. Overall, Tosoni is <a href="http://articles.courant.com/2010-04-29/sports/hc-rock-cats-tosoni-0430.artapr30_1_rene-tosoni-rock-cats-eastern-league-leaders">a more mature player</a> than he was last season.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fun fact:</span> Tosoni has started 16 of his 19 games at DH, but he leads the team with three outfield assists.<br /><br />Revere, the highest-rated prospect on the Rock Cats has five of the team's 15 stolen bases this season. He has also displayed a good arm strength in center field, something he has struggled with in the past, by throwing out two runners at home plate. He has displayed good plate discipline and his average is heading north, but he will need to improve his hitting on the road as the season gets going.<br /><br />The bullpen, as hard as it may be to believe it, is probably worse off than the offense for the Rock Cats. The bullpen appeared in all but one game in<br />April, and out of those 19 appearances, the bullpen surrendered a run in 15 of them. The bullpen has a collective ERA of 6.04 with a 1.73 WHIP and 54/40 K/BB ratio.<br /><br />The only reliever to New Britain return in 2010 was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Spencer Steedley</span> (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Cole DeVries</span> was a starter in 2009), so it's no surprise that he's been the most reliable member of the Rock Cats bullpen. In 14 2/3 innings, Steedley has struck out 17 batters while allowing only two runs (both of which came in the same game). But sadly, the rest of the bullpen has struggled, a lot.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Testa</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/01/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-49-joe.html">49</a>) has appeared in seven games, but he's only been untouched in one of those appearances. He has an 0-3 record and has allowed 12 earned runs (15 total) in 7 1/3 innings for a 14.73 ERA. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chris Province</span>, who the Twins acquired from the Boston Red Sox over the Winter in exchange for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Boof Bonser</span> has appeared in a team-high nine games, but his 10.03 ERA and 11 walks allowed are team highs. As a matter of fact, his 11 walks are the most amongst any reliever in the Eastern League.<br /><br />But not all is bad in "The Hardware City." In fact, the starting rotation has been very good so far. The starters have a 3.61 ERA, but only have only factored into the decision seven times (including two victories). The starters have induced a 1.15 ground-ball/fly-ball ratio and have allowed the second-fewest home runs in the Eastern League. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />David Bromberg</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-8-david.html">8</a>), the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year in both 2008 and 2009, is already starting to make his case for himself in 2010 by allowing only three runs in four April starts for a 1.13 ERA (fourth best in the Eastern League). But the same pitcher who lead the minor leagues with 177 strikeouts two years ago has seen his K/9 ratio fall this season. It's still very early, but his K/9 in 2010 is 7.13, which is down from 8.7 in 2009, 10.6 in 2008, and 12.5 in 2009. But while his strikeout numbers have declined, he has managed to cut down on his walks this season and has a 2.25 BB/9 ratio. Again, it's very early, but this trend is noticeable. Bromberg just knows how to pitch. As he's matured, he has worried more about movement and location than velocity. I'm sure that he'll take a sub-2.00 ERA over being the strikeout leader any day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tyler Robertson</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Michael McCardell </span>have also pitched well, but not without their flaws. Robertson has only pitched into the sixth inning once, and he was pulled after recording one out. McCardell has given up 31 fly-ball outs, which is by far the highest on the team (yes, I am nitpicking). Both have sub-4.00 ERA's and have been reliable starters, which can't be said for <span style="font-weight: bold;">Carlos Gutierrez</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-14-carlos.html">14</a>). The first round pick in 2008 continues to struggle against Eastern League hitters, and his time in the rotation may be numbered.<br /><br />Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Rock Cats in this young season has been the strong play from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Deolis Guerra</span> (#<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-16-deolis.html">16</a>). The only remaining player from the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Johan Santana</span> trade put up strong numbers through three April starts. He has gotten significantly better in each of his three starts and has not surrendered a run in the 18 innings he's pitched. Obviously, two great starts is (way) too small of a sample size to get giddy over, but the fact that Guerra is only 21-years-old and has great potential makes it hard to not feel good about it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's Next?: </span>Seven of the team's nine series in May are against .500 (or better) clubs. They will face the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (the Eastern