Article: Twins Minor League Report (7/8): Felix, A Walk-off and The Hu

[Jeremy Nygaard]

The Twins completed the sweep on the Orioles today and now have a two-and-a-half-game cushion in the wild card standings. They still trail the Royals by four-and-a-half games in the American League Central.

 

You can learn all about the recently-drafted future-Twins in the Twins Draftbook, available for $2.99. It includes profiles on all 40 drafted players, including Zander Wiel, who will be official soon, pending a physical, and Puerto Rican LHP Jovani Moran, who signed today and received a bonus above slot.RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 6, Buffalo 5

Box Score

 

The Red Wings jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the second inning when both Wilkin Ramirez and Carlos Paulino had RBI singles.

 

Jose Berrios had a really impressive first five shutout innings, including eight strikeouts. The wheels fell off in the sixth, though. Berrios threw 19 pitches to five different batters. All five batters reached. All five batters scored. In the first five innings, Berrios allowed only four runners to reach base. So even though the line isn’t pretty, it wasn’t nearly as bad as his line looks. Regardless of how it looked though, a 2-0 lead soon became a 5-2 deficit.

 

The Red Wings answered back in the sixth when Danny Ortiz doubled in Reynaldo Rodriguez to make the score 5-3. Rodriguez turned around in the seventh and drove in Jorge Polanco to make it 5-4. It would remain that way until the bottom of the ninth.

 

Polanco doubled to start off the inning. A James Beresford walk and Oswaldo Arcia bloop single loaded the bases. Jose Martinez drew a walk to tie the game before Ortiz hit a well-placed two-hopper to the first baseman who couldn’t record an out. The Red Wings win in walk-off fashion.

 

The bullpen trio of Mark Hamburger, Caleb Thielbar and Michael Tonkin combined to pitch four scoreless innings. Tonkin struck out two and earned the win.

 

Both Ortiz and Polanco had three hits and they each doubled. Rodriguez had a double among his two hits. Polanco also committed his fifth error for the Red Wings. It’s only his fifth AAA game.

 

The Red Wings are 46-40.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 6, Jacksonville 1 (7 innings - rain shortened)

Box Score

 

The Lookouts took a rain-shortened victory from Jacksonville on Wednesday.

 

After opening the game with a single, Levi Michael scored the game’s first run on an Aderling Mejia single.

 

The Lookouts added three more runs in the second inning. Kennys Vargas led off the inning with a double and he advanced on a wild pitch. After a Mike Gonzales walk, Niko Goodrum drove Vargas in with a double. A two-base error off the bat of Levi Michael allowed both Gonzales and Goodrum to score.

 

Two more runs crossed the plate in the fourth. Gonzales and Goodrum singled to start off the inning. Gonzales scored on an RBI groundout by Michael and Goodrum scored on Max Kepler’s 22nd double.

 

David Hurlbut cruised through 6.2 innings before the game was delayed and then called for rain. Hurlbut allowed a first-inning run, striking out four, walking one and giving up seven hits.

 

Max Kepler left the game after tweaking his shoulder, according to Darren Wolfson. Doogie says that Kepler is day-to-day. Interestingly enough, Kepler was replaced in right field by relief pitcher Tim Shibuya, who threw out a runner at second in the sixth inning.

 

After a very slow start to the second half, the Lookouts have won two of three.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 3, Jupiter 2

Box Score

 

Chih-Wei Hu allowed one run on five hits in seven innings to earn the win. He struck out four. Nick Burdi picked up his second Miracle save with two innings of two-hit ball. He struck out two and allowed an unearned run to score.

 

The Miracle scored one run in three separate innings: a first-inning Mitch Garver sac fly scored Zach Granite. An Engelb Vielma single in the third scored Zach Granite. And in the eighth inning, Vielma scored on a wild pitch.

 

Ryan Walker had three singles and Marcus Knecht added a triple.

 

Fort Myers improves to 48-36 on the season and 10-4 in the second half.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 8, Beloit 1

Box Score

 

Felix Jorge was the man on Wednesday. He pitched eight innings of six-hit, one-walk, shutout baseball, striking out seven. He picked up his fourth win and his ERA dropped to 2.00.

 

Brandon Bixler pitched the ninth inning and allowed a run.

 

The offense had two crooked-number innings: A three-run second and a five-run fifth.

 

In the third inning, T.J. White drew a two-out walk to advance Jorge Fernandez to second. Fernandez reached on a fielder’s choice after Brett Doe had reached on an error. After Fernandez stole third base, Brian Navarreto singled him in. Rafael Valera then doubled to score White and Navarreto.

 

In the fifth inning, Valera, Zack Larson and Nick Gordon had back-to-back-to-back singles. Edgar Corcino scored them with a grand slam. Max Murphy was hit by a pitch and later scored on a White single.

 

Corcino led the offense with three hits. Larson, Gordon and Valera all had two. Gordon also committed his 12th error on the season.

 

Cedar Rapids improves to 50-34 overall and 9-5 in the second half.

 

E-TOWN E-NOTES

Elizabethton 2, Kingsport 8

Box Score

 

Miles Nordgren got the start and left in good shape, allowing only an unearned run over five innings. He struck out three, allowing four hits and a walk.

