Article: Twins Minor League Report (8/23): Pitching, Hitting And Wins

[Seth Stohs]

A tough loss on the South Side of Chicago for the Twins on Wednesday, but plenty of excitement in the minor league system. A couple of very young prospects had near-cycles. A newly acquired starter had his best appearance as a Twins prospect. Although he’s made two big league starts, Felix Jorge made his AAA debut on Wednesday. The game ended in walk-off fashion. The Kernels found an interesting way to win in extra innings. And one of the organization’s great names, Leonardo Reginnato, got a chance to play hero.

 

All that and much more in today’s minor league report.Let’s start with the transactions of the day. It’s incredible how many transactions there have been this season, particularly this late in the season. And, there’s more to come...

• The Twins announced following the Tuesday night game that RHP Tim Melville had been DFAd.
• On Wednesday morning, the subsequent move became official. RHP John Curtiss has been promoted and will join the Twins bullpen.
• As noted last night, Felix Jorge was promoted to Rochester (and started on Wednesday). Nik Turley also arrived and is back on the Red Wings roster.
• Chattanooga added a couple of pitchers to their mix. RHP Keaton Steele and LHP Anthony McIver were promoted to the Lookouts.

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 5, Scranton/Wilkes Barre 4 (Completion of suspended game)

Box Score

 

Before the rains fell in Rochester, these teams played to a 4-4 game through just three innings. Aaron Slegers went 3.1 innings and was charged with four runs on eight hits (including two homers) and a walk. He struck out two. Offensively, Byungho Park had driven in all four runs. One came on an RBI single in the first inning. In the third frame, he hit his 12th homer, a three-run shot.

 

When play began on Wednesday, Drew Rucinski took over on the mound. He threw 3.1 scoreless innings, striking out five and giving up a hit and a walk. Buddy Boshers came on, gave up a hit and a walk and got just one out. Alex Wimmers struck out two over the final two innings to improve to 7-3 on the season.

 

Leonardo Reginnato led the offense. He went 3-4 with his 11th double. Park was 2-4 with his 13th homer and four RBI. JB Shuck was 2-4 with his 25th double. Matt Hague was 1-3 with a walk and his 27th double. Daniel Palka was 1-3 with a walk and his 11th double.

 

Rochester 1, Scranton/Wilkes Barre 0 (Regularly-Scheduled game)

Box Score

 

Game 2 of the night was just what the teams wanted, a fast-paced, quick, seven inning game. It was Felix Jorge’s AAA debut, and he gave the Red Wings exactly what they needed. The right-hander threw six shutout innings. He gave up five hits, walked one and struck out seven. Unfortunately, when he left, the score was still tied at zero, so he got a no-decision.

 

Michael Tonkin pitched the seventh, and he struck out all three batters he faced.

 

As you would expect from a game that had no runs scored through six and a half innings, there was little offense. Zack Granite went 2-3 with his 16th double, and Leonard Reginnato played hero. He stepped to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the seventh and delivered his third home run to end the game.

 

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 7, Mississippi 2

Box Score

 

Felix Jorge was supposed to start for the Lookouts on Wednesday, but instead he was up in Rochester. So this was a bullpen game for the Lookouts. DJ Baxendale started and worked through four innings. He gave up one run on two hits. He walked two and struck out three. Anthony McIver picked up his first AA win with two shutout innings. He walked one and struck out one. Next, Keaton Steele made his AA debut and gave up one run on three hits in two innings. He struck out two. Gabriel Moya came on and gave up a hit and struck one out in a scoreless inning.

 

TJ White led the offense again. He went 3-3. Max Murphy’s ninth double drove in two runs. LaMonte Wade was 1-3 with a walk and two RBI. Ryan Walker and Levi Michael were both 1-3 with a walk.

 

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 6, Clearwater 4

Box Score

 

It was a long night for the Miracle. Sean Poppen made the start. He got two outs, gave up a hit, and then threw a wild pitch. And then the rains came and there was a delay. That was the end of Poppen’s night. Andrew Vasquez came on and went 2.1 innings. He gave up one run on one hit. He walked three and struck out four. Alex Robinson then gave up three runs on five hits and two walks in his two innings. He struck out three. Sam Clay struck out two over his two scoreless innings. He gave up one hit and hit a batter. Michael Kohn worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning. Tom Hackimer picked up his fifth save with the Miracle. He struck out one, and hit one, in a scoreless ninth inning.

 

Jaylin Davis led the offense. He went 3-4 in the game. Tanner English and Brent Rooker each had an RBI double. Zander Wiel had a big homer, his 12th of the year. The Miracle’s top two hitters, Brandon Lopez and Jermaine Palacios, went 0-5 but they combined for five walks as well.

