Article: 2017 Elizabethton Twins Roster Preview

[Seth Stohs]

UPDATED (Friday afternoon): added C Andrew Cosgrove, C Colton Waltner, IF Andrew Bechtold, IF Carson Crites, IF Jordan Gore, IF JJ Robinson, OF TJ Dixon, RHP Nick Brown, RHP Christian Broussard, RHP Jared Finkel, RHP Bailey Ober, RHP Ricky Ramirez, and LHP Ryley Widell

 

UPDATED (Thursday afternoon): added OF Brent Rooker, OF Mark Contreras, LHP Bryan Sammons, and RHP Calvin Faucher.

 

On Thursday, the Elizabethton Twins will open up their 2017 season at home against the Danville Braves. Below you can find the 2017 Elizabethton Twins Opening Day roster... or at least the current Elizabethton Twins roster. More players will be added as early as tomorrow. This team has some older players, college guys drafted this year or last, but there are some very intriguing younger players who are certainly worth watching. I also think there are more players jumping straight from the Dominican Summer League to Elizabethton than in years past.

 

Elizabethton is a small, mountain town, an ideal place for some minor leaguers to make their professional debut. Many of these players, particularly those drafted earlier this month, have likely never been real far from home or had to pay their own bills. Some may not have ever used a wood bat or played under the lights. Some have been in Ft. Myers for the last three months at extended spring training, eagerly anticipating getting to Tennessee (if not Iowa) to start playing games where box scores show up online!

 

Manager Ray Smith has been on the coaching staff in Elizabethton for 31 seasons now. This is his 23rd season as manager. His hitting coach, another former big leaguer, Jeff Reed will be in that role for the 15th straight year. This year, Luis Ramirez is the team’s pitching coach. It is his third season in that role after spending 2014 in that same role in the GCL and 2013 in the Venezuelan Baseball Academy.Here is a very brief look at the players on the 2017 Elizabethton Twins Opening Day roster, though we know there will be others added soon. In fact, Twins Daily has learned that four players will be added to this roster on Thursday, and more on Friday. In large part, this may be due to the draft being a week later than it has been in past years. I’m certain you’ll notice some names missing. This page will be updated as the players are added.

 

We’ll post the GCL roster preview in coming days and some of your questions may be answered. It’s possible some are heading up to Cedar Rapids, and some players have already been released. We’ll try to find answers to all of these questions. Note also that this roster is subject to change for a variety of reasons, particularly in the next few days as more 2017 draft picks sign, etc.

 

 

THE ROSTER

 

Catchers: Robert Molina (20), Rainis Silva (21), Bryant Hayman (24-DL)

 

Molina hit just .135/.200/.149 (.349) in 25 games (80 PA) in 2016. Silva hit .230/.297/.254 (.551) with three doubles in 37 games a year ago at Cedar Rapids. Hayman had ACL surgery earlier this year.

 

Infielders: Andre Jernigan (23), Wander Javier (18), Kolton Kendrick (20), Jose Miranda (18).

 

Wander Javier is one of the organization’s top prospects. Signed to a $4 million bonus in 2015, he played in just nine games a year ago in the DSL due to hamstring issues. He is impressive offensively and defensively at shortstop. Jose Miranda was one of two compensation picks that the Twins had last year between the second and third rounds. Drafted as a shortstop, the assumption was that he would move to third base at some point. That happened already in spring training. He played in the GCL after the draft last year. Kolton Kendrick was the team’s eighth-round pick in 2015 out of high school in Louisiana. He lost time that year due to mono, and last year, he really struggled with the bat in the GCL. The burly first baseman will get a shot in the Appy League this year. Andre Jernigan was the Twins 14th-round pick in 2016 out of Xavier University. In 36 games a year ago in Elizabethton, he hit .243/.336/.374 (.710) with six doubles, a triple and two home runs.

 

Outfielders: Matt Albanese (21), Trey Cabbage (20), Shane Carrier (21), Brent Rooker (22), Mark Contreras (22), Alex Kirilloff (19-DL).

