Article: TD Top Prospects: #7 Jorge Polanco

[Seth Stohs]

In 2009, the Miguel Sano signing got most of the headlines, but earlier that summer the Twins signed shortstop Jorge Polanco from the Dominican Republic for $750,000. At the time, he was 5-10 and maybe 150 pounds. Maybe. He was known primarily for his terrific middle infield defense. The last couple of seasons, he has figured things out with the bat. He became the youngest player promoted to the Twins since Joe Mauer in 2004 when he was called up in June, directly from Ft. Myers.Age: 21 (DOB: 7/5/93)

2014 Stats (Ft. Myers/New Britain): .288/.353/.395 (.748) with 23-2B, 6-3B, 7-HR

ETA: early 2016

2014 Ranking: #8

 

 

What’s To Like

 

Patience was a necessity as he grew and developed. It took him two years of struggles in the Gulf Coast League before advancing to the Appalachian League. He hit .318/.388/.514 (.903) with 22 extra base hits in 51 games at Elizabethton. In the talent-laden 2013 lineup, Polanco batted third and hit .308/.362/.452 with 47 extra base hits in 115 games. Who would have guessed that Polanco would be the first player from that Cedar Rapids roster to get to the big leagues?

The reason that the Twins called him up for two short stints in 2014 was primarily because of 40-man roster issues. However, the Twins brass would not put a guy in a situation that they don’t believe he could handle. People frequently talk about his intelligence, maturity and poise.

 

What’s Left To Work On

 

Though he was originally signed as defensive-minded shortstop, he had spent most of his career starts at second base. However, in 2014, he made the move to over to shortstop. He struggled early in the year and ended with 35 errors in 119 games at the position. He’ll need to clean that up some, but he has the tools to be a quality shortstop, though many feel his best position may be second base.

 

After hitting .291/.364/.415 (.780) with 29 extra base hits in 94 games with the Miracle, Polanco hit .281/.323/.342 (.665) with seven extra base hits in 37 games with the Rock Cats. He will have to show some more plate discipline in Chattanooga in 2015. He has never been one to walk a lot, but to be successful, I believe he will need his IsoD (Isolated Discipline = On Base Percentage minus Batting Average) to be at least 0.060, particularly if he is going to hit near the top of the order.

 

What’s Next

 

Polanco has the tools. He can play defense and has a good arm. He can hit, takes quality at-bats and runs well. He will never be a 20+ home run hitter, but he can hit a lot of doubles. He has the tools, though none of them are in the elite category. He has a pretty high floor meaning that he should be an everyday player somewhere in the middle infield. He has the chance to be a long-time major league starter.

 

He should spend the majority of the 2015 season at Chattanooga where he will most likely again play primarily at shortstop. He should continue to get time at second base. And, should the Twins need a middle infielder, he will again be just a phone call away.

 

 

TD Top Prospect #10: Nick Burdi

TD Top Prospect #9: Trevor May

TD Top Prospect #8: Eddie Rosario

TD Top Prospect #7: Jorge Polanco

TD Top Prospect #6:

TD Top Prospect #5:

TD Top Prospect #4:

TD Top Prospect #3:

TD Top Prospect #2:

TD Top Prospect #1:

 

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[maxisagod]

It feels odd to say someone's floor is a everyday starter, but in this case it might  be accurate. After all, how many years was Rivas at 2nd base. Polanco will start his 2nd year at AA, with a handful of MLB at bats already. He's no longer a pipe dream.  Now he just needs to push through and earn a spot. 

 

 

Edited: Double Negative. 

Edited February 12, 2015 by maxisagod

[nater79a]

OK, fellow TD'ers- scenario:

 

The Twins find themselves unexpectedly in the AL Central race at the trading deadline. Maybe a game or two of 1st place.  You have three starting pitchers that are going gangbusters but a couple others are scuffling (mix and match however you want). You could really use another proven pitcher down the stretch. Santana & Escobar are doing okay at SS but still unsure about their long-term viability at the position. 

 

One of the 2015 crop of free-agent-to-be starting pitchers is available to you, lets say, Cincy's Johnny Cueto. The Reds, however, want Jorge Polanco as part of any deal.

 

Do you pull the trigger on the deal for a two-month rental who could help you take the divisional crown? Or is Polanco too valuable of a prospect to give up, period?

[DocBauer]

Interesting if somewhat obscure idea. kind out of left field, pun not necessarily intended. The answer is no. Not unless I can have in place at least a framework, if not an actual deal, for a re-sign. I'm not interested in high priced rental players, at this point, tht could influence the mortgage on my future plans.

[DocBauer]

I have a quandary in regard to Polanco. I'm a believer. I have beenfor a while. (not like I actually KNOW anything, LOL)And I was an advocate for him playing more SS. (though I don't like the idea of Goodrum having to sacrifice for it) And I don't put a lot of faith, or lack there of, in milb error numbers for SS's or INF's in general. There are so many mitigating factors. What you're really looking for is ability, potential, and growth. And Polanco hits on all 3.

 

But Dozier, turning 28 in May, is a bit of a late bloomer. But he's good. He's REAL good. And there's still room for improvement. He might just be the Twins positional MVP the past couple of seasons. (OK, debatable if that's saying a lot. I get it. But still...)

 

Santana is an intriguing, young, athletic kid with potential, but has a ways to go. Suddenly he gets called up early. We all figure he'll sit on the bench for 7 days or so, then go back down. Instead, he plays some SS, but mostly CF, a position he's barely played before, and hits. And hits more. And becomes a catalyst. But, you know, he's going to get over this hot streak and come back down to earth soon. Except, he never does.

 

And then he gets hurt, and you figure the bubble will surely burst now. Except, after a few games back getting his legs under him, he suddenly looks like the same hitting/offensive catalyst he was before.

 

So where does Polanco fit here? Does Dozier go? Does Santana? Do one of them change positions? It's a good dilemma to have. Still though, it's a potential dilemma.

[maxisagod]

I have a quandary in regard to Polanco. I'm a believer. I have beenfor a while. (not like I actually KNOW anything, LOL)And I was an advocate for him playing more SS. (though I don't like the idea of Goodrum having to sacrifice for it) And I don't put a lot of faith, or lack there of, in milb error numbers for SS's or INF's in general. There are so many mitigating factors. What you're really looking for is ability, potential, and growth. And Polanco hits on all 3.

 

But Dozier, turning 28 in May, is a bit of a late bloomer. But he's good. He's REAL good. And there's still room for improvement. He might just be the Twins positional MVP the past couple of seasons. (OK, debatable if that's saying a lot. I get it. But still...)

 

Santana is an intriguing, young, athletic kid with potential, but has a ways to go. Suddenly he gets called up early. We all figure he'll sit on the bench for 7 days or so, then go back down. Instead, he plays some SS, but mostly CF, a position he's barely played before, and hits. And hits more. And becomes a catalyst. But, you know, he's going to get over this hot streak and come back down to earth soon. Except, he never does.

 

And then he gets hurt, and you figure the bubble will surely burst now. Except, after a few games back getting his legs under him, he suddenly looks like the same hitting/offensive catalyst he was before.

 

So where does Polanco fit here? Does Dozier go? Does Santana? Do one of them change positions? It's a good dilemma to have. Still though, it's a potential dilemma.

Ideally He Wally Pipp one of the two, and forces Santana or Dozier be traded for valuable prospects. Or like Nater suggested, Polanco becomes a key piece in a trade and nets you a key MLB piece, without giving up Sano or Buxton.  

[Shane Wahl]

I like the idea of filling a roster with good players and not treating the bench as a place for replacement level guys! There's nothing to worry about in 2015 with regard to any of this. See how all three do in 2015 and make the decision after the season. Or even wait until Polanco forces the issue in 2016.

[nytwinsfan]

Completely agree.

 

I like the idea of filling a roster with good players and not treating the bench as a place for replacement level guys! There's nothing to worry about in 2015 with regard to any of this. See how all three do in 2015 and make the decision after the season. Or even wait until Polanco forces the issue in 2016.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I like the idea of filling a roster with good players and not treating the bench as a place for replacement level guys! There's nothing to worry about in 2015 with regard to any of this. See how all three do in 2015 and make the decision after the season. Or even wait until Polanco forces the issue in 2016.

I'd rather fill the bench with good role players. Good players need to play. They lose a lot of value on the bench and if there's no room for them, flip them for someone younger to keep the farm strong.

[Brock Beauchamp]

OK, fellow TD'ers- scenario:

 

The Twins find themselves unexpectedly in the AL Central race at the trading deadline. Maybe a game or two of 1st place.  You have three starting pitchers that are going gangbusters but a couple others are scuffling (mix and match however you want). You could really use another proven pitcher down the stretch. Santana & Escobar are doing okay at SS but still unsure about their long-term viability at the position. 

 

One of the 2015 crop of free-agent-to-be starting pitchers is available to you, lets say, Cincy's Johnny Cueto. The Reds, however, want Jorge Polanco as part of any deal.

 

Do you pull the trigger on the deal for a two-month rental who could help you take the divisional crown? Or is Polanco too valuable of a prospect to give up, period?

Polanco isn't too valuable to give up but I'd hesitate to give him up for a two month rental.

 

Then again, it all depends on how Polanco does this season. His stock could continue to rise or it could flatten.

[nytwinsfan]

I'd rather fill the bench with good role players. Good players need to play. They lose a lot of value on the bench and if there's no room for them, flip them for someone younger to keep the farm strong.

 

I agree with Shane. First, the farm system is plenty strong, and will be even after Buxton, Sano, and Meyer are in the big leagues. Second, if we flip Polanco, it should be in another year or two when we know what we have in Santana, Dozier (who is, let's face it, old for a 3rd-year player) and Gordon for that matter, and what we need to become a contender (catcher, defensive outfielder, fourth starter, etc.). Third, Polanco just came off a rough patch in AA, so now we would be trading at his nadir. Let's at least let him regress (upwards) to his ability. Fourth, in 2016 or 17, whenever Polanco gets to the big leagues, he'll have plenty of time to play.  A utility infielder gets a lot of starts, and injuries happen.  Polanco is also, by all accounts, a focused guy with great makeup, so I'm sure he can handle playing as a utility infielder and not playing every day until someone inevitably gets injured. The value of having Polanco rather than Nunez as our utility infielder (and a pinch hitter/runner) is significant. Escobar is more a trade candidate in my opinion, especially if he comes close to his performance last year.

Edited February 12, 2015 by nytwinsfan

[TRex]

Polanco isn't too valuable to give up but I'd hesitate to give him up for a two month rental.

 

Then again, it all depends on how Polanco does this season. His stock could continue to rise or it could flatten.

... especially if additional innings at SS skew his positional perception. He is definitely tradable as a good/great 2nd baseman (and this is from someone high enough on him to have him as his Adopt-A-prospect in 2013).

 

And the Twins have specifically been 'in' on Cueto for a half-dozen years, so I think their contract offer would be more than just 'competitive'.

[dbminn]

A team needs players that can play multiple positions to compete. Polanco will add to the Twins positional flexibility, taking either 2B or SS . Santana should be used the same way. Here are a couple of lineups showing possible flexibility:

 

Start of This Year:

 

OF - Arcia, Santana/Hicks, Hunter

IF -  Plouffe, Escobar/Santana, Dozier, Mauer

 

By Middle of Next Year:

 

OF - Rosario/Santana, Buxton/Santana, Arcia

IF - Plouffe/Sano, Polanco/Santana, Dozier/Polanco, Mauer

 

Someone will either get injured, traded or not pan out as an everyday player. Letting Polanco and Santana play multiple positions will give the Twins needed depth and flexibility until everything is settled.

[Dantes929]

Dozier, Escobar, Santana, Gordon and Polanco.   I think the future will have Dozier in a sign and trade but no need for that now.    What are our needs?   Give up Nolasco and Dozier will that get us a super pitching or catching prospect?    I know outfield is the biggest need now but hopefully that won't be the case in a year.

[HitInAPinch]

I'm ready to break the mold. 

1. There is a list of players in the minors that sound like they're ready for that MLB taste.

2.  No matter what the Twins will tell you, you don't win with "innings eaters" or players with physical problem and hope and pray they'll get well beyond what their previous track record has shown.

 

And......

 

3.  The Philadelphia Phillies are in rebuilding mode, dumping salaries and veterans and are looking for prospects.

 

Recently reported by Ken Rosenthal reported the Padres made a serious offer for Cole Hammels, but were turned down due to beliefs the Padres "a sufficiently promising single prospect asset".  See where I'm going here?

 

The theory is:  Philles, in full-blown rebuild mode are looking for 2 things:  young highly rated prospects and dumping bloated salaries.  The Twins NEED starting pitching.  Now, not later.

