Article: Five Prospects The Twins Should Promote

[Jonathon Zenk]

We are a month and a half into the baseball season and the Minnesota Twins are a woeful 10-31, tied with the Atlanta Braves for the worst record in the league. Right now, most Twins fans should turn their attention to minor league baseball. There are a handful of minor leaguers in the Twins system who deserve a promotion. I tried to avoid players, especially younger ones, who have been at their respective level for only this season. Here are my top five:5. LaMonte Wade, OF, Cedar Rapids

 

Wade has been tearing it up in Cedar Rapids so far this year. After having just a .143 batting average in Cedar Rapids last season (granted, it was just a four game sample size), he is is hitting at a .325/.421/.472 clip this season. He has shown to have a very good eye at the plate, striking out 18 times in 123 official at-bats and has more walks (22) than he does strikeouts. The 2015 ninth=round draft pick is also 22, so if the Maryland product keeps this up through the month of June, he is worthy of a promotion. His .893 OPS is also leading all of the Twins minor leaguers and his slugging percentage is third, behind only teammate A.J. Murray and top prospect Byron Buxton.

 

4. Randy LeBlanc, RHP, Cedar Rapids

 

LeBlanc has been nothing short of incredible for the Kernels this year. He has allowed four earned runs in 46 innings. Yes, four! That is good enough for a microscopic 0.78 ERA. He had a solid season for Cedar Rapids last year, going 9-5 with an ERA just north of 3.00, but he has been even better this season. Now, I would not call him a great prospect, considering he is already 24 and still in Low-A ball, but he absolutely deserves a promotion, especially when one of the Fort Myers pitchers is promoted within the next few months. His WHIP of 0.87 is second in all of the Twins system and he has an opponents batting average of just .196. If he ever wants to sniff a chance at the majors, he needs to improve his strikeout total, as he just has 28 in his 46 innings. But with an ERA of less than 1, he needs a new challenge and will soon get it.

3. Stephen Gonsalves, LHP, Fort Myers

 

If anyone has been more impressive than LeBlanc this season, it has been Gonsalves. After dominating in Cedar Rapids early last season, Gonsalves was promoted to Fort Myers and pitched well, registering a 7-2 record with a 2.61 ERA. He has been nothing short of incredible this season, going 5-1 and having an ERA of 1.27 in seven starts. If you dig into his stats a little more, it makes his season that much more impressive. He has a WHIP of 0.84, which is tops in all of the Twins system and an opposing batting average of .152. After a season-opening start in which he gave up three runs in six innings in a loss to Bradenton, the southpaw has given up only three runs total in his last six starts (36.2 innings). His K/9 from Cedar Rapids was unattainable in Fort Myers as he struck out 77 batters in just 55 innings, but this season's 8.02 K/9 in still very solid. If there is room in Chattanooga, Gonsalves will be promoted shortly.

 

2. Kohl Stewart, RHP, Fort Myers

 

Last year in his first season at High-A, Stewart pitched decently for Fort Myers, but still had a high opponents batting average and was still not striking out very many. A year ago, the 2013 first-round pick struck out just 71 batters in 129.1 innings for just 4.94 strikeouts per nine innings. This year has been a complete turnaround. Not only has he had his way with opposing hitters, his strikeouts per nine innings rate is miles better than 2015. He has struck out 37 in 40.2 innings so far for an 8.19 K/9 to go along with his 3-1 record with a sparkling 1.77 ERA. His opponents batting average also stands out at .185 with a WHIP of 0.98. His major improvement from 2015 has earned him a promotion that will likely come this summer.

 

1. J.T. Chargois, RHP, Rochester

 

It is unfortunate that he has to settle for being on this list, considering he has done more than enough to be a part of the big league club. Chargois has been lights out for Chattanooga and Rochester this season. So far on the year, Chargois has pitched 17.1 innings split between the two teams and has allowed a total of two earned runs. In Rochester, he has pitched 5.2 scoreless innings and has allowed just two hits, while striking out an incredible 13. Obviously that won't hold up, but that is an eye-popping 20.65 strikeouts per nine innings. Even if you include his stint in Chattanooga this year, his K/9 is still 14.02. For a team that has a bullpen as bad as the Twins, there is no reason that Chargois should not be on the big league club and I have a feeling if he keeps it up, he will be up sooner rather than later.

 

What do you think of this group of five, and are there other minor leaguers you feel are ready or in need of a promotion?

 

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[Kwak]

It is unfortunate for Chargois that the Twins have so many good and experienced pitchers that he is being blocked (for now).  But, the winds of change might allow a chance for JT to get a "cup-of-coffee", I mean "ya never know".

[diehardtwinsfan]

Chargois will be up at some point.  I'm guessing the others will likely be moved some time next month.

[ashbury]

It is unfortunate for Chargois that the Twins have so many good and experienced pitchers that he is being blocked (for now).  But, the winds of change might allow a chance for JT to get a "cup-of-coffee", I mean "ya never know".

