Nice post on MLBTR about a Baseball America article written by Phil Miller.  I haven't read the subscription required article, but the post talks about how the Twins essentially were hiding Melotakis during his rehab, but in the end decided to protect him on the 40 man anyway.  This is the best part:

 

"We’re not projecting what his stuff might be—we saw it, we know it’s back. He’s going to be a major leaguer very soon,” says Radcliff. Here’s more on baseball outside the Majors.

 

The "very soon" part might not change anyone's mind that thinks the Twins should be signing a significant lefty bullpen piece, but does it move the needle a bit?

At some point in time, pitching prospects, depth etc., becomes a numbers game. TR has done a great job of stockpiling power arms. I expect we will see several shiny new things this season and next. My best guess is Pressly and/or Meyer right out of ST.

Edited December 26, 201510 yr by howieramone2

I still doubt anyone would have claimed him, if the Twins were really worried about losing him, it's time to put him out there. They can't keep treasuring their young arms but still defer to low ceiling vets because of experience.

 

We should also keep in mind that the intent of the Rule Five is so teams can't "hide" prospects. It is to Melotakis' benefit if another team is going to put him on their 25-man after all. Had this news come out and the Twins hadn't protected him and the MLB players union gave a crap about minor leaguers, the Twins might have had some trouble.

 

At some point in time, pitching prospects, depth etc., becomes a numbers game. TR has done a great job of stockpiling power arms. I expect we will see several shiny new things this season and next. My best guess is Pressly and/or Meyer right out of ST.

 

Pressly is not so new and shiny. And they're two seasons late on promoting Meyer.

 

I still doubt anyone would have claimed him, if the Twins were really worried about losing him, it's time to put him out there. They can't keep treasuring their young arms but still defer to low ceiling vets because of experience.

We should also keep in mind that the intent of the Rule Five is so teams can't "hide" prospects. It is to Melotakis' benefit if another team is going to put him on their 25-man after all. Had this news come out and the Twins hadn't protected him and the MLB players union gave a crap about minor leaguers, the Twins might have had some trouble.

I won't tackle the "hiding" part, other than to say they didn't end up doing it any way.  

 

The way I read it is that someone would likely have taken him, especially given that Jones was taken--they're are both hard throwing relievers, but Melotakis is also also left-handed.  And apparently closer to major league ready.

 

Unless you think Radcliffe is just blowing smoke to cover for their lack of action?

 

I think Melotakis will be here, if not to start the season shortly thereafter, if he gets off to a good start in the upper minors.  It would explain why the Twins have not signed a left handed reliever to a multi-year contract.

Yeah, the 'hiding' part makes it interesting, but as others have pointed out, they added him anyway. Why? Because every organization knows what Melotakis is, and that's a lefty reliever who can hit 97. Those are pretty rare! Hopefully he can stay healthy.

 

I'm curious of the timeline though. Coming back from Tommy John, I don't think they'll push real, real fast, and I don't think they should... but if he's dominating in June, I wouldn't be surprised to see him.

Personally I thought Melotakis did pretty well as a starter so he has the pitches.  I think he will be a force in the bullpen.  I was glad when the Twins put him on the 40 man.  Would have really hated to see them lose him.  His control is better than Jones and he throws just as hard and is left handed.  I think he would have been taken in the Rule V draft.

 

Nice to know other people see the same things I see in Melotakis.  If he stays healthy I think he is gonna be a good one.

Melotakis was my adopt-a-prospect and I met him briefly a couple of years ago in Cedar Rapids. I know he didn't throw as hard as a starter, but if he can hit the mid-90s with decent secondary pitches, he could ascend quickly.

 

Best of luck to him this year and I hope he is in a Twins uniform by the stretch run this season.