Article: Twins Minor League Reports (5/10): Lookouts Mash With GM In Attendance

[Steve Lein]

Only two of the Minnesota Twins four full-season affiliates were in action on Sunday afternoon, but there was enough offense provided for all of them by the lineup in Chattanooga as they won their fourth straight game with general manager Terry Ryan in attendance.

 

There was also a league ERA leader on the mound looking for his third win of the season.Read on to find out how it all happened!

 

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 1, Louisville 3

Box Score

 

A Rochester lineup without outfielders Eddie Rosario and Aaron Hicks was unable to muster much offense in Louisville, as Bats starter Jon Moscot shut them down to the tune of just three hits and one run in eight innings.

 

The damage came from the bat of Reynaldo Rodriguez, who slugged his second home run of the year in the fourth inning. He also singled in the first inning, accounting for two of the team’s three hits. Wilkin Ramirez had the other, a single, and also drew a walk. That was it for the Red Wings offense as they did not have a single at-bat with runners in scoring position on the day, and left only two men on base.

 

Left-hander Jason Wheeler made the start for the Red Wings, and he did his best to match Moscot, pitching into the eighth inning. He finished 7.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits, while striking out three. It was back-to-back home runs to start the fifth inning that put the game ultimately out of reach, 3-1.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Jackson 3, Chattanooga 16

Box Score

 

Starter D.J. Baxendale entered the day as the Southern League ERA leader, with a mark of 0.86. On the year, he had started five games for the Lookouts and pitched six or more innings each game, totaling 31.1 innings while striking out 29.

 

He ended the day no longer leading the league in ERA, nor did he pitch six innings, but did pick up his third win. His pitch count got up there pretty fast in this one, as it took 107 pitches to finish five innings. He allowed two earned runs on six hits, one a solo home run, and two walks. He struck out five.

 

With the game in hand at that point already, at 8-0, Cole Johnson came in and pitched the next two innings. He gave up one run on three hits and struck out two. Nick Burdi then came on and lowered his ERA to 7.50, pitching two scoreless innings. He allowed two hits and one walk, while striking out three.

 

The Lookouts offense exploded early and often in this one as general manager Terry Ryan looked on. They hung crooked numbers on the scoreboard in the first (2), third (3), and fourth (2) innings, and added another in the fifth to build an 8-2 lead.

 

Jorge Polanco scored Byron Buxton with a sac fly after he had been hit by a pitch to lead off the game and found his way to third on a Stephan Wickens single. Miguel Sano followed with a double that scored Wickens. Sano added his first RBI sac fly of the day in the third inning, and this was followed by Adam Brett Walker II’s league- leading eighth home run of the season, a two-run shot.

 

Buxton drew a walk in the fourth inning, went to third on a Wickens single, and scored on a Polanco single before Sano added his second run-scoring sac fly to make the score 7-2.

 

Max Kepler led off the fifth inning with a double and came around to score on a Buxton single to get them to eight runs.

 

The next inning, Chattanooga brought 13 men to the plate and extended their lead to 15-3. Harrison, Walker, Kepler clubbed doubles after a single from Polanco, then Stuart Turner walked and Heiker Meneses added the fourth double of the inning to give the Lookouts their first four runs of the inning. Buxton then, with a single, brought Turner home and sent Meneses to third. Wickens reached second on a two-base error which plated Meneses and sent Buxton to third. To end the inning's scoring Sano singled, driving in Buxton. Another crooked number.

 

Polanco added an RBI triple in the eighth inning to finish the scoring in the game.

 

Six hitters had a multiple-hit game, including Buxton (2-4, 3 R’s, 2 RBI, BB), Wickens (3-5, 4 R’s), Polanco (4-5, R, 3B, 3 RBI), Sano (2-4, 2B, 4 RBI), Walker II (2-5, 2 R’s, 2B, HR, 4 RBI), and Kepler (3-5, 2 R’s, 2 2B’s, RBI). Harrison was 1-3 with a double and drew three walks, and Meneses added a double and an RBI to the effort. Catcher Stuart Turner was the only batter without a hit on the day, but drew a walk and scored a run.

 

Quite the day for several players with the GM in attendance!

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

 

The Fort Myers Miracle had the day off on Sunday and will resume their homestand with a four-game series against the Dunedin Blue Jays Monday Night.

 

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

 

It was a scheduled day off for the Cedar Rapids Kernels as well, as they returned home from a 6-0 road trip against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Beloit Snappers. They will host the Peoria Chiefs.

 

 

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Pitcher of the Day – Nick Burdi, Chattanooga Lookouts (2.0 IP, 0 R’s, 2 H’s, BB, 3 K’s)

Hitter of the Day – Entire Chattanooga Lookouts lineup (18 H’s, 6 2B’s, 3B, HR, 15 RBI, 5 BB). Okay, if I have to pick one, it’s Adam Brett Walker II (2-5, 2 R’s, 2B, HR, 4 RBIs).

 

MONDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Toledo @ Rochester (6:05 CST) – LHP Pat Dean (2-2, 2.45 ERA)

Chattanooga @ Birmingham (7:05 PM CST) – RHP Alex Wimmers (0-0, 6.43 ERA)

Dunedin @ Fort Myers (6:05 PM CST) – RHP Kohl Stewart (Return from DL)

Peoria @ Cedar Rapids (6:35 PM CST) – RHP Jared Wilson (3-0, 2.42 ERA)

 

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss the Sunday games.

 

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[ashbury]

Attendance is something minor league teams care about, isn't it? I find it strange if they feel night games during the week would draw better than a Sunday afternoon game. Why would the two A level teams have an idle day in their schedule today?

[John Kelsey]

Polanco seems to be flying under the radar being on the same team as Buxton and Sano. He's having a hell of a season so far. 

[Seth Stohs]

Attendance is something minor league teams care about, isn't it? I find it strange if they feel night games during the week would draw better than a Sunday afternoon game. Why would the two A level teams have an idle day in their schedule today?

 

Of course they care about attendance because that increases concessions and merchandising. However, the teams don'the make the schedule. Comes down to travel schedules and required days off.

[Seth Stohs]

Polanco seems to be flying under the radar being on the same team as Buxton and Sano. He's having a hell of a season so far.

 

On Sunday late morning, I posted a bunch of stats of streaks for various minor leaguers on twitter, both at @twinsda I'll and @sethtweets. Poland has had a very good stretch.

[h2oface]

Any particular reason that Hicks was not in the lineup today? Great to see Burdi having a good outing for a change.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Any particular reason that Hicks was not in the lineup today? Great to see Burdi having a good outing for a change.

 

Hicks - They said all day that it was just a scheduled day off. Berardino tweeted tonight that he did foul a ball off his foot on Saturday, but he could have played if needed today.

 

Burdi gave up no runs in two innings, but he did give up two hits and a walk. Good for what he has been this year, but definitely not what we envision from him yet.

[GMinTraining]

Sano and Walker with 4 RBI Apiece

(Good to still see the production as both try to figure it out early)

 

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150510&content_id=123650582&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb&sid=milb

 

 

Edited May 11, 2015 by GMinTraining

[nytwinsfan]

Big, important question: How does Polanco's defense compare with Santana's at SS? Most of the knocks I've heard on Polanco's SS defense relate to his arm, not his quickness or hands. Because it seems like at least until Gordon is ready, which could be 3-4 years easily, those are the best two options at SS (Goodrum might be a dark horse candidate), and Polanco's better BB% and K% seem to clearly make him a higher upside hitter than Santana. UPDATE: Check out Jokin's report on Polanco's arm and defense here: http://twinsdaily.com/topic/18044-the-chattanooga-lookouts-you-cant-stop-them-you-cant-even-hope-to-contain-them/

 

Sounds like he may be the SS of the future.

[tobi0040]

About once a year I see Walker's HR total and get excited.  After about three seconds of digging into his numbers that excitement fades.  8 HR's are really good.  .235 average, .282 OBP.  40 K's in 110 PA. Only 7 BB.

[Seth Stohs]

I like Polanco more than Santana, but Nick Gordon is also in the equation, though he's a ways out.

[ExpectMorePayLess]

 

About once a year I see Walker's HR total and get excited.  After about three seconds of digging into his numbers that excitement fades.  8 HR's are really good.  .235 average, .282 OBP.  40 K's in 110 PA. Only 7 BB.

 

Walkers overall numbers are not pretty, but they are consistent throughout the years.  He leads the Southern League in HRs and Extra Base Hits (62% of his hits are XBH).  He is second in the league in SLG; and Total Bases.  He leads the league in K's but has the same amount of BB as Polanco.  Neither walks much.  Everyone expected him to struggle along with most of the Lookout players as they took that step up to AA.  I expect the Power stays the same as he figures out the strike zone this season.  For me - All signs are pointing up.

 

Walker is on pace for: 35+ HR / 30+ 2B / 275 TB / 200 K / 100+ RBI

and in AA.  And that is if he doesn't figure it out!

 

[Steve Lein]

Polanco seems to be flying under the radar being on the same team as Buxton and Sano. He's having a hell of a season so far. 

 

Definitely flying under the radar, but then again, a lot of guys are on that roster.

 

Polanco was my pre-season pick for MiLB Hitter of the Year, partly based on the fact he's in this lineup. He's too good of a hitter for pitchers to ignore, but that ends up being a byproduct of pitchers when facing this lineup. He's taking advantage of it, leading the team in hits and showing some surprising pop.

 

 

[Target Field of Dreams]

Is Polanco close enough to strongly consider trading Santana while he is at a general high point? I really like Santana, but if we have a legitimate replacement for him...(we have 2 as Escobar is also solid) it would be nice to trade value for value rather than waiting too long and trading at a low point. 

[tobi0040]

 

Walkers overall numbers are not pretty, but they are consistent throughout the years.  He leads the Southern League in HRs and Extra Base Hits (62% of his hits are XBH).  He is second in the league in SLG; and Total Bases.  He leads the league in K's but has the same amount of BB as Polanco.  Neither walks much.  Everyone expected him to struggle along with most of the Lookout players as they took that step up to AA.  I expect the Power stays the same as he figures out the strike zone this season.  For me - All signs are pointing up.

 

Walker is on pace for: 35+ HR / 30+ 2B / 275 TB / 200 K / 100+ RBI

and in AA.  And that is if he doesn't figure it out!

 

My question is, if he can only get on base 28% of the time and he k's nearly 40% of his at-bats in AA, how does that translate to the big leagues? 

 

[Seth Stohs]

Updated the article to show that Kohl Stewart is coming off the Miracle DL tonight to make a start. Hopefully he's fully recovered from that elbow inflammation.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Is Polanco close enough to strongly consider trading Santana while he is at a general high point? I really like Santana, but if we have a legitimate replacement for him...(we have 2 as Escobar is also solid) it would be nice to trade value for value rather than waiting too long and trading at a low point. 

 

I wouldn't do that yet. Too much can happen to make deals too early. Polanco is probably close offensively, and defensively, he's no worse than Santana, just without the big range or arm. 

[DocBauer]

Walkers overall numbers are not pretty, but they are consistent throughout the years.  He leads the Southern League in HRs and Extra Base Hits (62% of his hits are XBH).  He is second in the league in SLG; and Total Bases.  He leads the league in K's but has the same amount of BB as Polanco.  Neither walks much.  Everyone expected him to struggle along with most of the Lookout players as they took that step up to AA.  I expect the Power stays the same as he figures out the strike zone this season.  For me - All signs are pointing up.

 

Walker is on pace for: 35+ HR / 30+ 2B / 275 TB / 200 K / 100+ RBI

and in AA.  And that is if he doesn't figure it out!

 

Definitely a bit of good news/bad news to be had with Walker. About figuring it out, maybe he will, maybe he never will. But one thing he has done since the day he was drafted and signed is PRODUCE. People talk about RBI being bogus as it depends on the hitters in front of you, where you hit in the lineup, and to a degree, the protective hitters behind you. But while that is true to a degree, I say BS on RBI being BS.

 

It doesn't matter who else is in the lineup ahead or behind you, or their OB or speed or anything else if you are unable to produce. Guys hit in a certain spot in the lineup, and guys collect RBI because they produce. Sometimes it's as relatively simple as being able to lift a sac fly instead of striking, grounding or popping out.

 

Walker is producing. Not including the majors, the jump to AA this year concerned me more than a potential, eventual jump to AAA. He still has more than half a season to begin to "figure" some things out. If he could develop in TK .250 ML hitter with even a .300 OB he could be valuable.

[tobi0040]

 

. If he could develop in TK .250 ML hitter with even a .300 OB he could be valuable.

 

If that is what he develops to, I have a hard time seeing where he fits.  Between Hicks, Rosario, Sano/Plouffe, Arcia, Vargas, Kepler, etc.  I don't see Walker locking down LF/RF or DH with those numbers. I think we will have better options.

[drivlikejehu]

 

Poland has had a very good stretch.

 

Definitely better than the stretch they had in '39-'45.

 

My question is, if he can only get on base 28% of the time and he k's nearly 40% of his at-bats in AA, how does that translate to the big leagues? 

 

It translates into hitting like an AL relief pitcher. Walker still has the same issues that led to him going in the 3rd round of the draft despite huge power. 

 

The light-bulb will either click (10% chance?) or won't, but he's not playing in a way that can translate to MLB in any capacity. He needs to figure out how to leverage his physical hitting ability into a legitimate, balanced approach at the plate. 

[ExpectMorePayLess]

 

My question is, if he can only get on base 28% of the time and he k's nearly 40% of his at-bats in AA, how does that translate to the big leagues? 

 

It would probably translate to more strikeouts.  That's why they put him in AA.  To learn and get better.  I'm just stating that is nice to see the upside (power) at a higher level (AA) as he works on refining his glaring flaw (contact).   110 more games to do so before we have to decide on 40 man roster spot - Keep hope alive folks.  Maybe this is the level he repeats next year if he can't make adjustments.  Or he does the same thing at AAA next year while working on that Zone recognition.  Only management knows.