League - Eastern Division leader) eight times. With no offensive help in Fort Myers, the hitters will need to give themselves a kick start. Pitching help isn't far away, but it's unlikely that either <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kyle Gibson</span> or <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bobby Lanigan</span> are promoted before the Florida State League All-Star Break, which is June 11-13 (although with the way both are pitching, I may be eating my words very shortly). Hopefully for the Rock Cats (and my fantasy baseball team) sake, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Stephen Strasburg</span> will be promoted before the next time they'd have to face him (which if the Harrisburg Senators keep the same rotation schedule, will be May 13th). <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">EDIT: The Nationals <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100501&content_id=9717406&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp">have announced</a> that Strasburg will be promoted to Triple-A Syracuse. Nice break for the Rock Cats.</span>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-34821431812101719802010-04-28T10:00:00.017-05:002010-04-28T10:21:37.125-05:00Is Francisco Liriano the Boogy Man?If there is one thing that the Twins organization lacks, it's a front-of-the-rotation starter. Even in the minor leagues, very few pitchers project to be number two starters, let alone having the potential to be an ace. But one thing that has remained is that Francisco Liriano has the most potential out of of any pitcher in the system.<br /><br />As a naturally optimistic person, I've dreamed of Liriano regaining his dominance. That's the reason I've gotten uncontrollably giddy whenever I've heard a report of him "turning a corner." And time, after time again, I've been disappointed by the reports not matching what Liriano does on the mound. I'm sure he's had positive bullpen sessions or positive Spring Training outings, but I couldn't help but wonder what was real and what wasn't.<br /><br />And now, it looks like it's finally becoming true.<br /><br />Last night, Liriano faced off against Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers. Verlander, if you don't recall, won the Rookie of the Year award in 2006; the same year Liriano broke onto the scene as a 22-year-old phenom. Had Liriano not missed the last two months with a torn ulnar collator ligament in his elbow, he not only would have ran-away with the award, but he also would have had a great shot at becoming just the second player in baseball history to win the Cy Young Award as a rookie. That's how good he was. And since that year, Verlander has gone on to have great success while Liriano has struggled to regain any sort of his 2006-self. But last night was a serious case of deja vu.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9hKf5pz3JI/AAAAAAAAAm8/EfOiGQAPUO0/s1600/Francisco+Liriano+3+AP+Photo+Duane+Burleson.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9hKf5pz3JI/AAAAAAAAAm8/EfOiGQAPUO0/s400/Francisco+Liriano+3+AP+Photo+Duane+Burleson.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465200059726683282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Duane Burleson/AP Photo)<br /></span></div><br />No Verlander didn't dominate, but that's not what I'm referring to. It was Liriano, who looked more like his 2006-self since, well, 2006. He didn't have a 98 mph fastball, but he threw 96 mph for the first time (at least, that I've seen) since undergoing Tommy John Surgery. He also struck out 10 batters, which was the first time that he's recorded double-digit strikeouts since July 28, 2006 against (ironically) the Detroit Tigers.<br /><br />As <a href="http://aarongleeman.com/2010/04/28/strikeouts-and-grounders-liriano-is-dealing-again/">Aaron Gleeman wrote</a>, what can't be overlooked in Liriano's success is his regained ability to induce a high percentage of ground-ball outs. Through four starts (note: very small sample size), Liriano has a ground-ball out to fly-ball out ratio of 1.35; which is .02 points higher than it was in 2006.<br /><br />In fact, many of his numbers are much better this season.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Year </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> BAA OBPA OPSA P/PA</span><br /></pre></span><pre><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> 2006 </span>.205 .260 .564 3.80<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> 2010</span> .180 .255 .485 3.65</span></span><br /><br /></pre>To be clear, in no way, by cherry-picking stats am I trying to imply that he's a better pitcher in 2010. Despite his success this season, he was still a more dominating presence in '06. But what I am hoping to show you is that despite striking out an average of 2.5 batters/per nine innings and having a decrease in velocity, he has learned the art of pitching, which (as <a href="http://www.sethspeaks.net/042810.htm">Seth Stohs mentions</a>) is a scary thought.<br /><br />Liriano's slider has been arguably the best in baseball this season, thanks (as <a href="http://overthebaggy.blogspot.com/2010/04/control-of-fastball-key-to-liriano.html">Parker Hagemen wrote</a>,) to great control of his fastball. In 2009, Liriano's fastball was one of the worst in baseball. In 2010, <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3201&position=P">FanGraphs shows</a> that he's throwing an above-average fastball, despite a BAA of .310 against it. His slider has been outstanding and he proved last night that he's able to throw it for strikes, which absolutely baffled the Tigers.