 

Anthony Mciver blew the “save” and took the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) in two innings. Josh Guyer also allowed four runs, but he only recorded three outs.

 

E-town scored both of their runs in the sixth inning. Manuel Guzman hit a home run. Sean Miller followed that by drawing a walk and he was doubled home by LaMonte Wade. Wade also had a single, as did Brad Hartong, and that accounted for all four hits the team had.

 

Wade committed his second error and Guzman his fourth.

 

Elizabethton drops to 7-8.

 

GCL TWINS TAKES

GCL Twins 3, GCL Orioles 6

Box Score

 

The GCL Twins jumped out to an early lead on Wednesday, but fell late to the GCL Orioles.

 

The Twins affiliate scored two early in the second inning. Bryant (aka John) Hayman led off the inning with a double and Jermaine Palacios followed with a one-out walk. Both scored on a single by Robert Molina, helped by a fielding error on the play.

 

One more run was added in the eighth inning when Jorge Andrade drove in Roberto Gonzalez.

Palacios paced the offense with two of its six hits. Hayman’s double was the only extra-base hit. After a strong performances on Tuesday, Trey Cabbage and Travis Blankenhorn combined to go 0-8 with five strikeouts.

 

Lachlan Wells started and allowed two runs on six hits and a walk. He struck out four in five innings. Stephen Pryor made his first multi-inning rehab appearance took the loss. He gave up three hits and two runs in two innings. Chris Mazza, also rehabbing, allowed two runs on four hits in one inning of work.

 

The loss drops the GCL Twins to 9-6.

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Felix Jorge, Cedar Rapids

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Danny Ortiz, Rochester

 

THURSDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Rochester vs Buffalo (6:05 CST) – RHP Tyler Duffey

Chattanooga vs Mississippi (6:15 CST) – RHP Alex Wimmers

Ft. Myers at Jupiter (11:05 CST) – RHP Ryan Eades

Cedar Rapids at Beloit (7:00 CST) – RHP Ethan Mildren

Elizabethton at Kingsport (6:00 CST) - RHP Andro Cutura

GCL Twins vs GCL Orioles (11:00 CST) - TBS

 

Feel free to leave any questions or comments below!

 

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[jokin]

Looks like both Hu and Jorge are overdue for promotions. Jorge can claim Hu's spot in Ft Myers.  Is there someone currently in Chattanooga better than Hu holding this up?  Jorge has had a remarkable turnaround from his 2014 Class A experience.

[clutterheart]

Why the heck would they replace Kepler with a pitcher? The roster doesn't have a back up outfielder?

Thats embarrassing.

[TNLooky2015]

 

Why the heck would they replace Kepler with a pitcher? The roster doesn't have a back up outfielder?
Thats embarrassing.

 Wickens got hurt Tuesday on fluke play and Harrison went on DL Tuesday with stomach issues.  I would rather a pitcher play OF than Mike Gonzales (DH).  It happens unfortunately.

[Seth Stohs]

 

 Wickens got hurt Tuesday on fluke play and Harrison went on DL Tuesday with stomach issues.  I would rather a pitcher play OF than Mike Gonzales (DH).  It happens unfortunately.

 

Thanks for the update. I was curious about that as well. Figured someone got ejected. Shibuya's such a terrific athlete. Looks like he even made a play.

[Seth Stohs]

As for Berrios... I choose to look at the first five innings and say that he dominated. That's remarkably impressive for a just-turned-21-year-old, in my opinion. He just kind of lost it at that point, but the first five shouldn't be overlooked.

[Pitz]

 

As for Berrios... I choose to look at the first five innings and say that he dominated. That's remarkably impressive for a just-turned-21-year-old, in my opinion. He just kind of lost it at that point, but the first five shouldn't be overlooked.

Yes, but it may raise a bit of concern about his projections as a starter. Is it a stamina issue? (Somewhat hard to believe given the conditioning work he does) Maybe it is a matter of getting through a lineup multiple times. Perhaps at AAA, hitters are making more in-game adjustments.

This could be an important step in the development of Berrios - learning to make adjustments and game planning for how to vary his pitches as he works his way through a lineup multiple times. I'm not going to doubt the kid though as he has shown incredible makeup - I believe he'll get the most out of his talent. And the first five innings do serve as a reminder that he has the "stuff" to succeed.

[Jeremy Nygaard]

I read some Berrios comments somewhere afterwards and it basically seemed like he lost confidence and it snowballed. I'm not worried about him at all as a starter. But he would make an intriguing bullpen candidate, if needed. He has struck Cano out coming out of the pen (WBC).

[Seth Stohs]

Each step up the chain is a step that will require adjustments. Earlier this season, Berrios seemed to have trouble in the 6th inning in AA too. AAA hitters are also generally better than AA hitters. The HR he gave up was to Luke Scott, who has a lot of big league homers and experience.

 

People seem to believe in his stuff... It was only his second start at AAA. I think we'd need another 10-15 starts to see if it's anything more that just adjusting.  