 

Trey Cabbage has been transitioning somewhat to the outfield during extended spring. That said, he’s also likely to play a lot at third base as well. The Twins fourth- round pick in 2015 out of high school hit .204/.297/.337 (.634) with five doubles, a triple and two home runs last year in E-Town. Matt Albanese was the Twins eighth- round pick a year ago, but he did not play due to some wrist injuries and a couple of surgeries. He’s a good athlete and looking forward to making his professional debut. Shane Carrier began this season in the Cedar Rapids outfield. In 30 games, he hit .215/.243/.299 (.542) with six doubles and a homer. He can be a big power threat in the middle of the E-Twins lineup.

 

The Twins Comp pick is indeed heading to Elizabethton to start his pro career. So is 9th round pick Mark Contreras.

 

Pitchers: Huascar Ynoa (19), Charlie Barnes (21), Jose Martinez (20), Griffin Jax (22), Taylor Clemensia (20), Jovani Moran (20), Melvi Acosta (22), Juan Gamez (23), Moises Gomez (20), Blair Lakso (22), Carlos Suniaga (20), Edwar Colina (20), Bryan Sammons (22), Calvin Faucher (22), Miguel DeJesus (21-DL), Cam Booser (Restricted List)

 

Huascar Ynoa turned 19 at the end of May. He was the Twins Daily choice for short-season Minor League Pitcher of the Year last year after he went 3-5 with a 3.88 ERA in 11 starts for the GCL Twins. In 51 innings, he walked 12 and struck out 51. He’ll be quite young for this level. Charlie Barnes was the Twins fourth-round pick just last week out of Clemson. Known to have a terrific changeup, he’s a guy who could move up to Cedar Rapids relatively soon. The situation with Griffin Jax sounds as if it is yet to be resolved, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t spend the full season in E-Town, for pitching reasons or Air Force reasons. He made four appearances for the E-Twins during his time off last year.

 

Miguel De Jesus split 2016 between the GCL and Elizabethton. Combined, he went 3-3 with a 2.38 ERA in 53 innings (11 starts). Jose Martinez made 11 starts last year for the E-Twins but went 1-5 with a 7.88 ERA. He gets another shot at the Appy League.

 

Then there are several pitchers who threw in the GCL last year. Lefty Taylor Clemensia (from the Netherlands) pitched 43.2 innings in 11 games (10 starts). He went 1-4 despite a 2.47 ERA and 47 strikeouts (26 walks, too). Juan Gamez was drafted out of NDSU as a catcher. After just a few games, he was moved to the mound where he pitched in three games last year in the GCL. He has a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s. Moises Gomez posted a 1.19 ERA over 37.2 innings last year. He pitched a lot in long relief and ended the season with a start.

 

Several pitchers are making the jump from the Dominican Summer League to Elizabethton this year. Melvi Acosta went 5-2 with a 3.20 ERA over 14 DSL starts. In 70.1 innings, he walked 14 and struck out 57. Edwar Colina struck out 52 (and walked 26) over 58.2 innings. He was 1-3 with a 2.30 ERA. Carlos Suniaga worked 57.2 innings last year. He walked just 13 and struck out 58. He went 7-3 with a 2.03 ERA.

 

Finally, two pitchers who did not pitch in the Twins system at all last year are on this roster. 2015 draft pick Jovani Moran had some bone chips removed before the season last year which caused him to miss the whole year. Blair Lakso was signed after the draft. He was a pitcher at the University of Buffalo, but really struggled. He was working for a summer team when he got some tips from a former big leaguer, John Halama, and suddenly he was throwing more strikes and hitting 95. The Twins signed him.

 

Bryan Sammons was the team's 8th round pick in June. Calvin Faucher was their 10th round pick. Both were senior signs.

 

 

As I mentioned right from the outset, this roster is subject to change as guys in the GCL start performing, and as more 2017 draft picks decide to sign and report. For instance, Brent Rooker is not currently on this roster, and yet we have heard that he will start in E-Town. It has to be challenging for the coaches and for the minor league coordinator to keep things straight for the next week or so with these rosters.

