Article: Draft News and Notes

[Jeremy Nygaard]

The draft has officially wrapped up, but make this your one-stop shop for all the post-draft news.

 

All the draft information in one place.Download attachment: 2016draft1.JPG Download attachment: 2016draft2.JPG

DRAFT POOL: $8,153,500

 

If you're viewing in the forum, click here to see the graphics.

 

6/21: Jonathan Mayo tweeted out details of Thomas Hackimer and confirmed my Saturday report of Mitchell Kranson. The Twins also officially announced the signing of Matt Albanese.

 

Download attachment: hackimertweet.JPG

Download attachment: kransontweet.JPG

 

The club will save an additional ($50K? $75K) when they sign Lopez and and might have to give a similar amount to Balazovic that they gave to Benninghoff. Fortunately, they'd be right in line to do that with the anticipated Lopez savings. Then the attention turns to Salva and Christopher, in my opinion.

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6/20: Lots of draft happenings over the weekend. The biggest news was the club's agreement with first-round pick OF Alex Kirilloff. As Doogie suggested on draft night, the agreement is for exactly slot. That is confirmed in this tweet by Jim Callis.

 

Download attachment: kirillofftweet.JPG

 

Expect Kirilloff to arrive in town later Wednesday and head to Target Field Thursday morning to pass his physical, sign his contract and take in the afternoon clash with his home-state Phillies. (Why wouldn't the Twins have him throw out the first pitch?)

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The Twins also released via their game notes on Sunday that they had signed 26 draft picks. Most of them had already been listed right here, but there were a few new names (mostly college seniors). The list also included 10th-round pick Brandon Lopez, who is still playing in the College World Series. The Twins later announced - after I pointed that out on Twitter, ironically - that they actually hadn't signed Lopez.

 

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With that deal obviously going to happen, only Jordan Balazovic is unsigned, but there's really no reason to be concerned about that either.

 

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So that puts the entire class of the Top 10 rounds in tow. When they're all delivered, there will be extra money to spend. It will be interesting to see who they make their #1 priority. Stay tuned for more news as I hear it.

 

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6/18: Mitchell Kranson signed for $90,000 per source. Though he was primarily a third baseman at Cal, he will get an opportunity to catch. His signing saved the Twins $76,300. They will still need to shave more than $75,000 to avoid penalty, though that will not be an issue with two more seniors still needing to come to terms/have their bonus revealed.

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Shane Carrier has also signed according to game notes. Though his bonus hasn't been reported as of 11:30 am, it's believed to be under slot according to a source.

 

6/17: Lots of Tyler Benninghoff news on Friday. If you read in the comments (or didn't), the Twins were able to cut a deal with Benninghoff before the draft on Saturday morning, most likely Friday night, after they had a pretty good idea how much of their pool allotment they would spend on the Top 10 rounds. They are currently about $250,000 over budget, but still have three seniors to sign that will save them a significant amount. (It wouldn't shock me if they save enough to go overslot with Balazovic and still have some left to chase a prep player from the later rounds). But I've been told all those negotiations wait until the Top 10 is done.

 

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Jim Callis tweeted the Jose Miranda deal. Another underslot deal too. The Twins are essentially buying another high picks...

 

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Jim Callis tweeted that Matt Albanese signed for underslot. The Twins have banked an additional $20K.

 

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I was told earlier this morning that there was "no hurry" on Albanese to officially sign as he currently has an injured wrist and won't be playing for four to six weeks. He had agreed to terms was to undergo his physical early next week. Maybe I was just being overly cautious after reporting that Kyle Cody had agreed to terms last year only to fail his physical.

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MDR Sports tweeted out that their client, Jose Miranda, signed his contract with the Twins. Though the official number hasn't been released, expect it to be for just under slot.

 

Download attachment: Mirandatweet.JPG

 

Of the top 10-round picks, this leaves Jordan Balazovic as the one that might be hardest to get done, though I don't anticipate that being too difficult. (I'd guess he'll come overslot). Kirilloff's season just ended, so I'd guess he will be in the Cities within the next few days. There is no hurry on Albanese (with the wrist), but I'm sure the Twins have his price locked in. The 10th round pick, Brandon Lopez, is still playing for Miami in the College World Series, but there will be savings there too.