 

IF the Twins minor leagues are as good as many people think, why not take a shot?

Hammels and Cliff Lee for:  [starting with] Buxton, Dozier and toss in a couple of the young flamethrowers.  I'm thinking it would at least get their attention.  Yes, I know Lee has about run out his career, but he has been very successful in BOTH leagues.  That's something you don't often see.  Hammels is an ace.  Dozier is easily replaceable by Polanco. 

 

I'm ready for my beating :-)

[jimmer]

I'm ready to break the mold. 

1. There is a list of players in the minors that sound like they're ready for that MLB taste.

2.  No matter what the Twins will tell you, you don't win with "innings eaters" or players with physical problem and hope and pray they'll get well beyond what their previous track record has shown.

 

And......

 

3.  The Philadelphia Phillies are in rebuilding mode, dumping salaries and veterans and are looking for prospects.

 

Recently reported by Ken Rosenthal reported the Padres made a serious offer for Cole Hammels, but were turned down due to beliefs the Padres "a sufficiently promising single prospect asset".  See where I'm going here?

 

The theory is:  Philles, in full-blown rebuild mode are looking for 2 things:  young highly rated prospects and dumping bloated salaries.  The Twins NEED starting pitching.  Now, not later.

 

IF the Twins minor leagues are as good as many people think, why not take a shot?

Hammels and Cliff Lee for:  [starting with] Buxton, Dozier and toss in a couple of the young flamethrowers.  I'm thinking it would at least get their attention.  Yes, I know Lee has about run out his career, but he has been very successful in BOTH leagues.  That's something you don't often see.  Hammels is an ace.  Dozier is easily replaceable by Polanco. 

 

I'm ready for my beating :-)

Amaro wants a top notch prospect AND for the team getting Hamels to pay his whole contract.  That's the problem.  If it took just one really good prospect and Philly ate a good chunk of Hamels contract, he'd be traded already.

Edited February 12, 2015 by jimmer

[Shane Wahl]

I like Hamels, but without a doubt Buxton and Sano are untouchable in my view. Buxton could be Trout with an arm and better speed. Sano's power is just something I want to finally see for the Twins.

[jimmer]

I like Hamels, but without a doubt Buxton and Sano are untouchable in my view. Buxton could be Trout with an arm and better speed. Sano's power is just something I want to finally see for the Twins.

I agree both are untouchable, but are you saying you think Buxton could be better than Trout? Cause a guy like Trout comes along once in a generation and I'd rather not put those kind of expectations on our guy.  I think some (not you necessarily) under-estimate how excellent Trout is.

 

I'd be unbelievably happy if Buxton was a healthy Eric Davis.

Edited February 12, 2015 by jimmer

[HitInAPinch]

Amaro wants a top notch prospect AND for the team getting Hamels to pay his whole contract.  That's the problem.  If it took just one really good prospect and Philly ate a good chunk of Hamels contract, he'd be traded already.

Can't argue with that!  But look at it this way:  the Twins have blown money on Pelfry, Nolasco and now Tory Hunter to be a coach/player.  Why not spend the extra dough on a real ace pitcher?  Apparently the Pohlad family has a lot to throw around.  And Hamels is only 31....

 

I only threw out those players as a starter.  Buxton has been considered the top minor league prospect for the past couple years.  I honestly don't know how, since he's been injured the past couple years, but there it is.  Dozier could be the Philles backup plan if they decide to dump Chas Utley's salary. 

 

Oh, yeah, the other part of my "master plan":  put Pelfry and Nolasco on waivers and see who makes a claim.  Then you'll know their REAL value :-)

[Vance_Christianson]

Dozier, Escobar, Santana, Gordon and Polanco.   I think the future will have Dozier in a sign and trade but no need for that now.    What are our needs?   Give up Nolasco and Dozier will that get us a super pitching or catching prospect?    I know outfield is the biggest need now but hopefully that won't be the case in a year.

I personally don't think we need a catching prospect when we have 2 that'll be ready in 2 years when Suzuki and Pinto will be on there way out.

[Shane Wahl]

For the record, I really like Polanco. He has just blown up within three years. It's similar to Pinto, but Polanco has good 2B defense and perhaps above average SS defense. Both Pinto and Polanco started around 50 on this prospect nerd's list after 2011. Both rose to top 5-10 status within 2 years, and now I would probably put Polanco all the way to 5 (yes, ahead of Gordon . . . this isn't just about moving through the system up to AA, it is about actually getting better and better while moving up).