 

 

On Monday afternoon, the GCL Twins will play their first game. We’ll provide a roster preview for them in the coming days.

 

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[nater79a]

Let's see if Kendrick and Cabbage can get untracked and make some noise at E-Town. Hopefully they will.

 

Griffin Jax..,Will be interesting to see how that plays out.

 

 

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Let's see if Kendrick and Cabbage can get untracked and make some noise at E-Town. Hopefully they will.

 

Griffin Jax..,Will be interesting to see how that plays out.

 

For Kendrick... it's all about making contact.

For Cabbage... it'll be about being healthy... he's got such a high ceiling, and I think he'll show it in 2017 in ET... 

[Bob Sacamento]

Having seen many of these kids extensively the past couple months and getting to know them I'm very happy for them. As Seth said Trey Cabbage has a very high ceilling and is extremely athletic, he's just been very unlucky with minor injuries since signing.  Having talked to him about the switch to the OF and seen him in EXST action, I think he'll finally start to show his talent.

 

 My biggest surprise was seeing the lot of DSL arms going to Etown - Acosta, Suniaga, and Colina; keep an eye on Suniaga, he has good stuff with decent control.  Don't sleep on Jose Martinez and Moises Gomez, both in low 90's with good breaking balls and control and   Juan Gamez gets up to 95 mph.

[jokin]

 

Having seen many of these kids extensively the past couple months and getting to know them I'm very happy for them. As Seth said Trey Cabbage has a very high ceilling and is extremely athletic, he's just been very unlucky with minor injuries since signing.  Having talked to him about the switch to the OF and seen him in EXST action, I think he'll finally start to show his talent.

 

 My biggest surprise was seeing the lot of DSL arms going to Etown - Acosta, Suniaga, and Colina; keep an eye on Suniaga, he has good stuff with decent control.  Don't sleep on Jose Martinez and Moises Gomez, both in low 90's with good breaking balls and control and   Juan Gamez gets up to 95 mph.

 

Wondering about Wander....?

[108Stitches]

Still don't understand why Jax is ranked in the top 30... he hasn't done anything and what he did do (8.2 innings) wasn't exactly lights out impressive.

[AZTwin]

No Brent rooker?

[Seth Stohs]

 

No Brent rooker?

 

I would expect that he is one of the four being added today... or the others being added on Friday.

[Mike Sixel]

The number 1 overall pick can't even make this roster......

[Kernels Fan]

If Booser's not serious about baseball, why not pack his bags for him and send him home?  Find some players that don't abuse drugs--our kids don't need to look up to those guys.  Take a hard stance finally.

[markos]

 

The number 1 overall pick can't even make this roster......

Does this matter one way or the other right now? Here is the list of top-15 drafted HS position players since 2012 that have started at their affiliate's lowest level:
Brendan Rodgers
Clint Frazier
Austin meadows
Carlos Correa
Byron Buxton
Albert Almora
David Dahl
Addison Russell
Alex Jackson
Cornelius Randolph
Mickey Moniak
Will Benson

Kyle Tucker
Josh Naylor
Trent Clark
Garrett Whitley
Dominic Smith
Reese McGuire

 

Those that have not:
Nick Gordon
Alex Kirilloff

Tyler Stephenson
Gavin Cecchini
Courtney Hawkins

 

Edited because I missed some draftees.

Edited June 22, 2017 by markos

[clutterheart]

Where is Matz Schutte?  Is he still in the org?

I am surprised I don't see Balazovic in E-town.  Are they sending him back to the GCL?

[Mike Sixel]

 

Does this matter one way or the other right now? Here is the list of top-15 drafted HS position players since 2012 that have started at their affiliate's lowest level:
Brendan Rodgers
Clint Frazier
Austin meadows
Carlos Correa
Byron Buxton
Albert Almora
David Dahl
Addison Russell
Alex Jackson
Cornelius Randolph
Mickey Moniak
Will Benson

 

Those that have not:
Nick Gordon
Alex Kirilloff

 

good post with data! thanks. 

 

I could be wrong, of course.

