Article: One To Watch: LHP Mason Melotakis

[Seth Stohs]

Bullpen has been the talk in Twins Territory throughout the offseason. It becomes more intensely debated each time a left-handed reliever signs or is traded. Tony Sipp. Antonio Bastardo. Jake McGee. Those are the big names, but one pitcher to watch this spring training is lefty Mason Melotakis.One of the biggest question marks for the Twins this offseason, and throughout Twins Fest weekend, is the bullpen, specifically, left-handed options for the bullpen. Brian Duensing and Neal Cotts are gone. Fernando Abad has a chance to be a quality arm. But two internal options will get an opportunity to make the team as well. Taylor Rogers and Mason Melotakis were added to the Twins 40-man roster in November and each has a chance to be very good.

 

We wrote a lot about Taylor Rogers during the last few seasons since he was the Twins 11th-round pick in 2012 out of the University of Kentucky. He was our choice for Starting Pitcher of the Year in 2013 and has moved up a level each year since, as a starter. However, his numbers against left-handers indicate that he could be very good out of the bullpen.

 

We may know less about Mason Melotakis. So today we’ll get to know a little more about him.

 

He grew up in Grapevine, Texas, where he was a big Texas Rangers fan.

 

“I was always a Rangers fan growing up. Me and my dad used to watch them every night. I’ve bled baseball ever since I can remember. We’ve always been at the field, but the Rangers are who we watched until now.”

 

Now? “Oh, I’m a Twins fan!”

 

He was a good pitcher in high school, but following his graduation he was not drafted.

 

“I was undersized in high school. I was tall, but I didn’t get weight. I didn’t get any of my weight until college. I was under the radar in high school. When I got to college, I got weight, muscle came, velo came. Things started to all come together at that point. That’s when being drafted was a possibility.”

 

He was the Twins 2nd-round pick in 2012 out of Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He was a reliever in college, but he was tried as a starter early in his career.

 

He split the 2013 season between the rotation and the bullpen. In 2014, he made two starts before the organization decided to keep him in the bullpen for good. It is a decision that Melotakis fully supports.

 

“I think I’m just going to be a bullpen guy. I enjoy the bullpen. I like that crazy attitude coming in when the game’s on the line and they need you. I like that mentality. I was a closer in college, so having that kind of pressure situation is something I’ve been accustomed to over the years. I enjoy that role.I enjoy relieving, being able to compete every day.”

 

Unfortunately, a month after being moved back to the bullpen, he started to feel some pain.

“It was all of a sudden. I had never had arm problems. It felt good that day. I was actually throwing harder, and then one pitch, it just kind of happened. It seems like the horror story for everybody.”

 

He tried for two months to rehab in Ft. Myers, hoping to avoid the dreaded Tommy John surgery. However, on October 14, Melotakis was in New York where Dr. David Altcheck performed the surgery.

 

It meant that he had to miss the entire 2015 season. He was very disappointed, frustrated.

 

“It was a frustrating season especially since I was on that Chattanooga team. It was also a big season for me. I wanted to prove myself and show my worth and compete. Sitting out that season was a little frustrating, but it also let’s you know what you’re working toward and kept me motivated.”

 

Knowing he would need to spend the 2015 season and offseasons in Ft. Myers, Melotakis made a big purchase. “I bought a house (in Ft. Myers) when I found out about surgery, so now I’m going to continue this (workout out there). The guys we have down there, the training staff, the amenities are fantastic.”

 

Melotakis followed the plan throughout his season of rehab. He was at 11 months (following surgery) when the Twins Florida Instructional League began in late September. He didn’t pitch in games, but he was able to participate.

“ I was throwing bullpens, but it wasn’t in games. I wasn’t able to throw an inning. But I was able to face some guys in a game-like situation, but it was batting practice. It was nice to face hitters and feel like you’re in a game, but nothing’s better than the real deal.”

 

Reports came out of Ft. Myers that Melotakis was hitting 97 mph again with his fastball. One year after Tommy John surgery, that is quite impressive. More encouraging, he didn’t need to try to come back at that time. He still had the entire offseason to keep working and try to be ready for spring training.

 

Those reports likely made the Twins’ decision of whether to add him to their 40-man roster, but right before Thanksgiving, Melotakis received a call he had been waiting for but wasn’t sure if he would get.

 

“I was actually been working toward this. I was hoping, but I knew, having Tommy John, that it was going to be a tough decision for them. I got a call when I was in Ft. Myers, and I was ecstatic. I was by myself. I had just flown in from Texas for three days, and I got a call there. I was celebrating by myself. So when I got home (to Texas), I was able to see my parents and give them a hug and we were all very happy”

 

It was Rob Antony who called Melotakis. After gathering himself on the phone, Melotakis informed Antony of his plans.

