Article: Twins Minor League Report (4/14): Kohl Stewart Looks Like An Ace

[Seth Stohs]

Taylor Rogers, an eleventh-round pick in 2012 out of the University of Kentucky, made his MLB debut this afternoon against the Chicago White Sox. Rogers pitched 0.2 innings and gave up just one hit. Rogers spent all of 2015 with the Red Wings as a starter, compiling an 11-12 record with a 3.98 ERA. Finished off the 2015 season with 25 innings in the Arizona Fall League, going 2-2 with a 2.88 ERA but struggled with command walking 11 hitters. Rogers made just one appearance (out of the bullpen) for the Red Wings in 2016, pitching two scoreless innings.

 

Transaction Report: As Seth wrote earlier today, the Twins signed MLB veteran outfielder David Murphy to a minor league deal, and he'll be reporting to Rochester on Friday. Rochester also activated Stephen Wickens from the DL. Chattanooga added infielder TJ White from Fort Myers to replace shortstop Engelb Vielma, who went to the DL with a hamstring strain. The TJ White promotion resulted in a chain of moves with Chris Paul being promoted to Fort Myers from Cedar Rapids, and Manuel Guzman joining Cedar Rapids from extended spring training.Continue reading to find out more detail about Thursday in the Twins farm system:

 

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester @ Buffalo Bisons

Box Score

 

Rochester was in Buffalo on Thursday afternoon facing the Buffalo Bisons and former Minnesota Twins pitcher Scott Diamond. Scott Diamond gave the Bisons a workman like 7.0 innings of six hit, one run ball to go along with six strikeouts, really keeping the Red Wings' bats at bay. Only Buck Britton (on of my favorite names in the Twins farm system) managed more than one hit. He had two, one was the Red Wings' only extra base hit of the day, a run scoring double in the top of the 6th inning to give Rochester a short-lived lead. Britton was a one man machine for the Red Wings. Big bopper Kennys Vargas was 0-3 with a walk and no strike outs.

 

Also a one-man show - Pat Dean. Pat Dean pitched 8.0 innings of 5 hit, 2 run ball (1 earned) and was charged with the loss to fall to 0-2 despite a shiny 2.08 ERA. Dean induced 14 ground ball outs, but did not record a single strikeout. Dean was cruising through five before a Dalton Pompey double followed by an Andy Burns RBI single knotted the game at 1-1. An inning later, Jesus Montero (yes, that Jesus Montero) reached on a throwing error by third basement Heiker Meneses and was eventually doubled in by Junior Lake, giving the Bisons the lead, and ultimately the ball game.

 

Final: Red Wings 1, Bisons 2

 

Alex Meyer will make his first start of the 2016 season on Friday. Meyer has previously pitched 4.0 scoreless innings of relief on April 10th against Scranton.

 

 

LOOKOUTS LOOK-IN

Jackson Generals @ Chattanooga

Box Score

 

After his first game back at third base since 2014 last night, Travis Harrison was back in the outfield on Thursday night. He finished the evening 1-5 and is hitting just .214 on the year. Daniel Palka came into Thursday's game with a team-leading four-game hitting streak and extended his streak to five games with an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth. Mitch Garver was the big offensive force for the Lookouts, their only multi-hit player of the evening, going 2-3 with two walks, an RBI and a strikeout. The real story of this game isn't just these individual performances, but the way the team rallied, down six runs. The Lookouts got a big crooked number in the sixth with five runs, and four more in the seventh to come from behind and take the game 11-8. With just one hitter with multiple hits, this was a big team effort.

 

David Hurlbut, the only Lookouts starter to record a decision in every game he started last year, left Thursday's game without a decision. Hurlbut pitched 4.0 innings, surrendering five runs (just two earned), on six hits, two walks, a home run and three strikeouts. In addition to 17 starts for Chattanooga in 2015, Hurlbut also threw briefly for the Miracle after starting the season on the DL, and made a spot start for the Rochester Red Wings. Hurlbut throws a 90+ mph fastball and will mix in a cutter, change and slider. Hurlbut gave way to Mike Strong in the top of the fifth with Chattanooga down 5-2. Strong gave up a double and then walked the next two batters he faced before being lifted for Corey Williams. All three of Strong's runners would eventually come around to score before the inning was over. With the Lookouts down 8-2, the pitching staff shut down the Generals for the next four innings. Corey Williams would pitch two scoreless innings, Jake Reed earned the W with two scoreless innings of his own and J.T. Chargois picked up his first save of the year with a scoreless ninth inning.

