Article: Get To Know Rule 5 Pick Tyler Kinley

[Seth Stohs]

The final days of the Winter Meetings is highlighted by the annual Rule 5 draft. The Twins lost hard-throwing relievers Nick Burdi and Luke Bard, but when their pick came up, they selected a pitcher with a similar profile to the two players they’d lost. The Twins selected right-hander Tyler Kinley from the Miami Marlins.

 

At Twins Fest, Kinley talked to a few assembled media about being selected and what he hopes he can be as a member of the Twins, if he’s able to make the team and stick with them through the season.Why would the Twins have interest in Kinley, who will turn 27 at the end of this month? He split 2017 between High-A Jupiter and AA Jacksonville. He dominated the Florida State League, but he posted a 5.19 ERA in the Southern League. However, he has a couple of pitches that do make him intriguing, do make him worthy of a strong look during spring training.

 

Here is the Scouting Report on Kinley that you can find in the 2018 Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook:

 

Scouting Report: Kinley is a big lad. He stands 6-4 and a little over 200 pounds. His potential is to be a power arm out of the bullpen. He has a fastball that sits between 96 and 98 mph. He’s got a slider that can be a dominant pitch. It sits in the upper-80s and hits 90. Both pitches can miss bats. Control has been a struggle for him throughout his career, but he has been able to stay healthy for the most part.

 

That’s right. He can throw gas, and that slider has the ability to miss bats when he’s sharp.

 

Kinley describes his pitch mix as “a hard fastball, typically 95 and above. A hard slider typically in the low 90s, high 80s. A good changeup.”

 

Kinley got the news that he had been selected by the Twins while in his hotel room in the Dominican Republic where he was dominating the Winter League.

 

“I was in the hotel room in the Dominican Republic and my agent had the Rule 5 playing live. He’s the one that kept me informed because we had heard some positive feedback from teams, but you know how drafts are, you never know until it happens. And then Minnesota happened, and Thad called me and some other guys called me, and it was awesome.”

 

At the time of the Rule 5 draft, he hadn’t allowed a run in his first 18 innings. He ended his time in the Winter League having given up just one run in 19 innings. He struck out 32 batters, but he also did walk 11 hitters.

 

In the Marlins organization, Kinley has been a teammate in recent years of former Twins minor league pitchers Matthew Tomshaw and Chris Mazza. Upon being drafted, he heard from both of those players.

 

Kinley noted, “They both called me right after and told me that I was in good hands and what a good spot I would be in here in Minnesota.”

 

Right-hander Chris Mazza, who recently received his first invitation to big league spring training for the Marlins, had a lot of good things to say about Kinley.

 

“This is definitely a guy that Twins fans should get excited about. Other than being a good pitcher and baseball player he’s an even better person. He definitely a guy that you want to be friends with and get to know. He’s a great teammate and great guy to have in your clubhouse. I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know and become friends with Tyler or “TK” as most of his teammates call him, for over three years now. I can’t say enough about the guy. He’s truly a great person and an awesome friend and wish nothing but the best for him as he starts this new journey in his career with the Twins.”

 

Another connection is former Twins minor league starter David Hurlbut who he played with in the Dominican Winter League this year. Hurlbut recently signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers after pitching in the Twins organization from 2011 through 2017.

 

Kinley noted, “I’d also played with David Hurlbut down in winter ball, and he only had the highest things to say about the Twins.”

 

Of Kinley, Hurlbut said, “He's a guy I can't speak highly enough about. Just from the time I was with him in the Dominican, I could already tell he was one of the more driven guys that I've come across. He was super easy to get along with, and throughout winter ball was focused on honing his craft. I think that him being picked up in the Rule 5 draft speaks enough for his talent and I'm just glad that he is going to be able to get a shot at the big league level this spring. Obviously fans and coaches need to see he can compete, but i have no doubt he will do just that. Definitely someone fans can get excited about.”