 

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 5, Kane County 3

Box Score

 

The game was tied going into the 10th inning. With one out, Shane Carrier was hit by a pitch and then Shane Kennedy was hit by a pitch. Aaron Whitefield pinch ran for Carrier at that point, and the move worked. He scored right away when Trey Cabbage singled him in. Joe Cronin was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. Royce Lewis and Travis Blankenhorn each walked in another run to add a couple of insurance runs.

 

Tyler Watson put together easily the best start of his short Twins career. The southpaw gave up just one run in six innings. He gave up four hits, walked none, and struck out four. Ryan Mason gave up the tying run on four hits and a walk in 1.1 innings. He struck out one. Max Cordy came on and kept the game tied through the ninth. He did give up a run in the 10th inning, but that one didn’t hurt.

 

Cabbage led the offense. He went 3-5 with that game-winning RBI. Along with his RBI walk in the 10th, Blankenhorn hit his 10th home run. Shane Carrier went 2-5. Lewis went 0-4, but he had a sacrifice earlier in the game to go with the 10th inning walk. Joe Cronin and Jimmy Kerrigan each doubled.

 

E-TWINS E-NOTES

Elizabethton 10, Bristol 2

Box Score

 

The E-Twins bats certainly showed up again in this game. They were led by Wander Javier who went 4-5 with his 13th double and third home run. Akil Baddoo was also a triple shy of the cycle. He went 3-4 with his 13th double and second home run. JJ Robinson went 2-4 with his third double and eighth home run. Ariel Montesino went 2-4 with a triple. Andrew Bechtold went 2-4 with a walk. Colton Waltner went 1-3 with two walks. Matt Albanese went 2-5.

 

Randy Dobnak improved to 2-0. He was the recipient of all the run support, but he still pitched well too. He gave up one run on seven hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out four. Blair Lakso worked the final three innings to record his first save. He gave up one run on two hits. He walked three and struck out three.

 

 

GCL TWINS TAKES

GCL Twins 9, GCL Orioles 6

Box Score

 

This was a back-and -forth game until the bottom of the eighth when the Twins scored five runs to take the lead. Things started well in the first inning. Ben Rodriguez knocked in three runs with his fourth home run of the season. In the eighth inning, Jean Carlos Arias added a three-run homer to give the Twins the lead. It’s his fifth homer of the year. Soon after, Twins manager Ramon Borrego was ejected for arguing a third strike. Immediately after that, Victor Tademo provided some insurance with a two-run single.

 

Landon Leach made the start. The right-hander was charged with three unearned runs over 2.2 innings. He gave up just one hit, walked three and struck out two. In the second, a run scored due to a passed ball. Leach got the first two outs of the third inning, but then issued a walk followed by a single. Pedro Garcia came on and got a grounder, but an error kept the inning alive. Those inherited runners (and one more) scored. Garcia went four innings. He was charged with three runs (2 earned) on four hits. He walked three and struck out two. Austin Bizzle came on got the final seven outs to record his first pro win. He struck out one.

 

Jean Carlos Arias went 2-3 with a walk, his sixth double and his fifth homer.

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day - Felix Jorge, Rochester Red Wings

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Leonardo Reginnato, Rochester Red Wings

 

THURSDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Scranton/Wilkes Barre @ Rochester (12:35 CST) - TBD

Mississippi @ Chattanooga (6:15 CST) - RHP Fernando Romero

Ft. Myers @ Clearwater (6:00 CST) - RHP Clark Beeker

Cedar Rapids @ Kane County (6:30 CST) - LHP Anthony Marzi

Bristol @ Elizabethton (6:00 CST) - RHP Bailey Ober

GCL Twins @ GCL O’s (11:00 CST) - TBD

 

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss Wednesday’s games.

 

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[Darius]

Park seems to be heating up. Might be useful for some RH power down the stretch if Sano doesn't return soon.

[clutterheart]

Baxendale got sent down to AA?

I can't keep up...

[rdehring]

After only a handful of games in the DSL last year, Javier has done everything one could hope for as an 18 year old in Elizabethton. Started slow and has been on fire for the last half of their season.

 

With Javier and Lewis working their way up towards the Twins, certainly one should be that big time shortstop they have needed. Question is which one and where does the other go?

 

And this Baddoo kid also seems like an interesting prospect.

[Vanimal46]

I've gotta say Seth, after a couple of clunkers from you recently, you're back on FIRE! 7-0 baby!!

[Cap'n Piranha]

With strong seasons by Lewis and Javier, along with a passel of competent middle infielders already in the bigs (Dozier, Polanco, Escobar, and Adrianza), in calling it now--Nick Gordon gets traded this offseason in an attempt to get frontline starting pitching.

[bird]

 

I've gotta say Seth, after a couple of clunkers from you recently, you're back on FIRE! 7-0 baby!!

 

 

Like the Fangraphs guy said, the Twins just know how to win.

