Article: Twins Minor League Starting Pitcher Of The Month - May 2015

[Seth Stohs]

Starting pitching has been much improved so far this season for the Twins. Few would argue that getting quality starts is the most important thing for a team that wants to win. After reviewing the top minor league hitters and relief pitchers in recent days, today we review the top starting pitcher performances in the month of May. In this list there are a few of the Twins top starting pitcher prospects and names that we saw in April. Sustaining success at a level shows a lot, and often leads to promotions around this time of the season. We saw that with some of the starters mentioned below.With that, let's get to know these starting pitchers. Below are the Top 5 Starting Pitchers for May.

 

We begin, however, with a few players deserving of mention.

• Rochester LHP Pat Dean – 6 GS, 3-3, 3.07 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 41.0 IP, 45 H, 7 BB, 11 K
• Chattanooga/Rochester – RHP Tyler Duffey – 6 GS, 2-2, 2.56 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 38.2 IP, 37 H, 9 BB, 37 K
• Ft. Myers LHP Brett Lee – 5 GS, 1-2, 2.70 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 33.1 IP, 29 H, 12 BB, 16 K
• Cedar Rapids/Ft. Myers LHP Mat Batts – 4 GS, 1-1, 1.96 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 23.0 IP, 21 H, 7 BB, 23 K

TOP 5 STARTING PITCHERS IN MAY

 

Number 5 – Cedar Rapids – RHP Felix Jorge - 5 GS, 2-1, 2.97 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 30.1 IP, 25 H, 4 BB, 20 K

 

 

21-year-old Jorge really struggled in his early-season showing with the Kernels last year but went on to be the Appy League Pitcher of the Year. He came back to Cedar Rapids this year and has been very good. Overall, the lanky right-hander is 3-2 with a 2.42 ERA. In 48.1 innings over eight starts, he has a 0.93 WHIP due to just 36 hits and nine walks. He has very good mechanics and sits in the low-90s. He has a good feel for pitching.

Number 4 – Chattanooga – RHP JO Berrios - 6 GS, 4-1, 2.61 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 41.1 IP, 33 H, 9 BB, 42 K

 

May is a big month for JO Berrios. On the 27^th, he turned 21 years old. On the 15^th, his daughter turned one. I believe even his wife’s birthday is on the 13^th, and on that day, he threw a nine-inning, complete game, two-hit shutout at Birmingham. He was able to go at least six innings in all but one of this six starts. Through the end of May, Berrios had gone 6-2 with a 2.84 ERA. Opponents had hit just .242/.305/.360 off of him in May. He continues to pitch in the low-to-mid 90s with really good secondary pitches and control. Berrios has solidified himself as the Twins top pitching prospect. Could a move to Rochester be imminent?

Number 3 – Ft. Myers/Rochester – RHP Chih-Wei Hu - 4 GS, 2-0, 0.78 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 23.0 IP, 16 H, 7 BB, 18 K

 

Hu had a very interesting month. The right-hander from Taiwan made two starts at Ft. Myers before it was announced that he was going to make a spot start for the AAA Rochester Red Wings. Hu pitched better than anyone could have hoped or expected. He gave up just one run on two hits in six innings. He walked four, but he also struck out six. He quickly returned to Ft. Myers where he didn’t make his next start for 11 days. He didn’t miss a beat. He gave up two runs (one earned) in that start. The stocky right-hander tops out about 95 mph though he sits 91-93. He’s got a palm ball, a couple of breaking pitches and everything he throws gets a lot of movement.

Number 2 – Cedar Rapids – LHP Stephen Gonsalves - 5 GS, 3-1, 1.61 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 28.0 IP, 16 H, 9 BB, 36 K

 

Gonsalves was our choice for Starting Pitcher of the Month for April. Overall, he is now 6-1 with a 1.15 ERA and a 0.80 WHIP in nine starts this year for Cedar Rapids. He has dominated the Midwest League all year. In fact, his only loss came on May 1. In that start, he gave up two runs over seven innings. However, that was the game that the Kernels were no-hit by Clinton. Batters hit .165/.257/.206 (.463) in the month of May. Gonsalves has an advanced baseball and pitching knowledge. He is tall, strong and has the pitches and good control to be very successful as he continues to advance and grow. He won’t turn 21 for another month, so he’s got a lot of room yet for growth. Following his June 1 start, he announced that he has been promoted to Ft. Myers to continue his season.

And the Twins Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Month is:

 

Rochester Red Wings – LHP Tommy Milone - 5 GS, 4-0, 0.70 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, 38.2 IP, 25 H, 3 BB, 47 K

 

At the end of April, when Ricky Nolasco came off of the disabled list, the Twins needed to open up a spot in the starting rotation. The decision was made to have Tommy Milone continue to start, so he was sent back to Rochester because he had an option remaining. Understandably, he was disappointed, but he said all the right things.

He also performed on the field as you would hope. OK, that’s not true. There’s no way that there could be any hope that he would be as incredible as he has been with the Red Wings.

In his first start, he threw 6.1 shutout innings. He just got better from there. In start number two, he threw eight shutout innings. Then he threw his first professional complete game shutout. In his next start, he went another 8.1 innings without giving up a run before giving up a solo home run with an out in the ninth. To summarize, he went 37.2 innings without giving up a run in AAA. In those 31.2 scoreless innings, he gave up just 20 hits, walked two and struck out 41.

He made one more start in May and pitched “just” a regular quality start. He gave up two runs in seven innings.

Milone was promoted to the Twins and will make the start in Boston this afternoon (Thursday). Before the game, Ricky Nolasco will throw a bullpen and the team will determine whether or not he will go on the disabled list. If they decide that Nolasco is all right, he will start on Saturday. That means that this could be a spot start for Milone with the Twins and he could be returned to the Red Wings after the game.

If Nolasco does go on the DL, Milone will have at least a couple more opportunities to stake his claim on a rotation spot with the Twins. The 28 year old is a big league pitcher. He’s not a AAA pitcher and he’s not a AAAA pitcher. He should be in a starting rotation. It’s strange for the Twins and their fans to have pitchers throwing so well that a legit big league starter is sitting in AAA waiting for an opportunity.

However, because he was in the minor leagues for the full month, his incredible numbers simply can’t be ignored. What a tremendous month for the left-hander.

Please feel free to post your comments on Milone, Gonsalves, Hu, Berrios, Jorge and the rest of the Twins minor league starting pitchers who pitched well in May. Let us know what you think.

 

Click here to view the article

[JaleelWhite FanClub]

Don't disagree with anything on the list. Milone deserves the nod over Gonsalves. Even with major league experience, it took a lot of character to perform the way he did after being sent down. I agree, he is a MAJOR league pitcher and should remain there.

 

Seth, can you explain if there is any contractual issues that would prevent the Twins from swapping Nolasco and Milone. Does Nolasco's big contract or the rules over the 25-man roster negate the Twins from keeping Nolasco in AAA?

 

It seems like every other post I make is ripping Nolasco. He's been the worst Twins starter by far. For two years he pitch poorly, a sudden "injury" will pop up, he'll move to the DL, get a couple of rehab starts (only in Low-A ball of course, because that's just like the majors) and then jump right back into the rotation, bumping more deserving guys (Milone) off.

 

I am confused. There's gotta be something I'm missing. I don't care about a big contract for a AAA pitcher. Let's just win!!!

[Seth Stohs]

 

Seth, can you explain if there is any contractual issues that would prevent the Twins from swapping Nolasco and Milone. Does Nolasco's big contract or the rules over the 25-man roster negate the Twins from keeping Nolasco in AAA?

 

It seems like every other post I make is ripping Nolasco. He's been the worst Twins starter by far. For two years he pitch poorly, a sudden "injury" will pop up, he'll move to the DL, get a couple of rehab starts (only in Low-A ball of course, because that's just like the majors) and then jump right back into the rotation, bumping more deserving guys (Milone) off.

 

I am confused. There's gotta be something I'm missing. I don't care about a big contract for a AAA pitcher. Let's just win!!!

 

I would assume that Nolasco, with as much big league time as he has, would be out of options. If not, he has the right (due to service time) to refuse a minor league demotion, I believe. 

Jeremy might be more well-versed in this.

 

Nolasco was actually pretty decent in May. He obviously got run support and you'd love to see more, but he wasn't terrible at all. 

[HitInAPinch]

 

Don't disagree with anything on the list. Milone deserves the nod over Gonsalves. Even with major league experience, it took a lot of character to perform the way he did after being sent down. I agree, he is a MAJOR league pitcher and should remain there.

 

Seth, can you explain if there is any contractual issues that would prevent the Twins from swapping Nolasco and Milone. Does Nolasco's big contract or the rules over the 25-man roster negate the Twins from keeping Nolasco in AAA?

 

It seems like every other post I make is ripping Nolasco. He's been the worst Twins starter by far. For two years he pitch poorly, a sudden "injury" will pop up, he'll move to the DL, get a couple of rehab starts (only in Low-A ball of course, because that's just like the majors) and then jump right back into the rotation, bumping more deserving guys (Milone) off.

 

I am confused. There's gotta be something I'm missing. I don't care about a big contract for a AAA pitcher. Let's just win!!!

FYI:  From RotoWorld, Nolasco contract: 

2015: $12 million,

2016: $12 million,

2017: $12 million,

2018: $13 million club option ($1 million buyout)

[HitInAPinch]

So, if the success of these young pitchers continues, what's the order of call-up?  And whom would they be replacing? 

 

I can see 1 or 2 starting spots if Milone continues his success during his recall [tradeable], Pelfry keeps up his current success [tradeable] and Nolasco remains as a very brittle pitcher [spot-starts needed].

 

 

[JaleelWhite FanClub]

 

I would assume that Nolasco, with as much big league time as he has, would be out of options. If not, he has the right (due to service time) to refuse a minor league demotion, I believe. 

Jeremy might be more well-versed in this.

 

Nolasco was actually pretty decent in May. He obviously got run support and you'd love to see more, but he wasn't terrible at all. 

 

Not terrible, but is he more deserving than Milone? I'm also thinking down the road when Santana comes back from suspension. Then we'll have 7, not 6, starters for 5 spots. Nolasco, then, would have to be the one dropped, if it was based on performance alone, out of Hughes, Gibson, Pelfrey, and May, right?

 

Any chances the Twins would explore a 6-man rotation like the Mets? Or would it be a move to the bullpen for someone?

[clutterheart]

I have a hard time understanding why a Fringe prospect like Brett Lee would be promoted to AA when Hu still sits in at FM

[drivlikejehu]

 

Not terrible, but is he more deserving than Milone? I'm also thinking down the road when Santana comes back from suspension. Then we'll have 7, not 6, starters for 5 spots. Nolasco, then, would have to be the one dropped, if it was based on performance alone, out of Hughes, Gibson, Pelfrey, and May, right?

 

Any chances the Twins would explore a 6-man rotation like the Mets? Or would it be a move to the bullpen for someone?

 

No matter what they do, there is going to be a roster crunch. But decisions will be made based on salary/seniority, not performance. 

 

Right now they are at 13 pitchers. Assuming no significant injuries, and assuming they go back to 12:

 

- Milone will stay in AAA

- Pressly demoted to AAA

- Santana added to 25-man

- May demoted to AAA

 

Possible variations:

 

- Twins trade for Graham and option him to AAA so that Pressly or May can pitch out of Twins bullpen

- Twins demote Aaron Thompson to make room for Milone, May, or Pressly

 

[sdtwins37]

 

I have a hard time understanding why a Fringe prospect like Brett Lee would be promoted to AA when Hu still sits in at FM

They know what they have in Hu.  They probably want to see how Lee fairs against better hitters. Hu is apparently comfortable against AAA pitching granted it was 1 game.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I have a hard time understanding why a Fringe prospect like Brett Lee would be promoted to AA when Hu still sits in at FM

 

Lee was an All Star last year in the Florida State League and then got hurt in the 2nd half and started this season late. He's pitched into the 8th inning in three of his last four starts. His most recent start, he didn't go eight, in part, because it was a 7-inning game. He's pitching well. He's a fringe prospect, sure, but they need to find out how he'll do in AA. Same thing exactly (down to the injuries and timeline) with David Hurlbut. 

 

Proceeding wisely with a guy like Hu is pretty important. There'll be room. He'll get there. 

[clutterheart]

 

Lee was an All Star last year in the Florida State League and then got hurt in the 2nd half and started this season late. He's pitched into the 8th inning in three of his last four starts. His most recent start, he didn't go eight, in part, because it was a 7-inning game. He's pitching well. He's a fringe prospect, sure, but they need to find out how he'll do in AA. Same thing exactly (down to the injuries and timeline) with David Hurlbut. 

 

Proceeding wisely with a guy like Hu is pretty important. There'll be room. He'll get there. 

 

 I strongly disagree with promoting guys based on the philosophy of "needing to find out how they will do." Lee profiles as a LOOGY type while Hurlbut is organizational filler at best.  

