Twins Keep Faith with Berrios

After a modest season at Class A Ceder Rapids, Minnesota Twins pitching prospect, J.O. Berrios, will not participate in the Puerto Rican Winter League this offseason; instead, the youngster will get himself ready for next season.

The 19-year old recorded an 18.00 run average in two relief outings for Puerto Rico at the World Baseball Classic, striking out Robinson Cano. But playing in that tournament put Berrios a couple of weeks behind once he returned to Minnesota camp and he was forced to begin the year at extended spring training.

But while many MLB betting outlets assumed that Berrios would be sent to the Puerto Rican Winter League in order to continue his development, Twins general manager, Terry Ryan, admitted the youngster would be kept in Minnesota in order to get himself ready for next year.

"We're going to make sure he comes back fresh. He did not have the type of year we were hoping. I don't think he threw the ball over the plate as much as he could or can or will. He's 19.

"Don't get me wrong. I like Berrios as much as anybody, but he did not have a great year. He had a nice year."

Following on from his first start for the Kernels in April, Berrios went 7-7 with a 3.99 ERA in 19 starts. While the pitcher struck out 100 batters in 103 2/3 innings, he allowed 3.47 walks per nine innings to show he still has plenty to learn before stepping up into the big leagues.

Berrios went 3-5 with a 4.87 ERA over his final 12 appearances for Ceder Rapids, struggling to maintain his place in the line-up due to injury and his modest form on the mound.

But despite his sub-standard season last year, Berrios is a favourite of fans betting MLB World Series, with the potential to become a real weapon, but the youngster will need to really step up next season and show he is the real deal.