Article: 2015 Chattanooga Lookouts Roster Preview

[Seth Stohs]

On Monday, the Chattanooga Lookouts announced their Opening Day roster for the 2015 season. Although it is hard to predict how many wins a team will have (though many on this roster were part of the 2014 Florida State League champion Ft. Myers Miracle), Doug Mientkiewicz’s roster is as prospect-strong as any team in minor league baseball. The roster is loaded with bats and arms. It should be a fun season for the Lookouts in their first season as a Minnesota Twins affiliate.

 

The top three Twins prospects by most rankings are members of the Lookouts. Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and JO Berrios all begin their 2015 season in Tennessee. Who will join them?Here is a look at the Opening Day roster of the Lookouts in some detail:

 

 

Starting Pitchers: DJ Baxendale, JO Berrios, Tyler Duffey, Greg Peavey, Alex Wimmers

 

JO Berrios is arguably the top starting pitcher prospect in the Twins organization. The righty from Puerto Rico was named the Twins minor league starting pitcher of the year in 2014. He made eight starts in New Britain and one in Rochester. Tyler Duffey pitched at three levels in 2014 and got a little better at each level. He could be the first starter promoted to Rochester if needed. Baxendale has struggled with injuries that last two seasons. If healthy, he has some very good stuff. Peavey was the Twins minor league Rule 5 draft pick this year from the New York Mets organization where he pitched in AA and AAA. Wimmers, the Twins first-round pick in 2010, pitched out of the bullpen in 2014, his first season after Tommy John surgery. He is going to be given an opportunity to start again in 2015.

Bullpen: Nick Burdi, Dallas Gallant, Cole Johnson, DJ Johnson, Zack Jones, Ryan O’Rourke (LHP), Jake Reed, Adrian Salcedo

 

 

This bullpen has the potential to be dominant. Nick Burdi was the Twins second-round pick in 2014 out of Louisville. He is known for his triple-digit fastball, but don’t forget that upper-80s slider that goes with it. Jake Reed was the Twins fifth-round pick last year out of Oregon. He dominated at Cedar Rapids and pitched very well in the Arizona Fall League. Because of it, he is skipping the Florida State League and jumping straight to AA. The same can be said for Dallas Gallant who was finally healthy late last year and dominant. Zack Jones missed most of last season with an aneurysm and blood clots, but he returned to the mound late in the Miracle’s playoff run and was hitting 97 mph again. He also pitched in the AFL. Adrian Salcedo participated in his first big league spring training this year. He throws hard. DJ Johnson was playing independent league ball at this time last year, but the righty with the mid-90s fastball was big for Ft. Myers late last year too. Cole Johnson struck out more than a batter an inning last year for New Britain. Lone left-hander Ryan O’Rourke is probably the only member of this bullpen who does not hit 94 mph (or more) regularly. He dominates left-handed bats. All of the right-handers averaged more than a strikeout per inning in 2014.

Catchers: Carlos Paulino, Stuart Turner

 

 

 

Turner is currently deemed the “Catcher of the Future” by many, and he will get the chance to make the majority of starts for the Lookouts. Known for his defense, he hit well in 2014 after a rough first month in Ft. Myers. Paulino comes to the Twins organization from the Pirates where he spent time in AA and AAA.

Infielders: Michael Gonzales, DJ Hicks, Heiker Meneses, Levi Michael, Jorge Polanco, Miguel Sano, Stephen Wickens

 

 

 

I can’t imagine many teams in baseball have two first baseman with the combined size of Michael Gonzales and Dalton Hicks. Gonzales is 6-6 and 264 pounds. He hit 12 home runs between Ft. Myers and New Britain. Hicks is listed at 6-5 and 257 pounds and hit 11 homers with the Miracle. When healthy, Levi Michael put together a very good 2014 season. He hit .305 in Ft. Myers before hitting .340 over the final month-plus at New Britain. Jorge Polanco got some time with the Twins last year, but he returns to AA where he finished the 2014 season. He hit .281 with the Rock Cats. Slugging Miguel Sano missed all of the 2014 season after having Tommy John surgery in March. He had 35 home runs between Ft. Myers and New Britain in 2013. Heiker Meneses was a 23-year-old minor league free agent signed by the Twins this offseason. He went to big league camp and will play all three infield spots for the Lookouts. Wickens is healthy again in 2015 and will play all over the infield and the outfield.

Outfielders: Byron Buxton, Travis Harrison, Max Kepler, Adam Brett Walker

 

 

 

Byron Buxton had a long, frustrating, injury-plagued 2014 season. He hurt both wrists and his season came to an end on the day of his Double-A debut after a collision in the outfield. Baseball’s top prospect (by many sources) returned to the AFL and hurt his finger, requiring surgery. He begins 2015 at Double-A, and like Sano, he’ll be looking to shake off some rust and get back to his 2013 level of performance. Walker has as much power as anyone in the organization – yes, including Miguel Sano. He needs to make more contact because when he does, he has the ability to hit a lot of extra-base hits. Kepler needs to get a full season of at-bats and stay healthy. He had a terrific showing in the Arizona Fall League in 2014. He could get time at first base too. Harrison didn’t show power in Ft. Myers, but he said he learned a lot about hitting from Doug Mientkiewicz. Expect him to hit more home runs in 2015 again.

Disabled List: Mason Melotakis (LHP – Tommy John), Jason Adam, BJ Hermsen (Tommy John), David Hurlbut (LHP – Shoulder), Matt Summers

 

 

Manager/Coaching Staff: Doug Mientkiewicz (MGR), Chad Allen (Hitting Coach), Stu Cliburn (Pitching Coach).

 

 

 

After accumulating a record of 161-113 in his two seasons in Ft. Myers, Doug Mientkiewicz is taking over duties as the manager in Chattanooga. He was a strong candidate for the open Twins managerial job this offseason. When Paul Molitor was named manager, Mientkiewicz was put in charge of this immensely talented Lookout roster. Chad Allen begins his third season as the Twins AA hitting coach. Stu Cliburn enters his 14^th season as the Twins AA pitching coach (interrupted by three seasons as pitching coach in Rochester).

WHO ARE THE TOP PROSPECTS?

 

Twins Daily Prospects: #1 Byron Buxton, #2 Miguel Sano, #3 JO Berrios, #7 Jorge Polanco, #10 Nick Burdi, #12 Max Kepler, #14 Adam Brett Walker, #16 Tyler Duffey, #17 Stuart Turner, #18 Jake Reed, #19 Travis Harrison

 

Seth: #1 Byron Buxton, #2 Miguel Sano, #3 JO Berrios, #7 Jorge Polanco, #10 Nick Burdi, #13 Max Kepler, #14 Adam Brett Walker, #16 Tyler Duffey, #18 Jake Reed, #19 Stuart Turner, #23 Travis Harrison, #24 Zack Jones

 

Cody: #1 Byron Buxton, #2 Miguel Sano, #4 JO Berrios, #7 Jorge Polanco, #10 Nick Burdi, #12 Max Kepler, #14 Travis Harrison, #15 Stuart Turner, #16 Adam Brett Walker, #20 Tyler Duffey, #24 Jake Reed, #25 Zack Jones

 

Jeremy: #1 Byron Buxton, #2 JO Berrios, #3 Miguel Sano, #6 Jorge Polanco, #10 Nick Burdi, #12 Tyler Duffey, #13 Jake Reed, #14 Max Kepler, #16 Adam Brett Walker, #18 Stuart Turner, #21 Zack Jones, #25 Levi Michael, #27 Travis Harrison

 

*** If you didn’t get your copy of the Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook 2015, be sure to order yours today. You can order a hardcopy or order an electronic copy for immediate download.

 

Click here to view the article

[John Kelsey]

I would probably rather watch this team play than the Twins on most days.  

[Shane Wahl]

Surprised, a bit, that Reed jumps over Peterson. There has to be some story about Peterson here . . .  65 strikeouts in 45 innings for Fort Myers last year. What am I missing?

[nater79a]

Would love to see a best-of-seven series between the Lookouts and the Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros). Arguably, the two best AA teams in MiLB. 

 

The Hooks are stocked with some of the Astros top prospects including SS Carlos Correa and P Mark Appel.  The Lookouts are loaded too, as Seth detailed above. 

 

Would be a fun series.

[jokin]

 

Surprised, a bit, that Reed jumps over Peterson. There has to be some story about Peterson here . . .  65 strikeouts in 45 innings for Fort Myers last year. What am I missing?

 

I'm not surprised about the Reed jump, kudos to the Twins for the double promotion for Reed.    But how about Indy-League refugee, DJ Johnson over Peterson?    Is there even a TD write-up on Peterson somewhere?    There must be reasons why he isn't in more favor with the staff.    Despite the career 13.2 K/9, something obviously doesn't translate at this point to convince the braintrust to fast-track him along with the bigger names, and apparently,  even some of the lesser names.

 

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Surprised, a bit, that Reed jumps over Peterson. There has to be some story about Peterson here . . .  65 strikeouts in 45 innings for Fort Myers last year. What am I missing?

 

I don't think it has anything to do with Brandon Peterson. It's about Jake Reed and how good he is and can be. Peterson could be the first call up in 2015, just as he was in 2014. 

