Article: Twins Minor League Report (5/9): Gordon Crushes and Barnes Wins

[Ted Schwerzler]

Despite the off day for the Minnesota Twins, each of the four farm teams were in action this evening. There were some standout performances across the board, but two players definitely made sure they got noticed this evening. Nick Gordon had a great night for himself at the dish, and Charlie Barnes picked up his first Florida State League win.TRANSACTIONS

Rochester Red Wings

LHP Dietrich Enns cleared outright waivers and was activated

 

Chattanooga Lookouts

Received RHP Ryne Harper from Triple-A Rochester

Twins traded RHP Anthony McIver to Seattle Mariners

 

Cedar Rapids Kernels

Activated RHP Jared Finkel from the disabled list

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Buffalo 7, Rochester 0

Box Score

 

In a cluster of roster moves a few days ago, the big league club needed to add Triple-A infielder Gregorio Petit to the 40 man roster. Dietrich Enns, acquired in the Jaime Garcia trade with the New York Yankees, was outrighted as a result. He recently cleared waivers and was activated today by Rochester to make the start. Unfortunately it didn’t go as planned.

 

Enns needed 65 pitches to make it through just two outs into the second inning. He allowed five earned runs on four hits while walking two and striking out just one. That six-run third inning by Buffalo would prove to be fatal for the Red Wings, as they failed to muster any offense all day.

 

The lineup produced just four hits in total, with them being spread out amongst Jermaine Curtis, Brock Stassi, James Ramsey and Sean Miller. Stassi’s double was the lone extra-base hit for Rochester.

 

In relief, the Red Wings turned to four different arms today. D.J. Baxendale and Casey Crosby both ceded runs to give Buffalo their eventual tally of seven. Mason Melotakis and Alan Busenitz threw a combined three scoreless innings for the away club (with two of those being recorded by Melotakis). With today being a getaway day, the Red Wings will look for an opportunity to get back above .500 on Thursday against Scranton.

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chatanooga 4, Jackson 2

Box Score

 

In a rare five game series, the Lookouts found themselves in position to take the set in the third game with another win over the Generals. Omar Bencomo gave the club 5 1/3 strong innings, allowing just two runs on five hits. Leaving with a 3-2 lead, the Lookouts would add a run and hang on, pushing Bencomo’s record to 2-0 on the year.

 

Nick Gordon tied up the game at one in the bottom of the first inning, launching a solo homer for his third of the year. Jackson then jumped back out to a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning, but Edgar Corcino quickly answered with a solo shot of his own in the bottom half. From there, it was an Alex Perez single scoring Gordon in the fifth to put the Lookouts in the lead for good. Providing the cushion was none other than Gordon again, this time doubling for the second time on the night, and scoring Tanner English in the bottom of the sixth inning.

 

Ryne Harper returned to the Lookouts today and worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings pitched while giving up just one hit and striking out three. Todd Van Steensel picked up his second save of the year in a six-out effort. Chattanooga has two games left ahead of them in order to pick up the series sweep.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Fort Myers 7, Charlotte 6

Box Score

 

Charlie Barnes got the start tonight for the Fort Myers Miracle, and he turned in a career-best outing. He went 6 1/3 innings allowing just two runs to the Stone Crabs. While seven batters did record hits off of the lefty, Barnes limited the damage by issuing just one free pass and striking out four. The win is his first for the Miracle and fifth of his brief professional career.

 

The Stone Crabs kept clawing their way back into the game, so it’s a good thing that the Fort Myers offense came to play as well. Three long balls were sent into the seats tonight, one each by Taylor Grzelakowski, Jared Foster and Jaylin Davis. With the lead trimmed to 5-2 in the seventh inning, it was Davis’ two run blast that provided the necessary cushion.

 

Going into the final inning after having recorded the last out of the eighth, Andrew Vasquez had a one run lead to protect for the win. He was able to record each of the four necessary outs while allowing just one hit and punching out three to pick up his second save of the season. The win gave the Miracle yet another series win, and sends them off to Dunedin within one game of the .500 mark.

 

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Dayton 5, Cedar Rapids 4 (10)

Box Score

 

Bailey Ober drew the start for the Kernels tonight and went five innings for the visitors. Despite being in a 4-1 hole when their starter left the game, Cedar Rapids battled on offense. From the sixth through the eighth innings, the Kernels put up a run in each frame. Alex Kirilloff’s fifth homer of the season was the highlight of the sixth inning for Toby Gardenhire’s squad.

 

In the ninth inning, catcher David Banuelos doubled to lead off the frame and then advanced to third on a throwing error. Dayton got a strikeout of Jordan Gore to give them the first out of the inning. After walking Akil Baddoo to set up a double play, Andrew Bechtold fell victim as the second batter to strike out in the inning. Having already done damage earlier in the game, Kirilloff got a free pass to load the bases. Unfortunately, Ben Rodriguez couldn’t drive in the go ahead run and ended up allowing Dayton to strike out the side.

 

After forcing extras and bringing the new pace of play rules into play, the Kernels couldn’t drive Ben Rodriguez in as he stalled on third base in the top half. In the bottom half, Dayton found themselves with a first and second situation after a hit batter. Jared Finkel was able to get Dayton batter Leandro Santana out on a foul bunt, but Jeter Downs singled in the next at bat to walk it off for the home team.

 

The Kernels continue their road trip heading to Bowling Green for a new series tomorrow night. The Hot Rods sport a solid 20-12 record, and 2017 draft pick Brendan McKay will be on the mound to start the series.

 

STARS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Pitcher of the Day – Charlie Barnes (6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB 4 K)

Twins Daily Hitter of the Day – Nick Gordon (3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR(3), 2 2B)

 

TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY

3. Nick Gordon (Chattanooga) – 3-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, HR(3), 2 2B

5. Alex Kirilloff (Cedar Rapids) – 2-4, R, RBI, BB, HR(5)

7. Brent Rooker (Chattanooga) – 1-4, BB

10. Akil Baddoo (Cedar Rapids) – 1-4, RBI, BB

17. Travis Blankenhorn (Fort Myers) – 1-4, 3 RBI, 3B(2)

 

THURSDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Rochester @ Scranton (5:35PM CST) – RHP Zack Littell (1-0, 0.00 ERA)

Jackson @ Chattanooga (6:15PM CST) – RHP Randy LeBlanc (4-1, 2.70 ERA)

Fort Myers @ Dunedin (5:30PM CST) – RHP Andro Cutura (2-0, 4.40 ERA)

Cedar Rapids @ Bowling Green (6:35PM CST) – RHP Randy Dobnak (3-0, 4.64 ERA)

 

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

 

Click here to view the article

[jokin]

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER
Chatanooga 4, Jackson 2
Box Score

In a rare five game series, the Lookouts found themselves in position to take the set in the third game with another win over the Generals. 








 

 

 

 

"In a rare 5-game series..."

What?

It's RARE when Southern League teams DON'T play in a 5-game series.

[Doctor Wu]

Nick Gordon is off to a great start this season. But can he sustain it? If he keeps playing like this for the next month what are the chances that he gets promoted to AAA --- or even to the big league club --- sometime this summer?

[ThejacKmp]

 

Nick Gordon is off to a great start this season. But can he sustain it? If he keeps playing like this for the next month what are the chances that he gets promoted to AAA --- or even to the big league club --- sometime this summer?

 

He'll for sure be up to AA this summer if he hits like this.

 

The big league club would have to happen before Polanco comes back. Once Polanco comes back, the depth becomes too much: Dozier, Polanco, Escobar and Adrianza all ahead of him.

[Ted Schwerzler]

 

"In a rare 5-game series..."

What?

It's RARE when Southern League teams DON'T play in a 5-game series.

Fair, but across baseball as a whole, it's still not the norm. I just find it fascinating that it takes place. A week is a long time to be playing the same team.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Nick Gordon is off to a great start this season. But can he sustain it? If he keeps playing like this for the next month what are the chances that he gets promoted to AAA --- or even to the big league club --- sometime this summer?

 

Very high... But I think you touch upon one of the questions. He was great through the first 2/3 of last year and struggled late. 

 

I don't 'think it's a huge deal either way, since he just needs to be added to the 40-man roster after the season. Even if he stays in AA the whole year, he's at or ahead of schedule. And, if he shows the areas of improvement that he needs to (stay strong through season, hit lefties better, show he can play SS adequately), he could be a straight-from-AA guy still. 

[jmlease1]

I think Gordon gets moved up to AAA around mid-season, but Seth is right as usual. Gordon's hit tool has never really been in question, people have always had confidence in his ability to hit for average and the thought was he'd add power as he progressed. That seems to be bearing out; we're definitely seeing more pop out of that bat. I have to say, I'm disappointed in his baserunning to date. He's got good speed, but outside of his year at Cedar Rapids he hasn't done well on the bases.

 

The fielding is still a question mark, but if Dozier moves on in free agency, I'd feel pretty good about Gordon moving in there even with relatively light experience at 2B.

 

I wonder what the plan is on Kirilloff. He's doing great hitting this year, shows no rust after missing a season from Tommy John and it's wonderful to see him increasing the power production without sacrificing much of anything else in his approach. (there's a few more K's, but hardly enough to be concerned about)

 

Do you push him up to Ft. Myers this season, or see how reacts to full year baseball coming off the injury?

 

[gunnarthor]

 

I think Gordon gets moved up to AAA around mid-season, but Seth is right as usual. Gordon's hit tool has never really been in question, people have always had confidence in his ability to hit for average and the thought was he'd add power as he progressed. That seems to be bearing out; we're definitely seeing more pop out of that bat. I have to say, I'm disappointed in his baserunning to date. He's got good speed, but outside of his year at Cedar Rapids he hasn't done well on the bases.

 

The fielding is still a question mark, but if Dozier moves on in free agency, I'd feel pretty good about Gordon moving in there even with relatively light experience at 2B.

 

I wonder what the plan is on Kirilloff. He's doing great hitting this year, shows no rust after missing a season from Tommy John and it's wonderful to see him increasing the power production without sacrificing much of anything else in his approach. (there's a few more K's, but hardly enough to be concerned about)

 

Do you push him up to Ft. Myers this season, or see how reacts to full year baseball coming off the injury?

I hope they push him but it's probably more realistic to let him just get back into the grove of baseball and not worry. He needs to work on his strike outs and walks anyway. 

[mlhouse]

Where is Ryley Widell?

[Mr. Brooks]

I think the Twins will want to see Gordon keep it up in the second half before he goes to AAA.

They already know he can rake in the first half.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Where is Ryley Widell?

 

Extended Spring Training. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

I wonder what the plan is on Kirilloff. He's doing great hitting this year, shows no rust after missing a season from Tommy John and it's wonderful to see him increasing the power production without sacrificing much of anything else in his approach. (there's a few more K's, but hardly enough to be concerned about)

 

Do you push him up to Ft. Myers this season, or see how reacts to full year baseball coming off the injury?

 

I think they just let him play until the first half is done and he plays in the MWL All Star game and see where he's at. That's still another month. Five weeks is a decent sample, but 9-10 weeks is better. He's young, there's no rush.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

"The Stone Crabs kept clawing their way back into the game." Nicely done Ted.

[WLFINN]

"Twins traded RHP Anthony McIver to Seattle Mariners"

 

 

 

What was the return?

[70charger]

 

"Twins traded RHP Anthony McIver to Seattle Mariners"

 

 

 

What was the return?

 

Cash. Seems like he might have been a victim of numbers at the higher minors. Of course, being 26 without much pedigree, he isn't the type who's likely to come back to haunt you. Best of luck to him anyway.

 

The Twins traded Double-A lefty Anthony McIver to the Mariners in exchange for cash, as reflected on the transactions log at MLB.com and at each club’s web site. McIver has been solid in 13 1/3 innings of Double-A ball this year, though he’s barely pitched above Class-A Advanced in his pro career to date despite being 26 years of age. The Twins picked him in the 15th round of the 2015 draft, and he’s opened the 2018 season with a 2.70 ERA, a 15-to-5 K/BB ratio, no homers allowed and a 40 percent ground-ball rate.

 

From: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/05/minor-mlb-transactions-5918.html

[twins1095]

 

I think Gordon gets moved up to AAA around mid-season, but Seth is right as usual. Gordon's hit tool has never really been in question, people have always had confidence in his ability to hit for average and the thought was he'd add power as he progressed. That seems to be bearing out; we're definitely seeing more pop out of that bat. I have to say, I'm disappointed in his baserunning to date. He's got good speed, but outside of his year at Cedar Rapids he hasn't done well on the bases.

 

The fielding is still a question mark, but if Dozier moves on in free agency, I'd feel pretty good about Gordon moving in there even with relatively light experience at 2B.

 

I wonder what the plan is on Kirilloff. He's doing great hitting this year, shows no rust after missing a season from Tommy John and it's wonderful to see him increasing the power production without sacrificing much of anything else in his approach. (there's a few more K's, but hardly enough to be concerned about)

 

Do you push him up to Ft. Myers this season, or see how reacts to full year baseball coming off the injury?

 

It is a little disappointing.  Speed and value created by speed running the bases covers a lot more than just SB numbers.  If Gordon consistently uses his speed to create value on the base paths by taking as many extra bases as possible and is efficient with his movements in terms of doing things like going from 1st to 3rd, 2nd to home, scoring from 1st on extra base hits, taking extra bases on deep fly balls, etc.  that creates a ton of positive value too.  Gordon has better raw speed than Dozier, but to me, especially early Dozier was a great poster boy for this.   He's never really stolen more than 20 bases, but he was one of the most efficient baserunners and created positive baserunning value near the league leaders because of his ability to take really efficient lines and awareness/baseball IQ to continually take extra bases and make the most of every time he was on base.  Aside from batting leadoff, this skillset is a big reason why Dozier has been able to score as many runs as he has.  

 

If Gordon can steal 20 bases and create positive base-running value by continually making high IQ plays when on base and being really aggressive at taking extra bases consistently whenever an opportunity....I'd be pretty happy with that.  

 

 

I'm not saying what I want to say as concisely as I want to, but I hope you get the gist of what I'm trying to say.  I can't speak to whether Gordin has this type of feel for running the bases, but that skillset and speed playing in that manner is more important to me than 20 SBs or 30 SBs.