 

“It’s something you work toward all your life. I told him, honestly, I’m honored to be on the 40- and, but I’m excited to be on the 25-man.”

 

Lofty goals, but certainly attainable. The Twins will likely be cautious with Melotakis since he has not pitched in a game situation since August of 2014. That said, when spring training starts in mid-February, he will be at 16 months following his surgery. He will be given a shot to make the Opening Day roster.

 

“I’m going to compete. I plan on competing and getting my name in contention for breaking with the team out of spring training. That’s my goal. It’s been my goal ever since I knew I would be back. I’m looking to compete. I”m hoping to make a name for myself and hopefully earn a spot.”

 

It really isn’t a case of IF Mason Melotakis will pitch for the Twins. The only question really is WHEN. Will it be Opening Day? There is a chance. Will it be in 2016? There is a very good chance. When a left-hander has the ability to throw 97 mph, he will get an opportunity. But having started, he also was able to develop his other pitchers.

 

“I actually worked on my change-up a lot when I was rehabbing, and it was actually a good pitch. I’m going to do a three-pitch mix. It’s a fastball, with a two-seam as well, a slurve, and a change-up.”

 

When this Twins Daily writer was approaching Melotakis in the clubhouse to request an interview, he had to wait a couple of minutes. Torii Hunter was back there, chatting with Melotakis and his parents. Melotakis and his father excitedly got a picture taken with the Twins newest Hall of Famer. What a moment for pitcher and family!

 

This was Melotakis’ first Twins Fest, but it was not his first trip to Minneapolis and to Target Field. After being drafted by the Twins in 2012, he came to town to take a physical and sign with the team.

 

“It was beautiful,” He quickly added, “Not that it’s not beautiful now, but it’s fun to see a different season and seeing snow and seeing how Minnesota would be in your mind. Being here just makes you even more hungry.”

 

Melotakis enjoyed Twins Fest. He knew most of the players, but he was excited to meet the veterans as well and learn from them. He wants to join them at Target Field in the regular season. “I want to be here. That’s the main thing.”

 

It was also important for him to bring his parents to Twins Fest. He knows that when he gets The Call to the big leagues, they will be there.

 

“They’re just ecstatic for me. They've been the best supporters that I could possibly want. I just know that they’ll be there, whatever day it is. I get that call. I know they’ll be right there with me.”

 

Melotakis (pronounced Melo-TACK-is) is a very intriguing player for Twins fans to watch in spring training. If he performs, he could make the Opening Day roster. More likely, he’ll start the season in Chattanooga just to get some innings in. Since he will be 16-17 months post-Tommy John, it really is just a matter of time and confidence.

Like all those other big-time relief pitching prospects in the Twins system, Melotakis has a chance to be a real difference maker in the back of the Twins bullpen for years to come.

 

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[Dman]

I am a big Melotakis fan.  I still think he could be a good starter but I guess elite bullpen arm will have to do.  I think he needs to start in the minors and depending on how he does they can call him up.  I am glad the Twins added him as I would have hated to see them lose him.  I really think he has the pitches to very good to great.  Hopefully he will be up soon striking out MLB batters.

[DocBauer]

Also a big fan and follower. I have had an eye on him for a ciup,email of years now as a BIG part of the end of the bullpen. I believe he has the makings of a legitimate LHSU man. When he had his TJ, I was as bummed as when Gibson and Thorpe went under the knife. And while confident he would make a comeback, I felt it woulooks be late in 2016. But to hear the things we'really hearing...well...I don't want to be TOO optomistic, nor do I want to absolve TR for a 2 year lack of productive moves, (save Jepsen) But it's hard not to be excited about Melotakis and the future of the Twins bullpen.

[Seth Stohs]

For me, it was really fun talking to him because he had such great energy. He was truly excited to be at Twins Fest and hanging out with the other players. At the same time, he is really driven and excited to be back. 

 

And, we can't really look too much at his minor league numbers as a starter as any indication of what he can be as a reliever. He has the potential to be terrific.

[nytwinsfan]

This is great, and no doubt Melotakis has serious potential, but is it really realistic to expect him to pitch at his potential in the majors so soon after TJ? Remember how long it took Gibson to get his control/command back after TJ? It took more than one year.  I just think we shouldn't count on him to be ready this season. We'll have to see how he's doing.

[EddieMatthews]

This seems like a convoluted strategy from Ryan.  Uniformed left handed throwers on the roster include O'Rourke, Perkins, Milone, and Kepler.  O'Rourke has control issues and may start out in Rochester.  Milone may be the sixth man out in the starting pitching contest.  

 

Maybe the Twins will go north with only Perkins who can throw from the starboard side of the mound.  If he goes on the DL, Kepler will get the call!

[HitInAPinch]

 

This is great, and no doubt Melotakis has serious potential, but is it really realistic to expect him to pitch at his potential in the majors so soon after TJ? Remember how long it took Gibson to get his control/command back after TJ? It took more than one year.  I just think we shouldn't count on him to be ready this season. We'll have to see how he's doing.

Yeah.  And if I read the article correctly, Melotakis hasn't faced live pitching since Oct 14, 2014.  In  Spring Training would he get enough reps to make that big of an impression?

 

I hope I'm wrong.  I really like stories like this!

Edited February 2, 2016 by HitInAPinch

[Pardon My Dinger]

 

This seems like a convoluted strategy from Ryan.  Uniformed left handed throwers on the roster include O'Rourke, Perkins, Milone, and Kepler.  O'Rourke has control issues and may start out in Rochester.  Milone may be the sixth man out in the starting pitching contest.  

 

Maybe the Twins will go north with only Perkins who can throw from the starboard side of the mound.  If he goes on the DL, Kepler will get the call!

Beg pardon?

[Guest]

 

For me, it was really fun talking to him because he had such great energy. He was truly excited to be at Twins Fest and hanging out with the other players. At the same time, he is really driven and excited to be back. 

 

And, we can't really look too much at his minor league numbers as a starter as any indication of what he can be as a reliever. He has the potential to be terrific.

You captured the personality correctly. When he was in Cedar Rapids, I was struck by how he could always be smiling and happy to talk to you, yet also so intense when it comes to his craft. I was sorry to see he needed TJ, but had no doubt that he would work hard through rehab and come back as good as new, if not better.

 

Yes, the odds are he'll be starting 2016 in the minors, but I wouldn't bet money against him breaking camp with the Twins if he really does have that extra velocity.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Lofty goals, but certainly attainable. The Twins will likely be cautious with Melotakis since he has not pitched in a game situation since August of 2014. That said, when spring training starts in mid-February, he will be at 16 months following his surgery. He will be given a shot to make the Opening Day roster.

No way Melotakis makes the opening day roster, frankly he shouldn't get many reps in spring training with that as the goal.  He may be 16 months from surgery, but as you note, he will also be 18 months from throwing a competitive pitch.  And those last "competitive pitches" came in 16 innings at AA.  And while good and promising before the injury, he was hardly dominant or on any kind of super fast track to MLB -- out of the bullpen in 2014, split between high-A and AA, he had a 9.0 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 while giving up 9.0 H/9 for a 1.375 WHIP.  In his age-23 season.

 

Again, solid and promising, but the Twins would frankly be crazy to let him make the opening day roster over O'Rourke or Rogers (and probably a few RHP too), or even to give him spring training innings ahead of those guys.  There's really nothing that Melotakis can do at this point in a handful of spring training innings to vault him over those guys.

[Seth Stohs]

 

This is great, and no doubt Melotakis has serious potential, but is it really realistic to expect him to pitch at his potential in the majors so soon after TJ? Remember how long it took Gibson to get his control/command back after TJ? It took more than one year.  I just think we shouldn't count on him to be ready this season. We'll have to see how he's doing.

 

I don't think it's realistic - or probably fair - to expect him to make the Opening Day roster. I would expect him to go to Chattanooga and get some work. However, at that point, once he's comfortable, able to work back-to-back days, stuff like that, it's really just a matter of time. 

 

And, there's no real way to know how everything will come together post-TJ Surgery. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

This seems like a convoluted strategy from Ryan.  Uniformed left handed throwers on the roster include O'Rourke, Perkins, Milone, and Kepler.  O'Rourke has control issues and may start out in Rochester.  Milone may be the sixth man out in the starting pitching contest.  

 

Maybe the Twins will go north with only Perkins who can throw from the starboard side of the mound.  If he goes on the DL, Kepler will get the call!

 

Just guessing, but I just can't see Kepler pitching a lot of innings for the Twins in 2016.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

Unfortunately, a month after being moved back to the bullpen, he started to feel some pain.
“It was all of a sudden. I had never had arm problems. It felt good that day. I was actually throwing harder, and then one pitch, it just kind of happened. It seems like the horror story for everybody.”

He tried for two months to rehab in Ft. Myers, hoping to avoid the dreaded Tommy John surgery. However, on October 14, Melotakis was in New York where Dr. David Altcheck performed the surgery.