[drivlikejehu]

 

After only a handful of games in the DSL last year, Javier has done everything one could hope for as an 18 year old in Elizabethton. Started slow and has been on fire for the last half of their season.

With Javier and Lewis working their way up towards the Twins, certainly one should be that big time shortstop they have needed. Question is which one and where does the other go?

And this Baddoo kid also seems like an interesting prospect.

 

Lewis is a long-shot to stay at SS, Javier isn't a lock to stay there either, and its statistically unlikely both pan out. So there's really no issue from a position standpoint . . . of course it will be interesting to follow their development. 

 

Baddoo might be something of a tweener - not enough defense for CF but not enough bat for a corner spot - but he's definitely putting himself on the prospect map.

[SirLoin]

 

With strong seasons by Lewis and Javier, along with a passel of competent middle infielders already in the bigs (Dozier, Polanco, Escobar, and Adrianza), in calling it now--Nick Gordon gets traded this offseason in an attempt to get frontline starting pitching.

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Baxendale got sent down to AA?
I can't keep up...

 

There have been a ton of transactions this year. Yeah, he moved down a couple of weeks ago.

[Seth Stohs]

 

There have been a ton of transactions this year. Yeah, he moved down a couple of weeks ago.

 

Yeah, I don't know what they'll do. I assume both will start the season in Cedar Rapids, and I think it makes sense for them to alternate between SS and 2B. 

 

It's possible Jermaine Palacios bumps up to AA at mid-season, so Lewis could move up then, opening up full-time SS for both throughout the second half. 

[Taildragger8791]

 

Lewis is a long-shot to stay at SS, Javier isn't a lock to stay there either, and its statistically unlikely both pan out. So there's really no issue from a position standpoint . . . of course it will be interesting to follow their development. 

 

Baddoo might be something of a tweener - not enough defense for CF but not enough bat for a corner spot - but he's definitely putting himself on the prospect map.

 

Even if we had the wonderful problem of both panning out, they're both at least 2 years behind Gordon who could be in the majors next year. That's plenty of time for things to work themselves out.

[MN_ExPat]

Has anyone heard anything on how Kirriloff's rehab is progressing?  

[TRex]

 

There have been a ton of transactions this year. Yeah, he moved down a couple of weeks ago.

... and now we have a Levi Michael sighting in the Rochester box score (or did you report that already?)!

[clutterheart]

Baddoo might be something of a tweener - not enough defense for CF but not enough bat for a corner spot - but he's definitely putting himself on the prospect map.

Tweener?

Where does that come from? I don't think I have seen that anywhere.

Based off pre draft profiles he has the speed and athleticism for CF. I haven't read a thing about his arm but I assume it's ok. Since 2016 he has only incurred 2 errors playing mostly CF (low minor fielding stats are not significant but still 2 is pretty low.). He is slugging .520 for the year and he just turned 19 so even if he does move to the corner I think his bat might profile there. I'd like to see him steal more bases because if he keeps that SO/BB he could be a nice lead off bat.

I dunno. It's early in his career so who knows. But today he is looking like a future star not a tweener.

[drivlikejehu]

 

Tweener?
Where does that come from? I don't think I have seen that anywhere.
Based off pre draft profiles he has the speed and athleticism for CF. I haven't read a thing about his arm but I assume it's ok. Since 2016 he has only incurred 2 errors playing mostly CF (low minor fielding stats are not significant but still 2 is pretty low.). He is slugging .520 for the year and he just turned 19 so even if he does move to the corner I think his bat might profile there. I'd like to see him steal more bases because if he keeps that SO/BB he could be a nice lead off bat.
I dunno. It's early in his career so who knows. But today he is looking like a future star not a tweener.

 

His actual run times aren't anything special, especially for CF. And speed peaks young, so it will only decline in the future. Errors are an irrelevant statistic for a rookie ball OF.

 

And no one 'looks like' a future star because of a small-sample performance in the Appy League driven in large part by an unsustainable BABIP (well over .400). He has talent but isn't a top prospect yet. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

... and now we have a Levi Michael sighting in the Rochester box score (or did you report that already?)!

 

Was actually announced mid-game... my guess is that they knew he was coming, but they typically don't send out press releases until the player arrives. They probably had him on the lineup card for just in case.

[Seth Stohs]

 

His actual run times aren't anything special, especially for CF. And speed peaks young, so it will only decline in the future. Errors are an irrelevant statistic for a rookie ball OF.

 

And no one 'looks like' a future star because of a small-sample performance in the Appy League driven in large part by an unsustainable BABIP (well over .400). He has talent but isn't a top prospect yet. 

 

I mean, I'd be surprised if he's in anyone's Top 10 lists, but I wouldn't be shocked if he's in some Top 20s. He'll likely be right around there for me. 

