Amaurys Minier

[B Richard]

 I want to start this thread so we can talk about a prospect that I believe is pretty intriguing. Meet Amaurys Minier.

 
Currently playing for the GCL Twins in rookie ball is 18 yr old Amaurys Minier. Minier was a pretty big international FA signing for the Twins two years ago, signing for $1.6M as a 16 yr old Dominican shortstop. Known more for his bat, Minier soon moved out of the middle infield and into the outfield.
 
Last year Minier played in the GCL with mixed results, slashing .214/.252/.455. He struck out in 24.4% of his plate appearances, walking in only 5% of them. 
 
Well, this time around in the GCL Minier's calling card is starting to shine. The switch hitting left fielder has slashed .289/.382/.507 this year. Minier is currently producing runs at a rate 53% better than league average. Perhaps even more encouraging is his walk rate, which currently sits at 12.1%-- that's up from a paltry 5% last year ladies and gents. The ability to get on base is often a make-or-break factor for prospects; although Minier's raw hitting numbers are encouraging, the uptick in his plate discipline is monumental. 
 
Of course, one can only place so much stock in GCL numbers. Minier is still very much a wild card. Nonetheless, he is making discernible improvements in several areas of his game and merits attention as he moves up the ladder. 
 
I know I'm excited for him to get his first taste of full season ball in the not-so-distant future.

[Thegrin]

He is an interesting player to watch.

 

Amaurys Minier Stats:  http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=620441#/career/R/hitting/2014/ALL

 

GCL Twins:  http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ibp&cid=474

[drjim]

18 year old stats in GCL can tell you a little bit. This isn't college guys in the Appy League.

 

It will be interesting to see if the Twins push him to Cedar Rapids next year or if they give him another year in Rookie Ball.

[Monkeypaws]

I think a year in Elizabethton would do him good. 

 

Heck, a year in Elizabethton seems to do everybody good.

[jokin]

I think a year in Elizabethton would do him good. 

 

Heck, a year in Elizabethton seems to do everybody good.

 

Hah!  You got that right...just ask Max Murphy and Tanner English, from completely unheralded, unknowns to Titans of the Appy.

[diehardtwinsfan]

He's not old for his league, so I think the numbers should mean something. He's not putting up Sano/Rosario type numbers, but he's been good enough for people to take notice. I'm not sure if he will need a year in Elizabethon or not, several decent propsects have skipped that recently (or had very short stints) with no real issues.

[kab21]

Rookie league numbers only mean something if you are failing.  It has nothing to do with age since most of the players are simply not talented.

 

There is almost no way that he skips Elizabethon.  He seems very raw and very young while being good but not exceptional in the GCL.  Nice lottery ticket to have though.

[Thrylos]

To put perspective into his season, you have to mention that he has returned from shoulder surgery (thus why he is in GCL and not in E-town) which turned up really successful.

 

Lots of people wrote him off as a prospect when he was going to have shoulder surgery. 

[Seth Stohs]

that'd be silly to write him off based on GCL numbers. I agree with Thrylos. I think the big reasons why he's back in the GCL is due to the shoulder surgery, the changing of positions and well, the contact rate. It's been a good thing for him and his development to be right where he is. 

 

I'd expect him to go the ETown next year. I'm encouraged by the HR. Not many hit that many homers in the GCL. He's got serious power.