 

So where is all this extra money going? Benninghoff is the odds-on favorite. But there might still be some money left. Could that go to one of the young catchers? Kidany Silva to get him out of his Sam Houston State commitment or Shamoy Christopher, an unknown community college commodity? What if Benninghoff's physical gives the Twins pause? Would Greg Deichman or TJ Collett be in play? There could be a lot of intrigue leading up to the signing deadline.

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6/16: I was informed this morning that Benninghoff is on his way to Fort Myers. Typically this is a precursor to a deal but - while I remain optimistic a deal will get done - I would anticipate there being a significant amount of time looking at his right arm during the physical. If everything checks out, I'd anticipate a deal is struck relatively quickly.

 

6/15: Baddoo came in under slot, as was reported to be the case here earlier this morning. Jim Callis tweeted the specifics.

 

Download attachment: baddootweet.JPG

 

Matt Albanese is close to signing. He does have a broken wrist that will keep him out of action for the next 4-6 weeks.

 

A number of players are expected to arrive in Fort Myers today. Look for official word on many of these signings by the end of the day tomorrow.

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As of the reported draft signings, the Twins have saved $109,400. That does not included expected saving on Baddoo, Hackimer, Kranson and Lopez. Those additional savings should give the club the flexibility to sign the rest of their top 10 and make a strong run at Benninghoff, who I expect to sign.

 

The teams is also "progressing" on deals with young catchers Kidany Silva and Shamoy Christopher.

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6/14: Later on Tuesday night some more draft news started trickling in. The Twins tweeted that they signed Akil Baddoo, Griffin Jax and Alex Schick. That was followed up by these tweets.

 

Download attachment: schicktweet.JPG

 

Download attachment: jaxtweet.JPG

 

The only reported signing from yesterday without a bonus - Akil Baddoo - should come in a "tick under slot" according to a source.

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Jim Callis tweets that Ben Rortvedt signed for $900k (saving the team $241,600).

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According to sources, a number of others have agreed to terms and/or signed their contracts already. If I've only heard they've agreed to terms and they have eligibility remaining, I'm not going to list them until I know they're official (for eligibility reasons).

 

Purely speculative, but I believe Baddoo will be overslot. Hackimer, Kranson and Lopez will all help save money. During the draft, I was told those savings were for "a few" guys. Benninghoff is definitely going to dip into the pool if the Twins decide to go that route, but I'd be a little surprised if they knew they saved enough to sign him when they drafted him. I'd guess he'll come down to the wire, along with Christopher.

 

6/13: Twins tweet out that have have signed second-round pick Ben Rortvedt to a contract.

 

Rortvedt's slot is worth $1,141,600.

 

According to a source, the Twins have agreed to terms with at least five others as well. Stay tuned.

 

And, as always, feel free to comment below.

 

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[DocBauer]

I know Rortvedt will be at least 4 years away, probably 5, but I just find his selection to be one of the most intriguing of the entire Twins draft.

 

Along with the young HS pitcher from Kansas who's name I can't recallie at the moment.

[Dman]

I like the picks 1-5 which equals 7 as they all seemed to be picked right about where they should be and if not have some high ceiling potential.

 

I am coming around on the Kirilloff pick.  I thought college pitcher was the better value there but going with a young hitter for the next wave probably makes more long term sense.  He has a lot of tools and a higher ceiling than the college pitchers so it makes sense.  I hope he is a good one.

 

I loved the Rortvedt pick and his signing so fast makes me like him even more.  Glad he is ready to get to work and become the star player I think he can become.  

 

I hope they can sign most if not all the top 20 players and that this becomes a great class for them.

[AZTwin]

 

I know Rortvedt will be at least 4 years away, probably 5, but I just find his selection to be one of the most intriguing of the entire Twins draft. Along with the young HS pitcher from Kansas who's name I can't recallie at the moment.