They want him to perfect his eephus pitch before coming up to the Show.

[owenowain]

The Twins need to clean house in their bull pen. They could start my demoting a couple of pitchers and bringing up Chargois and someone else now.

[mikelink45]

This year is lost in the majors so it is time to experiment, move players up and down as needed, but don't waste innings on players who will not be with us two years from now.  What are we gaining by Kinsler or Nolasco or Grossman or Mastrianni getting to play?  

There are a lot of wasted outs right now and they could be used to explore the future potential of the team.  I will not forget how they handled Polanco, Kepler, Buxton, Meyer this year.  

[terrydactyls]

Looks like Buddy Boshers is having a year that should lead to a call up to the Twins.

[Seth Stohs]

 

This year is lost in the majors so it is time to experiment, move players up and down as needed, but don't waste innings on players who will not be with us two years from now.  What are we gaining by Kinsler or Nolasco or Grossman or Mastrianni getting to play?  

There are a lot of wasted outs right now and they could be used to explore the future potential of the team.  I will not forget how they handled Polanco, Kepler, Buxton, Meyer this year.  

 

In time... Kepler's had two good weeks. Let's see Buxton get back on the field and have another strong 3-4 weeks. Meyer needs to get back on the mound. 

 

Nothing wrong with place holders holding places. Mastroianni sits there for depth. I don't want a prospect in that role. Grossman is 26 only and still young enough to claim some of that prospect status he had a few years ago. 

 

There is value in that. At some point, they'll turn it over, but they need to see if they can get anything for those veterans and do do that, they need to play and the young guys need to play, so we just need to have a little patience.

[Seth Stohs]

Here are some others that should move up a level soon...

 

RP: 

Todd Van Steensel, Brandon Peterson, Nick Anderson

 

SP: 

Sam Clay

 

 

[Blake]

 

In time... Kepler's had two good weeks. Let's see Buxton get back on the field and have another strong 3-4 weeks. Meyer needs to get back on the mound. 

 

Nothing wrong with place holders holding places. Mastroianni sits there for depth. I don't want a prospect in that role. Grossman is 26 only and still young enough to claim some of that prospect status he had a few years ago. 

 

There is value in that. At some point, they'll turn it over, but they need to see if they can get anything for those veterans and do do that, they need to play and the young guys need to play, so we just need to have a little patience.

Seth, considering Grossman's age, does the team move him or do they try to keep him, should he turn out to be an asset? 

 

I think the team needs a veteran presence and who knows? Maybe Grossman can be that person.

[Mr. Brooks]

In time... Kepler's had two good weeks.

Seth, that just isn't true. You (as close as you follow milb) of all people know Kepler was pounding the ball and getting extremely unlucky earlier.

[amjgt]

353/441/608 for Kepler over his last 2 weeks. If he does that for another two weeks, he should be called up.

[amjgt]

Seth, that just isn't true. You (as close as you follow milb) of all people know Kepler was pounding the ball and getting extremely unlucky earlier.

Just curious how people would know that Kepler was pounding the ball but getting unlucky.

[jokin]

 

353/441/608 for Kepler over his last 2 weeks. If he does that for another two weeks, he should be called up.

 

Not if he rides the pine with the Twins again.

[jud6312]

Seth, I'm trying to understand why you're so seemingly high on Grossman. Aside from showing a willingness to take a walk, he seemingly does nothing very well. Everything about him screams "average at best."

 

I guess I just don't get it. There's a reason that two teams that - at at least at the time - had plenty of roster space for guys that showed actual promise.

[jokin]

 

 

Looks like Buddy Boshers is having a year that should lead to a call up to the Twins.

 

Break out the limo and the red carpet when that move is announced. If the marketing department hasn't gone entirely PC, the commercial writes itself... I could even visualize the promo being something along these lines:

 

"Twins fans, get to know your new Twins buddy, Buddy Boshers... You'll love him but rival teams fear him... his initials are BB, as in "Beware Buddy",  and.... don't ever "Bother Boshers"... he throws screaming BBs..."

[beckmt]

Still feel about 3 of the starting pitchers in Ft. Myers should be moved up.  Chatanooga does not have great starting pitching so moving some of those off the club should not be a problem.

[Jonathon Zenk]

 

Still feel about 3 of the starting pitchers in Ft. Myers should be moved up.  Chatanooga does not have great starting pitching so moving some of those off the club should not be a problem.

I think Tyler Jay could be moved up by the end of the season too. He has been pitching really well in the month of May, having allowed only one run in 19.1 innings so far...

[Mr. Brooks]

Just curious how people would know that Kepler was pounding the ball but getting unlucky.

He had a very low k rate, and a very low babip.

Aside from the stats, people who see the games posted that he was hitting line drives at people.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Seth, I'm trying to understand why you're so seemingly high on Grossman. Aside from showing a willingness to take a walk, he seemingly does nothing very well. Everything about him screams "average at best."