Just trying to figure out the timeline, his last start in 2014 was April 13.  By "a month after being moved back to the bullpen", do you mean he had sudden elbow problems in May?  That doesn't quite square with "tried for two months to rehab" though, it would be more like 5 months from then until he had surgery.

 

He pitched every few days until he hit the disabled list on August 4, then was activated a couple weeks later for a few final appearances.  July was actually his best month by performance.  Seems more likely the injury came on suddenly at the beginning of August, and September and parts of August/October were his "two months rehab"?

 

If you begin after his last start through his last strikeout (July 29), which might be a good proxy for when he got hurt judging by his DL stint, his line looks a bit better: 9.8 K/9, 8.0 H/9, 3.2 BB/9, 1.27 WHIP.  Still, given most of it was in high-A around 23 years old, it doesn't scream "fast track."  You'd have to go back to his 2012 half season, split between rookie league and A-ball, to see those kind of results, and we all know how stats at those levels aren't a good way to measure readiness, especially for college pitchers (i.e. Jake Reed).  Rogers has been near that WHIP as a starter, and O'Rourke probably would have matched it in MLB too if he had been used more vs LHB rather than a 50/50 split.

[bird]

 

This seems like a convoluted strategy from Ryan.  Uniformed left handed throwers on the roster include O'Rourke, Perkins, Milone, and Kepler.  O'Rourke has control issues and may start out in Rochester.  Milone may be the sixth man out in the starting pitching contest.  

 

Maybe the Twins will go north with only Perkins who can throw from the starboard side of the mound.  If he goes on the DL, Kepler will get the call!

 

 

Who are you calling Kepler? I mean, how would YOU feel if someone called you ErnieBanks?

[Loosey]

 

This seems like a convoluted strategy from Ryan.  Uniformed left handed throwers on the roster include O'Rourke, Perkins, Milone, and Kepler.  O'Rourke has control issues and may start out in Rochester.  Milone may be the sixth man out in the starting pitching contest.  

 

Maybe the Twins will go north with only Perkins who can throw from the starboard side of the mound.  If he goes on the DL, Kepler will get the call!

You realize Kepler is an outfielder/1st baseman?  Who are you confusing his name with? Rodgers?

 

Also, mixing up names aside.  Why is this convoluted to have a very hard throwing lefty with a lot of upside available to be in your bullpen?  O'Rourke is dispensible if need be and Milone is a starter as of now.  I don't understand what you are questioning.

[Mike Sixel]

I just can't see him as part of the plan for the first half of this year. But let's hope he is up here in the 2nd half, and is awesome.

[TRex]

 

I just can't see him as part of the plan for the first half of this year. But let's hope he is up here in the 2nd half, and is awesome.

I absolutely agree that he is not likely to be part of 'the plan' for the first half of the year, and if he makes the roster during that time it will be due to injuries/ineffectiveness of other relievers.

[Loosey]

 

Just guessing, but I just can't see Kepler pitching a lot of innings for the Twins in 2016.

You're such a pessimist!

[USAFChief]

 

You're such a pessimist!

Actually, I think that would make him an optimist!

[ScrapTheNickname]

 

Actually, I think that would make him an optimist!

Nice to see you taking your early spring training swings, Chief.

[USAFChief]

 

Nice to see you taking your early spring training swings, Chief.

I'm looking to get a head start on my best season ever.  I lost 5 lbs this offseason.

[Thrylos]

 Look forward to seeing Melotakis have a great Spring Training and making the team. Missing a season plus with TJ surgery potentially might seem a downside, but he came back strong.  JT Chargois is on the same boat as well (from the starboard side).  I'd rather see younger guys make the team than retreads for many reasons...

[Bob Sacamento]

Mason Melotakis throwing on flat ground

 

[stringer bell]

He was my "adopt a prospect" a few years ago and I met him and shook his hand when he was in Cedar Rapids. I've always liked what he might have to offer and believe he will pitch for the Twins sometime this year.

[Rosterman]

Being on the 40-man is a plus. If he would start the season in the bigs, he would be new blood and it would take a little while for teams to figure him out. But picture him being on a fast-track callup if Abad or Rogers or O'Rourke falters. Being on the 40-man is a BIG plus. No movement necessary and you are enough of a prospect to keep your space.

[bluechipper]

I hope Melotakis spends a lot of time on the big league club this year. I'm really looking forward to seeing some hard throwing left handers in the bullpen soon, and the next guy I hope to make a jump is Cam Booser, hopefully he can pitch with a lot better control this year and he could be really good too.