Agreed.  

[AZTwin]

 

I like the picks 1-5 which equals 7 as they all seemed to be picked right about where they should be and if not have some high ceiling potential.

 

I am coming around on the Kirilloff pick.  I thought college pitcher was the better value there but going with a young hitter for the next wave probably makes more long term sense.  He has a lot of tools and a higher ceiling than the college pitchers so it makes sense.  I hope he is a good one.

 

I loved the Rortvedt pick and his signing so fast makes me like him even more.  Glad he is ready to get to work and become the star player I think he can become.  

 

I hope they can sign most if not all the top 20 players and that this becomes a great class for them.

Wasnt a fan of the Kirilloff pick until I really broke it down and saw what we have for OF talent in the organization (granite, our premier players are graduated from prospects to young talent at that position)

[gunnarthor]

Of the guys selected after the tenth round, are any that are likely overslot signings?  A big upside guy perhaps?

[nicksaviking]

 

Of the guys selected after the tenth round, are any that are likely overslot signings?  A big upside guy perhaps?

 

I am curious too. I would think it would be difficult considering how many HS kids they took early.

 

Knowing what Rortvedt got would be a good indicator if they are going to have to go over slot for all the early HS kids.

[Rezzy]

I couldn't like the Rortvedt pick any more than I already do. This should allow the Twins to make a fairly big FA (3-4-5 years) catcher and allow Garver, Turner and Murphy to battle it out for the backup spot that they seem destined for. All while the new guy develops at his own pace.

[Hrbowski]

 

I know Rortvedt will be at least 4 years away, probably 5, but I just find his selection to be one of the most intriguing of the entire Twins draft. Along with the young HS pitcher from Kansas who's name I can't recallie at the moment.

Rortvedt will probably take about 7 years to develop.

[gunnarthor]

BA write up on Twins draft:

Theme of their draft: Twins gonna Twin … Minnesota might be struggling mightily at the major league level but it attacked this draft with a long-term vision, going for four high school bats with its first four picks as it attempts to restock its farm system’s lower levels. Athleticism and lofty grades for their hit tools link outfielders Alex Kirilloff (1) and Akil Baddoo (2s), while catcher Ben Rortvedt (2) and shortstop Jose Miranda (2s) both have a chance to stay up the middle of the diamond.

Upside Guy: The Twins’ constant search for homegrown power arms pointed them toward righthander Griffin Jax (3), who will have to work out his Air Force commitment, as well as righthander Alex Schick (6), who missed most of the season for Cal with a knee injury. But righthander Tyler Benninghoff (11) is the real wild card, a projectable Kansas City-area prep who has shown three average pitches when healthy. A nerve injury to his throwing arm may have pushed him out of the top 10 rounds, but his bonus ask remains robust.

Read more at http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/reds-bank-senzel-impact/#2f3TOgm2M4Yjd0VD.99

[gunnarthor]

Googling around a bit and it seems Tyler Benninghoff might be the guy they save money to sign.  He was hurt so missed his senior year but coming into the season, BA had him ranked as #46 on their draft list - one spot in front of Rortvedt.  

[d-mac]

 

I am curious too. I would think it would be difficult considering how many HS kids they took early.

 

Knowing what Rortvedt got would be a good indicator if they are going to have to go over slot for all the early HS kids.

 

Because he signed so quickly, before Kirilloff, and for an unpublished amount, I would imagine he signed for under slot.

[d-mac]

I really, really hope they can get Balazovic and Benninghoff signed.

[Seth Stohs]

The Twins have also signed RHP Brady Anderson from Florida Gulf Coast University:

 

 

 

[Jeremy Nygaard]

They also signed a local:

 

http://kdal610.com/news/articles/2016/jun/13/umds-hellquist-signs-free-agent-deal-with-minnesota-twins/

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Because he signed so quickly, before Kirilloff, and for an unpublished amount, I would imagine he signed for under slot.

