Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #39 Daniel Ortiz

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #39 | Daniel Ortiz

Position | Outfield

Bats/Throws | Left/Left

Born | January 5, 1990 (Cayey, Puerto Rico)

School | Benjamin Harrison High School

Height | 5'11''

Weight | 166 lbs.

2008 Ranking | Not Ranked





Breakdown
The Twins shocked the world when they drafted yet another "toolsy" outfielder in the 4th round of last June's draft. In the last few years, Joe Benson, Angel Morales, Ben Revere, Aaron Hicks and others have been drafted highly and all have quite a few tools that could make them something special someday. The same can be said about Daniel Ortiz. Ortiz at just 5-feet 11-inches packs quite a punch in his bat. In fact, many scouting reports believe he has the potential to be a five-tool player, including hitting power. He has both great speed and a great glove. Ortiz can be added to the list of high-ceiling outfielders. He (like the others) will take time to develop his skills, so the Twins will need to be patient. I expect we won't see him in Beloit until 2010. But (like always) injuries can change everything.

2008 Statistics

Level      G     PA     AVG     OBP     SLG     XBH     HR     RBI

R         48    205    .274    .328    .419      18      2      27

2009 Outlook
I expect to see Ortiz in extended spring training and with the Elizabethton Twins come June.

Video
None

Estimated Time of Arrival
2014

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #40 Jay Rainville

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #40 | Jay Rainville

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | October 16, 1985 (Providence, Rhode Island)

School | Bishop Hendricken High School

Height | 6'3''

Weight | 230 lbs.

2008 Ranking | 19




Breakdown
The Twins drafted Rainville with the 39th pick of the first round (compensatory round) in the 2004 draft. Rainville was one of 4 pitchers taken in the first round by the Twins, as the club had 5 choices in the first 39 picks. Rainville was one of the highest touted high school pitchers in the draft, mainly due to his "bulldog" mentality on the mound and his blazing fastball, both of which reminded scouts of baseball legend Roger Clemens. Unfortunately, a nerve problem in his shoulder costed him the entire 2006 season. After returning in 2007, he put up good numbers in the Florida State League, finishing 9-11 with a 3.25 ERA and a 3.5 K/BB ratio. 2008 was a different story, he had a much harder time adjusting to the Eastern League and was sent back to Ft. Myers to work out his kinks with the Miracle. He did, but upon return still wasn't very good. Rainville hasn't been able to regain his mid-high 90's fastball since returning from surgery, but if he does, he could be a player to watch fly up the prospect charts. I don't know if he fits in as a potential starter long-term, but since he is a "workhorse" it's hard to imagine a switch to the bullpen at this time.

2008 Statistics

Level      W      L      ERA      IP      K      BB      WHIP      FIP

A+         1      1     2.87    15.2     13       3      1.02     2.94
AA         9      9     5.78   123.0     83      44      1.52     5.44

2009 Outlook
Rainville has proven to have what it takes to pitch in the Florida State League, now it is time for him to show if he has what it takes to pitch in the Eastern League. I expect him to be in New Britain with the Rock Cats in 2009.

Pitching Repertoire

• Fastball
  
• Curveball
• Change-up

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2011

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #41 Evan Bigley

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #41 | Evan Bigley

Position | Outfield

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | March 9, 1987 (Combine, Texas)

School | Dallas Baptist

Height | 6'1''

Weight | 200 lbs.

2008 Ranking | Not Ranked





Breakdown
The Twins drafted Evan Bigley in the 10th round of the 2008 draft. Bigley is a corner outfielder with extreme raw power at the plate. He hit 27 home runs in 2008, 13 in 56 games at Dallas Baptist and 14 in 53 games for the Elizabethton Twins. Although he has a lack of plate discipline, he still got on base at a .360 clip. He struck out 43 times for the Twins, but took 8 hit by pitches which helped improve his OBP. What makes Bigley stand out over other players is his ability to drive the ball. He can hit the ball to both sides of the field and can do it with power. He is currently an outfielder but has spent time in the infield during college. He has o.k. speed and a great arm. He may fit better as a first or third baseman in the future than as an outfielder. He will be 22 this coming season, so it will be interesting to see how he is handled. Although he has great power potential, his lack of plate discipline is alarming which could slow his progression through the system.

2008 Statistics

Level      G     PA     AVG     OBP     SLG     XBH     HR     RBI

R         53    236    .300    .360    .587      30     14      47

2009 Outlook
Bigley should be in the Beloit Snappers outfield for most (if not all) of the 2009 season.

Video
None

Estimated Time of Arrival
2012

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #42 Santos Arias

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #42 | Santos Arias

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | March 17, 1987 (La Romana, Dominican Republic)

School | Not Available

Height | 5'11''

Weight | 162 lbs.