<br /><br />Maybe he's not as electrifying as he was in 2006, but he still is dominant. Is he as dominant as he was in 2006? Maybe not. But dominance is dominance and I'll take it in any form. Liriano's success is just what the Twins needed and if he can continue to pitch like a number one starter, this team may be better than we all originally thought. And that thought is very scary.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-54348098344827903202010-04-26T23:41:00.005-05:002010-04-27T01:55:03.718-05:00This and that<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>Francisco Liriano faces off against Justin Verlander tonight in what should be a very interesting battle. This is the first meeting between the Twins and Tigers since game 163 last October. Liriano is off to a great start while Verlander continues his April woes for the third consecutive year. Being as both players are playing out of their "norm," there's really no use in posting their career numbers against the opposition. But I'm excited to see how Liriano fairs against the hot-hitting Tigers. Detroit (as a team) has a .796 OPS over the past seven games, which is fourth highest in the Majors. Minneseota's OPS is 73 points lower over the same span, but they've scored four more runs in one less game.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9Zq3PFmzZI/AAAAAAAAAm0/cNnojyg5JWM/s1600/Francisco+Liriano2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 171px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S9Zq3PFmzZI/AAAAAAAAAm0/cNnojyg5JWM/s400/Francisco+Liriano2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464672695036071314" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(Marc Serota/Getty Images)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>• </span></span></span></span></span>Heading into Monday, the Twins were the league leader in walks drawn (96) and were tied with the Houston Astros for the fewest walks allowed (47). In 23 1/3 innings, Carl Pavano has only allowed one walk, which is the league leader amongst those who have made at least four starts. Justin Morneau, who is not only possesses a .368 batting average also leads the league in walks with 20. Denard Span is hitting a disappointing .230 from the lead-off spot (which ranks seventh out of the nine qualified lead-off hitters), but he leads all lead-off men with 14 walks drawn.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>After hitting doubles in back-to-back games this weekend, Delmon Young already has six extra-base hits on the year. In 2009, Young didn't record his sixth extra-base hit until June 20th. That's a difference of 106 at-bats (159-53). He's hit the ball well this season, driving it several times in Target Field alone that may have been home runs at the Metrodome. The cold air certainly has played a role thus far, but when the air warms up, Young may hit 13 home runs (his 2009 total) by August. He also has only struck out seven times in 53 at-bats. In 2009, Young struck out seven times in his first 19 at-bats. It's obviously too soon to tell, but 2010 is already shaping up to be a big year for Young; despite his .245/.276/.434 tri-slash line.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.nickstwinsblog.com/2010/04/all-aboard.html">Nick Nelson</a> wrote a synopsis of the <a href="http://www.twinstrain.com/">Twins Train</a>. He and a group of other fans made the trek down 35W to Kansas City over the weekend. After hearing several reviews, it sounds like a great time and I hope to make it aboard the <span style="font-style: italic;">Twins Train</span> at some point this season.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>I love Ryan Howard as much as the next guy, but the five year, $125 million extension that he signed with the Phillies yesterday is absurd. As usual, Rob Neyer of <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/3345/phillies-pay-top-dollar-for-rbis">ESPN.com</a>'s opinion is very comparable to mine. I only note this because Joe Mauer's contract extension looks like highway robbery compared to this.<br /><br />On the farm...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>Since starting out 1-31, Aaron Hicks has an eight game hitting streak, hitting .552 (16/29) with two doubles and two home runs. He has also been a better base stealer, swiping four bases in his last five attempts. Obviously it was a horrible start, but Hicks is showing why there's no use in freaking out about stats after just two weeks. For more on Hicks, <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-1-aaron.html">click here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• </span></span></span></span></span>On April 7th, I wrote an article titled, "<a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/needing-miracle.html">Needing A Miracle</a>." In the article, I wrote about Shooter Hunt making the Ft. Myers Miracle roster (hence the pun). Hunt appeared as a reliever for the Miracle on Opening Day and self-destructed on the mound. The 23-year-old right-hander hit the first batter he faced, walked the next three batters and gave up a grand slam without recording an out. It was hard listening to Alex Margulies announce the game. Hunt literally couldn't find the strike zone and it was hard to not feel sorry for the guy.