[lightfoot789]

Now that everyone on this team is on the fast track to the Big Leagues - I hope that they can still play together and keep that winning vibe that made them special thru the lower minors.  Most of these kids seemed to truly love playing with and for each other.  Although the minors are about development, I'm hoping management recognizes chemistry and brings them along accordingly.  Sometimes a youth movement isn't always a bad thing.

[lightfoot789]

Peterson has to be the first reliever to come up.

 

Brett Lee should have been promoted.  Lee might have a brighter future if he gets traded or released.  I see a Matt Tomshaw or Tyler Jones type future.  Helpful to the cause of winning games, but never a true prospect in the eyes of management.  Let the kid fulfill his dreams with a franchise who actually cares about those dreams.

[clutterheart]

 

Brett Lee should have been promoted.  Lee might have a brighter future if he gets traded or released.  I see a Matt Tomshaw or Tyler Jones type future.  Helpful to the cause of winning games, but never a true prospect in the eyes of management.  Let the kid fulfill his dreams with a franchise who actually cares about those dreams.

 

Huh?

Lee is an OK prospect but he struck out 54 in 106 IP as a 23 year old.

Thats not good.

He has a nice ERA with questionable peripherals.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Peterson has to be the first reliever to come up.

 

Brett Lee should have been promoted.  Lee might have a brighter future if he gets traded or released.  I see a Matt Tomshaw or Tyler Jones type future.  Helpful to the cause of winning games, but never a true prospect in the eyes of management.  Let the kid fulfill his dreams with a franchise who actually cares about those dreams.

 

I think the Twins like Lee. I don't know that he would be ahead of any of the guys starting in AA. I do believe he is better (and has better stuff) than his strikeout rate would indicate. And, like Peterson, Lee would be the first guy promoted (possibly early) to AA when needed.

[Gagne Fan]

Lee was not very good at the end of the year. Unfortunately, they only remember what you did lately. His stuff is a little fringy but he really competes.

[tobi0040]

If you made an all star team among AA and AAA, I think you can assemble a roster that at least competes with the Twins.  The pen is hands down better. Better outfield.  Better at 3B.  A wash at a few other positions.  Better at 2/5 of the rotation.

 

 

Rotation

 

Berrios, May, Mayer, Wheeler, and Rogers.

 

Pen

 

Burdi, Reed, Jones, Achter, Oliveros, Pressly, and Tonkin

 

Outfield

 

Buxton, Rosario, and Kepler

 

DH

 

Hicks

 

INF

 

Sano, Polanco, Levi, Hicks

 

DH

 

Walker

 

Catcher

 

Pinto/Turner

 

 

[mdawg888]

So over/under wins for this team...90? 95? Should be a fun team to watch (before guys are called up, of course). 

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Lee was not very good at the end of the year. Unfortunately, they only remember what you did lately. His stuff is a little fringy but he really competes.

 

To be fair, he wasn't 100% even shortly below that All Star game in early June. When healthy, he is pretty solid. 

[Mike Sixel]

I still see Kepler as your 1B/DH of the future.....assuming he's ever healthy and channels his power better.

 

That's a great bullpen, can't wait to see them up here in 3-15 months. I'm impressed at the speed they are moving the bullpen (and Turner).

 

Overall, this team could get Twins' fans excited again, in 3-15 months.

[nytwinsfan]

 

I still see Kepler as your 1B/DH of the future.....assuming he's ever healthy and channels his power better.

 

I guess I disagree. I realize he has been hurt and is inexperienced for his age, but so far Kepler has not shown the kind of power that would allow him to stay in the corner outfield, let alone 1B/DH.  Plus, his by all account good speed and defense probably make him a better profile in the outfield, and I think his power has a chance to improve enough to make him a decent corner outfield (with a good OBP profile), although probably not enough to play 1B or DH. Plus we have Mauer until 2018, and Vargas, Minier, and L. Diaz all waiting in the wings for 1B and DH after that. We are much more sparse in the outfield. It is quite possible one or more of Rosario, Hicks, or Walker will overcome their weaknesses to be a solid Major League Corner Outfielder, but for now that is far from a given, and its not even clear Arcia will hit enough (and stay healthy enough) to compensate for his terrible defense and stick in the Twins outfield. I'd much much rather keep Kepler in the outfield for now, or at least only play him at 1B and DH enough to give Walker and Harrison enough ABs in AA.

Edited April 7, 2015 by nytwinsfan

[mikelink45]

 

If you made an all star team among AA and AAA, I think you can assemble a roster that at least competes with the Twins.  The pen is hands down better. Better outfield.  Better at 3B.  A wash at a few other positions.  Better at 2/5 of the rotation.

 

 

Rotation

 

Berrios, May, Mayer, Wheeler, and Rogers.

 

Pen

 

Burdi, Reed, Jones, Achter, Oliveros, Pressly, and Tonkin

 

Outfield

 

Buxton, Rosario, and Kepler

 

DH

 

Hicks

 

INF

 

Sano, Polanco, Levi, Hicks

 

DH

 

Walker

 

Catcher

 

Pinto/Turner

I would say that this combined roster would be my choice in any series with the current Twins major league team.  In fact the AA team by itself would push the major league team.  

 

How many years now have the prospects been touted - they sure seem to be hear.  By the end of the year I certainly hope we can stop saying they are on their way and say - they are hear.

 

Look at Houston.  The went in the tank and came back out of it during the time we have managed to stay a bottom feeder. 

[Mike Sixel]

I too would keep Kepler in the OF and some 1B right now. I can see how you think what you do, though. And, your arguments have merit, I just have this feeling....that's all it is.

[nytwinsfan]

 

I too would keep Kepler in the OF and some 1B right now. I can see how you think what you do, though. And, your arguments have merit, I just have this feeling....that's all it is.

 

Fair enough. To be fair, his look, batting stance, and swing do sometimes remind me quite a bit of Justin Morneau. Maybe he'll develop serious power later on. He certainly has the frame and athleticism for it.

[dbminn]

Chattanooga has an incredible AA roster and Rochester has fine AAA pitching staff. That being said, don't confuse potential with current ability. The combined team would be soundly defeated by the Twins...right now.  Next year at this time, it should be a different story.

 

This is the year when prospects separate from suspects, when call-ups will bring a bit of fun to a fifth year of 90 losses. The young guys will get their feet wet, ready to compete next year.

 

You can say they're a year behind the Astros with call-ups but they are not a year behind in performance (the Astros won only 70 games as well). I say they are a year behind the Cubs. I expect spring training next year to have several dogfights for roster positions, just like happened in Chicago this year. And, like in Chicago, we will again find some hope for the future.

 

So here's to a successful first half to Chattanooga's season. And a hopeful second half to all the players that move to AAA and the majors!

  

 

 

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Peterson has to be the first reliever to come up.

 

Brett Lee should have been promoted.  Lee might have a brighter future if he gets traded or released.  I see a Matt Tomshaw or Tyler Jones type future.  Helpful to the cause of winning games, but never a true prospect in the eyes of management.  Let the kid fulfill his dreams with a franchise who actually cares about those dreams.

Brett was my AAP for the past two years. I agree should have been promoted to Chattanooga. This group mostly was together at Cedar Rapids in 2013 and Ft. Myers 2014. They did well. Brett was a big part of that especially the second half of 2013--he was the best pitcher. Yes, his K rate was down in 2014 but he still made the AS team at Ft. Myers--he has nothing to prove there.

 

I think Brett is among others caught in logjam of pitchers that starts with keeping Pelfrey...including Meyer and May.

 

Hopefully Brett moves up to Chattanooga by my birthday (june 3)--if not then yes, he should be traded or released so he gets a real shot.

[twinssouth]

Plan on a few trips to Chattanooga early, can hardly wait. Hicks, Gonzales, Sano, Walker, Harrison; these guys are some big dudes.

Quite a imposing line up. Noticed no Goodrum on the list. Must be staying down in Ft Myers.

[tobi0040]

 

Chattanooga has an incredible AA roster and Rochester has fine AAA pitching staff. That being said, don't confuse potential with current ability. The combined team would be soundly defeated by the Twins...right now.  Next year at this time, it should be a different story.

 

This is the year when prospects separate from suspects, when call-ups will bring a bit of fun to a fifth year of 90 losses. The young guys will get their feet wet, ready to compete next year.

 

You can say they're a year behind the Astros with call-ups but they are not a year behind in performance (the Astros won only 70 games as well). I say they are a year behind the Cubs. I expect spring training next year to have several dogfights for roster positions, just like happened in Chicago this year. And, like in Chicago, we will again find some hope for the future.

 

So here's to a successful first half to Chattanooga's season. And a hopeful second half to all the players that move to AAA and the majors!

 

I don't know about soundly defeated.   

 

I think the minor bullpen is clearly superior. Without question.

 

Sano would put up better numbers than Plouffe this year.  No disrespect to Plouffe.  I think Sano hits more HR and takes more walks. Given that Plouffe has never been an OBP guy, I think Sano plays better.

 

Buxton would put up better numbers than Schafter this year. 

 

May would put up better numbers than Pelfrey this year.  Meyer or Berrios could put up better numbers than Milone this year.

 

That is several rosters spots.

[tobi0040]

 

Chattanooga has an incredible AA roster and Rochester has fine AAA pitching staff. That being said, don't confuse potential with current ability. The combined team would be soundly defeated by the Twins...right now.  Next year at this time, it should be a different story.

 

This is the year when prospects separate from suspects, when call-ups will bring a bit of fun to a fifth year of 90 losses. The young guys will get their feet wet, ready to compete next year.

 

You can say they're a year behind the Astros with call-ups but they are not a year behind in performance (the Astros won only 70 games as well). I say they are a year behind the Cubs. I expect spring training next year to have several dogfights for roster positions, just like happened in Chicago this year. And, like in Chicago, we will again find some hope for the future.

 

So here's to a successful first half to Chattanooga's season. And a hopeful second half to all the players that move to AAA and the majors!

 

I don't know about soundly defeated.   

 

I think the minor bullpen is clearly superior. Without question.

 

Sano would put up better numbers than Plouffe this year.  No disrespect to Plouffe.  I think Sano hits more HR and takes more walks. Given that Plouffe has never been an OBP guy, I think Sano plays better.

 

Buxton would put up better numbers than Schafter this year. 

 

May would put up better numbers than Pelfrey this year.  Meyer or Berrios could put up better numbers than Milone this year.

 

That is several rosters spots.

[nater79a]

 

So over/under wins for this team...90? 95? Should be a fun team to watch (before guys are called up, of course). 

 

 

I could be wrong, but I believe that the Southern League still has a split season... a first half champion and a 2nd half champion.  No doubt the Lookouts will contend for the first half title in the North Division. Second half will depend on how much upheaval there is with the roster via promotions,etc...

[Shane Wahl]

 

Peterson has to be the first reliever to come up.

 

Brett Lee should have been promoted.  Lee might have a brighter future if he gets traded or released.  I see a Matt Tomshaw or Tyler Jones type future.  Helpful to the cause of winning games, but never a true prospect in the eyes of management.  Let the kid fulfill his dreams with a franchise who actually cares about those dreams.

 

Lee's situation, and Petersons, is the result of the Twins ramming down aging guys from above. Tonkin, Thielbar, Oliveros, and May are better than some 4 pitchers on the Twins right now. Think about removing those four from the picture, and I bet both Lee and Peterson are in AA.

[eLee612]

Plan on a few trips to Chattanooga early, can hardly wait. Hicks, Gonzales, Sano, Walker, Harrison; these guys are some big dudes.

Quite a imposing line up. Noticed no Goodrum on the list. Must be staying down in Ft Myers.

 

See ya there! 

[Seth Stohs]

 

I don't know about soundly defeated.   

 

I think the minor bullpen is clearly superior. Without question.

 

Sano would put up better numbers than Plouffe this year.  No disrespect to Plouffe.  I think Sano hits more HR and takes more walks. Given that Plouffe has never been an OBP guy, I think Sano plays better.

 

Buxton would put up better numbers than Schafter this year. 

 

May would put up better numbers than Pelfrey this year.  Meyer or Berrios could put up better numbers than Milone this year.

 

That is several rosters spots.

 

I think that's a lot of assumptions. We don't know. I don't know that Buxton woudl be better than Schafer right now. In fact, I don't think that would be the case right away. A big K guy like Sano who is just coming off of a missed season? I don't think he'd be better than Plouffe in 2015. Berrios? Meyer? Will they be better than Pelfrey and Nolasco? Probably. But not necessarily in 2015. 

 

Double-A is a TOUGH level. AAA is tough too. Let them go through the steps. Rosario hit .237 in AA last year and he hit .230-something in the spring... I don't think he'd be better than SChafer right now.

 

Of course, I believe they will be better, but not yet. 

[ExpectMorePayLess]

The Lookouts first series against the Montgomery Biscuts (Tampa Rays) will not be an easy series.  Tampa has the best defensive Catcher - O'Connor (Top 100) in the minors based on National Rankings and one of the best SS - Robertson (Top 100) in the minors.  They also have 2 outfielders who are 1st rounders playing on their team.  Their 3rd baseman (Shafer / 1st rounder)  won the Cape HR derby in college and hit 19 last year at AA.  Their 2B led the FSL last year in hitting (Reginatto).  So before we dub them Champions - let's watch how the first series unfolds.  That's why they play the game .  Not sure how good their pitching is however.  Tune in to some serious MiLB TV Thursday.

[Shane Wahl]

Meneses and Paulino don't really belong. The rest of this team is very, very solid.