2008 Ranking | Not Ranked




Breakdown
Santos Arias signed with the Twins as a non-drafted free agent on February 9, 2005. After spending time in the Dominican Summer League, he joined the GCL Twins in 2007 posting solid numbers in his first season of baseball in the states. Last season, Arias began the season in Extended Spring Training and was destined to join the Elizabethton Twins rotation in June. But after Michael McCardell was placed on the DL in late April, the Beloit Snappers needed another arm. They called upon Santos to take his spot, and he delivered. He was 2-3 with a 2.22 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 9 starts before the All Star Break. After the break, he started to develop fatigue and was placed in the bullpen. As a reliever, he was 0-2 with a 2.57 ERA but had a 1.48 WHIP. He then spent time as the teams closer, recording 4 saves in the month of August. Santos does not have great size as a pitcher, but he's certainly proving that he's a prospect that should be taken seriously. The only question is does he fit in as a starter or as a reliever? Personally, I'd like to see him stay a starter where his control is much better, which is evident of his 1.17 WHIP as a starter.

2008 Statistics

Level      W      L      ERA      IP      K      BB      WHIP      FIP

A-         5      6     3.27   110.0     91      29      1.23     3.21

2009 Outlook
Santos should be pitching with the Miracle in the Florida State League either as a starter or a reliever.

Pitching Repertoire

• Fastball
  
• Curveball
• Slider
• Change-up
  

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2012

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #43 Yohan Pino

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #43 | Yohan Pino

Position | Pitcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | December 26, 1983 (Turmero, Venezuela)

School | U.E. Ramon Bastidas High School (Venezuela)

Height | 6'3''

Weight | 158 lbs.

2008 Ranking | 31




Breakdown
Yohan Pino was signed by the Twins on May 12, 2004 as a non-drafted free agent. After a very successful 2007 campaign, he never fully recovered from a foot injury in 2008 and it really effected his performance. Twins broadcaster Bert Blylevin always emphasises strength in the lower body being key for a pitcher, and certainly having an injured foot will definitely be negative. Pino spent the majority of the time as a starter in 2008, but he figures to make it to the majors as a reliever, Matt Guerrier-like. Pino really made his name known in June, 2007 when he threw a 7-inning no-hitter against the New York Mets Single-A Farm Club, the St. Lucie Mets. Unfortunately, Pino has not been able to regain the same form that he had in the Florida State League, which has slowed his progression through the Twins system. Here's his "Scouting Report? from The Baseball Cube:

The reason I posted it is because those are pretty respectable numbers and I thought it would be good to give another point of view. Those numbers reflect his success in 2007, but I just wanted to show that without his injury, he probably would have had a much better season in 2008.

2008 Statistics

Level      W      L      ERA      IP      K      BB      WHIP      FIP

AA         7      7     4.54   109.0     76      37      1.39     4.98

2009 Outlook
Pino will likely start the season in New Britain, but he should be in Rochester by seasons end.

Pitching Repertoire

• Fastball
  
• Curveball
• Slider

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2010

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #44 Jonathan Waltenbury

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #44 | Jonathan Waltenbury

Position | First Base

Bats/Throws | Left/Right

Born | April 1, 1988 (Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada)

School | Henry Street High School

Height | 6'4''

Weight | 230 lbs.

2008 Ranking | Not Ranked




Breakdown
The Twins drafted Jonathan Waltenbury in the 6th round of the 2006 draft. Early comparisons may remind many of Twins current first baseman Justin Morneau. Both are big, strong, Canadian, left-handed hitters with enormous power potential from the first base position (and both wore #33 in 2008, just as another comparison). Waltenbury erupted in 2008 after a mediocre 2007 season in the GCL. His power should continue to get better as he gets older, which could make make him fly up the prospect rankings in no time.

2008 Statistics

Level      G     PA     AVG     OBP     SLG     XBH     HR     RBI

R         63    293    .319    .382    .540      35     10      45

2009 Outlook
Waltenbury should be in Beloit with the Snappers for all of the 2009 season.

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2012

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #45 Jose Morales

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #45 | Jose Morales

Position | Catcher

Bats/Throws | Both/Right

Born | February 20, 1983 (Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico)

School | Academy La Providencia High School

Height | 5'11''

Weight | 190 lbs.

2008 Ranking | 23




Breakdown
Jose Morales was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2001 draft out of Puerto Rico. The infielder turned catcher hits for good average, but doesn't hit for power. He made his major league debut in September of 2007, but after going 3-3, he hurt his left ankle. Unfortunately, injuries have taken over his career and although he'll likely make it back to the majors, injuries have delayed it. In 2008, the same ankle injury caused him to miss half the season, derailing another likely call-up at some point. He should continue to play, but with Drew Butera and Wilson Ramos close to the same level, his days of catching (everyday) may be behind him. Still he's a good contact hitter and I am sure another team would definitely be interested in his services if the Twins aren't.

2008 Statistics

Level      G     PA     AVG     OBP     SLG     XBH     HR     K

AAA       54    208    .315    .348    .426      13      4    28

2009 Outlook
Unless an injury occurs, Morales will begin the 2009 season with the Rochester Red Wings. He should make his way up to Minnesota at some point this season though.

Video
Not Available

Estimated Time of Arrival
2007

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #46 Whit Robbins

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #46 | Whit Robbins

Position | First Base

Bats/Throws | Left/ Right

Born | September 25, 1984 (Norton, Virginia)

School | Georgia Tech

Height | 6'0''

Weight | 205 lbs.

2008 Ranking | Not Ranked




Breakdown
Whit Robbins was drafted by the Twins in the 4th round of the 2006 draft. He is a former third baseman out of Georgia Tech. He began his career with the Beloit Snappers in 2006 and after racking up just 140 plate appearances, he was moved up to Ft. Myers in 2007. Unfortunately for Robbins, he was injured for most of the year which caused him to play in only 64 games and rack up an OPS of .582. He still plays some third base, but he is primarily a first baseman right now (not to say he can't eventually move back to third base). He is very polished and still has a lot of potential. If he can start producing early this season, he could be moved up rather quickly due to his solid glove and great discipline.

2008 Statistics

Level      G     PA     AVG     OBP     SLG     XBH     HR     BB/K

A+        91    346    .268    .383    .405      23      6    52/55

2009 Outlook
After two years in Ft. Myers, New Britain should be home to Robbins this season. The Twins could move him up faster after a successful and healthy season under his belt.

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2010

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #47 Reggie Williams

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #47 | Reggie Williams

Position | Second Base

Bats/Throws | Left/Right

Born | November 5, 1988 (Bellflower, California)

School | Bellflower High School

Height | 6'2''

Weight | 185 lbs.

2008 Ranking | Not Ranked




Breakdown
Reggie Williams was taken in the 4th round of the 2007 draft. The Twins couldn't get him to sign until mid-August, which wiped out any chance of him playing that season. In 2008, Williams was assigned to the GCL where he spent the season patrolling the Twins infield. He has great speed and can cover a lot of ground. His bat looks to have a lot of potential and although he was in Rookie Ball, he looked to have a great eye at the plate. He is a better athlete than player at this point in time, but he has the potential to be a top prospect some day. He will take time to develop, but he is still young. With his build, it suggests that he could someday hit for a good amount of power, but that will come as he develops and matures.

2008 Statistics

Level      G     PA     AVG     OBP     SLG     XBH     HR     BB/K

R         23     96    .286    .358    .440      10      0     9/10

2009 Outlook
Williams had a solid first season of professional baseball. It's really a toss-up as to where he'll begin the season. I personally expect him to start the season in extended spring training and play with the Elizabethton Twins come June. But with his good defense and good plate discipline, he could be rewarded by the Twins and could start in Low-A Beloit.

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2012

Top 50 Twins Prospects 2009: #48 Danny Rams

2009 Top 50 Twins Prospects | #48 | Danny Rams

Position | Catcher

Bats/Throws | Right/Right

Born | December 19, 1988 (Miami, Florida)

School | Gulliver Preparatory

Height | 6'2''

Weight | 205 lbs.

2008 Ranking | 38




Breakdown
Danny Rams was drafted by the Twins in the 2nd round of the 2007 draft. He has struggled making the transition from High School baseball to professional baseball, which has been apparent with his .240 average and .703 OPS in his first 166 plate appearances all in rookie ball. He has a home run swing, but he doesn't make good enough contact to really get good 'pop' on the ball. Rams has not earned a promotion to the Midwest League, but he needs to play to get better and sending him to a full-season team could be beneficial. He's still only 20-years-old, so there's no reason to think he can't someday live up to the hype that followed him out of High School. Despite having a strong arm behind the plate, Rams probably will be permanently moved from behind the plate to first base or designated hitter at some point in the future. With Wilson Ramos and Drew Butera known as excellent defensive catchers, and with a guy named Joe Mauer winning a gold glove for the Twins from behind the plate, Rams probably won't make it to the majors as a catcher.

2008 Statistics

Level      G     PA     AVG     OBP     SLG     XBH     HR     BB

R         41    166    .228    .301    .423      16      5     24

2009 Outlook
He's still very young, so sending him to Extended Spring Training and Elizabethton might be in order. He needs to play as much as possible, and although he would get plenty of AB's in EXT & E-Town, Beloit is also very possible.

Video


Estimated Time of Arrival
2012