Article: Twins Minor League Report (4/10): Pitching and Polanco

[Thrylos]

 

SSS I know, but this is a good reason why I didn't want to see either of these guys come north with the Twins. Both are obviously rusty, and right now they are clearly away from their game. Both were fairly patient hitters, so I'm hoping they get back into that routine, otherwise, both will see their stock fall a bit this year.

 

Are you including Sano in this?  If so, he has .971 OPS.  They are pitching him like Bonds so far.

[Dantes929]

 

Agree. I think that Polanco has a chance to be one of the very best of this group of Twins prospects. 

 

Somewhat disappointed that the Twins would give Dozier the contract that they did, because Polanco probably profiles much better at 2B. Would hate to see him blocked here and then dealt away only to become a perennial All-Star somewhere else.

If Dozier has a good year it will make him and his contract even more attractive to other teams.   I am guessing it would be Dozier rather than Polanco that would get dealt.  That is with the assumption that Polanco is at 2nd base.     With Dozier and Escobar playing well and Santana's good year last year and Polanco and :Gordon coming up it looks like what used to be a big offensive weakness will be a strength.  Wish we could send a couple of them back several years to replace Everett, Punto and Casilla.

[Halsey Hall]

Kepler started for the Miracle tonight and was taken out in the 6th.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Kepler started for the Miracle tonight and was taken out in the 6th.

Let's not forgot Kepler was in right and batting cleanup. 

 

Also worth note, look out for this Brandon Peterson kid continues to baffle hitters overmatching the Crabs striking out 5 in 2 innings.  The Miracle have drawn the short straw this week drawing MLB rehabbers Drew Smyly and Jesus Colome to start two of the three games.

[troyhobbs]

Interesting situation with Polanco, they can afford to let him simmer in the minors and pending how things work out either he or Dozier could be a really valuable trade chip.

[jokin]

 

Let's not forgot Kepler was in right and batting cleanup. 

 

Also worth note, look out for this Brandon Peterson kid continues to baffle hitters overmatching the Crabs striking out 5 in 2 innings.  The Miracle have drawn the short straw this week drawing MLB rehabbers Drew Smyly and Jesus Colome to start two of the three games.

 

I asked once before on Peterson.  5 Ks in 2 IP, which is pretty much business as usual for this unheralded kid. 

 

So what's the deal? 

 

Is he the next Andrew Slama, or is he the Twins best kept secret bullpen weapon?   

 

Does he have the stuff to soon bust through two levels- right past guys with bigger reps?

[Mill1634]

Ever since I've adopted Polanco he has been on a tear.   Coincidence? I think not!

[jokin]

 

Ever since I've adopted Polanco he has been on a tear.   Coincidence? I think not!

 

Don't stop! 

 

He's in the absolute batting sweet spot, batting #2 between Buck and Sano, which strongly suggests he could stay on a lengthy run of success at the plate. I saw him play in CR, the kid has moxie oozing from his pores.    If he    further proves to suggest he has the chops to play SS, his stock is going to skyrocket, and gives the Twins a great problem to have, and not just a little bit of controversy if/when he's held back.

Edited April 12, 2015 by jokin

[mikelink45]

Sano and Buxton strike outs validate their being sent down.   I hope this straightens out fast.  

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I asked once before on Peterson.  5 Ks in 2 IP, which is pretty much business as usual for this unheralded kid. 

 

So what's the deal? 

 

Is he the next Andrew Slama, or is he the Twins best kept secret bullpen weapon?   

 

Does he have the stuff to soon bust through two levels- right past guys with bigger reps?

Peterson doesn't much love at all and never did in college either, and it's a combination of things; he was a 13th rounder, he's not imposing physically or on the mound but you CAN NOT argue his results.

 

In his brief MiLB stint he's averaging 13.3 K/IP, 2.9 BB/IP, 6.2 H/IP and closed at Witchita State (40IP, 1.12 ERA, 9.45 K/IP, 3.4 BB/IP, 6.1 H/IP) with his two plus pitches.  The two occasions I saw him pitch this spring, he was throwing a 91-93 mph fastball, I think I saw him hit 96 once. 

 

His mechanics and delivery look good, real good, he doesn't max effort it like Burdi or Chargois but gets great results thus far with a swing and miss slider and locating a moving fastball.  Peterson isn't a sexy prospect but he does appear to have what it takes to make it as a mid/late inning reliever as he has the ability to go more than an inning.  I'll believe it more though the further he climbs the ladder, if he keeps it up he'll be pushing a callup to the crowded AA pen. 

Edited April 12, 2015 by Bob Sacamento

[jokin]

 

Peterson doesn't much love at all and never did in college either, and it's a combination of things; he was a 13th rounder, he's not imposing physically or on the mound but you CAN NOT argue his results.

 

In his brief MiLB stint he's averaging 13.3 K/IP, 2.9 BB/IP, 6.2 H/IP and closed at Witchita State (40IP, 1.12 ERA, 9.45 K/IP, 3.4 BB/IP, 6.1 H/IP) with his two plus pitches.  The two occasions I saw him pitch this spring, he was throwing a 91-93 mph fastball, I think I saw him hit 96 once. 

 

His mechanics and delivery look good, real good, he doesn't max effort it like Burdi or Chargois but gets great results thus far with a swing and miss slider and locating a moving fastball.  Peterson isn't a sexy prospect but he does appear to have what it takes to make it as a mid/late inning reliever as he has the ability to go more than an inning.  I'll believe it more though the further he climbs the ladder, if he keeps it up he'll be pushing a callup to the crowded AA pen. 

 

Thanks B-Sac.  This specific info is very helpful.  Sounds like a "wile and guile" guy, with maybe a little better stuff and high pitchability ceiling.  One to follow this year to see how he shakes out and rises to the challenge of all of these high-performance arms around him in A+ and AA.

Edited April 12, 2015 by jokin

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Thanks B-Sac.  This specific info is very helpful.  Sounds like a "wile and guile" guy, with maybe a littel better stuff and high pitchability.  One to follow this year to see how he shakes out and rises to the challenge of all of these high-performance arms around him in A+ and AA.

Great guy to have in an organization, his best case scenerio is that of a mid-late inning reliever, nothing sexy but always good to churn out your own relievers.  He just gets over looked by the high velocity arms ahead of him Nick Burdi, Jake Reed, JT Chargois,  Zach Jones, Dallas Gallant, etc...