http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017?list=ss

 

They have Gordon #9 among shortstops, a move up from 11 at the end of last year so he's probably in their 35-45 range of prospects.

 

"Gordon continues to be more high floor than high ceiling, a prospect who doesn't have one "wow" tool, but who can do everything relatively well. He'll continue his path toward being a solid everyday big leaguer with a move to the upper levels."

I love the fact that he's been working with Barry Larkin in the offseason.

 

If Gordon can increase his BB-rate from 4.7% to closer to 10%, he could definitely be the future leadoff hitter for the Twins. The 17.4% K-rate isn't too worrisome yet. I would like to see another half season a A+ ball before moving up to AA.

 

I love the fact that he's been working with Barry Larkin in the offseason.

 

If Gordon can increase his BB-rate from 4.7% to closer to 10%, he could definitely be the future leadoff hitter for the Twins. The 17.4% K-rate isn't too worrisome yet. I would like to see another half season a A+ ball before moving up to AA.

 

No way. Move him to AA and test him. Leave him there all year. There is no reason to slow play him. This team needs him on the roster for more than 2 years with Sano and Buxton and others.

 

No way. Move him to AA and test him. Leave him there all year. There is no reason to slow play him. This team needs him on the roster for more than 2 years with Sano and Buxton and others.

 

I don't think the last line should have any bearing in how the Twins develop him, but I absolutely agree he should be in AA to start the season and that they shouldn't slow play him.

 

I don't think the last line should have any bearing in how the Twins develop him, but I absolutely agree he should be in AA to start the season and that they shouldn't slow play him.

 

Fair, but I think constantly making decisions that ignore context is a bad idea. These guys don't play in a bubble on their own, they play on a team. 

I think Gordon will start at AA.  As Seth has mentioned, the FO types really like Gordon and (paraphrasing) he's not a shrinking violet.  They can push him to AA.

yeah, he's not being blocked by anyone.  He had a very good AFL, and he was very good in A+ ball through August. He kind of tailed off though, which is a bit worrisome. I'm hoping that had more to do with not being used to playing full season ball.   I've got to think he'll be in AA. If he can get off to a similar start (and maintain it) that he did in A+, he's going to be a lot higher ranked next year at this time.

 

 

 

"Gordon continues to be more high floor than high ceiling, a prospect who doesn't have one "wow" tool, but who can do everything relatively well. He'll continue his path toward being a solid everyday big leaguer with a move to the upper levels."

 

If the 5th overall pick ends up being Greg Gagne or Christian Guzman, it will be pretty disappointing, esp knowing that Trea Turner was available when the Twins picked.

Edited January 26, 20179 yr by Thrylos

During the winter the filler blogs often talked of putting Vielma at short because he is such a slick glove (poor bat).  Does he rate at all?

 

If the 5th overall pick ends up being Greg Gagne or Christian Guzman, it will be pretty disappointing, esp knowing that Trea Turner was available when the Twins picked.

 

You can usually play that game every year; I was looking back through the 2014 draft thread the other day, a few guys wanted Turner, but Gordon was most people's choice. But if Gordon ended up being one of the top five shortstops in team history, I don't think disappointed is a very fair feeling.

 

. But if Gordon ended up being one of the top five shortstops in team history, I don't think disappointed is a very fair feeling.

 

Joe Cronin
Cecil Travis
Pete Runnels
Buddy Myer
Roger Peckinpaugh
 

I'd be very happy if Gordon can have a career better than any of these guys

 

You can usually play that game every year; I was looking back through the 2014 draft thread the other day, a few guys wanted Turner, but Gordon was most people's choice. But if Gordon ended up being one of the top five shortstops in team history, I don't think disappointed is a very fair feeling.

It's more fun playing that game when you aren't "most people".

If he's not in the top 3, disappointed is fair. Twins have lousy history at SS.

 

If the 5th overall pick ends up being Greg Gagne or Christian Guzman, it will be pretty disappointing, esp knowing that Trea Turner was available when the Twins picked.

Gagne would have been the 9th best #5 pick of all time. Guzman would have been the 11th best. 

 

I love the fact that he's been working with Barry Larkin in the offseason.

 

If Gordon can increase his BB-rate from 4.7% to closer to 10%, he could definitely be the future leadoff hitter for the Twins. The 17.4% K-rate isn't too worrisome yet. I would like to see another half season a A+ ball before moving up to AA.

 

Nope, nope, nope.

 

You put him at AA, especially considering what he did in the AFL. He didn't get put there, and probably exceed expectations at his age, to be kept in Fort Myers.

 

17.4% K-rate on it's own shouldn't be worrisome, ever. The walks do need to be better, but he is a good hitter. If you need another opinion, In Keith Law's words: "Gordon can really, really hit, and while his offensive potential isn’t that great because of the lack of power, I think he’s going to hit for high averages for a very long time."

 

No way. Move him to AA and test him. Leave him there all year. There is no reason to slow play him. This team needs him on the roster for more than 2 years with Sano and Buxton and others.

I see no reason for Gordon to repeat high A. He played all of 2016 in high A and had the best season of his career, though not by a lot (but once you adjust for the Florida league, the gap widens a bit and it's clearly his best season).

 

He should be a shoo-in for Chattanooga to open the season.

 

17.4% K-rate on it's own shouldn't be worrisome, ever. 

Yes, this. In 2016, a 17% K rate isn't only satisfactory, it leans toward the good side of things.

 

As you said, we'd all like to see Gordon take more walks but if he's one of those guys who doesn't walk much because he's constantly making contact and legging it out, I can't complain too much about his walk rate.

 

I *hate* that player when he's 29 years old and looking for an extension but I quite like him when he's 24 and a burner.

The Twins are high on him as he's opening ST with them, so he's definitely ready for AA