<br /><br />But since that appearance, Hunt has been very impressive for the Miracle. In six appearances since then, Hunt has given up five runs (four last night) but what's important is that he has walked only four batters while striking out 17. He hasn't walked a batter in his last three appearances and continues to give signs of optimism. Hopefully he keeps it up.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-36393586880570635612010-04-21T01:33:00.004-05:002010-04-21T01:37:58.261-05:00Book Review: We're Gonna Win, Twins!Since starting this blog, a door has been opened for several great opportunities. One such opportunity has been to review several books. As a college student, I can't tell you how much I hate reading boring material. We've all been there. But thankfully, the books I've had the honor of thumbing through have all been very thought-provoking. Obviously that's coming from a biased opinion as anything baseball-related is thought-provoking in my opinion, but I also think that some of these books would be interesting to you, which is why I'm going to share my thoughts on a few them. I will try to refrain from using cliché phrases like as "must buy" or "readable," but I wanted to apologize in advance because I'm sure they'll find there way into a review at some point.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We're Gonna Win, Twins!</span> is a chronicle of the Minnesota Twins over the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S8598r2V11I/AAAAAAAAAmk/DecuZ76dKeg/s1600/We%27re+Gonna+Win,+Twins%21.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 226px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S8598r2V11I/AAAAAAAAAmk/DecuZ76dKeg/s400/We%27re+Gonna+Win,+Twins%21.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462441879563261778" border="0" /></a>first half-century that the club has been in existence. Author Doug Grow provides a fantastic walk through time by discussing events which have unfolded during every season since the inaugural season in 1961.<br /><br />As each chapter begins, there are several sections leading up to "The Season." These sections labeled "The World," "The Nation," The State," and "Pop Culture" gives the reader a snapshot of the important events outside of baseball, which helps puts things into context while reading. After "The Season," which sums up the year in Twins baseball into a short paragraph, there are pages of great stories, recaps and details of events which unfolded throughout the year in Twins baseball. And what's perhaps the greatest thing about this book is that every season of Twins baseball (from 1961-present) is accounted for in one way or another.<br /><br />One chapter that I took particular interest to was "Press Box under Siege." Grow gives the reader insight into the Twins blogosphere and puts specific spotlight on John Bonnes (<a href="http://twinsgeek.blogspot.com/">Twins Geek</a>), Aaron Gleeman (<a href="http://aarongleeman.com/">AaronGleeman.com</a>) and Anne Ursu (<a href="http://www.bat-girl.com/">Batgirl</a>). Obviously, as a Twins blogger, I take great pride in the Twins blogosphere and it's great to see other writers get the attention that they're so much deserving of. All three of the bloggers Grow mentions have been instrumental in forming one of the best blogging communities on the web and I'm elated that Grow included them.<br /><br />What I find very important to note is that I truly believe it suits both younger and older generations of Twins fans perfectly. As a so-called "young fan," there area lot of events in Twins history that I had no knowledge of before reading the book. For the older fan, the events that are written could be a very pleasant to reminisce again and perhaps you'll learn something new as well.<br /><br />There are some great player profiles that are quite inclusive. Players like Tony Oliva, Kirby Puckett, Bert Blyleven, Zoilo Versalles and Harmon Killebrew (as well as many others) are given particular attention. Grow also profiles the great World Series matchup between Sandy Koufax and Jim Kaat in 1965 and the chapters which cover the World Series victories in 1987 and 1991 are filled with quotes from players and great stories.<br /><br />Pictures flood the book with great effect. Seeing pictures of the Met or of the parade that polluted the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul are ineffable. Especially for a fan that wasn't alive (or wasn't old enough to remember) either.<br /><br />At $25.95, the price of the book may seem steep, but 328+ pages of Grow's writing will not disappoint you and the endless amount of information that you engulf will make the book seem priceless. The nostalgia runs thick and there are plenty of humorous stories to make this truly a fun book to read. <span style="font-style: italic;">We're Gonna Win, Twins!</span> is a book that I truly and sincerely believe every Twins fan should read.<br /><br />To purchase or to find out more information on the book, check out the <span style="font-style: italic;">We're Gonna Win, Twins!</span> <a href="http://www.upress.umn.edu/Books/G/grow_gonnawin.html">webpage from the University of Minnesota Press</a>. To purchase the book, <a href="https://cdcshoppingcart.uchicago.edu/Cart/Cart.aspx?BK=Y&ISBN=9780816656219">click here</a>. It can also be purchased through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Were-Gonna-Twins-Doug-Grow/dp/0816656215">Amazon.com</a>.