Originally published at The Tenth Inning Stretch

---

Last week, I discussed the reasons why the Minnesota Twins should select Sean Manaea with their first round and fourth overall pick. This week, I am presenting potential second to fifth round picks for the Twins. The Twins do not have compensatory picks this season. Brief profiles of the players also are included.

Round 2, (43 overall): Hunter Dozier, SS, Stephen F. Austin State

Would history repeat itself and the Twins will select yet another college SS (and their second Dozier recently) in the high draft rounds, even though their previous selections have not moved with the speed the Twins' hoped? He shall see, but Hunter Dozier is not like the previous college short stops they have been selecting. He is a Cal Ripken-sized SS (6-4, 220) with a lot of pop. He bats right handed. His 17 HRs have him in the top 3 in the NCAA he is hitting .394 and has 12 SBs. His arm is very strong and he has good hands. Range is an issue (and this, with his size, makes some think that he will project as a 3B at the next level) but very workable in the next level. I think that he has the tools to stick at short and this is a huge position of need in the Twins' organization. He was named Southland conference player of the year and hitter of the year. His up to date 2013 stats are here.

Round 3, (78 overall) Andrew Knapp, C, Berkley

Catcher is another position in need in the Twins' organization with no clear replacement for Joe Mauer down the line, other than potentially Josmil Pinto. Knapp is not mentioned as one of the top catchers on the draft (that would be a trifecta of high school kids) but he might as well be. An excellent game caller (he goes to Berkley for a reason) with a strong bat that projects, but would require a bit of work with his receiving skills and foot work. He hit left-handed as is 6'1" tall and weights about 200 lbs. Mostly a line drive doubles machine who likes to use the whole field (sounds like another Twins' catcher?) but projects to have home run power. Can run a bit too. Dad also a Catcher at Berkley.

Round 4 (110 overall) Edwin Diaz, SS, Ladislau Martinez Otero HS, Puerto Rico.

From Jose Morales to Eddie Rosario to Jose Berrios, the Twins have been scouting and drafting high school kids from Puerto Rico in early rounds and they will do it again this season. Diaz is close to the top of the 2013 draft class in Puerto Rico. He is a tall (6'2" - 180) kid who is still growing. Diaz is a lot like Pedro Florimon, but a bit more advanced with the bat at this stage of their careers. Good with the bat, hitting line drives at all fields. Right handed. Slick fielder. I think that is will be one of the first Puerto Ricans on the board. The 2013 draft class is not that great there.

Round 5 (140 overall) DJ Snelten, LHP, Minnesota

The Twins make a point of selecting several players from the University of Minnesota. The ones that they have been selecting in the high rounds (the jury is still out for players like AJ Pettersen who were selected in lower rounds) have not really worked out, other than a certain LHP; so I think that they will get another. The lesser known of the 2 U of M starters and somewhat in the shadow of Tom Windle, might actually be the better pitcher. He is 6'7" and 230 lbs. Plus 91-93 mph fastball that peaks at 95 with great command and control, movement and positioning; curve and change up are serious works in progress but improving. Pitched out of the pen mostly his first 2 seasons. Could be a dominant reliever if his secondary offerings do not improve.

Here are highlights of his complete game one hitter this season against Ohio State (you can read about it here ) :

Whats your take on 18 year old Carlos Salazar RHP?

the kid has 4 pitches and hits 97mph...

i'd like it if those were the picks. i'd like the Dozier pick. he could be the real bull Dozier.. i think Edwin Diaz may go sooner but i'd take him in third.. Knapp would also be a good pick. other guys i hope they would get are Justin Williams, think he's an LSU commit though.., and Jan Hernandez. Brian Navarreto is also another guy, good pop time and raw power for a catcher..

Whats your take on 18 year old Carlos Salazar RHP?

the kid has 4 pitches and hits 97mph...

allegedly he hit 100

I think that he is very raw. I also think that he will not be there when the Twins pick in the second round and he is not a top 5 pick. Probably late 1st round. Might sign if picked on the first round, otherwise it will be tough. Good human story. Berrios a better pitcher, btw.