 

Final: Generals 8, Lookouts 11

 

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Brevard County Manatees @ Fort Myers

Box Score

 

Tanner English led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run to left center field. The Miracle added two more runs in the inning to go out in front 3-0 and held the lead the rest of the way. As a team, Fort Myers racked up 13 hits and 5 walks to counter seven strikeouts. Tanner English was 2-4 with that home run, a single and a walk. Logan Wade had a multi-hit night as well, 2-5 with an RBI. Chad Christensen and Austin Diemer also had a pair of hits. Diemer also added a stolen base.

 

Defensively, the Miracle had a poor night, kicking things off with a fielding error by third basement Chris Paul on the first hitter of the night. The Miracle commited three more errors in the first six innings. Kohl Stewart, starting his second game of the year, was unfazed by the poor defense behind him, going 6.0 innings with 6 strikeouts and just one walk. Stewart allowed just one hit and moved his record to 1-0 while lowering his ERA to 1.50. Raul Fernandez replaced Stewart and covered the seventh and eighth innings without allowing an earned run, but not without some trouble, walking three batters, allowing a pair of hits and being charged with an unearned run. Brian Gilbert allowed another run in the ninth, walking one, giving up one hit, and he stuck out one.

 

Final: Manatees 2, Miracle 7

 

 

KERNELS KORNER

Clinton Lumber Kings @ Cedar Rapids

Box Score

 

The Lumber Kings put a run on the board in the top of the first inning to put the Kernels down 1-0, but they rallied in the bottom half of the inning with three runs of their own. Kernels starting pitcher Andro Cutura allowed one more run in the top of the third, but otherwise pitched a very solid 6.0 innings. Cutura gave up just two hits, walked two, struck out six and was charged with two runs (one earned). Cutura is now 2-0 for the Kernels with a 2.45 ERA. Cutura was replaced by C. K. Irby who pitched two scoreless innings of relief and Nick Anderson finished the game for Cedar Rapids to seal the victory.

 

The Kernels leadoff man Luis Arraez put on a show with a home run and a pair of singles as part of a 3-4 night with two runs scored and two RBIs. Rafael Valera and LaMonte Wade, hitting second and third, were each 2-4, giving the Kernels seven hits from the top of their order. Sean Miller, the number eight hitter, also picked up a pair of hits, going 2-3 with two runs scored. All told the Kernels had 11 hits, four for extra bases.

 

Final: Lumber Kings 3, Kernels 7

 

 

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Hitter of the Day - Luis Arraez - Cedar Rapids Kernels

Pitcher of the Day - Kohl Stewart - Fort Myers Miracle

 

 

FRIDAY'S PROBABLES

 

Rochester @ Buffalo (5:05pm, MiLB.tv) - Alex Meyer (0-0, 0.00) vs. Wade LeBlanc

Jackson @ Chattanooga (6:15pm) - Sam Gaviglio vs. Aaron Slegers (0-0, 3.00)

Fort Myers @ Daytona (6:05pm) - Tyler Jay (1-0, 1.80) vs. TBD

Clinton @ Cedar Rapids (6:35pm) - Kyle Wilcox vs. Sam Gibbons (1-0, 1.80)

 

 

Please ask questions and discuss the Thursday games.

 

 

-ERolf

 

Click here to view the article

[operation mindcrime]

I hope Kohl pitches like this all season! \m/

[jsteve96]

As long as that group is together Fort Myers will have the pitcher of the day almost every day! best staff in MiLB and its a 6 man! can't even fit Sam Gibbons on it, wild...  

 

I'm also VERY happy to see the Twins are throwing Meyer back out there as a starter! I think he's better fit as a starter because of the control problems. starters get the time to get in rhythm and I feel the lack of getting in rhythm is why hes walked so many out of the pen. in his first APP i remember he walked a couple his first inning then control was much better the next 3 innings. with a good possibility that Duffy is a bust, nice to see them give Meyer a chance to possibly take over Milone's spot in the future unless thats Berrios's to take. I'm not so sure Ricky/Hughes/Milone can hold their spot down if Meyer and Berrios pitch lights out in AAA.. Hughes most likely stays but if he gives up the Hrs like last year there could be problems..

 

Final thing here, how long until the Twins realize Jason Chargois should be in the MLB pen? could EASILY replace Fien. even Perkins if Perk doesn't get that velocity back up to around 94..

[jsteve96]

Luis Arraez has struck out 19 times in 382 career PA's...not bad for a kid who turned 19 five days ago..

[nytwinsfan]

Kohl catching fire makes me so happy. Almost enough to make forget about the major league club. Almost.

 

Hope they promote LaMonte Wade to Fort Myers soon. That guy can really play.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I hope Kohl pitches like this all season! \m/

 

I would think you are not alone in this opinion.

[Seth Stohs]

 

As long as that group is together Fort Myers will have the pitcher of the day almost every day! best staff in MiLB and its a 6 man! can't even fit Sam Gibbons on it, wild...  

 

I'm also VERY happy to see the Twins are throwing Meyer back out there as a starter! I think he's better fit as a starter because of the control problems. starters get the time to get in rhythm and I feel the lack of getting in rhythm is why hes walked so many out of the pen. in his first APP i remember he walked a couple his first inning then control was much better the next 3 innings. with a good possibility that Duffy is a bust, nice to see them give Meyer a chance to possibly take over Milone's spot in the future unless thats Berrios's to take. I'm not so sure Ricky/Hughes/Milone can hold their spot down if Meyer and Berrios pitch lights out in AAA.. Hughes most likely stays but if he gives up the Hrs like last year there could be problems..

 

Final thing here, how long until the Twins realize Jason Chargois should be in the MLB pen? could EASILY replace Fien. even Perkins if Perk doesn't get that velocity back up to around 94..

 

 

JT Chargois is close. No question about that. I think he could come up at any time. Too early to have him jump ahead of JR Graham right now, but if Graham struggles and Chargois does well, I think he could certainly move up anytime.

 

I like Meyer starting as well. I think that he gets stretched out, he gets to work on all three pitches and he gets to pitch in more situations. I think the rhythm comment you made is a good one too.

 

I also think it's way too early to call Duffey a bust. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Luis Arraez has struck out 19 times in 382 career PA's...not bad for a kid who turned 19 five days ago..

 

He's very interesting, especially because of his age. I admit that I was quite surprised to see him star the season in Cedar Rapids. And then he didn't start the first two games of the season, so I figured maybe he was there to learn for a couple of months until the E-Town season begins. That's still possible, but if he keeps playing well, he'll stick.

 

Ironically, aside from TJ White, Manuel Guzman was the key during the 8 days I was in Ft. Myers who jumped out to me. Solid middle infield glove. Terrific speed. Not a big guy. Good approach at the plate. Nice line-drive swing. He often was kept around for the AAA or AA game and would get a couple of ABs, and he looked calm in the box and slapped several singles. I thought Guzman would start in CR with Arraez in EST. Now they're both there. Both are little ,and so is Jermaine Palacios, but all three know how to hit.

[Pitz]

First professional HR for Arraez.

 

His K rate is very impressive, as is his K/BB ratio. What's the word on his defense?

[Pitz]

Also, is Kohl sporting a mullet?

[clutterheart]

Why is Polanco playing DH?  Is there an injury or something?

 

Its early I know it early but its discouraging that he has only played 2B.  The scuttlebutt during spring was the Twins were going to move him all over the IF and test him at 3B as well as a little SS.  

 

Unless the plan is to move away from Dozier his clearest path the MLB is as utility guy so I would like to see him actually play that role.  

[clutterheart]

 

Hurlbut throws a 90+ mph fastball and will mix in a cutter, change and slider.

 

90+?

Really?  I would expect his SO numbers would be a bit better with that mix. 

[Eric R Pleiss]

 

As long as that group is together Fort Myers will have the pitcher of the day almost every day! best staff in MiLB and its a 6 man! can't even fit Sam Gibbons on it, wild...  

 

I'm also VERY happy to see the Twins are throwing Meyer back out there as a starter!

 

Final thing here, how long until the Twins realize Jason Chargois should be in the MLB pen?

Couldn't agree more on these three observations.  Love the talent the Twins have in the system, lots of quality arms, plenty that could come up and work in the bullpen with a little bit of work on command and secondary stuff.  And with the current state of the bullpen, have to think they'll start trying sooner rather than later.

[Eric R Pleiss]

 

Luis Arraez has struck out 19 times in 382 career PA's...not bad for a kid who turned 19 five days ago..

 

We'll see what happens when he's regularly facing more advanced hurlers, but for now, really great to see those contact skills.

[Eric R Pleiss]

 

Also, is Kohl sporting a mullet?

 

He has as recently as Spring Training, with some hot lines buzzed into his temples,  not sure if it is still his look.  Couldn't immediately find images from this start.

[Eric R Pleiss]

 

90+?

Really?  I would expect his SO numbers would be a bit better with that mix. 

 

That's the scouting report, but I can't confirm how WELL he does those things.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Why is Polanco playing DH?  Is there an injury or something?

 

Its early I know it early but its discouraging that he has only played 2B.  The scuttlebutt during spring was the Twins were going to move him all over the IF and test him at 3B as well as a little SS.  

 

Unless the plan is to move away from Dozier his clearest path the MLB is as utility guy so I would like to see him actually play that role.  

 

Just a DH day. It can be  a challenge at AAA creating lineups. For instance, James Beresford has played pretty much only 2B the last few years. For him to come back, he wants a real chance with the Twins. That means playing him all over, so he has. Lots of guys like that. Pretty much the Twins don't think that Polanco can be an every day SS and more of a 2B. He could play some 3B. But, Thursday was just a DH day.

[Seth Stohs]

 

First professional HR for Arraez.

 

His K rate is very impressive, as is his K/BB ratio. What's the word on his defense?

 

Probably a 2B only. OK defense.

[Seth Stohs]

 

90+?

Really?  I would expect his SO numbers would be a bit better with that mix. 

 

Hurlbut isn't a strikeout guy. AA and AAA hitters aren't going to miss it. Hurlbut needs his control because those are good pitches in keeping the ball off of the meat of the opponent's bats, getting weak contact. He tops out at about 90-91, so he's not blowing anyone away.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Also, is Kohl sporting a mullet?

 

http://www.captivephotons.com/Events/Miracle/Players/Kohl-Stewart/i-x2H9DtL/A

 

Since that didn't work, click here:

 

http://www.captivephotons.com/Events/Miracle/Players/Kohl-Stewart/i-x2H9DtL/A

 

[Mike Sixel]

Very pleased that Kohl is starting out well. Good luck to him and all the others.

[David HK]

I'm not worried about Duffy at this point. The Twinks were right (hey, it can happen), in having him focus on honing another pitch to go woth that lights-out curve. He'll get some work done, and be up again this year, I'll bet.

[bird]

 

Luis Arraez has struck out 19 times in 382 career PA's...not bad for a kid who turned 19 five days ago..

 

 

Promote him to Target Field right this second!

 

[gunnarthor]

Two very nice starts by Stewart.  Really encouraging. Nice write up.

[jsteve96]

 

.....

 

I also think it's way too early to call Duffey a bust. 

yea I agree I just meant IF he turns into a bust Meyer could hop in front of him.. I personally think Duffey  should be in the MLB right now but i'm fine seeing how he pitches down in AAA for a club actually trying to win

[Seth Stohs]

Thought this was pretty interesting... and good...

 

 

https://twitter.com/SethTweets/status/721039100292108288 

[jimbo92107]

 

Also, is Kohl sporting a mullet?

I was just thinking about long haired pitchers when I saw Noah Syndergaard pitching. Maybe Alex Meyer should grow really long hair and become a Norse god like Thor!

[jsteve96]

 

Thought this was pretty interesting... and good...

 

 

https://twitter.com/SethTweets/status/721039100292108288 

WOW! watch every game on the app but I've never even noticed the bullpen has been better than the starters! thats an awesome stat. take out the 3 run homer Gonsalves gave up 1st inning of the year and it'd be 1.17 for the starters.. love that staff

[TRex]

 

 

 

Since that didn't work, click here:

Thanks for the link, Seth. Great photos to look at grips, etc.

 

A little off topic, but do you think that is his phone in his back pocket? If so, I think someone should call when he is on the mound to see whether he (like me) will jump out of his skin when it vibrates!

 

I understand that you might not want to leave it in the dugout, but...

 

 

[FormerMinnasotan]

Looks like Kohl and Steven are having a friendly competition as to who gets promoted to Chattanooga first. I thought the night before Gonsalves was great (6 ip, 2 hits, 0 runs, 4 k's) and the next night Stewart kind of "one ups him". Good for both of them though and a good problem to have in our minor league system.