 

The Twins have added three veterans to the bullpen so far this offseason. Fernando Rodney will begin the season as the team’s closer. Addison Reed and Zack Duke will set him up, along with the likes of Trevor Hildenberger, Taylor Rogers, and Ryan Pressly. Kinley will compete with the likes of Alan Busenitz, Tyler Duffey, JT Chargois, John Curtiss and others for one or two spots in the bullpen. It certainly will not be an easy task, particularly since the Twins should be very competitive in the AL Central and in a potential Wild Card race in 2018.

 

So what are Tyler Kinley’s goals now as spring training fast approaches?

 

“I’d say I’m trying not to put too much pressure on myself because it’s the same game. So my goal is to go in there and build relationships with the guys in the clubhouse, and try to fit in with them and be part of their unity. On the field, I’m going to put my best foot forward always and let the rest take care of itself.”

 

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[Otwins]

Thanks for the article and I always root for every player to get their chance at the majors but I have yet to make sense of this move. After we signed three relievers and appear to be trying to win this year I doubt he has much of a chance to see Target field without buying a ticket.

[Doctor Wu]

It was already looking like a stretch for Kinley to make the team out of spring training, but with the addition of the three veteran pitchers in the bullpen, plus the young arms we have in the high minors, having him around makes less and less sense. Like Otwins said, Kinley is the sort of player you want to root for, but it's hard to see a fit for him on the staff, especially since we'd be obligated to having him on the roster all year. Seeing as how the team looks like it has hopes of contending this year, how do we justify keeping a guy like this --- somewhat of a "project" --- around all season?

[MN_ExPat]

Very true.   You really do want to root for the guy, but I also find myself somewhat perplexed/(worried for him?) as to how he will fit in the bullpen.   Perhaps he wows in spring training and it makes the decision easier.  

 

Then again, it is possible Falvine brought him in to challenge the incumbents with the message that no one is truly guaranteed a spot and you have to earn everything.   For only in the crucible of the gauntlet may you be forged anew, and thusly made be warriors cable of great deeds and noble of spirit.

[rdehring]

Had we put Burdi on the 40-man roster, he would have had options to be sent down rather than needing to be put on the 25-man roster.  But then most of us like our prospects better than those from other organizations.

 

It is unlikely they will have a spot for him on opening day.  Perhaps they will be able to make a trade and send him down.  Maybe move someone who would be a Rule 5 risk come December.

[bobs]

Unless the Twins work out a trade, I just can't see how Kinley sticks.  Best case, they work out a trade for Kinley and get Burdi and Bard returned to them.

[ashbury]

I guess it can't be a bad omen to have another TK in the organization.

[ashbury]

For only in the crucible of the gauntlet may you be forged anew, and thusly made be warriors ca[pa]ble of great deeds and noble of spirit.

If TD decides to have a Bulwer-Lytton writing contest, you're in the lead.

[Respy]

In this case I trust the scouts know what they're doing.  Hopefully it works out well for everyone except the Marlins.

Edited January 25, 2018 by Respy

[amjgt]

I feel like getting to know this guy would be like getting to know the family that is VRBOing your neighbor's house for a week.

[MN_ExPat]

 

If TD decides to have a Bulwer-Lytton writing contest, you're in the lead.

Thank you, that's very generous of you .    And as an additional aside, thank you for correcting/pointing out the typo... just don't tell anyone I work with, they'll most likely take my crayons away again

Edited January 25, 2018 by MN_ExPat

[ashbury]

I feel like getting to know this guy would be like getting to know the family that is VRBOing your neighbor's house for a week.

They might be good people, regardless.

[jmlease1]

Kinley is competing for 1 or maybe 2 spots. If he shows he's got the control to pitch in higher leverage spots, he could make it. If he doesn't he's going to be offered back.

 

The stuff is there. he's a power arm with for real stuff, but if he can't get the control down he won't make this roster.

[Han Joelo]

The Twins will be behind by 3+ runs on occasion.  I don't mind seeing if TK can stem the flood.  If not, we have something to call blowout losses.  TKO's...

[wabene]

Kinley is competing for 1 or maybe 2 spots. If he shows he's got the control to pitch in higher leverage spots, he could make it. If he doesn't he's going to be offered back.

 

The stuff is there. he's a power arm with for real stuff, but if he can't get the control down he won't make this roster.