 

I guess I just don't get it. There's a reason that two teams that - at at least at the time - had plenty of roster space for guys that showed actual promise.

 

I can't imagine I've written anything to indicate I'm "high on Grossman." He's 26 and has been released by two organizations. I liked him as a prospect 4-5 years ago. 

 

I would say that his ability to take a lot of walks and get on base, plus a little pop in his bat, he is certainly an improvement over the likes of Rosario and Santana (at least what we've seen this year). Ultimately, he's probably a 4th or 5th OF. And there can be some value in that.

 

And, he is still just 26. That's not old. He was putting together a solid season in AAA Columbus to start the season and clearly must have knowing that there was going to be an opportunity with the Twins when he opted out of his deal last week. 

[Rosterman]

 

I can't imagine I've written anything to indicate I'm "high on Grossman." He's 26 and has been released by two organizations. I liked him as a prospect 4-5 years ago. 

 

I would say that his ability to take a lot of walks and get on base, plus a little pop in his bat, he is certainly an improvement over the likes of Rosario and Santana (at least what we've seen this year). Ultimately, he's probably a 4th or 5th OF. And there can be some value in that.

 

And, he is still just 26. That's not old. He was putting together a solid season in AAA Columbus to start the season and clearly must have knowing that there was going to be an opportunity with the Twins when he opted out of his deal last week. 

So, there is some place the Twins are posting "Help Wanted" ads?

[jud6312]

 

I can't imagine I've written anything to indicate I'm "high on Grossman." He's 26 and has been released by two organizations. I liked him as a prospect 4-5 years ago. 

 

I would say that his ability to take a lot of walks and get on base, plus a little pop in his bat, he is certainly an improvement over the likes of Rosario and Santana (at least what we've seen this year). Ultimately, he's probably a 4th or 5th OF. And there can be some value in that.

 

And, he is still just 26. That's not old. He was putting together a solid season in AAA Columbus to start the season and clearly must have knowing that there was going to be an opportunity with the Twins when he opted out of his deal last week. 

I must be missing something in the numbers then. When I looked I didn't think "solid start," I thought "meh." 

 

I hope I'm wrong, but I feel like these ABs could be better spent on someone else - Arcia FT, Kepler FT, etc.

 

This is basically another Darin Mastroianni, who provides zero value to any team not named the Saints or Skeeters.

[ashbury]

I must be missing something in the numbers then. When I looked I didn't think "solid start," I thought "meh."

The .256 BA in Columbus was meh; likewise the counting stats of R and RBI. But opposing pitchers were walking him at a fierce clip and he was hitting enough doubles and homers to make up for the paucity of singles.

 

IMO it makes him worth a try, if you're somehow in the market for a fourth outfielder. That's the painful part, we were even looking for someone like that.

[Seth Stohs]

 

So, there is some place the Twins are posting "Help Wanted" ads?

 

At this point... they might as well. I would hope they wouldn't leave any stone unturned.

[Seth Stohs]

 

I must be missing something in the numbers then. When I looked I didn't think "solid start," I thought "meh." 

 

I hope I'm wrong, but I feel like these ABs could be better spent on someone else - Arcia FT, Kepler FT, etc.

 

This is basically another Darin Mastroianni, who provides zero value to any team not named the Saints or Skeeters.

 

I don't really think that's fair... at least the last part. Players develop at different times. 4th outfielders are needed. 

 

Kepler and Buxton will be up soon enough.

[mlhouse]

Only the Twins organization would not have called up Chargois at this point.  

[tobi0040]

Chargois has 15 k's in 6.2 IP at AAA with a 0.00 ERA

[d-mac]

Not surprising that 4 of 5 players on this list are in the low minors and two of those four are college players in low A ball- one of which was even there last year! There should be no reason that these players shouldn't be promoted once they dominate a level for a month and a half in the low minors- particularly the college draftees.

 

Get them up against better competition and see what they can do. But then be more deliberate with AA and AAA time. 

[hybridbear]

Chargois has only pitched 17.2 innings between AA & AAA this season. It seems a bit premature to be anointing him as the savior for the Twins bullpen with so few innings at those levels. He only has 5.2 innings pitched at AAA. If he reaches 20 innings at AAA and still has such great numbers and a K/9 > 9 then he should be called up and given a serious look at replacing Jepsen in the highest leverage situations. But, 17.2 innings isn't enough to say he's MLB ready...

[tobi0040]

Chargois has only pitched 17.2 innings between AA & AAA this season. It seems a bit premature to be anointing him as the savior for the Twins bullpen with so few innings at those levels. He only has 5.2 innings pitched at AAA. If he reaches 20 innings at AAA and still has such great numbers and a K/9 > 9 then he should be called up and given a serious look at replacing Jepsen in the highest leverage situations. But, 17.2 innings isn't enough to say he's MLB ready...

He pitched quite a bit at AA last year. 44 IP if memory serves.