 

He's got serious strength. He's got very good speed. He's got a good approach, strong swing. I think it's too early to label him anything yet... Most don't become future stars, but I don't think I'd limit his upside yet. 

[drivlikejehu]

 

I mean, I'd be surprised if he's in anyone's Top 10 lists, but I wouldn't be shocked if he's in some Top 20s. He'll likely be right around there for me. 

 

He's got serious strength. He's got very good speed. He's got a good approach, strong swing. I think it's too early to label him anything yet... Most don't become future stars, but I don't think I'd limit his upside yet. 

 

I'd definitely have him top 20. I only pointed out that he "might" be short on power for a corner outfield spot. I don't really see how that's a controversial statement.

[Deduno Abides]

As of today, the top four pitchers in the Southern League by FIP either pitch or pitched for Chattanooga this year: Turley, Moya, Anderson and Curtiss. Seems like a good omen.

[clutterheart]

 

His actual run times aren't anything special, especially for CF. And speed peaks young, so it will only decline in the future. Errors are an irrelevant statistic for a rookie ball OF.

 

And no one 'looks like' a future star because of a small-sample performance in the Appy League driven in large part by an unsustainable BABIP (well over .400). He has talent but isn't a top prospect yet. 

Where do you see those run times?  Again, I only have draft profiles to look at, and they all say "good speed" athletic, "up the middle type player"

You are the one who said "Tweener" and that is very different than anything I have read on the kid so I am just wondering where that comes from.  Very few of us have ever seen these guys play so all we have is stat lines and reports.  

If you have some other info, god I would love to read it.

[h2oface]

Royce Lewis goes 0-4 and still has 2 RBI with a SF and a BB. He produces when he doesn't produce!

[drivlikejehu]

 

Where do you see those run times?  Again, I only have draft profiles to look at, and they all say "good speed" athletic, "up the middle type player"

You are the one who said "Tweener" and that is very different than anything I have read on the kid so I am just wondering where that comes from.  Very few of us have ever seen these guys play so all we have is stat lines and reports.  

If you have some other info, god I would love to read it.

 

Feel free to look at his Fangraphs page for scouting grades there. Then feel free to Google for other sources, Baseball America, Perfect Game, the usual suspects. No one grades him out as having elite speed. There's a reason he lasted until #74 in the draft. Talented but not elite tools.

[TRex]

 

Feel free to look at his Fangraphs page for scouting grades there. Then feel free to Google for other sources, Baseball America, Perfect Game, the usual suspects. No one grades him out as having elite speed. There's a reason he lasted until #74 in the draft. Talented but not elite tools.

Good idea! This is what I found, which indicates his speed as 'above average or better'. Now perhaps you can show your numerous sources that quote run times and question his speed.

 

I don't think anyone was saying Baddoo had "elite speed". Are you suggesting that all center fielders need to have 'elite speed'?

 

BA Prospect Handbook (2017):

Best Athlete: Baddoo has grown nearly two inches over the past year, offering a hing that the now 6'2" outfielder could end up as a power/speed left fielder. With his plus speed, though, there is reason to see if he can improve his routes to stick in center field.

 

BA Minnesota Twins Top 10 Prospects Chat; November 11, 2016 

Morris (Paducah, KY): How far off your list was Akil Baddoo? thanks
Michael Lananna: Not very far. He’s just outside the top 10. Baddoo is an interesting one. When the Twins drafted him, they envisioned him as a leadoff, speedy center fielder type, but he’s actually added some size already, and if he continues to grow, it’s possible he could develop into more of a power corner outfielder type.

 

Fangraphs Top 24 Prospects: Minnesota Twins by Eric Longenhagen - November 21, 2016

Akil Baddoo, OF Video

Drafted: 2nd Round, 2016 from Salem HS (GA)
Age 18 Height 5’11 Weight 184 Bat/Throw L/L
Tool Grades (Present/Future) Run  60/55

Twitchy but raw, Baddoo’s feel for hitting and speed got him drafted in the second round. He struggled during his initial foray in to pro ball and is a long-term project. Baddoo’s speed plays in center field but his routes are raw there and will need to improve.

 

THE BASEBALL DRAFT REPORT;28 OCT 2016 

2.74 – OF Akil Baddoo

You could point to a lot of fun things in Akil Baddoo’s (108) scouting report that explain his selection in the second round by Minnesota, but “chance for plus hit tool” is the line that I keep coming back to.  The selection of Baddoo is a fine example of that trust in action. Natural hitting ability combined with above-average or better speed and athleticism earned Baddoo one of my favorite comps (Rondell White) from David Rawnsley of Perfect Game.

 

[drivlikejehu]

That BA Handbook comment is pretty much exactly what I said originally. Not sure what the issue or confusion is.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Has anyone heard anything on how Kirriloff's rehab is progressing?  

 

He tweeted video of his first swing this morning...