Speaking of the Elizabethton Twins, Baseball America released its Top 20 Prospects list for the Appalachian League (paid). The Twins have two representatives including shortstop Nick Gordon (#2) and right-handed pitcher Michael Cederoth (#19).

 

For Gordon, the scouting report questions his overall ability to remain at shortstop because "he does not have the traditional quick-twitch athleticism expected of the position." The report also says his offense is developing well and says that he "projects to be an above-average hitter with plus bat speed who works inside the ball. His power projects to be at least average with a chance for better once he starts pulling the ball more regularly, as he shows an advanced ability to drive the ball to the opposite field."

 

This more or less is what Mike Radcliff and E-Twins manager Ray Smith told me in July. 

Cederoth, meanwhile, has close to triple-digit heat and a four-pitch repertoire that Baseball America says he should project well. "He has the body, fastball and breaking ball to start, and he threw more strikes this summer (3.6 walks per nine)," says Baseball America. "His pitchability, delivery and control will need to improve to remain in the rotation or he will fit as a flame-throwing late-game reliever.

Good to see Gordon looking good.  I'd like to see that power develop a bit more too, but it's encouraging that those in the know believe it will.  A bit disappointing to hear them question his defensive abilities however since his nearly concrete ability to stick at SS was why he was rated so high pre draft and likely why the Twins took him in the first place.

Way too early to worry about him as a SS imo. 

Way too early to worry about him as a SS imo.

 

 

I don't know if "worry" is the right word but plenty of shortstops end up moving from the position. After all, it's one of the toughest to stick at defensively.

Agreed... too early to be worried. Parker's right, many don't stick there defensively. But also, it was his first taste of pro ball. The infield coaches can start working with him. Also, guessing the ETown/Appy League fields aren't quite as good as Hammond Stadium or Target Field.

 

I'm guessing Jeremy Nygaard will be quite disappointed that Max Murphy isn't in the Top 20!

Also, guessing the ETown/Appy League fields aren't quite as good as Hammond Stadium or Target Field.

 

 

And that's true. I don't think the BA scouts are doubting Gordon's hands/arm, its more that he lacks a "quick twitch" which I interpret as a slower first-step. I'm not sure that is something you can develop or not. Definitely needs more than 57 games at short to make a long-term evaluation. 

And that's true. I don't think the BA scouts are doubting Gordon's hands/arm, its more that he lacks a "quick twitch" which I interpret as a slower first-step. I'm not sure that is something you can develop or not. Definitely needs more than 57 games at short to make a long-term evaluation. 

 

You really can't develop more quick twitch (or at least in a significant way) but you can certainly make up for it in other ways such as great hands/arm, intelligent positioning, etc.

 

Way too early to worry about moving off SS but wouldn't be surprised if he starts getting some reps at 2B in Cedar Rapids.

Way too early to worry about moving off SS but wouldn't be surprised if he starts getting some reps at 2B in Cedar Rapids.

 

and he should. I actually agree with teams giving guys opportunities at other positions, especially in the low minors. I think Gordon should play 9 out of 10 at SS, but I would be good with him getting some starts and 2B and 3B as well.

And that's true. I don't think the BA scouts are doubting Gordon's hands/arm, its more that he lacks a "quick twitch" which I interpret as a slower first-step. I'm not sure that is something you can develop or not. Definitely needs more than 57 games at short to make a long-term evaluation. 

Well as the saying goes, you can't teach speed, but I don't think this has much to do with speed.  I think it has more to do with recognition of the batted ball.  I'd think that would improve with repitition, just as I'd think the ability to pick up a curveball vs fastball out of the pitchers hand gets easier to do with repitition.

I don't think JJ Hardy has quick anything, and he is a great SS. Gordon is just a kid. 

That's an odd critique considering his consensus pre-draft scouting report. I can't imagine much has changed since June regarding his athletic makeup.

 

Just one guy's opinion?