This continues my prospect countdown. This is quite an interesting mix of players, for Minier to D. Romero, and the inclusion of Nate Roberts and Adrian Salcedo.

40. Amaurys Minier, 3B, SH, DOB: 1/30/96

2013 GCL: 119 PA, .214/.252/.455 (.707), 5 doubles, 2 triples, 6 homers, 6 walks, 29 strikeouts, 1 stolen base, 1 time caught stealing

There should be a fair amount of excitement surrounding Minier as he put up these numbers in the GCL before his 18th birthday. The slugging is impressive, so it is important to watch his contact rate when he moves up to E-Town in 2014. He could fly up this list if he starts out strong there.

39. Logan Darnell, LHS , DOB: 2-2-89

2013 AA/AAA (combined stats): 153.2 innings pitched, 3.22 ERA, 120/45 (6.2/2.5 career rates)

Darnell bounced back from a lackluster 2012 to pitch effectively. He has brought his strikeout rate up nicely in 2013 and could factor in as a lefty out of the bullpen if needed for the Twins or he could be a rotation piece if the Twins aren't especially active in free agency this offseason. He will start with Rochester to begin the season.

38. Levi Michael, SS/2B, SH, DOB: 2/9/91

2013 A+: 375, .229/.331/.340 (.670) (.659), 15-4-4, 49-67, 21-2

Michael has now fallen from around the 20-25 range on my list to 38, and much of his continued presence on this list has to do with the hope that, when fully healthy, Michael can build upon minute improvements made so far and emerge as a legitimate prospect. His stolen base numbers were impressive this year, but not much else is, including his defense. Even though he hasn't really earned the promotion, the time has likely come to push Michael to New Britain to see if he can get on track.

37. Deibinson Romero, 3B/1B, RH, DOB: 9/24/86

2013 AA/AAA (stats from AAA): 358, .266/.369/.421 (.790) (.759), 15-1-10, 47-75 , 4-0

Romero is an adequate defensive third baseman and has also played first. His future looked very bright about four years ago but then the Twins soured on him and he has been a slow-mover in the system. That said, the Twins ought to be feeling tired with Trevor Plouffe, and especially with Trevor Plouffe at third base. Furthermore, he could be a nice RH bat off the bench. Finally, if Miguel Sano is not ready at the beginning of 2014, Romero could be the fill-in if the Twins either move Plouffe via trade or via position change.

36. Nate Roberts, LF/RF, LH, DOB: 2/25/89

2013 A+ 5 .250/.400/.500 (.900) (.897), 1-0-0, 0-0, 0-0

Roberts played in one game in 2013 and he maintained his crazy HBP standard by getting plunked. This injury business is killing his career and hopefully he can have a healthy 2014. The Twins really just need to move him to AA and hope he is healthy--there is no point for him to play at lower levels at this point. There is significant potential here and it is a shame that it is going to waste.

35. Daniel Ortiz, OF, LH, DOB: 1/5/902013 AA: 521, .258/.301/.405 (.706) (.725), 27-4-12, 27-88, 1-4

Ortiz has a tendency to start out seasons very well and then get progressively worse as the season goes on. A great April was followed by consistent decline every month, with a bad August to wrap up the season. Ortiz is very much like Danny Santana, but with some more pop, less contact, and a lot less speed. He might be served best by starting out in New Britain again for 2014 and then work to earn a promotion to Rochester. It is hard, at this point, to imagine Ortiz as anything but a fourth OF, but it will be interesting to watch his power numbers going forward.

34. Adrian Salcedo, RHP, DOB: 2/5/91

2013 A+: 58.1 innings, 3.70 ERA, 54 strikeouts, 15 walks (7.2/1.8 career)

Salcedo will be 23 on opening day 2014 and he will likely be in New Britain. That isn't far off from the projection in 2009 and 2010 when Salcedo showed great promise. 2011 was a down year for the most part, and 2012 was a disaster with an injury. Salcedo was very effective in the bullpen in Fort Myers this year. The key question is whether or not the Twins view him as a starter or not. I honestly do not think so, and I believe he should be at the back end of the New Britain bullpen for 2014. Salcedo has appeared to right himself and this year is going to be huge for him.

33. Matthew Summers, RHS, DOB: 8/17/89

2013 AA/A+ (combined stats): 142.2, 3.09, 100/46 (6.7/3.2)

2013 was a season of solid improvement for Summers. He is inching his K rate up and lowered his walk rate. He is keeping the hits down both in number and literally--he gave up only three homers all year. If that stat is not a fluke than his future is promising as he climbs the ladder. 2014 should see him start in New Britain.

32. James Beresford, 2B/SS/3B, LH, DOB: 1/19/89

2013 AA/AAA (combined stats): 403, .306/.363/.346 (.708) (.671), 12-1-0, 30/51, 10/2

Beresford is a good defender in the middle infield and has been consistent with the bat, especially since 2010. He possesses no power and will survive if he hits well, draws some walks, and is surrounded by guys with big bats like Miguel Sano, Eddie Rosario, and Kennys Vargas. It is not clear why he hasn't played SS much more this year because he is likely going to make it either as a utility infielder (third base should be no problem for him) or as a starting SS. Beresford should start the season next year at AAA and try to improve his slugging somewhat before replacing Eduardo Escobar or Pedro Florimon if his play merits it.

31. Tyler Jones, RHR, DOB: 9/5/89

2013 A-/A+ (combined stats): 52.1, 2.58, 66/20 (10.8/3.5)

Jones improved on his 2012 numbers and could be a real force to be reckoned with out of the bullpen. He got hit a little in the FSL, but his stuff is very impressive. Should be a bi-level player again next year and be tapping at the Twins door in 2015 if all goes well.

The next post will cover the 21-30 ranked prospects in the system.