 

I hope your right I don't want a repeat of Haley. Hanging around only to be released in July

[killertwinfan]

I am not sure why you would write this. I would think that the Twins FO has already recognized this move as a mistake. They took a risk that didn't pan out. No big deal.   

[Mr. Brooks]

I am not sure why you would write this. I would think that the Twins FO has already recognized this move as a mistake. They took a risk that didn't pan out. No big deal.

What would they have seen from him since the draft to make them feel this way? Have they even watched him throw since the draft? Doubt it.

[killertwinfan]

 

What would they have seen from him since the draft to make them feel this way? Have they even watched him throw since the draft? Doubt it.

I think it is pretty obvious that they haven't seen him pitch.  Recent signings leave limited opportunities (at best) for him to make the roster and we lost two pitchers of similar potential in the same draft.  Like I said, they took a risk, no big deal.  In no way am I criticizing the FO.  I like the fact that they are willing to take these types of risks.  

[Mr. Brooks]

I think it is pretty obvious that they haven't seen him pitch. Recent signings leave limited opportunities (at best) for him to make the roster and we lost two pitchers of similar potential in the same draft. Like I said, they took a risk, no big deal. In no way am I criticizing the FO. I like the fact that they are willing to take these types of risks.

But you said it didn't pan out. I don't think their plan for him (whatever it is) has changed since draft day. It's not like they weren't planning on signing guys when they drafted Kinley. Obviously we didn't know the names then, but I'd guess they planned on signing guys x,y, and z for roles x,y, and z before they drafted Kinley, so I just don't see what would have changed to make them change whatever they had planned for Kinley.

[Kelly Vance]

I dunno.  A fastball in the high 90s and a hard slider that misses bats sounds like the kind of guy we need. The thing is his K totals look promising but his walks dampen my enthusiasm.  Still, he is competing with guys that are beatable for the spot so I will watch and see.  . 

[killertwinfan]

He was selected #13, Burdi went 3 and several other pitchers went before him.  Burdi and Kinley have similar stuff but Kinley has control issues.  At this point it is a flat out guess and you have to put him on your roster.  I just don't see it. But, you could be right. Personally I would prefer to have Burdi on our 40 man than Kinley on our 25 man.  

[BJames]

I'm one that prefers to see the guys we drafted and have done well, get a chance before getting cut. Burdi. The rule 5 Guys just create a log Jam (because the can't be sent down) for no real reason! You can bring in 4-5 guys like Boshers,Fien on a minor league contract.  Why force yourself to hide someone on the 25 man roster? This isn't a 90 loss team that has no AAA pitchers and needs depth. 

[Mr. Brooks]

He was selected #13, Burdi went 3 and several other pitchers went before him. Burdi and Kinley have similar stuff but Kinley has control issues. At this point it is a flat out guess and you have to put him on your roster. I just don't see it. But, you could be right. Personally I would prefer to have Burdi on our 40 man than Kinley on our 25 man.

I'm not saying he'll make the roster. None of us know what their plan was when they took him.

What I do know, and what I'm trying to say, is that they had a plan, and i don't think anything has changed to alter that plan.

If the plan is that he doesn't make the roster, then that was always the plan.

These guys are at the top of their profession. They don't just randomly acqire guys without some kind of plan.

[ashbury]

They don't just randomly acqire guys without some kind of plan.

No one to my knowledge has said that.

 

OTOH, no one to my knowledge has asked them in an interview to give enough insight to the plan in order to rule out speculation. If I had the opportunity, I would pursue these lines of inquiry:

• What kind of talent did they expect to remain available to them at the 20th pick? Surely they could not target one individual player there. Did they really identify 13+ players (the number at which they actually picked) better than the two they left exposed who got taken?
• Several teams ahead of them passed (as opposed to "roster full") - isn't that some negative indication of Kinley's likelihood of success?
• Just out of curiosity, if Bard had not been taken shortly before the Twins' turn, would they have taken him instead of Kinley? I believe the rules permit that.
• What are the arguments leading to an assumption no other team would take Burdi or Bard?
• The Pirates were willing to part with $500K in international money in order to acquire Burdi from the Angels right after the draft. Could not an equal or even better deal on the Twins' behalf have been worked out directly with the Pirates or some other team, since such a deal would only have required placing Burdi on the 40-man but not go through the two-year DL shenanigans the Pirates now will have to go through to keep him?
• Bottom line, do they feel they came out ahead before-and-after the draft? And if so, why?
• Please review the process that guided the 2017 Rule-5 draft, while we are at it? That one was pretty opaque too, at best.