Twins got Rortvedt to sign for 900K, which is ~240K under slot for the pick, nice move all around

[d-mac]

 

Twins got Rortvedt to sign for 900K, which is ~240K under slot for the pick, nice move all around

 

If that's the case, that's great news!

[Bob Sacamento]

 

If that's the case, that's great news!

That's what Baseball America is reporting

[ashbury]

Twins got Rortvedt to sign for 900K, which is ~240K under slot for the pick, nice move all around

Anybody got insight on how you get a high schooler to sign for less than slot? Seems to me the kid has the stronger negotiating position than the team, and he doesn't need Scott Boras to point it out to him.

[gunnarthor]

 

Anybody got insight on how you get a high schooler to sign for less than slot? Seems to me the kid has the stronger negotiating position than the team, and he doesn't need Scott Boras to point it out to him.

My guess is that the team had a pre-draft agreement with him.  Going into the draft, he and his adviser probably knew that there were a handful of players that could be taken in the 50-90 range.  The Twins probably showed a lot of interest to him and a few other players in that range and discussed signing bonus with all of them.  After Rortvedt was taken, the next catcher off the board went at 71 - which was 900k or so bonus slot.  So he probably agreed to sign for 900k if the Twins promised to take him.  Maybe the Twins talked to other players and they wanted more so they went with the catcher.

[Monkeypaws]

I suspect some of picks 6-10 might also come in under slot. Wouild be nice if they could sign Benninghoff.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I suspect some of picks 6-10 might also come in under slot. Wouild be nice if they could sign Benninghoff.

Well preinjury Benninghoff was looking like a 3rd to 5th round guy, so that kind of money is 350-650K. Since Benninghoff was an 11th Rd, the Twins can only give him 100K without it going against their draft pool, so the team needs to save ~300K (a guess) out of its' Top 10 round slot value in order to give Benninghoff the money he'll need to bypass Arkansas.

[Twinsoholic]

Does anyone know if John Sickels did his Twins shadow draft this year? If he did, can someone post the link?

[Monkeypaws]

 

Well preinjury Benninghoff was looking like a 3rd to 5th round guy, so that kind of money is 350-650K. Since Benninghoff was an 11th Rd, the Twins can only give him 100K without it going against their draft pool, so the team needs to save ~300K (a guess) out of its' Top 10 round slot value in order to give Benninghoff the money he'll need to bypass Arkansas.

Hmm, 3 years in Arkansas or more than quarter million dollars at 18. Damn, that's a tough one....

[nicksaviking]

Anybody got insight on how you get a high schooler to sign for less than slot? Seems to me the kid has the stronger negotiating position than the team, and he doesn't need Scott Boras to point it out to him.

Two words: Joe Smith.

 

Keep it on the QT though, that's just between us.

[maxisagod]

 

Does anyone know if John Sickels did his Twins shadow draft this year? If he did, can someone post the link?

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2016/6/11/11909394/2016-mlb-draft-day-three-live-blog 6th to last comment or so in the comment section. Went with Eric Lauer #1.

[Seth Stohs]

 

 

[maxisagod]

Read up a little more on Timothy (TJ) Collett the 40 pick. Gatorade player of the year in Kentucky, strong commit to the University of Kentucky, seen as a high draft pick earlier on, local scouts seemed to think he was a top five prep catcher talent. Congratulated Baddoo on getting drafted by the Twins (on twitter), showing a picture of them at target field after batting pratice. Didn't mention getting drafted himself.  

 

My guess is he asked for too much to get him out of his commitment to college and is the type of player who will get drafted in the top two rounds after 3 years of strong college ball. Like Puk and Shore did this year. 

[diehardtwinsfan]

quite possibly.  Guys like Collett and Benninghof are insurance picks in case they get someone well under slot.  Curious what Baddoo signed for, as that will be a good indicator of whether or not they can grab one of them. 

[USMCTwin]

Collett has already told people after being drafted that he is for sure going to UK.  I'm sure that could possibly change if we freed up enough money, but I don't see how we could allocate that much to him.