[Seth Stohs]

 

If Booser's not serious about baseball, why not pack his bags for him and send him home?  Find some players that don't abuse drugs--our kids don't need to look up to those guys.  Take a hard stance finally.

 

He'll serve his suspension this season, and I wouldn't be all that surprised if that's about it.... Obviously the Twins (And all teams) are good with second chances, but talent is what will or won't keep a guy on the roster. 

 

Kennys Vargas had a 50-game suspension back in 2012. They didn't release him. Anthony Swarzak had a 50-gamer way back when. Others have too. Some guys that have had suspensions, they're gone the day after the suspension is complete. 

 

Booser is a guy who throws 99. Doesn't always (ever?) know where it's going, but that's a big arm.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Where is Matz Schutte?  Is he still in the org?

I am surprised I don't see Balazovic in E-town.  Are they sending him back to the GCL?

 

I haven't heard yet on Schutte. He's still very young, so he could go back to the GCL. 

 

I thought there was a chance Balazovic would start in E-Town... and maybe he'll move up today... 

[drjim]

 

Does this matter one way or the other right now? Here is the list of top-15 drafted HS position players since 2012 that have started at their affiliate's lowest level:
Brendan Rodgers
Clint Frazier
Austin meadows
Carlos Correa
Byron Buxton
Albert Almora
David Dahl
Addison Russell
Alex Jackson
Cornelius Randolph
Mickey Moniak
Will Benson

Kyle Tucker
Josh Naylor
Trent Clark
Garrett Whitley
Dominic Smith
Reese McGuire

 

Those that have not:
Nick Gordon
Alex Kirilloff

Tyler Stephenson
Gavin Cecchini
Courtney Hawkins

 

Edited because I missed some draftees.

 

The assignment for the first full season is much more telling in my mind. The month or two after the draft is about getting used to a wood bat and adapting to the everyday grind of pro ball. Not a huge difference if that happens in the complex or in the mountains.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Wondering about Wander....?

What about him?  The coaches saw enough of him in EXST that showed that he's ready for an aggressive start in Etown instead of GCL, plus an addition of another top end SS (that's even younger than Wander) that needs playing time too probably coaxed the decision too.  I've posted up multiple videos I took of Wander in other threads so I won't do it again but the kid has all the tools, still very raw. 

 

Shameless plug, I have video on my youtube channel of nearly everyone that was assigned to Etown.  

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I haven't heard yet on Schutte. He's still very young, so he could go back to the GCL. 

 

I thought there was a chance Balazovic would start in E-Town... and maybe he'll move up today... 

I hope Schutte gets out of Florida this year, I think I've seen him for three years down here now, he's slowly progressed more so with his control and secondary as his fastball velocity is nothing to write home about.

 

As for Balazovic, he had a rocky finish to his EXST (but was pretty good early on) and I heard the pitching coaches discussing and trying to figure out was wrong mechanically as his release point was all over in his last few outings.  So I wouldn't be shocked if he started off in the GCL and was an early bump.

[bird]

 

If Booser's not serious about baseball, why not pack his bags for him and send him home?  Find some players that don't abuse drugs--our kids don't need to look up to those guys.  Take a hard stance finally.

 

 

Are you aware that addiction to alcohol and drugs is a problem for many people? Let's cut some slack here.

[bird]

 

Does this matter one way or the other right now? Here is the list of top-15 drafted HS position players since 2012 that have started at their affiliate's lowest level:
Brendan Rodgers
Clint Frazier
Austin meadows
Carlos Correa
Byron Buxton
Albert Almora
David Dahl
Addison Russell
Alex Jackson
Cornelius Randolph
Mickey Moniak
Will Benson

Kyle Tucker
Josh Naylor
Trent Clark
Garrett Whitley
Dominic Smith
Reese McGuire

 

Those that have not:
Nick Gordon
Alex Kirilloff

Tyler Stephenson
Gavin Cecchini
Courtney Hawkins

 

Edited because I missed some draftees.

 

 

There's a typo here. You list two Twins prospects among the five who were aggressively placed. This flies in the face of the vast majority of opinions expressed here. I half expected a next sentence on any Royce Lewis complaint of "here we go again."

