Last week, I took a look at three prep hitters that I hope the Twins seriously consider drafting in next month’s draft. I decided to expand the series and today will take a look at three college arms.

To be considered a “personal cheeseball”, I set out two rules: be a favorite of mine and don’t be too good.

Without further adieu, here are my three college pitchers:

Stephen Tarpley, LHP, Scottsdale CC



Coming into the 2011 draft, Tarpley was considered a “projectable lefty” and that prompted the Indians to take him in the 8^th round. Instead of signing, Tarpley headed to the University of Southern California and had a very good freshman season. This year, Tarpley enrolled in Scottsdale Community College and is eligible for the draft.

Since graduating high school, Tarpley has grown two inches and gained roughly 25 pounds, but he still is very projectable and is equipped with long levers. He’s also pitching very well for his new team and has helped them reach the NJCAA World Series. If you want to know more about his stats, go here.

While Tarpley doesn’t show up in Kiley McDaniel’s Top 111, Baseball America’s Top 100 or Keith Law’s Top 100, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Twins strongly consider selecting Tarpley with their 3^rd round pick (78^th overall).

Corey Littrell, LHP, Kentucky

Another player who isn’t appearing on those lists is lefty Corey Littrell. Littrell makes the list not because he’s a favorite of mine as much as I truly believe he fits a mold that the Twins have drafted from more often than not.

Bear in mind, the Twins took Taylor Rodgers last year, a southpaw from Kentucky and drafted, but didn’t sign Jared Grundy, another lefty from Kentucky. In 2010, the Twins took Logan Darnell, lefty, Kentucky. They also signed a free agent, Andrew Albers (you guessed it) around that same time. The craziest thing the Twins have done is trade for Alex Meyer, another Wildcat, who throws with his right hand. To be completely honest, there literally hasn't been a left-handed pitcher from the University of Kentucky drafted by a team other than the Twins since 2009. That little factoid is crazy.

Littrell throws a low-90s fastball, but he also features a slider, change-up and curveball that all will be usable professional pitches. Littrell should go off the board sometime between rounds 4-7.

Scott Firth, RHP, Clemson

Firth is a name that you won’t see on many prospect lists and rightfully so. He was drafted last year by the Phillies in the 32^nd round but elected not to sign. He returned to Clemson for his senior year.

Firth likely showed up on the Twins radar in 2011 after dominating the Cape Cod League. He didn’t put up Manaean numbers, but he did lead the circuit with an ERA of 1.15. His K/BB ratio (30/23) wasn’t great, but his ability to keep runs off the board was enough for teams to take note.

He likely hoped to build on his summer when he returned to Clemson, but didn't. Instead of starting, like he did in the Cape, he was shifted to closer where he struck out more than a batter per inning, but didn't see his draft stock improve.

This year, Firth has pitched 55 innings in 17 games (six as a starter); he hasn't had great success. But, like the Twins have done before, could a permanent role as a starter – especially with a pretty fresh arm – rekindle some of the success he’s had? That’s a tough question to answer, but with senior-signs being relatively cheap and one that throws a mid-90s fastball with a plus slider (inconsistently), it might be one worth finding out.

Do you have any college pitching “personal cheeseballs”?

Every affiliate was involved in a transaction today.

The Red Wings placed P Liam Hendriks on the DL with right elbow inflammation. OF Antoan Richardson will take his place.

The RockCats, losing Richardson to Rochester, get Deibinson Romero, who finally arrived in the States and is ready to play baseball.

The Miracle activated OF Nate “That Pitch Hit Me” Roberts and sent INF Joel Licon back across the street.

The Kernels add C Michael Quesada, who had been serving a 50-game suspension.

Oh, and hur-ray for Aaron Hicks. I think the monkey has come off of his back… finally.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS 5, COLUMBUS CLIPPERS 7
Box Score

The Red Wings comeback fell short and the club falls to 15-23.

Chris Herrmann can hopefully use today’s game as a springboard to improve for the rest of the season. After a fairly disappointing start, Herrmann went 3-for-4 with a double. He also scored two runs.

Jeff Clement hit his 3^rd home run, his first at Frontier Field.

Chris Colabello added a double. Brian Dinkelman had a pinch-hit two run single with two outs in the ninth.

Virgil Vasquez, who will probably remain in the rotation while Hendriks is out, struck out a season-high seven batters. He allowed two runs on a walk and four hits in five innings. After coming out of the bullpen recently, Vasquez only threw 72 pitches. He will probably be allowed to throw closer to 90 in his next outing.

Shairon Martis took the loss allowing four runs on four walks and hit. Michael O’Connor relieved him and allowed an inherited runner to score before allowing a run of his own on three hits and two walks. He struck out two in 2.1 innings of work.

Kyle Gibson (2-4, 3.32), who would have started today’s game on normal rest, was pushed back a day after his complete game shutout and will make the start for the Red Wings tomorrow at 7:05 ET when Durham comes to town.

Cole DeVries will be making a rehab start on Wednesday.

NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS – OFF DAY

The Rock Cats open a series in Bowie on Tuesday at 7:05 ET with xxxxx making the start.

FORT MYERS MIRACLE 6, DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS 2
Box Score

The Miracle pushed six runs across the plate – all with two-outs – to improve to 28-8 on the season.

Nate Robers, who missed the first part of the season with a knee injury, returned to the lineup to play his first baseball since destroying the Arizona Fall League. He batted leadoff, hit a double, drove in a run and, of course, was hit by a pitch.


(photo by Anelle)

Miguel Sano was 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. He stole his 4^th base but also committed his 9^th error.

Angel Morales was 1-for-2 with a triple, but also reached on HBP twice.

Matt Koch continues to rake, hitting his 5^th double, and is now batting .337.

Jason Wheeler improved to 4-0. He pitched five innings, striking out four. He walked three, scattered eight hits and allowed two runners to score.

Nelvin Fuentes and Zach Jones combined to shut the Blue Jays down for the last four innings, both allowing only a single hit. Jones walked two. Fuentes struck out three while Jones struck out one.

Matt Summers (1-2, 4.29) takes the hill tomorrow at 7:05 ET

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS 2, BELOIT SNAPPERS 3
Box Score

A day after playing a very atypical baseball game, the Kernels and Snappers got back to regular baseball. This time, the Kernels fell 3-2 to the Snappers and are now 24-11 on the year.

Matt Tomshaw pitched a very solid seven innings. He struck out five and only allowed a walk and four hits. Unfortunately, one of those hits was a two-run homerun.

Tim Atherton relieved Tomshaw and was a little out-of-control. He recorded five outs, all by strikeout. But also allowed four walks and a one hit. The lone hit drove in the game-winning walk-off run.

The offense apparently used most of their hits and runs yesterday. Only Niko Goodrum had a multi-hit game. He had a double and triple and is now batting .289.

Byron Buxton had a hit, two stolen bases (15 on the season) and two runs.

Adam Walker, named MWL player of the week earlier in the day, struck out three times while going 0-for-4.

The Kernels return home and welcome Burlington to Pefect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium tomorrow. Brett Lee (2-2, 2.92) makes the 6:35 CT start.

If you have any questions, comments or sweet mustache pictures, please share!

We'll lead tonight's report off with some injury news. Kernels RP Tyler Jones was placed on the D.L. with a strained flexor tendon. (If you're curious to know exactly what that means, I looked it up and, knowing I'm not a doctor, am more confused than I was before.) To take Jones's place in the bullpen is Alexander Muren, who played for the GCL Twins last summer after being drafted out of CS-Northridge.

Also heading to the disabled list is Miracle INF/OF Adam Bryant. Bryant, activated before Sunday's game, lasted all of three at-bats (total, not his own) before separating his shoulder in the outfield and leaving the game. Replacing Bryant from across the street is Aderling Mejia. Mejia was a post-season GCL All-Star last year and made a few appearances for the Miracle after his season was over.

ROCHESTER RED WINGS 0, TOLEDO MUD HENS 1
Box Score

It's a little bit harder to win a game with zero runs than it is to lose a game only giving up one. Unfortunately for the Red Wings, they were on the zero side of tonight's game.

Andrew Albers pitched a solid 6.1 shutout innings, striking out three. He turned it over to rehabbing Tim Wood, who gave up three hits, two walks and the only run taking the loss. Wood's recent performance is going to make it hard to crack the Twins bullpen which will ultimately lead to his exposure on the waiver wire.

Caleb Thielbar took care of the two runners he inherited by getting out of the eighth. The Mud Hens didn't need to bat in the ninth.

On a night where there isn't much to speak of offensively, Chris Colabello had two hits (batting .339). Joe Benson's hitting streak is over. Clete Thomas, the next "solution" in center field struck out three times.

P.J. Walters (3-2, 3.82) pitches tomorrow at Toledo at 6:30 ET.

NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS 11, NEW HAMPSHIRE FISHER CATS 6
Box Score

The Rock Cats got their second straight win to make it back to .500 for the season.

The Rock Cats had 13 hits, led by Josmil Pinto's three hits (including a double and three-run home run) and Danny Santana's two extra base hits (double and triple). Reynaldo Rodriguez added a home run in an exciting ninth inning.

Logan Darnell had a rough outing, but made it 5.2 innings and 93 pitches. He gave up five runs, though two of those were runners he left to A.J. Achter. Achter ended up getting credited with the win. Jose Gonzalez pitched a scoreless eighth. Michael Tonkin gave up an unearned run in the ninth.

B.J. Hermsen (0-2, 4.91) looks for his first win tomorrow.

FORT MYERS MIRACLE 7, TAMPA YANKEES 0
Box Score

The pitching star of tonight - and really of the young season - is former Arkansas Razorback D.J. Baxendale. He improved his record to 5-0 and struck out a career-high 10 batters. Not to temper expectations, but Baseball America's John Manuel said this in a chat over the winter:

Baxendale’s velocity was better than it was [last] spring, but that just means it was average, 88-92, instead of below-average. He pitched with a 40 fastball most of the spring. Encouraging debut, though, and if Baxendale can pitch even with a
45 fastball next year, he should thrive in the low minors, because he locates and has that curveball.

(photo courtesy of Bryan - begreen90 - on Flickr)

Personally, I don't know how long you can leave him in Fort Myers, but New Britain's rotation isn't exactly in need of help. I would expect though, that when there is a need, Baxendale would be first in line.

Adrian Salcedo, adjusting nicely to his role in the bullpen, struck out three in two innings.

Fort Myers scored all seven of their runs in the first four innings. The lineup scattered nine hits, including doubles by Mejia, Eddie Rosario, Matt Koch, Angel Morales and Jonathan Murphy.

The offensive start by Koch has been especially encouraging. In one of my first posts ever here I said the following about Koch, "Matt Koch hit the ball more squarely than any other Snapper this weekend. He only played Saturday, but the crack of the bat on the ball makes you look up if you're not paying attention." Hey Matt, we're paying attention!

Jason Wheeler (2-0, 5.46) pitches tomorrow.

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS 12, SOUTH BEND SILVER HAWKS 4
Box Score

The Kernels won their 21st game tonight by scoring four runs in each of the 1st, 5th and 9th inning.

Adam Walker hit another grand slam and also added a double to total 5 RBI. He now has 32 on the season. Not to be outdone, D.J. Hicks and Jorge Polanco each added their 25th, which is tied for 3rd in the MWL.

Travis Harrison added his 5th home run. His 3rd since hitting his game-winning "grand single" only eight games ago.

Byron Buxton got a hit and a walk, extending his "on-base" streak to "forever". He's batting .373. If Buxton is still in Cedar Rapids on Memorial Day, I might just have to take a road trip. (Shhh... don't tell my wife.)

Buxton leads the MWL in OPS and is leading Rock Shoulders by 101 points. Rock Shoulders isn't second, but nobody has even beaten Rock Shoulders by 101 in anything.

Before I forget, the Kernels also had pitchers pitch. Matt Tomshaw went five innings and picked up the win giving up four runs on ten hits.

Manuel Soliman picked up the four-inning save. He didn't allow any hits, but did walk three. He also struck out four.

That's all for tonight. If you have questions or comments, please leave them. You are also welcome to talk about Rock Shoulders or Brian Dozier's hair.

At some point, while researching for a previous draft, I came across a Baseball America podcast where they were discussing their “personal cheeseballs”. At first I was a little confused, but quickly came to realize that these “cheeseballs” were their favorites. In fact, to qualify to be a “personal cheeseball” you have to fit into only two categories: one – be a favorite; two – don’t be too good.

For example, one of the BA guys (I think it was Callis, but I could be wrong) really liked Massachusetts prep outfielder Rhett Wiseman. Why I remember that one, I don’t know. Wiseman was ranked #136 in their pre-draft 500, had a solid commitment to Vanderbilt and ended up attending there after being drafted by the Cubs in the 25^th round (764^th overall).
Obviously the “don’t be too good” is a rule only because it would be really easy to look back at a draft and say, “I knew Bryce Harper was going to be a stud, that’s why he was my personal cheeseball.” Not exactly living on the edge.

I thought this year was as good as any to publicize my own personal cheeseballs. Today’s edition will focus on three hitters, none of which are ranked in Jon Mayo’s Top 75 draft prospects or appear in Keith Law’s future 50 (plus 10).

Stephen Alemais, SS, Elev/8 Sports Institute (FL)

BRYAN PACE FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Alemais first caught my attention after reading about a showcase in the northeast two summers ago. It was something simple like “slick-fielding shortstop that could stick there professionally”. Given the Twins lack of success drafting shortstops and, really, the lack of Americans who man the position in the MLB, I think Alemais caught my eye because he’d be spending the rest of his high school career (and college or professionaly) in an “underdog” role.

Are you asking yourself why a Florida kid was participating in a Northeast Showcase? If you are, good. This is where the story takes a turn. After trying to check his progress this spring, I noticed that Alemais was no longer listed with his prep team, All Hallows High School located in the Bronx. It was then that I found out that he had transferred from All Hallows to the Elev/8 Sports Institute in Delray Beach, Florida.

Alemais, who committed to Tulane University last April, injured his shoulder in a playoff game last summer (which led to labrum surgery) and decided that it would be in his best interest to move to a place where he could play against better competition, not have to worry about the weather, and prove that he was back to good health.

Luis Alicea, a 13-year big league veteran, is the Executive Director at Elev/8. Alicea expects big things from Alemais telling the New York Daily News a couple weeks ago that “he’s a very talented kid.” He added, “You look at him in a uniform and he has a little resemblance to a Derek Jeter, when you see his body. Athletically he’s very gifted. He’s very fast; he has quick hands. It’s like the game comes easy to him sometimes. He’s got a huge future ahead of him.”

He’s currently the 42^nd ranked draft prospect in the state of Florida according to Perfect Game. Alemais is strong academically, so dropping too far may force him to Tulane, but you’ve got to believe that uprooting and moving to Florida was done to improve his draft stock.

The Twins typically try to add a middle infielder in the first 10 rounds. (Last year, they waited until Round 16 when they drafted Kentucky prepster SS Will Hurt.) I would hope the Twins would consider Alemais somewhere between rounds five and ten.

Brian Navarreto, C, Arlington County Day (FL) HS

Navarreto makes an appearance on MLB’s Top 100 draft prospects, but its in the back half. All the way down at number 89. Navarreto hasn’t gotten the hype of two other prep catchers in Florida, Chris Okey and Zack Collins, but is an interesting prospect in his own right.

Navarreto is a pretty big dude (6’3, 220), but surprisingly athletic and, though raw, has all the stuff including agility and above-average arm strength to stay behind the plate. His big right-handed swing still has a ways to go, but, overall, Navarreto is a high-ceilling prospect.

He’s also still somewhat unknown. Navarreto followed the path of Javier Baez, who also attended Arlington County Day, in that he is a Puero Rican native who came to Florida later in his prep days. Though he really just came onto the scene last summer, he’s already committed to South Carolina.

Navarreto was in the news over a month ago when his team was involved in a bench-clearing altercation with Norman North (OK) High School. While the cause of the fight alledgedly was the result of racial overtones, Navarreto was a central figure when he punched an oppoent in the face after a play at the plate. (You can read the story and see some video here.)

The Twins drafted a similar-type player, Jorge Fernandez, last year in the 7^th round. Navarreto is a higher-regarded prospect and could possibly come off of the board in the third or fourth round.

Justin Williams, OF, Terrebonne (LA) HS

Easily the most well-known of my three “cheeseballs”, Williams also appears late in the Top 100 (at #88). Williams sometimes gets first-round mention, but appears to be a sandwich round pick at best and probably someone that fits into the second round. This isn’t really through a fault of his own, though. Williams’s prep team wasn’t very good (10-18 on the year) and the typical strategy opposing teams employed was to simply not pitch to Williams.

So while teams didn’t get to see Wiliams, who won’t turn 18 until August, a lot in game action, they did get to see him in BP where he routinely put on a show. His power-potential ceiling is probably on par with Adam Walker’s, though Williams bats from the left side.

Williams evokes a lot of comparisons to Jason Heyward for both the physical resemblence (Williams is a chiseled 6’3, 215) and also his defensive question marks as a prep. Heyward was a first baseman in high school and scouts doubted he could be an outfielder. (Heyward won the Gold Glove last year, at age 22. Whoops.) Williams played shortstop for his high-school team. So along with not getting to see him bat in game situations, scouts didn't get to see him play defense in game situations at his likely home – a corner outfield position. If any scouts were overly impressed by his glove, they could give him a shot at 3B before moving him to the outfield.

Williams’ profile really fits the way the Rangers have drafted recently, but the Twins also went out looking for power last year and there might not be a prep prospect with more power potential. Oh, and I drafted Williams for my dynasty keeper league in March of 2012, so there’s that too.

Who are some hitters that you consider your "Personal Cheeseballs"?

If you missed Cody's minor league report from yesterday, you can read it here. Seth also made his choice for Twins minor league Hitter of the Month. Andrew wrote up about Alex Meyer's last start.

There is a lot of draft info that cmb0252 put together into one thread.

And after yesterday's minor shuffle in Rochester, the R&P page has been updated as well.

On a separate note, after listening to the new Macklemore song "Can't Hold Us" a few times today, I'm convinced it's about the Twins top prospects - Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano.

So we put our hands up like the ceiling can’t hold us

We had put some pretty high ceilings on those guys, but at this point... our ceilings might not be able to hold them.


(photo by Paul Gierhart)

ROCHESTER RED WINGS 7, COLUMBUS CLIPPERS 6
Box Score

The Red Wings jumped out to a quick start and then withstood a late rally to win tonight's ball game.

The hitters handed the pitchers just enough run support with a well-balanced attack. All nine batters registered hits. The charge was led by Nate Hanson (who homered) and Clete Thomas (who doubled). Ray Olmedo also added two hits. Eric Farris led off the game with a home run.

Evan Bigley, now batting in the 3-hole, went 1-for-5. He is batting .357 since his promotion to Triple-A. You may recall a game last season during which Tom Kelly sang Bigley's praises. Unfortunately, Bigley is another corner outfielder that can't play center.

Thomas, Olmedo and Bigley all stole bases.

Chris Herrmann committed a throwing error, his second of the year.

P.J. Walters had a decent start tonight. He made it into the seventh inning, going 6.1, allowing three runs on eight hits. He struck out 6.

Daniel Turpen allowed a home run. Tyler Robertson failed in his LOOGY role tonight, allowing a hit to the only batter he faced.

Tim Wood, who has been lights out for the Red Wings, allowed Columbus back into the game. After walking the first batter he saw, he gave up a home run. The tying run reached on an error and then the go-ahead runner singled.

Luis Perdomo relieved Wood and got the final batter of the game to fly out to Joe Benson.

Kyle Gibson (1-3, 3.33) gets the starting nod tomorrow at 7:15 pm ET against Columbus.


NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS 1, HARRISBURG SENATORS 6
Box Score

B.J. Hermsen made his third attempt at getting his first win of the season. He made it into the six inning and recorded an out in that inning before giving way to Bobby Lanigan. Hermsen's final line was two earned runs (five runs) on seven hits and two walks. He struck out four. His 7:1 groundout to flyout rate was promising.

Bobby Lanigan recorded five outs without giving up a run. A.J. Achter gave up a solo home run in his inning. Michael Tonkin struck out the side in the ninth.

James Beresford, who had a very good April, went 1-for-3 with a double, but also committed a costly error in Harrisburg's four-run fourth inning.

Antoan Richardson had two hits and a stolen base. Danny Santana and Jonathan Goncalves both added singles.

The 14-13 Rock Cats play at Portland tomorrow night at 6 pm ET. While the starter is listed as TBD, it appears to be Pat Dean's turn in the rotation. Dean is 0-3 with a 4.56 ERA on the young season.

FORT MYERS MIRACLE 3, ST. LUCIE METS 2
Box Score

Another walk-off win for the Miracle improves their record to a very impressive 22-4.

Of course you're wondering how Miguel Sano did. He went 1-for-4, but the "1" was a game-tying single with two outs in the 8th inning. He is batting .364 on the year.

Kennys Vargas aka Baby Papi aka Little Papi aka Big Spoon went 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk.

Stephen Wickens had three hits.

Levi Michael (.185) went 0-for-2, but was the offensive hero when he drove in the game-winning run with his third base on balls of the night. Michael was the DH tonight.

Jason Wheeler went five innings, giving up six hits and three walks. He struck out two and gave up two runs in a no-decision.

Cole Johnson and Dakota Watts both pitched two scoreless innings. Watts, the pitcher of record when Michael walked, earned the win.

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS 3, WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS 4 (10 innings)
Box Score

As we've come to expect, Byron Buxton made a positive contribution in today's game. He hit a two-run home run, his 5th of the season, off of the right-field foul pole in the 3rd inning. He's reached base in every Kernel game so far this season and has his average at .388.

Unfortunately, there isn't a lot else to talk about. The Kernels went 1-for-2 with runners in scoring position.

Hudson Boyd pitched five innings. He allowed six hits, walking three. He struck out four and gave up two runs.

Steven Gruver is credited with a blown save, but pitched well out of the bullpen. In four innings of work, he allowed four hits, a walk and a run. He struck out five and left the game with a season ERA of 1.31. Gruver has only made one spot-start on the year, but this is his third appearance of four innings or more.

Tyler Jones came into the game in the 10th inning and struggled with his control. He sandwiched two walks around a strikeout before allowing a walk-off single.

The Kernels are now 18-7 and will send LP Mason Melotakis (1-1, 4.08) to the hill tomorrow to face West Michigan in an early morning, 10 am CST game.

The Twins blew a three-run lead thanks to one swing of Prince Fielder's bat and lost another one-run game. (The third time that's happened in the past five days.)

Congratulations to Adam Walker, who was named MWL Player of the Week. The Milwaukee native went 8-for-21 (.381) with five home runs and 16 RBI. His OPS for the week was 1.238.

It was quite an adventurous day on the farm today. You should continue reading, but not before I warn you: The Twins are a few years away from being a monster.



ROCHESTER RED WINGS 4, BUFFALO BISONS 3
Box Score

After seeing their four-game winning streak snapped yesterday, the Red Wings got a new streak started today.

The bats were alive, as all nine starters contributed hits. Doug Bernier, Ray Olmedo and Chris Herrmann, the 8-9-1 batters, all had two-hit games. Evan Bigley, Nate Hanson and Joe Benson all had two-base knocks. Benson stole his 4th base of the season and extended his hit streak to six games.

After Hanson's 8th-inning double, Eric Farris pinch-ran and scored the game's winning run on a Brandon Boggs single.

Virgil Vasquez had a strong start, pitching seven innings, allowing only seven baserunners (six hits, one walk). He struck out five and allowed three runs.

Luis Perdomo was credited with the win, striking out one in 1.1 innings.

Caleb Thielbar recorded the final two outs for the save. Thielbar now has 23 Ks in 17 IP (12.2 K/9).

The Red Wings have now improved to 10-15. They play tomorrow at 11:35 AM on MLB Network. Andrew Albers (0-0, 4.58) gets the start in the final game of this four-game wraparound Buffalo series.

NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS 16, HARRISBURG SENATORS 8
Box Score

Trevor May got the starting nod and had his most disappointing start of the young season. The knock on May has been his lack of control. That was on full display tonight. May lasted only four innings. He gave up eight runs on nine hits and three walks. Despite being one of the only "strikeout pitchers" in the organization, May only struck out one batter in tonight's contest.

The bullpen trio of Black Martin, Bruce Pugh and Edgar Ibarra pitched five innings of shutout, three-hit baseball.

The bats were the story tonight. (I won't be able to cover it all, so please check out the box score.)

After May had spotted the Senators five runs, the Rock Cats came out assaulting the baseball in the fourth. Fifteen batters came to the plate, ten crossed the plate. The seventh was more of the same. Ten batters batted and six runs scored.

Danny Ortiz went 4-for-5 including a double and three RBI. Both Antoan Richardson and Josmil Pinto had two doubles and two RBI. James Beresford drove in four.

The top pitching prospect in the organization, Alex Meyer (2-0, 1.64) takes the hill tomorrow at 6:35 ET.

FT MYERS MIRACLE 5, CLEARWATER THRASHERS 4
Box Score

It took three runs in the top of the ninth for the Miracle to come back and win their 20th game of the season. They are the first team in affiliated baseball to reach that milestone. Kudos to Doug Mientkiewicz and everyone else involved.

After Levi Michael's two-run 6th-inning home run, the Miracle still needed a little bit of luck to pull out the come-from-behind victory.

Down to their last out - and with the tying runner on second - Matt Koch reached on an error. This allowed Stephen Wickens the opportunity to triple in the tying and winning runs.

Miguel Sano went 2-for-4 with two doubles and is now batting .366.

Tom Stuifbergen, whose start was pushed back due to illness, pitched 2.2 innings and struck out one. He allowed a hit. He was removed due to cramping which he attributed to the dehydration he suffered from being sick earlier in the week.

Nelvin Fuentes, did a fantastic job pitching 3.1 innings of no-hit ball and striking out five. Dakota Watts blew a save opportunity by giving up three runs on four hits in an inning.

Zack Jones pitched two innings and gave up a home run, but got the win.

D.J. Baxendale (3-0, 1.54) takes on Clearwater tomorrow night at 7 ET.

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS 9, LANSING LUGNUTS 1
Box Score

The Kernels, trying not to be outdone by their big brother in Fort Myers, won their 8th straight game today.

Jose Berrios had another very good game to earn his second win in two starts. He went 6.2 innings and allowed two hits and a run. He struck out eight and walked zero. His fastball sat at 92-94, peaking at 95.

Josh Burris struck out three in his 2.1 inning debut.

Overshadowed as just "another international signee" in 2009 (when Sano signed) and currently in the shadow of Buxton in Cedar Rapids, we've got a breakout candidate in Cedar Rapids' Jorge Polanco. Polanco, who has mainly been playing second base this season, was tonight's designated hitter and went 3-for-4 with a triple and three RBI. He's now batting .353, with an OPS of .890.

Both Buxton and Walker added triples. Travis Harrison hit his 3rd (but really his 4th- see my report on Saturday's game) home run of the season. DJ Hicks added a two-run double, his eighth. Buxton stole his 9th base of the season.

Matt Tomshaw (0-0, 9.00) returns to the mound at 12:05 pm tomorrow.

As always, if you have questions/comments, please let me know. Thanks!

Lots of drama today. Fortunately, the drama all ended in celebration. (Even for the Minnesota Wild.)

The Twins got back to .500 this afternoon after beating the Rangers 7-2. Pedro Hernandez provided a very strong shutout effort (5 IP, 5 H, BB, 3 K). The bullpen continued to shine, preserving the shutout while the offense added a handful of insurance runs. Glen Perkins pitched a very low-leverage ninth. He walked the first two batters before getting the next two guys out. He then gave up a (misjudged by Hicks) double and two runs, before striking out the game's final batter.

Josh Willingham's 6th inning home run gave him his 25th Target Field Home Run, eclipsing Jim Thome's mark by one and setting a new Target Field record.

Let's take a look around the farm:

ROCHESTER RED WINGS 1, BUFFALO BISONS 0
Box Score

The spotlight shone on Kyle Gibson today. Gibson, who recorded his first AAA victory since May 29, 2011, pitched 6.2 scoreless innings. He struck out seven. He walked two and allowed two hits.

Caleb Thielbar struck out three of the four batters he faced.

Tim Wood made yet another impressive rehab appearance. He retired all three batters he faced on 11 pitches, recording his first AAA save of the season. During the AAA-portion of his rehab, opposing hitters are 1-for-16 against Wood in the five innings he has pitched.

The offense only managed four hits: Evan Bigley and Joe Benson had consecutive singles in the 3rd inning, but were stranded. Bigley had a leadoff double in the 5th, moved on a sacrifice bunt and later scored on an Eric Farris sacrifice fly. Nate Hanson added a leadoff single in the 7th before being forced out at second to end the inning. Fortunately, that little bit of offense was enough to get the win.

The victory gives the Red Wings their first four-game winning streak since the four-game period from July 29 to August 5, 2012.

Liam Hendriks (0-1, 4.63) will be on the mound tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 ET looking to help the Red Wings win their second game in this four-game wraparound series.

At 9-14, the Red Wings have climbed out of the cellar. In addition to that, De Vries, Wood and Deduno (whether it's those three or someone else) will benefit the Red Wings as they return to health.

NEW BRITAIN ROCK CATS 4, RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS 2
Box Score

Despite being out-hit (13-9) and committing three errors, the Rock Cats escaped with a victory.

After a 2nd inning James Beresford double scored Danny Ortiz to give the Rock Cats a 1-0 lead, they added to that lead in the 3rd on a Josmil Pinto 3-run home run. Those four runs proved to be enough for victory.

B.J. Hermsen made his second start of the year. He lasted 4.2 innings, allowing nine hits and a run. He walked one and struck out two. Not his most effective outing, but he did throw 92 pitches, so that's a good sign.

Jose Gonzalez (who got the win) was able to get it to the 8th. Edgar Ibarra made a mess and Michael Tonkin cleaned it up for the save.

Pat Dean (0-2, 4.35) up next for the Rock Cats tomorrow at 1:35 ET.

FORT MYERS MIRACLE 2, CHARLOTTE STONE CRABS 1
Box Score

Walk-offs are exciting when you're the winning team. A walk-off walk is less exciting, but, hey, it's still exciting.

Much like the Rock Cats, the Miracle managed minimal offense. Three hits to be exact. (Yeah, A.J.'s hit-streak is over.)

Drew Leachman singled in the 5th, but was caught stealing third to end the inning. Matt Koch singled to lead off the 8th, was replaced by Stephen Wickens as a pinch-runner and scored on Angel Morales' double. So there are your three hits.

But wait there's more... (the recap from milb.com)

Fort Myers Bottom of the 9th

• Pitching Change: Jacob Partridge replaces Lenny Linsky.
• Miguel Sano walks.
• Drew Leachman flies out to left fielder Jeff Malm.
• Kennys Vargas walks. Miguel Sano to 2nd.
• Kyle Knudson walks. Miguel Sano to 3rd. Kennys Vargas to 2nd.
• Andy Leer strikes out swinging.
• Angel Morales walks. Miguel Sano scores. Kennys Vargas to 3rd. Kyle Knudson to 2nd.

So there you have it. Literally, a walk-around-the-bases walkoff.

The pitchers got it done. Matt Summers went seven strong innings. He struck out three and gave up a run on five hits. No walks. Taylor Rogers gave up a hit in an inning pitched. Cole Johnson gets the win for his scoreless inning pitched.

The Miracle have now improved to 18-4. Tomorrow's scheduled starter, Taylor Rogers, pitched an inning tonight. I believe Tom Stuifbergen missed a start due to illness, so he may be the guy that takes the ball tomorrow at 1 ET.


(Rinaldi Photos)

CEDAR RAPIDS KERNELS 8, GREAT LAKES LOONS 7
Box Score

Walk-offs are exciting when you're the winning team. The walk-off in this game is of the most-exciting variety.

Let's get you up to speed...

Mason Melotakis had a rough five innings. He allowed five hits and gave out four free passes. He struck out seven and left the game down 4-3.

Manuel Soliman went 2.1 innings, allowing three runs on two hits and a walk. He struck out four.

In the 8th inning, Tim Atherton comes in to a 7-4 game. He gets the Kernels out of the inning and also retires the side in the 9th.

Turning the page to offense...

Byron Buxton walked and scored on a Jorge Polanco double. In the 4th, Tyler Grimes doubled Adam Walked home (who had walked) and a Buxton sacrifice fly drove Grimes in.

In the 9th inning, down three, Niko Goodrum walked. DJ Hicks hit a groundball that the Loon shortstop booted. Up walks Adam Walker, the tying run, trying to extend his home-run-streak to four games. And he did. Walker now leads the MWL with six home runs and 25 RBI.

I wrote this about him in the Prospect Handbook:

Walker has more raw power than anyone in the system not named Sano. It's a legitimate 70 on the 20-80 scale.

He is proving it every night.

Atherton continued on the mound, finishing with five Ks in 3.1 inning. David Hurlbut got a flyball out to finish the top half of the 11th.

The excitement picked up in the bottom half. Goodrum led off the inning with a single. Polanco bunted him over before Hicks hit a single that advanced Goodrum to third. Adam Walker came up again, but was intentionally walked to load the bases.

Mauer decided to go to the bench and have Travis Harrison hit for Tyler Grimes. Hit he did. Harrison turned a pitch around and it cleared the fence. The Kernels win by WALK-OFF GRAND SLAM!

Right?

Well, after further review, the players went nuts and Hicks and Walker never advanced. Goodrum scored the winning run and, officially, Harrison gets an RBI single. Exciting, yes; but less exciting than a walk-off grand slam... or even a solo grand slam.

Here's a good write-up on Adam Walker after last night's game.

Josh Burris joined the Kernels. Chris Mazza headed back to EST. That opens up a spot on the roster.

Luke Bard tweeted about his flight, but the destination is unknown. Could he be flying into Cedar Rapids or the Cities?

Tyler Duffey (2-1, 2.29) will be on mound at 2:05 CT tomorrow

It's April 22, yet we're experiencing another snowstorm. The Twins were postponed and will play a split-doubleheader tomorrow (hopefully; I wouldn't bet on it). And despite having a day-off Wednesday, there won't be a game because the Marlins have 20 straight days with games starting Thursday, so they can't play Wednesday.

Only three affiliates were in action today, let's see how they did:


espn.com (Bruce Kluckhohn/Getty Images)

Cedar Rapids Kernels 8, Burlington Bees 4
Box Score

Jose Berrios made his highly-anticipated full-season debut tonight. Berrios joined the team after spending some time stretching out in Fort Myers after being used sparingly by the Puerto Rican National Team in the World Baseball Classic (where he struck out Robinson Cano). Had Berrios been on the Opening Day roster, he would have been the 9^th-youngest player (and 4^th-youngest pitcher) in the Midwest League.

He had a solid performance, but appeared to have some nerves early. He gave up runs in each of his first two innings and misplayed a bunt (that was generously ruled a hit) before settling down. He had a final line of five innings, seven hits, two walks, five strikeouts and the aforementioned runs. Reports from the field had him sitting in the low-90s, but touching as high as 96.

JD Williams led the offense with two doubles and a home run. He also drew a walk, scored twice and drove in three runs. Oh, and he stole a base too. He calls himself part of the "Soul Patrol" with Byron Buxton and Niko Goodrum, but he might be rejoining Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario if he keeps it up.

Adam Walker had a triple and showed off his big-time power with a long home run.

Byron Buxton went 1-for-4 with a stolen base. When he was 0-for-3 tonight, his average dropped to .392. The single got it back up to .404.

Manuel Soliman walked three in two scoreless innings. Chris Mazza had to be relieved after giving up two runs and leaving the bases loaded in the 9th. Tim Atherton relieved him and closed the game with three strikeouts with the bases loaded.

LP Brett Lee (0-0, 0.00), who has been quite impressive in his eight innings of limited work, takes the mound tomorrow at 11:30 am. (The forecast isn't good, so make sure you check the weather before you drive from the Cities.)

Congrats to Taylor Rogers on his promotion to Fort Myers.

Rochester Red Wings 2, Pawtucket Red Sox 8
Box Score

Liam Hendriks again failed to channel his AAA dominance of a year ago, instead showing glimpses of his major league-self. In particular, it took Hendriks 97 pitches (63 strikes) to pitch 5.2 innings. His line was not bad though: eight hits, a walk, two runs and five strikeouts. While his demotion was somewhat puzzling at the time, he has been able to make two starts for Rochester, while Pedro Hernandez (and basically the entire staff) hasn’t pitched at all due to the ridiculous weather we’ve been having in the Upper Midwest.

The first wave of the bullpen did a great job keeping the Red Wings in the game. Mike O’Connor and Tim Wood combined for 2.1 scoreless innings. And then Manager Glynn turned a tie ball game over to Anthony Slama.

For all of you who supported the #FreeSlama campaign, you may get your wish soon. Tonight’s one-out effort included three hits, two walks and five runs. He’s now dropped to 0-4 with an ERA of 18.47. (Slama may have suffered an injury, stay tuned.)

Daniel Turpen got the final two outs and allowed another run, but the damage was already done.

The Red Wings offense managed only seven hits. A double by Chris Herrmann and two singles by Evan Bigley were the offensive highlights. Bigley (who just joined Rochester) is batting .400. Chris Colabello (.333) and Clete Thomas (.326) are the only regulars batting over .200. Scary, and sad.

While there is no scheduled starter listed at this time, it would appear to be Virgil Vasquez’s turn in the rotation. Vasquez (2-1, 4.80) has pitched pretty well in his three starts to date.

Fort Myers Miracle 4, Palm Beach Cardinals 7
Box Score

A day after losing to Palm Beach in extra innings, the Miracle drop their third straight. Tonight’s loss was the result of a blown save in the 7^th innings.

Starting pitcher Matt Summers allowed ten hits in four innings. Those hits, and a walk, resulted in three runs. He struck out three. Cole Johnson pitched two scoreless innings.

Chad Rogers, who came out to open the seventh innings, only recorded two outs, but allowed four runs (one earned).

Adrian Salcedo struck out three of his four outs.

Miguel Sano kept it simple today. He singled twice and stole a base (his first of the year). Kyle Knudson added two hits. Kennys Vargas had a double. Eddie Rosario added a triple.

AJ Pettersen, now batting .352 and playing SS almost every day, has extended his hitting streak to seven games.

Tomorrow’s scheduled starter, Madison Boer, was placed on the 7-day DL with a broken hand. RP Ryan O’Rourke was also placed on the 7-day DL. The Miracle will play at 6:35 pm ET.

New Britain Rock Cats had an off-day today.

Trevor May (0-1, 3.14) will be back on the mound tomorrow at New Hampshire at 6:35 pm ET. May, who is rivaling teammate Alex Meyer to be the organizational strikeout king, will look to limit his free passes. He has already issued 10 walks in 14.1 innings. He’s also allowed three home runs in three starts.

RP Marty Popham was released to make room for SP B.J. Hermsen prior to yesterday’s game.

If you have any questions or comments, please post below. You can also find me on Twitter @jeremynygaard.

The draft is now only six weeks away. Some things are starting to come into focus; other things are as cloudy as ever.

A quick reminder: The Twins first pick (fourth overall) has a draft slot value of just around $4.5 million.

The strategy that the Twins select the Best Player Available early in the draft remains true. The Twins will follow that strategy yet again this year.

Though it should be pointed out – as I do each month – that the Twins very rarely deviate from the norm: In the last 20 years, the Twins have had 24 1^st round draft picks (not counting supplemental picks). Of those 24 picks, 11 have been prep position players and eight have been college pitchers. The other two groups: college position players (4) and prep pitchers (1) have been much less represented.

In the eyes of those in the front office, when the draft board is stacked, an emphasis is placed on two groups: prep position players and college pitchers. So while there may always be a debate about who is the BPA, the Twins will likely error on the side of one of those groups.

Easy enough to follow, right?

Typically, yes. This year, I don’t believe so.



I recently inquired about Kohl Stewart, a prep pitcher from Texas. The response I got from a Twins source read as follows:

How many High School pitchers taken in the last 10 years inside of the top 5?

The answer is four. The first two have not been good. The last two, Jameson Taillon and Dylan Bundy, however, have been excellent. In addition to that, another prepster, Jose Fernandez has made his big-league debut despite being drafted after some college pitchers who are still in the minors.

The second part of the text is what took me a little bit by surprise.

Normally that would be too high, but anything goes in this draft, I suppose.

The piecing together of this draft board just got more difficult…

JEREMY’S SMALL BOARD
(Keep in mind, please, that this is not a “mock draft”. This is not a reflection of my top players. This is my attempt at stacking a “Twins Draft Board”, based on a number of things.)

1) Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma (previous: 4)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: I don’t think the Twins have a discernible difference between the top two prospects on the board. And because of that, if given the choice between the two, it would be much easier to draft Gray. Gray turned down $500,000 a few years ago, and despite having the leverage to return to school for another year, Gray doesn’t have an agent (yet) that is out trying to break records and make points. (Chance Gray drops to Twins: .01%)

2) Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford (previous: 1)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Appel could be in an Opening Day rotation as soon as 2014. If he lasted until the Twins picked at #4, he would help form quite the two-headed monster with Alex Meyer. Of course, the questions with Appel will always be attached to his price tag and his advisor, Scott Boras. There is some growing thought that getting anything over the $3.8 million that he turned down last year would prove Boras’ point and make Appel a winner. I still think that the Twins would have to borrow against the rest of their draft to get him under contract. But that is a risk I’d be willing to take, if given the opportunity. (Chance Appel drops to Twins: 5%)

3) Kohl Stewart, RHP, Texas HS (previous: NR)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Let me preface this by saying that there is a big gap after Gray and Appel. You could probably list six to eight names here and have an argument. When it comes down to it, the “upside” is what leads Stewart to this position. Equipped with a mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider, Stewart has top-of-the-rotation stuff. The Twins – and every other team in baseball – will need to do their homework, though. Stewart is also a stud QB (and committed to Texas A&M) who’s price tag may determine where he gets drafted. There have already been reports that the Astros are sniffing around the local (to Houston) product with thoughts of popping him 1-1, much the same as they did last year in drafting Carlos Correa. (Chance Stewart drops to Twins: 85%)

4) Austin Meadows, OF, Georgia HS (previous: 8)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: While I prefer the flair of Clint Frazier, the Twins apparently have Meadows, the “more complete package”, rated higher. Meadows is younger (still 17) and, in comparing the two, has favor in all the “Twins Typical” categories: better defender, better baseball-feel, better hit-instincts, better base-runner. The feel I get about Meadows is that he would fit perfectly (eventually) in left field. A .300-type hitter with power and speed might make Twins fans go crazy for the simple fact that he is what he is: ANOTHER TOOLSY OUTFIELDER! (Chance Meadows drops to Twins: 65%)

5) Sean Manaea, LHP, Indiana State (previous: 2)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: I’ve been a fan of Manaea since he dominated the Cape Cod League last summer. In his last four starts on that circuit, Manaea went 30 innings, allowed seven hits and one walk – that’s a WHIP of .267 – and struck out 47 (for a K/9 of 14.1). He was dialed up and dialed in, throwing in the high-90s. He hasn’t been the same guy since. In fact, if it weren’t for last summer, Manaea would be a “projectable lefty” going in the second half of the first round. Manaea really seems to labor when there are runners on base and, despite having the advantage of being a lefty, has a non-existent pickoff move. He’s much further away from the big leagues than either Gray or Appel, but that Cape Cod success carries a lot of weight with the Twins brass. Personally, I feel this is a “can’t-go-wrong” pick for the Twins and their fans, even though plenty of question marks surround him. (Chance Manaea drops to Twins: 60%)

6) Colin Moran, 3B, North Carolina (previous: NR)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Moran is arguably the top collegiate bat in all the draft. He shares a quality with the Twins most recently drafted collegiate hitter, Levi Michael, in that they both attended North Carolina. I have Moran ranked higher than Kris Bryant, because the likelihood (at least in the Twins eyes) is that, presumably, Moran has a better chance to stick at third. (If they wanted to draft a first baseman fourth overall, they’ll take California prep 1B Dominic Smith – which they won’t do.) (Chance Moran drops to Twins: 80%)

7) Ryne Stanek, RHP, Arkansas (previous: 7)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: It’s plenty ironic that the prospect who has seen his stock fluctuate the most is the only player on this board who sits in the same position as he sat last month. Stanek still possesses both a very good fastball and slider, but hasn’t had the results (up until recently) to back up the hype. He’s had short outings where he’s thrown far too many pitches. And then he goes and blows away LSU, a team that may have the most potent offense in the NCAA. Although drafting Stanek would be an upset, it could pay huge dividends down the road. (Chance Stanek drops to Twins: 99%)

8) Kris Bryant, 3B, San Diego (previous: NR)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Bryant ranks near the top of all power hitters in this draft. If he were in the Twins system, only Sano would have more raw power. Like Sano, there are many questions about where Bryant plays defensively. He won’t get a ringing endorsement from scouts that he can stay at 3B or handle RF, making him a 1B. Power was an emphasis last year – and may be again this year – and that could help the big right-hander’s chances of getting drafted by the Twins. (Chance Bryant drops to Twins: 65%)

9) Clint Frazier, OF, Georgia HS (previous: 3)

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Frazier may very well be gone by the time the Twins draft. Scouts are split on him and Meadows and both have a chance to go Colorado. It comes down to preference and the Twins prefer Meadows. (Chance Frazier drops to Twins: 65%)

Other notes:
OF Ryan Boldt, Red Wing HS, has been dealing with the same weather as the rest of us in the Midwest. He’s been holding workouts in the hockey rink. He did enough last summer, though, to prove that he’s a 1^st rounder. While it would be neat for the Twins to draft him, they won’t be able to.

P Logan Shore, Blaine HS, is the top prep pitcher in the state. He’s signed to play next year at Florida and may prove to be a difficult sign, unless he goes in the first couple of rounds.

A guy that I mentioned as someone I liked in the last update, Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Tennessee HS, underwent Tommy John surgery earlier this month. He will miss the remainder of his senior season and enroll in Vanderbilt in the fall. While it’s doubtful that he will sign, it wouldn’t shock me if a team took a flyer on him at some point in the draft as a Plan D fallback option.

A name to remember is Tyler Palka, OF/1B, Georgia Tech. The Twins don’t typically draft a lot of first baseman, but they always seem to draft one. Palka has big-time power from the left-side of the plate. Another player with questions defensively, Palka is holding his own in the outfield, but will settle at first base. Palka would be a cheaper alternative to taking Moran or Bryant fourth overall.

There will probably be one more installment in mid-to-late May before making minor changes up until the draft on June 6.

Feel free to discuss. You can follow me on Twitter (@jeremynygaard) for draft updates.

First off, huge props to everybody involved in the investigation in Boston. An unfortunate event followed by an around-the-clock story, ending with very few fatalities. Those in Boston and the surrounding areas will finally be able to sleep peacefully tonight.

Back to baseball..

The Twins are postponed again, making today their third consecutive off-day. Now I can understand postponing a baseball game for snow or sleet, but tonight’s forecast is “chilling and windy”. That’s a little ridiculous, in my opinion. It sounds like somebody in Chicago needs to clean the sand out of their you-know-whats.

On a happier note, Joe Mauer turns 30 day. Aaron Gleeman turned 30 earlier this year and started watching Dawson’s Creek last night. If this is what happens at 30, Joe Mauer is going to be a waste of a lot of money for the next six years. I also am looking less forward than ever before to turning 30 next month.

On another great note, Miguel Sano was named #1 on Baseball America’s Hot Sheet for this past week. He had an OPS of 1.221. There is currently some debate about when Sano needs to be added to the 40-man roster after this season. Although Sano signed before the Rule 5 draft in 2009, he won’t need to be added in the typical five-year window (this November) because he signed after the conclusion of the 2009 minor league season (by a day or two). As a result, the Twins have an extra evaluation year and will not be required to add him to the 40-man roster until November of 2014.

Byron Buxton was an Honorable Mention (called “In the Team Photo”). Buck had an OPS of 1.056, but was caught stealing three times. (A 50% steal rate is far below acceptable for those with 80 speed.)

Tim Wood’s rehab from a rotator cuff strain was transferred from Fort Myers to Rochester. It was initially reported that Wood was going on a 30-day rehab assignment, so it appears that he’ll be spending the next three or so weeks in Rochester’s bullpen before the Twins have to make a roster decision. Wood, who played in the Pittsburgh organization last year, was named Baseball America’s International League Relief Pitcher of the Year in 2012.

B.J. Hermsen is on his way to New Britain to join the RockCats. He’s missed the first couple weeks of the season with an oblique injury.

The “Voice of the Kernels” Morgan Hawk tweeted this afternoon that Jose Berrios will be making his season debut on Monday.

So what happened on the field tonight? Let’s check it out…

Fort Myers Miracle 14, St. Lucie Mets 2
Box Score

Two days after losing its first game of the season, the Miracle have extended their second winning streak of the season to two games.

The same day that Miguel Sano made headlines for his impressive stat line over the last week (he went hitless tonight with two Ks), his sidekick Eddie Rosario stole the spotlight. Rosario went 4-for-5 with a home run and four RBI to improve his batting average to .387.

For the second straight day, TwinsDaily’s A.J. Pettersen had three hits (including a leadoff home run tonight). He’s now batting a robust .366. He also drove in two runs.

Michael Gonzales homered twice while Matt Koch and Kennys Vargas each homered as well.

D.J. Baxendale lowered his ERA to 1.04 with seven innings of one-run work. He struck out four, walked zero and allowed four hits. Chad Rogers allowed a run in the 8^th inning. Cole Johnson pitched a scoreless 9^th inning.

Tom Stuifbergen (1-0, 2.41) pitches for the Miracle tomorrow.

Cedar Rapids Kernels 1, Peoria Chiefs 4
Box Score

The Kernels dropped to 9-5 with their second straight loss. They are now a full-game behind the Carlos Correa-led Quad Cities River Bandits in Western Division of the Midwest League.

The Kernels lone run came on a Byron Buxton opposite-field RBI triple to score Jairo Rodriguez and give the Kernels a 1-0 lead in the 4^th.

Hudson Boyd lost his first game of the season (now 1-1). He lasted into the fifth inning, recording one out before being lifted. He allowed four runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out three. He tweeted after the game about pitching in the snow and his disdain for it (#NeverAgain). The reality, for Boyd, is that if he never pitches in snow again, his career will probably be qualified as a disappointment, with snow possible in New Britain, Rochester and Minneapolis.

Tim Atherton allowed an inherited run and recorded four outs.

David Hurlbut, who appears to be the odd-man out of the rotation (in favor of Berrios) finished the game with two scoreless innings.

The Kernels had a chance in the ninth inning. DJ Hicks (single) and Travis Harrison (double) both reached base. Drew Leachman, who represented the tying run, grounded out to the first baseman to end the game.

Mason Melotakis (1-1, 2.89) will take the ball tomorrow for the Kernels at 1pm.

New Britain Rock Cats 1, Portland Sea Dogs 12
Box Score

One night after dropping twenty-one hits and seventeen runs on Portland, while holding the Sea Dogs to one run on three hits, we saw roles reversed tonight.

In tonight’s game, Portland scores 12 runs on fifteen hits. New Britain, on the hand, only mustered a single run on five hits.

To make matters even weirder, the Rock Cats were shut down by Matt Barnes (6 IP, 5 H, R, 7 K, BB). The same Barnes who, only five days ago, got beat up by the Rock Cats to the tune of five runs in 2.1 IP.
This baseball, it’s a funny game.

Both Blake Martin and Marty Popham got beat up pretty bad tonight. Popham gave up six earned runs and only recorded one out.

Danny Ortiz hit a solo home run.

Logan Darnell (1-0, 1.17) will face Portland tomorrow afternoon at 1pm ET.

Rochester Red Wings vs Pawtucket Red Sox – Postponed. The two teams will play a double-header on Sunday, beginning at 12:05.

If you have any questions or comments, please post below. Or if you’re bored, engage me on Twitter @jeremynygaard. Draft Board v.3 coming this weekend!

Over the course of the last week or so, a lot of news regarding the International Signing Period has come out.

Up until July of 2012, International Free Agency has been a free-for-all. In the 2010-11 period, the Mariners spent $6.47 million. Four teams spent $5 million or more. Five teams spent less than a million dollars. The Twins, middle-of-the-pack spenders, spent $2.54 million.

The following spending period (July 2011 - June 2012) was the final opportunity for teams, under the old guidelines, to spend however they wanted. The Rangers spent a ridiculous $12.83 million. The Blue Jays spent $7.57 million. Two more teams (that typically spend more than the Twins), the Royals and Mariners both spent over $6 million. Only three teams spent less than a million dollars (the Dodgers, White Sox, Orioles and Nationals are teams that have limited their International budget recently), while the Twins stayed middle-of-the-pack again, spending $2.31 million.

Sano undergoing DNA testing in July of 2009
in an effort to prove his age and identity.
The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia

Finding accurate data going back much further is difficult, but it should be pointed out that Miguel Sano signed with the Twins for $3.15 million in September of 2009. That is clearly the exception and not the rule. It would be safe to say their budget is normally in the $2.5 million range; and while they won't "spend just to spend", they will open their pocketbooks for players they feel are worth it.

So what's the big deal? Well, starting in the July 2012 - June 2013 period, all teams had $2.9 million to spend. It wasn't a "hard cap" per se, but there were penalties if you exceeded that amount. (The Rays, for example, exceeded their cap by so much they won't be able to sign anyone for over $250,000 in the 2013-14 signing class.) Final amounts won't be in until June, but Terry Ryan said in a radio interview earlier this winter that he "suspected" the Twins would use most, if not the entire amount.

Let's fast-forward to July of this year. First off, let's hope there is no more snow on the ground. Secondly, let's talk about the changes that have happened (again) in regards to International spending. Ben Badler of Baseball America does a great job in a series of posts explaining exactly how it will all work. Matt Garrioch at minorleagueball.com examined the fairness of the "new spending pools". All are excellent reads if you're into it.

Instead of giving you the overview on all of baseball, I'm going to break it down for you from the Twins perspective because, well, that's why you're here.

As baseball pushes towards an International Draft, you'll see similarities between the International spending period and the Rule 4 draft. For starters, there are penalties for exceeding your pool. And starting this year, the worst teams are allowed the largest pools. The Twins have the 4th pick in the Rule 4 draft; they also are being afforded the fourth-largest spending pool in International Free Agency: $3,908,600. (This is done in an effort to steer the most sought-after amateurs to the teams with the most money - the worst teams.)

Now, I referenced the Twins as not being a "spend-it-just-to-spend-it" team and also referred for their penchant to typically spend somewhere around $2.5 million. So what good does it do them to have nearly four million dollars?

I'm glad you want to know, because here's the newest (and, for the Twins, probably most beneficial) wrinkle for signing International youngsters: the ability to trade portions of your signing pool.

The Twins will enter July with five slots:
#4 - $2,250,700
#34 - $450,400
#64 - $304,200
#94 - $203,300
Flat pool - $700,000

All teams have a standard 700K pool that they cannot trade, in addition to their four slots. Teams are limited to only adding 50% of their cap. So if the Twins were interested, they could add an additional $2 million to their signing pool through trades.

A more likely scenario could see the Twins dealing some of their pool away. Badler suggests in this piece that the Twins could trade all but slot #4 and still have $3 million to spend.

Here's a couple scenarios that might give you an idea of this could benefit the Twins:

The Rangers currently have a pool just short of $2 million. They could add up to half of that to have a pool of $2.9 million (their limit this year, which they found a way to circumvent anyway).

The Blue Jays, who have spent nearly $12 million over the last two years, have only $2.8 million to spend, but could get their pool up to $4.2 million through trades.

If it's July and the Twins aren't in contention and the Rangers or Blue Jays come sniffing around Justin Morneau or Josh Willingham, this could give the Twins a chance to turn part of their pool (and money they probably wouldn't spend anyway) into a prospect. Or maybe it turns a prospect into a better prospect. Pretty good shake for the Twins, if you ask me.

Obviously, July 2 is a long way off, but when the time comes, the Twins are going to have money to spend. The name that is already connected to the Twins is OF Micker Zapata. Zapata is a big (6-3, 225) outfielder currently training in the Dominican. Zapata, however, is a very unique commodity in the International class. The reason is that he was born in St. Thomas, grew up speaking English and will have that benefit as he tries to adjust to affiliated baseball (and probably play in the GCL at 17). The Twins place an emphasis on learning the language. They also, recently, have placed an emphasis on right-handed power. Zapata fits this bill perfectly. Zapata might be in line for a bonus in the $1.5-$1.75 range and the Twins are going to be one of the few teams in baseball with the cash to meet those demands.

Despite early reports suggesting this international class isn't going to be a great one, it can only benefit the Twins to have assets available when assets are limited.

The baseball games tonight give us a chance to clear our minds from the devastating news out of Boston. For those of you living in the nightmare, I think I can speak for everybody at TwinsDaily - creators, writers and readers - that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

For as exciting (or depressing) as baseball can be, it's still just a game. But in tonight's game, Twins fans were excited to see Oswaldo Arcia make his major league debut. He didn't disappoint, ripping the second pitch he saw down the right-field line and alertly took second base on Josh Hamilton's error. In the 5th, he took a Michael Roth pitch deep to left-center, only to have Mike Trout and his super-powers catch it on the warning track. He also dropped a routine flyball, but, hey, it was his first game. The Twins, who ended their losing streak thanks to a great outing from Kevin Correia tonight, will have an interesting decision to make when the roster needs tinkering again.



Let's look at what happened on the farm tonight:

Fort Myers Miracle 4, Palm Beach Cardinals 1
Box Score

The Miracle extended their season-opening winning streak to 11 games. I'm starting to get the feeling that Doug Mientkiewicz is the greatest manager in the history of baseball... or he at least has to have the best winning percentage.

Tonight's win was brought to you buy The Bottom of the Order. Lance Ray, Jonathan Goncalves, Kyle Knudson and Stephen Wickens combined to go 9-for-12 with all four runs, three RBI, and a triple (Goncalves).

And, of course, a courtesy Miguel Sano mention: 1-for-3 with a walk and strikeout... and his third error of the season.

Tom Stuifbergen was great - 7.2 innings, four hits, one run and three strikeouts. Corey Williams came in with the tying runner on in the eighth, got the out and then recorded three more for his fourth save of the season.

One Miracle player, who shall remain nameless, told me after win #10 that the "scary thing is... the team could play better." It's going to continue to be an exciting season.

Jason Wheeler (1-0, 5.63) gets the afternoon start for the Miracle tomorrow.

New Britain RockCats 5, New Hampshire FisherCats 3
Box Score

The RockCats got a phenomenal start from southpaw Logan Darnell, helping the team climb back over .500 after losing their last two.

Darnell went 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight and only giving up a lone run to pick up his first win of the year. Aaron Thompson made his season debut getting four outs (two on strikeouts) before Bobby Lanigan got roughed up a little in the ninth (allowed two runs and the tying runner to get to the plate).

Michael Tonkin came in, threw one pitch and got the game's final out on a grounder to the second baseman James Beresford.

The bats were alive... and full of singles. Only one (Reynaldo Rodriguez, double) of the 11 hits went for extra bases. Luckily, six of those hits came in the sixth inning where the RockCats scored all five of their runs.

Danny Santana, Nate Hanson, Jason Christian and James Beresford all had two hits.

Trevor May (0-1, 3.00) will make the start tomorrow night.

Rochester Red Wings 1, Scranton/WB RailRiders 10
Box Score

Rochester dropped to 2-9, which is the franchise's worst start in at least the last 45 years.

P.J. Walters made it through six innings. He struck out five, but also gave up 13 hits (!) and five earned runs. Michael O'Connor was the only reliever to pitch an inning without giving up a run. Bruce Pugh gave up four runs. Daniel Turpen gave up one.

Joe Benson was the offense's headliner with three hits and a stolen base. The team scattered ten hits, but were a Twins-like 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. One the season, the Red Wings are 15-for-91 (.164) with RISP. Not quite Hicksian, but disgustingly bad for sure.

Kyle Gibson (0-1, 5.79) will hope to get the team's third win tomorrow.

Cedar Rapids Kernels 2, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 14
Box Score

Well, the ugly stick hit the Kernels tonight on their return to Cedar Rapids.

Of note, Oswaldo Arcia's brother, Orlando, who plays for Wisconsin went 0-for-6 as the only Timber Rattler without a hit.

Byron Buxton went 1-for-2 (.441) with his 4th stolen base of the year.

Adam Walker, who hit 14 home runs last year for Elizabethton, hit his 1st of the year.

Dalton (D.J.) Hicks, who earlier in the day was named Midwest Player of the Week, homered for his third time of the year.

David Hurlbut took the loss, giving up three runs in five innings.

Matt Tomshaw gave up six earned runs and got four outs. Josue Montanez got five outs and gave up five unearned runs.

The Kernels will play a doubleheader tomorrow and it appears that Taylor Rogers (0-0, 0.00) and Brett Lee (1-0, 0.00 in two bullpen appearances) will get the starting nods.

If you have any questions, comments or anything else you want to get off of your chest, you can leave a comment below or tweet me @jeremynygaard.

The Twins got an excellent outing from free-agent pick-up Kevin Correia, who worked into the 8^th inning. Unfortunately, the Royals strung a few hits together and were able to chase Correia after taking a 3-1 lead. The Twins failed to rally in the 9^th and lost their 3^rd “Home Opener” of the season. (But remain undefeated in non-Home Openers.)



Three of the club’s affiliates were in action this evening. Let’s take a look…

Rochester Red Wings 2, Scranton/WB RailRiders 4
Box Score

Congratulations to first baseman Chris Colabello, who was named International League Player of the Week for last week.

Andrew Albers was originally slated to begin the season in New Britain’s bullpen. A BJ Hermsen injury sent him to their rotation. After Alex Burnett was waived, a spot in Rochester’s bullpen opened up. Soon after that, Pedro Hernandez took Cole De Vries’ spot in Minnesota’s rotation. Albers, whose minor-league career has been a journey, has been on a mini-journey in just the last week. His ultimate destination, Rochester’s rotation, is where Albers made his season debut tonight.

Albers pitched very well before reaching his pitch limit with two outs in the fourth. He allowed a run on three hits and a walk. He struck out five, throwing 50 strikes on 76 pitches.

Luis Perdomo had another rough outing, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks. He did strike out two, but used 32 pitches to record only four outs.

Daniel Turpen allowed a run. Tyler Robertson, back in AAA, walked a batter in an otherwise uneventful inning.

The bats didn’t offer much in terms of run support. Oswaldo Arcia, who, despite gaudy numbers, has avoided the prospect spotlight (thank Sano and Buxton for that), had another big game. His three singles led to him scoring both of Rochester’s runs. He also stole his first base of the year.

Clete Thomas and Rey Olmedo both added two hits. Thomas drove in both runs and now has seven on the young season.

Joe Benson, now batting .077, had his first double of the season.

New Britain Rock Cats 9, Harrisburg Senators 2
Box Score

New Britain continues their season-opening road trip in Harrisburg tonight. After winning their season opener, the Rock Cats lost their next three games. A change of venue proved to be enough to end the losing streak.

The bats were alive for the Rock Cats.

Danny Ortiz (now batting .400) led the charge with a double and a home run. Josmil Pinto had a three-run triple. Harold Garcia hit his second home run of the season. Antoan Richardson had two hits and a walk in the leadoff position. Danny Santana had three hits (to improve his average to .273).

Blake Martin enters his 3^rd season making spot-starts for the Rock Cats. Tonight, he worked three innings (66 pitches, 34 strikes), allowing only one run. He avoided trouble despite yielding two hits and walking four. He struck out two and now has an ERA of 1.69.

Marty Popham (52 pitches, 28 strikes) walked two in three scoreless innings. He struck out four.

Edgar Ibarra walked and struck out one in an inning. Nelvin Fuentes gave up a run on two hits in the ninth to close out the victory.

Ft. Myers Miracle – DAY OFF after starting the season 4-0

D.J. Baxendale will make his season debut tomorrow night.

Cedar Rapids Kernels 10, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 2
Box Score

The story of the spring in the upper Midwest has been the cold weather. The Kernels opened in a cool, but seasonable, weekend in Cedar Rapids. Today, they headed north to Appleton, WI.

Early this afternoon, first baseman DJ Hicks tweeted, “You know it’s cold when teammates are buying gloves and head masks for a game.”

Shortstop Niko Goodrum later tweeted that on his way to the game he saw a frozen lake… for the first time in his life.

Once the game started, in mid-30s “heat”, the story, again, was the Kernels. After jumping out to a 6-0 lead, the Kernels were able to coast to a 10-2 win.

Another stellar pitching performance tonight, this time from David Hurlbut left Cedar Rapids in good shape. Hurlbut pitched six innings (70 pitches, 49 strikes) allowing three hits and two runs (a 2-run home run). He struck out five.

Tyler Jones pitched two innings out of the bullpen, striking out two. Jones has been phenomenal. In 5.1 innings this year, he’s struck out eight and allowed zero hits.

Chris Mazza closed out the game by striking out the side. He walked a batter and allowed an infield hit.

The lineup added plenty of run support. All of the starters (besides catcher Jairo Rodriguez) recorded a hit. Seven of the nine batters scored.

Byron Buxton hit his second home run of the season and drove in three runs, though he did prove human and strike out three times.

DJ Hicks improved to .389 with two hits (a double). Adam Walker, back in his home state, drove in four runs on two hits (including a double). Travis Harrison hit his first home run.

JD Williams showed his speed reaching base three times and stealing two bases. He was caught stealing once, but it brought Jake Mauer out to argue and sounded on the radio like it was a questionable call.

(If you haven’t, listen to a Kernels baseball game on kmryradio.com. It’s fantastic. Broadcaster Morgan Hawk does a great job.)

Tomorrow, Brett Lee will make his first start of the season. He picked up the win in Friday’s walk-off victory over Beloit. He wasn’t scheduled to pitch, but was needed due to the short bullpen that has since been added to.

The Twins just got back over .500 (again) while a top prospect is starting to heat up.

Attachment 3681

There was a lot going on in the minor leagues today. You can read about it and catch up (or comment) here.

After taking in three Kernels games in Cedar Rapids, Seth is driving back to reality tonight. So I'm pinch-writing.

Like any back-of-the-rotation starter, you'll have to put up with me once (and sometimes twice) a week. I'm on Twitter, if you're into that sort of thing. But my baby is tracking the Major League payroll and all of the organizational rosters. I call it the R&P (Roster & Payroll) page and update it frequently to answer all of your burning questions. I'm also pretty heavy into the MLB Draft. Sometime soon here I plan to start bugging Seth into letting me do a Draft Chat, what do you think about that idea?

But enough about me, let's take a spin around the farm:

Ft. Myers Miracle 10, Bradenton Marauders 6
Box Score

The bats were alive in Fort Myers and the Miracle will look to complete a four-game sweep tomorrow afternoon.

Though Miguel Sano didn’t hit a home run, he did go 3-for-4 with a double and a walk. He scored three runs and the report was that he looked great at 3B. Eddie Rosario, who got off to a cold start, had two hits tonight including his first home run. He also scored two runs.

The Michael Gonzales-Kennys Vargas-Lance Ray part of the order drove in six runs on five hits. Gonzales homered, the other two doubled.

Matthew Summers got the start and went four innings. He allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits and a walk. He struck out three.

Making a relief appearance was Adrian Salcedo. Salcedo has been regarded as a highly-ranked starting pitcher, but has missed significant time with various injuries. Tonight, he allowed two runs on three hits in two innings. All of his outs were recorded on the ground. He still is someone to watch as far as “prospect status” goes and his role this year bears watching.

Ryan O’Rourke picked up his second win of the year. He struck out two in two innings.

Closing it out (in a non-save situation) was Zack Jones, who struck out one in a perfect ninth.

Rochester Red Wings 2, Buffalo Bisons 9
Box Score

A chilly Home Opener in Rochester saw the Red Wings drop their third straight game and second straight home opener to Buffalo.

Shairon Martis threw only 29 of 69 pitches for strikes and only lasted three innings. His four walks and four hits allowed amounted to two earned runs. He struck out one.

The bullpen – starting with Bruce Pugh – didn’t provide much help. Pugh allowed three hits and two earned runs while only recording one out. Caleb Thielbar got the Red Wings through the sixth. He struck out four, but also allowed two more earned runs. Luis Perdomo allowed four hits, four walks and – you guessed it – two more runs in 1 1/3 innings. Daniel Turpen got the final five outs, but also allowed a run on two hits and two walks. He struck out two.

Offensively, the story of the game was walks. Rochester play-by-play announcer Josh Whetzel tweeted after the game that in the MLB since 1916 only 14 teams have lost a nine inning game while coaxing 11 walks, like Rochester did today, and scoring two or less runs. As you can probably guess, the Red Wings did poorly with runners in scoring position (1-for-10).

Chris Colabello was the only player with a multi-hit game (two singles). Oswaldo Arcia went hitless and Eric Farris, making his Red Wings debut, went 0-for-4 after pinch-hitting for Ray Olmedo in the 4^th inning.

Sunday’s original starter, Pedro Hernandez, was promoted and will start for the Twins. Virgil Vasquez, who was originally slated to pitch Monday, will pitch tomorrow. Buffalo will send Tyson Brummett to the mound.

New Britain Rock Cats 5, Richmond Flying Squirrels 7
Box Score

The Rock Cats got all of their offense from two players – Daniel Ortiz and Harold Garcia.

Ortiz went 3-for-4 with two doubles, three RBI and a run. Harold Garcia had two hits, including a two-run home run.

Pat Dean got the start and lasted four innings. He allowed seven hits, two walks and five runs (four earned). He struck out two.

Relieving Dean was TwinsDaily’s Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year last year: A.J. Achter. Achter struck out two and walked two in two innings.

Marty Popham took the loss for allowing two runs in the seventh.

Nelvin Fuentes hit a batter, but otherwise went unscathed in the eighth.

Tomorrow the Rock Cats will look to even the four-game series with Richmond. They will be doing so with Alex Meyer making his Twins minor league debut. This is definitely a game Twins prospect-watchers will have their eye on.

Cedar Rapids Kernels 1, Beloit Snappers 2
Box Score

After two exciting wins, the Kernels struggled to get going and failed to match their dramatic victory of last night.

Super-prospect Byron Buxton went 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. He’s now batting .455.

Jorge Polanco drove in the lone run with an RBI double in the 8^th innings. Candido Pimental and Niko Goodrum added singles. Pimentel and J.D. Williams each stole a base.

2012 2^nd round pick, Mason Melotakis, has started his conversion from relief pitcher to starting pitcher. He worked into the fifth, recording one out, while giving up only two runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out two. Melotakis was throwing in the low-to-mid-90s while working quickly, according to Seth. Worth noting, Melotakis recored 10 groundball outs, compared to only 1 flyball out.

The Kernels got a great showing from their bullpen, ironically enough, from two former Snappers starters – Matt Tomshaw and Manuel Soliman.

Tomshaw came in to relieve Melotakis after Melotakis issued a walk to start the 5^th innings. He did allow two hits and two walks, but he struck out four in 2.2 scoreless innings.

Soliman made his second appearance of the year and allowed three hits, but no runs, while recording six outs.

Another college reliever, Tyler Duffey, will make his pro debut as a starter tomorrow as the Kernels look to clinch the series win.

As we sit around three months from draft day there have been many risers and fallers around the draft world. Some larger than others. Obviously, there is still a lot of time for things to happen, but this is how I would stack the Twins Draft Board if it were up to me.

The first installment of my draft board featured a top 4 as well as some other names to watch. The following list has stayed the same at the very top, but has seen many changes around it. It's also expanded to a top 8.


(photo from WVLA NBC33 | Baton Rouge News, Weather and Sports | Baton Rouge News)

As I mentioned last month: In the last 20 years, the Twins have had 24 1^st round draft picks (not counting supplemental picks). Of those 24 picks, 11 have been prep position players and eight have been college pitchers. The other two groups: college position players (4) and prep pitchers (1) have been much less represented.

The Twins first pick (fourth overall) will come with an approximate $4.5m price tag.

JEREMY’S SMALL BOARD
(Keep in mind, please, that this is not a “mock draft”. This is not a reflection of my top players. This is my attempt at stacking a “Twins Draft Board”, based on a number of things.)

1) Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

WHY HE STILL MAKES SENSE: Appel has been nothing short of dominant so far this season.
WHY THE TWINS COULD PASS: Scott Boras. Because of Appel's inclusion in the draft pool, it's going to be hard for anyone to project. He's a wild card.
MY TWO CENTS: Appel has been good enough that, as the #1 guy on my board, I take him and cut money from Rounds 2-10 to give him as much as possible. The stickier part of this situation is that, as a college senior, the signing deadline wouldn't apply. So unless you give up on him before the deadline, you can't rely on "fallback options", that you took in the later rounds.
PRICE TAG: We know it's going to be high. That's a given.


2) Sean Manaea, LHP, Indiana State

WHY HE STILL MAKES SENSE: Though he hasn't been as "lights-out" as he was this summer, he's still been good and projects to be a top-of-the-rotation type pitcher. And he's a lefty. The Twins would do good to add him, even though he'll need more minor league time to develop than Appel would.
WHY THE TWINS SHOULD PASS: I think Manaea - even more so than Appel - has solidfied his spot in the top 5. If I had to bet, I'd say the Twins won't get the chance to draft (or pass on) Manaea.
MY TWO CENTS: I'm hoping to make it to Friday night's game at the Metrodome to see Manaea in person. I would guess my suspicions will be verified.
PRICE TAG: Manaea would be smart to take slot money and get signed as quickly as possible.


3) Clint Frazier, OF, Georgia HS

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Frazier is the top-rated high school player in the nation. And then he goes and hits two home runs in the Frazier/Meadows showdown yesterday. He's going to be a top 5 pick. The Twins love prep outfielders.
WHY THE TWINS SHOULD PASS: The Twins should pass because they need to pass. Baseball is about pitching, and even though Frazier has a cannon, he's not standing on a mound when he's showing it off.
MY TWO CENTS: Frazier has some experience in the infield. As a prospect, though, he didn't take off until he moved to the outfield. If I was convinced Frazier can become a star, I'm using his versatility as my crutch. Would you feel differently if instead of drafting a prep OF, the Twins took a prep 3B? I'm not sure how the transition would go, but the Twins have tried to make the OF to INF switch with Rosario. It would be a very expensive gamble.
PRICE TAG: Like Buxton, Frazier will probably sign for near-slot.


4) Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: If you're a low-to-mid-90s guy, you're a prospect, as Gray was coming into the season. When you're a mid-to-high-90s guy, you're an very good prospect. When you touch 100 and have the feel to spin a ball, you're an elite part of the draft.
WHY THE TWINS SHOULD PASS: Are you buying the hype? Gray is full of helium. His arm is fresh now but what happens as the season progresses? Is he still throwing 100? Is he more susceptible to injury? So far reports check out. But for as quickly as he's risen, he's got three months to stay on top.
MY TWO CENTS: Twins fans, this is the guy to keep an eye on. He has really taken off. Viewed as a potential first-rounder before the season, he has climbed up draft boards with every start. If Manaea doesn't improve and Appel's demands remain a question mark, Gray may not stop climbing until he's #1.
PRICE TAG: As another junior pitcher, he probably won't have any unreasonable demands (hopefully).


5) Ryne Stanek, RHP, Arkansas

WHY HE'S DROPPED: Despite coming into the season being mentioned in the same sentence as Manaea and Appel, Stanek has had a disappointing first month of the season. He isn't lasting late into games and he isn't missing many bats.
WHY THE TWINS SHOULD STILL CONSIDER HIM: Stanek still has the conference schedule to impress the scouts; if he can get it done against the best conference in baseball, his stock will rise.
MY TWO CENTS: At the very least, Stanek is one of four (or more) college pitchers that are viable options for the Twins at #4.
PRICE TAG: You have to worry a little bit about guys that come into the season hyped as a potential #1 pick and begin to drop.


6) Dominic Smith, 1B/OF, California HS

WHY HE'S DROPPED: Smith was in the news for the wrong reasons earlier this month. Long story short: Smith was ejected from a game and subsequently suspended for the following game. In an effort to not hurt his draft stock, scouts were told that he wasn't at the game because he was sick. Well, the truth came out and now Smith and his school look bad.
WHY THE TWINS SHOULD STILL CONSIDER HIM: Despite what could be considered a make-up/character issue, Smith is still a premium prospect and offers standout defense (albeit at first base) to a team that emphasizes defense.
MY TWO CENTS: Someone to keep on the radar, but probably not someone that will make the top 4 at any point.
PRICE TAG: It should be mentioned that the Astros banked a lot of their pool by taking a prep player and paying him less than slot.


7) Bobby Wahl, RHP, Mississippi

WHY HE'S ON THE BOARD: Wahl is appearing on the list as a pitcher that doesn't have a tremendous ceiling, but is already nearly a finished product. He offers a low-to-mid-90s fastball and a low-80s slider that misses bats. His changeup is also coming around. By the time June rolls around Wahl may possess three pitches that are currently in the 55-60 range. Not likely to be an ace, he could still be a very serviceable #3. And soon.
WHY THE TWINS SHOULD PASS: When you're drafting at #4, you should be shooting for the stars. Not taking a guy because he's close to his ceiling.
MY TWO CENTS: The Twins could do "safe". Wahl would be safe. If Wahl continues to impress and moves up the board, I'd be okay with safe. If he's a borderline top-10 prospect... I'd rather take a shot on someone with more upside.
PRICE TAG: I would guess Wahl will sign for slot (or if drafted higher, cut a deal) and sign quickly.


8) Austin Meadows, OF, Georgia HS

WHY HE'S #8: I won't rule out anything at this point and Meadows is highly-regarded. I'm interested to see what Meadows does after Frazier so obviously stole the show yesterday. Your move, Austin.

Others to watch:
Chris Anderson, Jacksonville, has probably taken a bigger leap than any other college pitcher. Once viewed as a 3rd-5th round pick, he's moved up in the first round conversation. He's still moving up. I don't see him entering the top 10, much less the top 5, but he's got time on his side. Scouts love him and as a Minnesota prep, so do the locals. (Some have suggested taking him #4 and paying him like a late 1st rounder. That isn't necessarily my style, but I can assure you that the Twins brass will leave no stone unturned.)

Jonathan Crawford, Florida, is throwing it in the high-90s, but he's lacking success. Like Stanek, he'll have plenty of time to build his status back up. It's not helping that Florida can't catch a break.

I'll leave Minnesota LHP Tom Windle and prep OF Ryan Boldt grouped together again. I would guess the Twins would love for Windle to fall to the 2nd round, but I don't see it happening. Boldt has probably solidified himself as a mid-1st rounder strictly on his play last summer.

Though the Twins rarely go to the "college position players well", there are two 3B that should be mentioned: Kris Bryant, San Diego and Colin Moran, North Carolina. I prefer Bryant's right-handed power (even though he will probably end up in the OF or at 1B), but I don't see the Twins going this route.

As long as I'm mentioning avenues that aren't taken, I'll name a prep pitcher who enamors me: Jordan Sheffield, RHP, Tennessee HS. Sheffield is a hard-thrower, but also very intelligent. There is a strong belief already that he'll be a tough sign, so if the Twins do something to save money early, maybe Sheffield - a first-round talent - could be one of those options later.

Feel free to discuss.