<br /><br />Here is more information, including an event this weekend.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, April 24, 2010</span><br />2:00-4:00 pm<br /><br />Town Ball Tavern<br />Target Field, 5th Street Gate Entrance<br />1 Twins Way<br />Minneapolis, MN 55403<br /><br />Talk and signing with Doug Grow, featuring Twins memorabilia from Clyde Doepner, curator for the Minnesota Twins.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Open to the Public -- Limited Seating Available</span><br /><br />In 1961, the Twins brought major league baseball to the upper Midwest. In <span style="font-style: italic;">We're Gonna Win, Twins!</span> longtime sports reporter and columnist Doug Grow chronicles a half century of Twins baseball, season by season, from the scrappy stars of the Metropolitan Stadium through two World Series in the Metrodome to the opening of a new era at Target Field.<br /><br />For more information, including the table of contents, visit the book's webpage:<br /><a href="http://www.upress.umn.edu/Books/G/grow_gonnawin.html">http://www.upress.umn.edu/Books/G/grow_gonnawin.html</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR</span><br />Doug Grow covered the Minnesota Twins as a sports columnist from 1979 to 1987, and as a metro columnist he wrote about the 1987 and 1991 World Series as well as the long debates over stadium funding. He is currently a journalist working for the online publication MinnPost.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PRAISE FOR WE'RE GONNA WIN, TWINS!</span><br />"Throughout his career, Doug Grow has always found the true meaning in stories large and small. This account of the history of Minnesota Twins baseball is filled with that kind of personal understanding. There will always be people who say that baseball is just a game-until they read this book." - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Don Shelby</span>, WCCO-TV<br /><div style="margin: 0px; font: 11px Verdana; min-height: 13px;"><br /></div>"Doug Grow's writing has always been about the people and lives, not numbers, and that's why We're Gonna Win, Twins! is a winner." - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Charley Walters</span>, Former Twins pitcher and <span style="font-style: italic;">St. Paul Pioneer Press</span> columnist.<br /><br />"We're Gonna Win, Twins! is a winner for Twins fans! Great behind-the-scenes tales from every era of Twins baseball. IT invoked great memories for me and a lot of laughs as well. Stories about the tightfisted ways of Calvin to the 'championship era' started by Tom Kelly in '87. It's a fun read! - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jim Kaat</span></blockquote>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-30226140106279817172010-04-19T23:29:00.006-05:002010-05-29T18:03:46.768-05:00Top 50 Twins Prospects 2010: #1 Aaron Hicks<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #1 | <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=LF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=543305">Aaron Hicks</a></span><br /><div class="post-body entry-content"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/TAGceqO8c9I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/sf_m_H-FzD8/s1600/Aaron+Hicks.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/TAGceqO8c9I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/sf_m_H-FzD8/s400/Aaron+Hicks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476830672406213586" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Position </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> Outfielder<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bats/Throws</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> Switch/Right<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Born</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> October 2, 1989 (Long Beach, California)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">School</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >| </span>Wilson High School<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Height</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> 6'2''<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Weight</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> 170 lbs.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2009/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2009-1-aaron.html">2009 Ranking</a> |</span> 1<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakdown</span><br />Aaron Hicks was taken with the 14th overall pick in the 2008 draft. He was widely considered one of the best all-around athletes in the draft. He reportedly hit 95 mph on the mound, which made several teams consider him as a pitcher, <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/02/aaron-hicks-interview.html">but Hicks is happy that he is playing outfield</a>, "I liked pitching because I had to do what was best for my team at that point, but I'm truly a position player; that's my passion." He signed a week after the draft to a $1.78 million signing bonus.