 

 If they think Hu has more to work on thats one thing.  But I have not seen quotes from FO types talking about holes in his game (like we heard with Gonsalves, Meyer and others)  The way they are handling Hu just seems odd.  

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

 If they think Hu has more to work on thats one thing.  But I have not seen quotes from FO types talking about holes in his game (like we heard with Gonsalves, Meyer and others)  The way they are handling Hu just seems odd.  

 

They are handling Hu very strange. They're promoting him as quickly as anyone I've seen in my decade of "covering" (or just paying pretty close attention?) the Twins minor leagues.

 

He made THREE appearances in Elizabethton in 2014.

He made NINE starts for Cedar Rapids in 2014.

He has made SEVEN starts in Ft. Myers in 2015.

He was trusted to make the sport start in Rochester. 

 

I'd say they're pushing him along quite quickly.

[Seth Stohs]

 

 I strongly disagree with promoting guys based on the philosophy of "needing to find out how they will do." Lee profiles as a LOOGY type while Hurlbut is organizational filler at best.   

 

"Finding out what they will do" is just a small part of it. Lee and Hurlbut have earned their promotions over plenty of time. Injury is what slowed them down, slowed them from likely starting in Chattanooga. I'd almost consider their time in Ft. Myers as glorified rehab assignments (especially Hulbuts').

 

That said, the Twins will also be making quite a few draft picks in less than a week. Those players will need to get to the GCL or ET, which may push more guys to CR, which may push more guys to FM... They have to push some guys. That's the reality of it.

[scottz]

 

No matter what they do, there is going to be a roster crunch. But decisions will be made based on salary/seniority, not performance. 

 

Right now they are at 13 pitchers. Assuming no significant injuries, and assuming they go back to 12:

 

- Milone will stay in AAA

- Pressly demoted to AAA

- Santana added to 25-man

- May demoted to AAA

 

Possible variations:

 

- Twins trade for Graham and option him to AAA so that Pressly or May can pitch out of Twins bullpen

- Twins demote Aaron Thompson to make room for Milone, May, or Pressly

I don't know what they will do, but I believe they would go to a 6 man rotation and carry 13 pitchers before demoting May. I also don't believe they will trade Graham, as I think they believe they have a Rule 5 that will stick and contribute. Molitor has relied on Thompson too many times for me to think they would demote him either. Obviously just my thoughts.

 

Edit: Ah, I see - you said trade FOR Graham and then option him...that is a more likely possibility, but I think he simply stays on the roster.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think the Twins are going to run into a real issue of figuring out who to get rid of in the near future.  Every time someone gets a promotion, a person above them needs to be promoted, released, or can be put on the DL.  The problem with pitching right now is that there aren't a lot of names in AAA/AA that are candidates for outright release.  A lot of these guys could have an MLB future, even as a 5th starter.  You don't release those guys.  I wouldn't be surprised if you see the Twins unloading some of them at the deadline for complimentary pieces to fill spots in the pen.

[jokin]

 

I don't know what they will do, but I believe they would go to a 6 man rotation and carry 13 pitchers before demoting May. I also don't believe they will trade Graham, as I think they believe they have a Rule 5 that will stick and contribute. Molitor has relied on Thompson too many times for me to think they would demote him either. Obviously just my thoughts.

 

Edit: Ah, I see - you said trade FOR Graham and then option him...that is a more likely possibility, but I think he simply stays on the roster.

 

Given the roster jam-up, that only compounds itself when Nolasco and especially Santana reclaim 25-man spots, Graham likely has more value by exercising one of his options and then squirreled away in AAA.  (And they likely will still have to do something with Pressly, Thompson, or someone else, besides).

Edited June 4, 2015 by jokin

[drivlikejehu]

 

I don't know what they will do, but I believe they would go to a 6 man rotation and carry 13 pitchers before demoting May. I also don't believe they will trade Graham, as I think they believe they have a Rule 5 that will stick and contribute. Molitor has relied on Thompson too many times for me to think they would demote him either. Obviously just my thoughts.

 

Edit: Ah, I see - you said trade FOR Graham and then option him...that is a more likely possibility, but I think he simply stays on the roster.

 

Even a 6-man rotation and 13 man staff would require one demotion. I'm just skeptical that the Twins would stop there, given Molitor's (justified) opposition to the 13 pitchers.