[lightfoot789]

Definite Pros and Cons

 

PROs

His total career minor stats translate to the following thru an 162 game yearly schedule:

35 HRs - 125 RBI - 103 RUNS - 311 TOTAL BASES

 

CONs

182 SO - 47 BB - .310 OBP

 

MLB TWINS in 2014

Top Statistical Numbers

23 HRs - 80 RBI - 112 RUNS - 249 TOTAL BASES

 

129 SO - Plouffe was third on team with 53 BB (to put in perspective)

 

Take away from his usual averages - 12 HRs and 45 RBIs and 62 TBs and he equals our best player from last year statistically.  Santana was second on team with 70 RUNs scored.   Now imagine if he can figure out AA over the next 2 years.  Patience

[tobi0040]

 

Definite Pros and Cons

 

PROs

His total career minor stats translate to the following thru an 162 game yearly schedule:

35 HRs - 125 RBI - 103 RUNS - 311 TOTAL BASES

 

CONs

182 SO - 47 BB - .310 OBP

 

MLB TWINS in 2014

Top Statistical Numbers

23 HRs - 80 RBI - 112 RUNS - 249 TOTAL BASES

 

129 SO - Plouffe was third on team with 53 BB (to put in perspective)

 

Take away from his usual averages - 12 HRs and 45 RBIs and 62 TBs and he equals our best player from last year statistically.  Santana was second on team with 70 RUNs scored.   Now imagine if he can figure out AA over the next 2 years.  Patience

 

I am not giving up on the guy at all.  But I am not counting on much of anything from him either. 

 

His K totals have actually gone up each year.  Since 2013, his OBP and BA rates have also gone down each year.

[TRex]

 

Definite Pros and Cons

 

PROs

His total career minor stats translate to the following thru an 162 game yearly schedule:

 

... define translate.

 

Are you suggesting that a prospect is assured of repeating his AA numbers (or A+ or A-)? Have you seen what Plouffe did in AAA in 2011 (i.e. OPS of 1.019 in 192 AB, w/ a 20% SO rate)?

 

I think Walker has assured himself now of getting (at least) a cup-of-coffee. Now whether that turns into an 'I told you so' or a 'well, he was never given consistent playing time' remains to be seen.

[DocBauer]

If that is what he develops to, I have a hard time seeing where he fits.  Between Hicks, Rosario, Sano/Plouffe, Arcia, Vargas, Kepler, etc.  I don't see Walker locking down LF/RF or DH with those numbers. I think we will have better options.

Agreed.

 

BUUUUT, to disagree, we are still uncertain about Hicks and his future. There is no certainty Plouffe will be kept when Sano is ready. While I am a huge Arcia believer, we are, unfortunately, unsure about him as well. Mauer could be gone in a couple seasons, (maybe), and Kepler could be at 1B, or as a multi position backup and versatile offensive piece on the bench. Walker, hitting .250, with consistent 30+ HR and Dbls power with decent range and a big arm, could be very useful.

[tobi0040]

 

Agreed.

BUUUUT, to disagree, we are still uncertain about Hicks and his future. There is no certainty Plouffe will be kept when Sano is ready. While I am a huge Arcia believer, we are, unfortunately, unsure about him as well. Mauer could be gone in a couple seasons, (maybe), and Kepler could be at 1B, or as a multi position backup and versatile offensive piece on the bench. Walker, hitting .250, with consistent 30+ HR and Dbls power with decent range and a big arm, could be very useful.

 

The issue I see is the best two players from that list are Sano and Plouffe.  And Sano has 7 ER in 24 games this year.  So I am just becoming less sure he sticks at 3B.   If we keep them both, that is 3B and one corner OF.  Byron is in the middle.  So now Walker needs to jump Arcia, Rosario, Hicks, Kepler, Harrison, etc. and I sure hope 250/300 is not good enough to accomplish that.  You can't DH with 250/300.

[h2oface]

 

Burdi gave up no runs in two innings, but he did give up two hits and a walk. Good for what he has been this year, but definitely not what we envision from him yet.

Kind of like Perkins' outings now that Guardado is back and exerting his influence on the bullpen, eh? ;-) Only Perkins is doing it in only one inning lately.

[ExpectMorePayLess]

Walker is consistent with similar stats at every level.  Other guys most definitely have the better OBPs, but he generally has 20 more HRs and 40 more RBI than those guys.  He also consistently scores more than them despite getting on base less.  This was brought up in the past and seems to be somewhat true.   Maybe he should be judged on his merits alone and not the norm?  What he does is not typical by any means.