[108Stitches]

Just because drugs and alcohol is a SELF INFLICTED problem for many people means nothing. He should be given special treatment because he has a problem that MOST others don't? BS

[Mike Sixel]

 

Just because drugs and alcohol is a SELF INFLICTED problem for many people means nothing. He should be given special treatment because he has a problem that MOST others don't? BS

 

What special treatment? He's been suspended, and then he gets his job back. That's pretty much what happens in every industry. heck, in most, he's not even suspended at all....

[Tibs]

Is there a limit to the roster size for the rookie league teams?

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Is there a limit to the roster size for the rookie league teams?

Yes, 35 man limit for Short season and under while it's a 25 man limit for everything above (Low A to AAA).

[nytwinsfan]

WHERE IS AKIL BADDOO. UNACEPTABLE ABSENCE from this roster. All I've been hearing is how he's put on muscle and was looking great. Where is he?!?!?!

 

And Bob Sacramento, when do you think Graterol will be sent here? Or do you think he will he go to the GCL?

[Mike Sixel]

 

WHERE IS AKIL BADDOO. UNACEPTABLE ABSENCE. All I've been hearing is how he's put on muscle and was looking great. Where is he?!?!?!

 

I'm liking this solely for the CAPS...I have no real preference about the content at all.

[nytwinsfan]

 

I'm liking this solely for the CAPS...I have no real preference about the content at all.

CAPS AND BOLD. In addition to having a lot of upside on the field (he was mlb.com's 72nd ranked prospect in the 2016 draft), he also has a 70-grade hair tool:

 

 

 

Bob can talk more about his game, but it sounded like he put on some muscle.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

WHERE IS AKIL BADDOO. UNACEPTABLE ABSENCE from this roster. All I've been hearing is how he's put on muscle and was looking great. Where is he?!?!?!

 

And Bob Sacramento, when do you think Graterol will be sent here? Or do you think he will he go to the GCL?

Graterol will be in GCL to start the year, they're going to be cautious with him.  Kid has a million dollar arm (and the Twins got him for 150K in 2014-15 as a 16yo).  His baseball idol is Felix Hernandez and likes to model his game after him.  Personally, his stuff reminds me alot of Fernando Romero and the two had worked out together rehabbing from TJS last year.

 

On Baddoo, I got no real answer, but he does have some contact issues that I know they were working on in EXST.  His swing has an elevated loft component which lends itself to extrabase hits but also alot of swing and misses.  

Edited June 22, 2017 by Bob Sacamento

[hugelycat]

 

Just because drugs and alcohol is a SELF INFLICTED problem for many people means nothing. He should be given special treatment because he has a problem that MOST others don't? BS

Yes, people make the choice to drink or use drugs. But addiction has a genetic component to it, in addition to behavioral components and other components. Some people are genetically predisposed to become addicted.

 

I had a job a few years ago where I worked with Hennepin County's Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Court. One of the judges there used to say "I can have one drink, and have it just be one drink. For a lot of people, that's not possible. Sometimes I look at the people here and think 'there but for the grace of God, go I.'"

 

I'm not saying nothing should happen - I think a suspension is appropriate. I wish him the best in getting back on track.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Bob can talk more about his game, but it sounded like he put on some muscle.

Akil Baddoo is proof that no matter how much you scout prep players for the draft you can never really be sure what you have.  Baddoo was drafted as top of the lineup burner due to his plus speed and quick hands.  Since being drafted, Akil has put on nearly 20 pounds and almost all if it is muscle.  The good that comes with that is extra power but the bad is that he often gets pull happy and tries to drive the ball instead of just making contact and using his still plus speed.  Defensively, Akil has what scouts call a "noodle arm", it's below average and despite his speed he doesn't run the cleanest routes.  I've seen him make spectacular plays in CF/RF that a normal defender makes look easy.  Still there is alot to like about the kid and plenty of time to hammer out his kinks.  Here's a couple of pics of him:  

 

 

Workout Baddoo: