Article: Twins Minor League Report (4/20): Bobbleheads And Baseball

[Seth Stohs]

Finally! A full night in the Minnesota Twins organization. Not only did the Twins play, but all four of their affiliates played as well. Even the Cedar Rapids Kernels played for the first time in a week. They returned to Veterans Memorial Stadium and the first 1,000 through the gates were given Royce Lewis bobbleheads. If you’re going to Cedar Rapids on Saturday, you will be there for their Star Wars theme night.The Red Wings had a tough start, but quickly recovered. The Lookouts scored early, and that’s about it. The Miracle had another big comeback (from injury) and won in the ninth. Find out how. And the Kernels struggled a bit in their return to the playing field.

 

Keep reading to find out more on the night in the Twins minor league system.

 

 

TRANSACTIONS

• The Ft. Myers Miracle announced that RHP Andro Cutura was activated by the Cedar Rapids Kernels and then he was promoted to Ft. Myers. Cutura last pitched for the Kernels in May of 2016. He had Tommy John surgery and is now returning to the mound.
• Rochester announced that RH RP Jake Reed has been placed on the 7-Day Disabled List with a right shoulder impingement.
• Jeff Johnson from The Gazette in Cedar Rapids posted the following tweet which indicates other transactions could be coming.

 

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 13, Columbus 5

Box Score

 

It was a rough first half-inning for the Red Wings in this game, but it didn’t take long for Rochester to take control. Adalberto Mejia made the start for the Red Wings. The left-hander gave up four runs on three hits and a walk in the top of the first inning (though he struck out three in the inning).

 

Then came the bottom of the first. 13 Red Wings came to the plate and they scored eight runs. The big hit came off of the bat of Brock Stassi. His second home run of the year came with the bases loaded. Taylor Featherstone followed with his first homer.

 

 

The Red Wings added one run in the third inning and four more innings in the fourth inning. The big knock that inning was the first home run of the season for Willian Astudillo.

 

Mejia certainly settled down after that first frame. He worked three more innings and gave up just two hits and a walk. Tyler Duffey came on for the fifth inning and threw three more scoreless innings. He gave up just one hit, walked one and struck out four. In his 11 innings this year, he is yet to give up an earned run. He has walked one and struck out 14 batters. John Curtiss threw the final two innings. He gave up a run on two hits. He walked one and struck out four. Red Wings play-by-play man Josh Whetzel passed along this note about the rarity of a Curtiss home run allowed:

 

 

Astudillo went 3-4 with his first double to go with his first homer. Gregorio Petit went 2-4 with his second double and three RBI. The Red Wings improved to .500, at 5-5.

 

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 1, Jacksonville 5

Box Score

 

Lewis Thorpe made the start for the Lookouts on Friday night. He was one out from a Quality Start, but his pitch count crept high enough that he was removed from the game with two outs in the sixth inning and a runner on base. Anthony McIver came on and allowed Thorpe’s runner to score and another run. So, Thorpe’s final line probably doesn’t look quite as good as he threw. The lefty gave up four runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out eight without issuing a walk.

 

McIver gave up one run on five hits and a walk in one inning. Andrew Vasquez came on to get the final out of the seventh inning without further damage. Vasquez got four outs. He gave up two hits, but no runs. He struck out two without walking a batter. Cody Stashak walked two and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

 

There wasn’t much offense. In the first inning, Brent Rooker hit his first triple of the season. Nick Gordon knocked him in with a sacrifice fly. That was it for the Lookouts scoring. Chris Paul added his fifth triple of the season.

 

The loss drops the Lookouts to 9-6.

 

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 4, Bradenton 3

Box Score

 

There have been a couple of big returns for the Miracle the last couple of days. On Thursday, it was second baseman Luis Arraez returning after missing a year following ACL surgery. On Friday, it was Andro Cutura who returned to the mound for the first time in nearly two years. More on that later.

 

Charlie Barnes made the start for the Miracle. The lefty gave up no runs on one hit over the first three innings. He walked three and struck out six. He needed 74 pitches to finish three, so he was replaced by Logan Lombana. Lombana gave up two unearned runs on one hit and a hit batter over two innings. The error was his own.

 

At that point, Andro Cutura entered the game. He ended up giving up one run on four hits, two walks and a hit batter over four innings. He struck out five and was credited with the win.

 

Tied at three going into the ninth, the Miracle got a bases loaded sacrifice fly by Jimmy Kerrigan to score Taylor Grzelakowski from third. And it was deep enough that Aaron Whitefield tried to score from second but was thrown out at the plate. Cutura got the final three outs in the bottom of the ninth to grab the win.

 

Jaylin Davis was 2-for-4 with his fifth double. Taylor Grzelakowski went 2-for-3 with his first double. Jared Foster was 1-for-2 with two walks and a stolen base. Luis Arraez went 1-for-4 with a walk, his first hit in just over a year.

 

Grzelakowski was signed as a non-drafted free agent last July and played minimally in the GCL last year. He was one of my Spring Standouts and it as to be surprising that he jumped all the way up to Ft. Myers. But he is handling the job behind the plate and at the plate, and he gives a lot of the credit to others. With his 2-3 on Friday night, he’s now hitting .375/.444/.438 (.882) on the young season. “At the plate I’m feeling confident. I’ve been working with Sing regularly on timing and rhythm. Made a simple change yesterday during bp in Dunedin and felt good tonight. Got a few pitches to hit and my timing was there so I hit them. Attribute my success to Steve Singleton. He believes in me and it shows with the time he puts in with me. Also my family, fiancé Sarah, and her family.”

 

Grzelakowski was also impressed with the pitchers he got to work with. Regarding starter Charlie Barnes, “Gelly” noted, “Everyone knows about Charlie’s changeup, it’s no secret. What they lose sight of is how complete of a pitcher he is. He is smart, aggressive, and he trusts me. Charlie is going to go a long long way in this game and it’s a pleasure to catch him.”

 

He also discussed the opportunity to catch Andro Cutura in his return after missing two seasons with Tommy John surgery. “Cutura was rock solid. That was my first time catching him in a game situation but we were on the same page pretty quickly. He’s been itching to get in and show everyone what he can do. He showed up in a big way and fought for every pitch tonight. It was like he pitched for us last week not two years ago.”

 

Cutura was very happy to be on the mound again, but he used the time away to learn a lot and hopes to implement some of it into his game. Following the game, he said, "It was such a great feeling, I didn’t have jitters or nerves, I was pretty calm and knew what I needed to do. Being out these past two years has really given me an opportunity to learn more about pitching and watching and studying big league pitchers and what needs to be done to be successful. I dug myself in some holes tonight, but to look on the bright side I was happy I was able to minimize the damage. Got more into a groove in my last two innings. I was happy to finish out the game and give it all I got for the team. It was a great team win tonight and I couldn’t be happier for my hermano, Arraez, for getting his first hit! It’s been a long road for him as well and it’s great to see all his hard work paying off."

 

The Miracle moved back above .500, to 8-7.

 

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 2, Kane County 5

Box Score

 

The Kernels played their first game in a week. Literally, the team had not played a game since last Friday There final two games last weekend were snowed out, and their three game series in Beloit was postponed due to poor field conditions. The weather was nice in Cedar Rapids on Friday night, great for the fans who came for Royce Lewis bobblehead night. For Lewis, it was special because of a couple of specific fans in attendance.

 

“It was very special for me, and I’m glad to spend the game with my parents here.”

 

Blayne Enlow made the start for the Kernels. The 2017 draft pick gave up four runs on eight hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out three. Jovani Moran came on and got the final out of the fifth inning. Then Tyler Watson came on and was able to throw three shutout innings. He gave up four hits, walked one and struck out five. Moises Gomez struck out two in a scoreless ninth.

 

The Kernels offense didn’t get going real quickly either. Akil Baddoo launched a long, two-run homer in the 8th inning, his first of the season, but that was it for the team’s offense. Baddoo went 2-4. Shane Carrier went 2-4. Mark Contreras went 1-3 with a walk. Jose Miranda hit his first double of the season.

 

Cedar Rapids loses for the second straight time and and falls to 6-2 on their season.

 

 

STARS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Hitter of the Day: Willian Astudillo, Rochester Red Wings

Twins Daily Pitcher of the Day: Tyler Duffey, Rochester Red Wings

 

 

TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY

Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed:

 

#1 - Royce Lewis (Cedar Rapids) - 0-4

#3 - Nick Gordon (Chattanooga) - 1-3, RBI, SF

#5 - Alex Kirilloff (Cedar Rapids) - 1-4

#7 - Brent Rooker (Chattanooga) - 1-4, 3B, R, K

#8 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) - 4.2 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

#10 - Akil Baddoo (Cedar Rapids) - 2-4, HR(1), 2 RBI, K

#12 - Lewis Thorpe (Chattanooga) - 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 8 K

#13 - Lewin Diaz (Ft. Myers) - 0-3, BB

#14 - LaMonte Wade (Chattanooga) - 1-4

#17 - Travis Blankenhorn (Ft. Myers) - 1-3, K

 

 

SATURDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Columbus @ Rochester (12:06 CST) - RHP Aaron Slegers

Chattanooga @ Jackson (6:05 CST) - RHP Kohl Stewart

Ft. Myers @ Bradenton (5:30) - RHP Brady Anderson

Kane County @ Cedar Rapids (5:05 CST) - RHP Nick Brown

 

 

Please feel free to ask any questions about Friday’s games, or ask any questions you may have.

 

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[TNTwinsFan]

I was in attendance for the Lookouts game tonight. A few observations:

 

1. Lewis Thorpe: looked really good at times. KILLER breaking ball! Has a ways to go before he's ready to compete at MLB level. I could see him getting a call up to the bigs late 2019 and burning an option that year.

 

2. Brent Rooker: that 3B in the 1st Inning would have been a HR in almost every MLB park save Houston (whatever that place is called). There is a 20' wall in CF which is placed 400' from home plate....Brent hit a line drive about 5' from the top of it. In his last AB in the 9th Inning he JUST missed hitting one to RF and was caught about 2' from the wall on the warning track. I know he got off to a slow start to the season, bit, I think he's about to go on a bit of a tear here. Look. Out. (See what I did there?)

 

3. Nick Gordon: For a kid that looks like he could get blown away with a strong enough gust of wind, he can put a charge in the ball and looks damn athletic on the field! Made an error tonight that will be corrected with a little more focus. The talent is evident.

 

4. Lamonte Wade: A professional hitter! There's a reason the guy hits leadoff. He takes quality ABs and sees a ton of pitches.

 

5. Andrew Vasquez: He's actually one of my Adopt A Prospects this year. He struck out the first two batters he faced with some nasty offspeed stuff. I don't recall seeing the radar register above 84 on a single pitch of his during his outting. He then gave up two 2-out singles before getting his final batter out. I know there are a couple of guys in the majors with similarly "fast" stuff, but, I don't know for how long guys with that pitch profile last, nor how many find success at that level. Good to see him with a decent outting.

 

6. I got to meet and shake the hand of young Stephen Gonsalves! What struck me most about him is how professional and respectful he was. We didn't have a conversation, I just shook his hand and told him best of luck and that I hope to see him with the Twins soon. What a fun night despite the loss!

[puckstopper1]

Mejia was likely off his game a bit due to the disappointment that Phil Hughes was being tabbed to start on Sunday or the Twins instead of him.

[Seth Stohs]

1.) That sounds like a good timeline for Thorpe (late 2019). 2018 is his first option year. 2019 will be his second option year. If he's ready early in 2020, that's a nice plan.

 

2.) Good information on the ballpark and how Rooker hit the ball. That's a good report and I'm sure that Tommy Watkins and Jose Valentin reported those hits as well. He'll be alright. Since starting out 1-14, Rooker is hitting .289/.308/.421 (.729) and has hit in seven of his last eight games. If his season had started that way, it would have just been a slow start, so there's no reason to worry about him. AA is a big jump. 

 

3.) I don't know what "focus" has to do with it. I'm pretty sure that Gordon is as focused as anyone. Errors happen, and Gordon has continued to work really hard at his defense. Yeah, he's not a big guy, but he can hit, and I think he has some power potential. I've seen him turn on some baseballs and hit them a long way. I also think he's at his best when he's driving the ball toward the left centerfield gap. 

 

4.) Wade's plate appearances are always professional. I've talked to him a couple of times about it, and it's really enjoyable to hear his thoughts about approach. But so far, six walks, three strikeouts. And, he can hit and I think he's got a lot of power.

 

5.) Vasquez can touch 91-92 with his fastball, but his breaking ball/slider can be devastating and likely makes his fastball appear to be even faster. 

 

6.) Gonsalves is a pro's pro. He's classy and he gets it. He's a good guy, and obviously a really good pitcher too. 

[TJW]

Seth wrote something on Twitter last night that Royce Lewis grounded out and started limping after he landed awkwardly on first base. Any updates?

[Seth Stohs]

 

Mejia was likely off his game a bit due to the disappointment that Phil Hughes was being tabbed to start on Sunday or the Twins instead of him.

 

I can't imagine that entered his mind. I'd say he just had a bad inning. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Seth wrote something on Twitter last night that Royce Lewis grounded out and started limping after he landed awkwardly on first base. Any updates?

 

Tweeted a few minutes after that one noting that he stayed in the game. He seems to be just fine, and he's back in the lineup tonight. 

[TNTwinsFan]

1.) That sounds like a good timeline for Thorpe (late 2019). 2018 is his first option year. 2019 will be his second option year. If he's ready early in 2020, that's a nice plan.

 

The error Gordon made was one where he literally took his eye off the ball and tried to rush the play. Maybe "focus" was the incorrect word to apply, but, I don't know what other word would be more appropriate.

 

2.) Good information on the ballpark and how Rooker hit the ball. That's a good report and I'm sure that Tommy Watkins and Jose Valentin reported those hits as well. He'll be alright. Since starting out 1-14, Rooker is hitting .289/.308/.421 (.729) and has hit in seven of his last eight games. If his season had started that way, it would have just been a slow start, so there's no reason to worry about him. AA is a big jump. 

 

3.) I don't know what "focus" has to do with it. I'm pretty sure that Gordon is as focused as anyone. Errors happen, and Gordon has continued to work really hard at his defense. Yeah, he's not a big guy, but he can hit, and I think he has some power potential. I've seen him turn on some baseballs and hit them a long way. I also think he's at his best when he's driving the ball toward the left centerfield gap. 

 

4.) Wade's plate appearances are always professional. I've talked to him a couple of times about it, and it's really enjoyable to hear his thoughts about approach. But so far, six walks, three strikeouts. And, he can hit and I think he's got a lot of power.

 

5.) Vasquez can touch 91-92 with his fastball, but his breaking ball/slider can be devastating and likely makes his fastball appear to be even faster. 

 

6.) Gonsalves is a pro's pro. He's classy and he gets it. He's a good guy, and obviously a really good pitcher too.