<br /><br />After signing, Hicks was designated to the Gulf Coast League where He showed that he could do a little bit of everything. Through 45 games, Hicks hit .318/.409/.491 with 10 doubles, four triples, four home runs and stole 12 bases despite playing in a pitcher-friendly league. He also displayed a great amount of discipline at the plate, drawing 28 walks. In 2009, most believed Hicks should follow Ben Revere's footsteps by taking over center field for the Beloit Snappers. Hicks' "advanced" hitting approach and overall demeanor suggested that he probably would have handled the promotion just fine, but the Twins decided to hold Hicks back in Extended Spring Training to begin the season. The team had every intention of sending him to the Appalachian League when short-season Rookie Ball began in June, but a horrid Snappers team needed a boost, so the Twins decided to call up Hicks. He didn't have the same type of success that he had in the Gulf Coast League a year earlier, but he still managed to separate himself as the best prospect in the Twins system. Through 67 games with the Snappers, Hicks hit .251/.353/.382. Probably the biggest cause of optimism came from the fact that he got better as the year went on and he maintained great discipline at the plate.<br /><br />Hicks is immensely talented, but he's also still very raw. He plays all three outfield positions very well, but his speed is best suited for center field. His history as a pitcher has helped him develop one of the best outfield arms in the minor leagues, but his bat is nowhere near as developed. He has a great awareness of the strike zone and he's shown the ability to drive the ball well, but it's still to be determined what kind of hitter he'll be. He has also had problems on the base paths. He runs the bases well, but he is not an effective base stealer as of yet. There are high expectations surrounding Hicks, especially since he has been named a top 30 prospect from major outlets such as <a href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=7539">Baseball America</a> (19), <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=4856310">ESPN</a> (19) and <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?topic_id=7962336&content_id=7150949">MLB.com</a> (29), but Twins fans shouldn't want to see him rushed through the system. Many have said he's easily comparable to Torii Hunter or Adam Jones, but it's important to remember that Hicks has a long way to go and there's little chance that he reaches the Major Leagues when he is either 20 or 21 (like Jones and Hunter).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Statistics</span><br /><blockquote style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Level </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">G PA AVG OBP SLG XBH HR <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=paI05521&position=C/DH">wRC+</a></span><br /></pre></span><pre><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> A- </span> 67 297 .251 .353 .382 22 4 106</span></span><br /><br /></pre></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">2010 Outlook</span><br />Many believed that Hicks could begin the season in Advanced-A Ft. Myers, but Hicks has been sent back to the Midwest League where he'll begin the season. If everything pans out, he'll finish the season in the Florida State League.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Video</span><br /><center><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7fAfws4t1z0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7fAfws4t1z0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimated Time of Arrival</span><br />2013</div></center></div>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-9034159420650143752010-04-16T00:00:00.003-05:002010-04-19T23:31:12.725-05:00Top 50 Twins Prospects 2010: #2 Wilson Ramos<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >2010 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #2 | <a href="http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=467092">Wilson Ramos</a></span><br /><div class="post-body entry-content"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S8ewqXi-KtI/AAAAAAAAAmI/-BS72RifmMg/s1600/Wilson+Ramos.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 235px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XSYYbF9H5kk/S8ewqXi-KtI/AAAAAAAAAmI/-BS72RifmMg/s400/Wilson+Ramos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460527315131706066" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Position </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> Catcher<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bats/Throws</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> Right/Right<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Born</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> August 10, 1987 (Valencia, Venezuela)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">School</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >| </span>U.E. Santa Ines<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Height</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> 6'0''<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Weight</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >|</span> 220 lbs.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2009/02/top-50-twins-prospects-2009-4-wilson.html">2009 Ranking</a> |</span> 4<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo courtesy of Kevin Pataky of <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091206&content_id=7765102&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb">MiLB.com</a></span><span style="font-size:78%;">)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakdown</span><br />Wilson Ramos was signed as a non-drafted free agent on July 7, 2004. He didn't make it to the states until 2006, but he certainly has made his presence felt since. Admittedly, I flirted with ranking Ramos as the top overall prospect.