 

I think in the long run, Santana is going to be the lowest performer for the Twins (but he still might be good, and that is exciting for this trio).

[Vance_Christianson]

I like Hamels, but without a doubt Buxton and Sano are untouchable in my view. Buxton could be Trout with an arm and better speed. Sano's power is just something I want to finally see for the Twins.

I'm a huge Hamels fan, and i'd love to see him in the front of this rotation for 3-4 years. If I was the GM I'd trade Thorpe/Gonsalves, Travis Harrison, and Levi Michael.

[Shane Wahl]

I agree both are untouchable, but are you saying you think Buxton could be better than Trout? Cause a guy like Trout comes along once in a generation and I'd rather not put those kind of expectations on our guy.  I think some (not you necessarily) under-estimate how excellent Trout is.

 

I'd be unbelievably happy if Buxton was a healthy Eric Davis.

 

I should have qualified it with "less power" but right up there with Trout overall, and this is while not ignoring just how good Trout is at all. Someone on the MLB Network (Heyman?) claimed that Buxton could be a franchise changer like Puckett was.

[HitInAPinch]

I agree both are untouchable, but are you saying you think Buxton could be better than Trout? Cause a guy like Trout comes along once in a generation and I'd rather not put those kind of expectations on our guy.  I think some (not you necessarily) under-estimate how excellent Trout is.

 

I'd be unbelievably happy if Buxton was a healthy Eric Davis.

 

Personally, I don't see anyone as untouchable.  I believe in selling high.  And in baseball, especially when other teams value players that highly.  

[HitInAPinch]

THIS is what I love about the Hot Stove league!! 

[Shane Wahl]

I personally don't think we need a catching prospect when we have 2 that'll be ready in 2 years when Suzuki and Pinto will be on there way out.

 

I would still not count the Turner and Garver chickens yet. I really like Kevin Plawecki (Purdue).

 

One thing to watch about Polanco: In 2012 and 2013 he was slightly better from the right side vs. lefties. In 2014, this flipped. I don't know the split within the split between A+/AA, but if this was just a matter of facing tough lefties in AA, then things are looking pretty good for Jorge. 

[jimmer]

I should have qualified it with "less power" but right up there with Trout overall, and this is while not ignoring just how good Trout is at all. Someone on the MLB Network (Heyman?) claimed that Buxton could be a franchise changer like Puckett was.

Sorry, but I barely know you and I'd take your word over Heyman if the two of you disagreed. I don't doubt the possibility he's right in this situation, but his word brings no value to me. We can add Harold Reynolds to that :-)

Edited February 12, 2015 by jimmer

[clutterheart]

I am a huge fan of Polanco at SS.  But if he can't field that position his value drops considerably.  

That being said if he proves himself at the plate but can only play 2B, Dozier should be traded

[maxisagod]

I would still not count the Turner and Garver chickens yet. I really like Kevin Plawecki (Purdue).

 

One thing to watch about Polanco: In 2012 and 2013 he was slightly better from the right side vs. lefties. In 2014, this flipped. I don't know the split within the split between A+/AA, but if this was just a matter of facing tough lefties in AA, then things are looking pretty good for Jorge. 

 

Agreed. Turner has a higher floor, but at this point both project more like starters then as all stars. Starters have lots of value, especially up the middle like at catcher or SS/2B like Polanco. but given the depth of the system and a variety of positions targeting a high upside catching prospect maybe from the Pirates or the Yankees might be a good plan to create a truly balanced team. You don't draft for need, but you can always trade for it. 

[Dantes929]

I should have qualified it with "less power" but right up there with Trout overall, and this is while not ignoring just how good Trout is at all. Someone on the MLB Network (Heyman?) claimed that Buxton could be a franchise changer like Puckett was.

I think you are overlooking how good Trout has been and is.   Loved Puckett and hard to argue with HOFer but Putckett started at age 24 and had one top 2 MVP finish.  Trout at current age 22 has three top 2 MVP finishes.     Pretty sure I would trade Buxton and Sano for Trout.    Trout so far is closer to Mantle than to Puckett.  I agree that he looks like a once in a generation type.     .280 15 homers and 35 doubles along with GG defense would make me happy with Buxton.  Any more would thrill me.