I don't expect fully frank responses to some of these questions, but they ought to be asked.

[Mr. Brooks]

No one to my knowledge has said that.

 

OTOH, no one to my knowledge has asked them in an interview to give enough insight to the plan in order to rule out speculation. If I had the opportunity, I would pursue these lines of inquiry:

• What kind of talent did they expect to remain available to them at the 20th pick? Surely they could not target one individual player there. Did they really identify 13+ players (the number at which they actually picked) better than the two they left exposed who got taken?
• Several teams ahead of them passed (as opposed to "roster full") - isn't that some negative indication of Kinley's likelihood of success?
• Just out of curiosity, if Bard had not been taken shortly before the Twins' turn, would they have taken him instead of Kinley? I believe the rules permit that.
• What are the arguments leading to an assumption no other team would take Burdi or Bard?
• The Pirates were willing to part with $500K in international money in order to acquire Burdi from the Angels right after the draft. Could not an equal or even better deal on the Twins' behalf have been worked out directly with the Pirates or some other team, since such a deal would only have required placing Burdi on the 40-man but not go through the two-year DL shenanigans the Pirates now will have to go through to keep him?
• Bottom line, do they feel they came out ahead before-and-after the draft? And if so, why?
• Please review the process that guided the 2017 Rule-5 draft, while we are at it? That one was pretty opaque too, at best.

I don't expect fully frank responses to some of these questions, but they ought to be asked.

I don't disagree with any of that.

I'm not trying to argue if it was the right selection or not, or even why they took him. I'm simply suggesting that, IMO, not one thing has changed since his selection. And therefore, whatever their plan for him was shortly after the draft, it's unlikely that plan has changed at all in the months since.

True, it's unlikely that they specifically targeted him before the draft (although entirely possible). But it's also unlikely that they decided to take him without some kind of plan for him. And I don't believe they took him in reaction to losing Burdi either. They had already cleared Burdi's spot before the draft. Keeping both, or neither, were options.

I also don't believe that Reed, Rodney, and Duke were impulse buys that changed whatever plan Kinley fit into. Sure, they may not have known that they'd get those specific players. But I think it's likely that their plan included three guys for those roles. And I don't think Kinley was pegged for any of those three roles, so I fail to see, outside of an injury or poor throwing session that we're not aware of, what could have changed since shortly after the draft that would change how Kinley fit into their plans.

[killertwinfan]

 

I'm not saying he'll make the roster. None of us know what their plan was when they took him.
What I do know, and what I'm trying to say, is that they had a plan, and i don't think anything has changed to alter that plan.
If the plan is that he doesn't make the roster, then that was always the plan.
These guys are at the top of their profession. They don't just randomly acqire guys without some kind of plan.

He goes back to his original team if he is not on our 25 man roster. 

[Mr. Brooks]

He goes back to his original team if he is not on our 25 man roster.

They can work out a trade with Miami if they want to send him to the minors.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

They can work out a trade with Miami if they want to send him to the minors.

Almost -- the player would also have to clear waivers first, to remove the Rule 5 restrictions.

 

[killertwinfan]

Only becoming more difficult to see the logic of this move. These questions still not answered...  http://twinsdaily.com/topic/28220-article-what-do-the-twins-see-in-tyler-kinley/

[Kelly Vance]

Twins gave up on Burdi, possibly thinking his injury concerns outweighed his potential. Kinley has good stuff and they must think they can cut down on his walks by tinkering with his mechanics. Maybe they think it is a release point issue or over striding etc.Whatever the reason, they are giving him a shot. But he is definitely on the bubble, and knows it.