[Mike Sixel]

It is a well known fact that the 3rd time thru the order is bad.....which is why some teams use their bullpen the way they do.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Yes, but it may raise a bit of concern about his projections as a starter. Is it a stamina issue? (Somewhat hard to believe given the conditioning work he does) Maybe it is a matter of getting through a lineup multiple times. Perhaps at AAA, hitters are making more in-game adjustments.

This could be an important step in the development of Berrios - learning to make adjustments and game planning for how to vary his pitches as he works his way through a lineup multiple times. I'm not going to doubt the kid though as he has shown incredible makeup - I believe he'll get the most out of his talent. And the first five innings do serve as a reminder that he has the "stuff" to succeed.

 

I doubt it's stamina.  It isn't as though he's never been able to pitch through the 6th.  I'm guessing a combination of nerves, not quite having his best stuff, tiring, and a few other things likely led to it.  That happens to a lot of guys from time to time.  I'm also guessing he works through it just fine.  If not, worst case is that he spends a bit extra time in AAA.  He's 21.  Time is definitely on his side.

[Seth Stohs]

 

He has struck Cano out coming out of the pen (WBC).

 

... when Berrios was 18!

[ashbury]

 

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Danny Ortiz, Rochester
Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Felix Jorge, Cedar Rapids

 

That's some real versatility!

[John Kelsey]

Engelb Vielma beginning to hit is really intriguing. He's not often factored in the future SS talks but if he can keep hitting he definitely has the glove to stick there. Plus, he just turned 21 and is very young for his level. 

[Kevin]

 

That's some real versatility!

Fixed--Ed.

[TRex]

 

Engelb Vielma beginning to hit is really intriguing. He's not often factored in the future SS talks but if he can keep hitting he definitely has the glove to stick there. Plus, he just turned 21 and is very young for his level. 

Thanks, I was going to say the same thing. Vielma's June/July triple slash, in >116 AB, is .371/.431/.410; with a W:SO ratio of 11:9. He also has 21 stolen bases on the year at a 75% success rate.

 

He really came on strong in the second half at CR last year too. Where do our in-house prospect rankers have him... anyone with a top-10?

[Seth Stohs]

 

Thanks, I was going to say the same thing. Vielma's June/July triple slash, in >116 AB, is .371/.431/.410; with a W:SO ratio of 11:9. He also has 21 stolen bases on the year at a 75% success rate.

 

He really came on strong in the second half at CR last year too. Where do our in-house prospect rankers have him... anyone with a top-10?

 

I had him around 40 before the season, though I have had him as high as like 32 after last season.

 

If he can hit at all, he can be a top 20 guy. He's only like 5-11 and maybe 160 (if that)... but the glove will carry him... he's a legit MLB prospect, but how high will depend on his growth (fair or not). 

[Pitz]

 

Looks like both Hu and Jorge are overdue for promotions. Jorge can claim Hu's spot in Ft Myers.  Is there someone currently in Chattanooga better than Hu holding this up?  Jorge has had a remarkable turnaround from his 2014 Class A experience.

 

I think a case could be made for promoting all or either of Slegers, Eades, and Hu. 

 

(Edit: And yes likely the strongest case for Hu.)

Edited July 9, 2015 by Pitz

[Jeremy Nygaard]

 

That's some real versatility!

I manage to do that nearly every week.

[jokin]

 

I think a case could be made for promoting all or either of Slegers, Eades, and Hu. 

 

(Edit: And yes likely the strongest case for Hu.)

 

No doubt that Slegers and Eades have had nice seasons- kudos to the level of coaching in the Ft Myers complex for helping guys bring out their best.  (And Eades was in shut-down mode again today- 7 IP 1 ER).

 

 

But Hu is a year younger than Slegers and 2 years younger than Eades, with better peripherals, plus a terrific AAA start.  Assuming Hu is on a strict innings limitation, he probably only has 5-6 more starts-  I'd like to see them at a higher level as a great jumping- off point going into next season.

Edited July 9, 2015 by jokin

[Twinsoholic]

Seth and Jeremy,

 

What is the word on Kyle Cody, the Twins' Competitive balance pick between the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the draft? Isn't he their only top 10 pick not signed? He's a very hard thrower who has top of the rotation potential if he can consistently hit the strike zone.

[ashbury]

Where do our in-house prospect rankers have him... anyone with a top-10?

I don't count as an in-house ranker (more of an outhouse ranker, I suspect), but before the season I put together a list of 30 guys I'll be watching this year, kind of a weasel way of doing rankings, and I put Vielma as the #9 position player, though for humor's sake I had left out Sano and Buxton so that means #11. That puts him somewhere at the edge of the top-20, though I didn't try to merge pitchers and hitters.

 

In a strong system like the Twins', and with him being a shortstop who still needs to establish his hit tools (like 99% of SS prospects), that's really pretty favorable. I was intrigued by his chances, and his mid-season turnaround leaves me still intrigued.

 

http://twinsdaily.com/blog/159/entry-6383-30-twins-prospects-ill-be-watching-in-2015/

[70charger]

This may have to be put on the list of "things that only bother me," but it's Aderlin Mejia, not Aderling. Seems like I see that mistake fairly often.