<br /><br />In 2006, Ramos began the season in Extended Spring Training before joining the Gulf Coast League. With the Twins, Ramos hit .286/.339/.435 with 16 extra-base hits in 154 at-bats. In 2007, Ramos again found himself in Extended Spring Training but he eventually joined the Beloit Snappers in June with the struggles of Greg Yersich. He went on to hit .291/.345/.438 with 26 extra-base hits in 292 at-bats. After the season, Ramos ranked in as my <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2008/01/joshs-thoughts-top-50-twins-prospects_01.html">13th best prospect</a> in the Twins system. In 2008, Ramos moved up to the Florida State League where he hit .288/.346/.434 with 38 extra-base hits with the Ft. Myers Miracle. In 2009, Ramos continued to move through the system, this time playing for the New Britain Rock Cats in the Eastern League. He broke his finger in May and after returning in June, he missed two months with a pulled hamstring. All together, Ramos hit .317/.339/.496 with 25 extra-base hits including seven home runs in 224 at-bats. After finding himself healthy, Ramos hit .332/.397/.582 and drove in 49 runs in the Venezuelan Winter League.<br /><br />Ramos' offensive prowess is mostly what he is known for, but Ramos is also a stout defender behind the plate. Pitchers like the way he calls the game and his strong arm makes it hard for base runners to steal on him. But two things stand in the way for Ramos are his history of injuries and a guy by the name of Joe Mauer. Ramos has the potential to be one of the best offensive catchers in baseball, but THE best is already on the roster, so it doesn't seem likely that he'll play an extensive role with the Twins (at least not as a catcher). The Twins could consider using using him at DH, but that seems like it'd really be diminishing his value. Ramos needs to prove in 2010 that he can stay on the field, which may be all that is separating him from being the top prospect.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Statistics</span><br /><blockquote style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><pre><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Level </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">G PA AVG OBP SLG XBH HR <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=paI05521&position=C/DH">wRC+</a></span><br /></pre></span><pre><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> R (GCL)</span> 5 500 .316 .316 .947 5 3 263</span></span><br /><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> AA </span> 54 500 .317 .341 .454 20 4 120</span></span><br /><br /></pre></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">2010 Outlook</span><br />Ramos missed a lot of time in 2009 due to injury, but he showed enough during Winter Ball and in Spring Training to make the Twins feel comfortable enough with starting him in Triple-A.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Video</span><br /><center><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SGeBEDIdvR4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SGeBEDIdvR4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Estimated Time of Arrival</span><br />2010</div>Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-527698232285977967.post-12031150289332622392010-04-12T00:22:00.003-05:002010-04-12T00:36:36.997-05:00Target Field's impact on the Minnesota TwinsFirst of all, if you didn't see, I posted my <a href="http://joshsopinion.blogspot.com/2010/04/top-50-twins-prospects-2010-3-miguel.html">#3 Twins prospect</a> for the 2010 season. Now, onto the post...<br /><br />The Twins (officially) open Target Field at 3:05 pm today against the Boston Red Sox. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Carl Pavano</span> will take the mound against southpaw <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jon Lester</span>. Both pitchers have struggled against the opposition in the past, but it will be interesting to see what kind of momentum Pavano has in his first (real) start at Target Field. Many people have discussed the ambiance of Target Field after the Twins hosted the St. Louis Cardinals in two exhibition games earlier this month, but it's safe to say that whatever the atmosphere was then will be multiplied by a considerable amount today. This is one of the most exciting days in the history of the organization, so take it all in Twins fans. With that said, I thought that now would be the best time to post this:<br /><br />Ryan Maus, who has blogged at <a href="http://twinschatter.blogspot.com/">Twins Chatter</a> since 2004 and is now a PR rep at the University of Minnesota, wanted me to pass this along. It's a very interesting video about the effects that Target Field will have on the Minnesota Twins (obviously, this was made before the Twins signed <span style="font-weight: bold;">Joe Mauer</span>, but it's still completely relevant). Hopefully you enjoy it.<br /><br /><center><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nMlt2zN9e8M&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nMlt2zN9e8M&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></center><br /><br />If you're on Twitter, you can find Ryan at @<a href="http://twitter.com/RPmaus">RPMaus</a>.Josh Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00895543504885337250noreply@blogger.com1