Article: 2018 Twins Midseason Top Prospect List: 11-15

[mikelink45]

 

Again, these are prospects 11-15, not 1-5, so yes, there will still be question marks about these guys. And if two of them become backup-bench players, that''s probably really good. Getting to the big leagues and becoming a regular, much less a star, is really hard. 

Understood, but considering how our team is floundering I want a lot more prospects pushing at the door.  

[FormerMinnasotan]

I believe one of the last three games he only pitched an inning or two before being removed after a rain delay. One real short start out of three games really affects the numbers.

 

I will agree that he often pitches a bit less than one would like. I think part of that is the high number of strikeouts combined with them keeping his pitch count at 90 or less. Expect they are still being careful after missing two full seasons a couple years ago.

I am not worried about his innings per start this year. Remember Fernando Romero only pitched 125 innings pitched last year and there was concern he couldn’t hold up as a starter. Look at Romero this year, especially in the minors he has pitched between 6-7 innings per start and has routinely pitched near or over 100 pitches per start. I believe by next year Thorpe will be where Romero is this year.

[Nick Nelson]

 

I will agree that he often pitches a bit less than one would like.  I think part of that is the high number of strikeouts combined with them keeping his pitch count at 90 or less.  Expect they are still being careful after missing two full seasons a couple years ago.

What's odd to me about Thorpe is that he runs up these high pitch counts despite pretty good control (at least in terms of limiting walks). In his latest start he was pulled after 4 2/3 innings, at 97 pitches, even though he hadn't issued a single walk. 

I haven't watched any of his starts this season but this tells me he gets into a lot of extended ABs, and while he doesn't let the batter slip away they do take their toll.

[jkcarew]

Now Cody....you had all 5 on this list ranked below Lewin Diaz, right?

 

I don’t think it’s too late to go with simple denial.

[DocBauer]

What's odd to me about Thorpe is that he runs up these high pitch cou

 

nts despite pretty good control (at least in terms of limiting walks). In his latest start he was pulled after 4 2/3 innings, at 97 pitches, even though he hadn't issued a single walk. 

I haven't watched any of his starts this season but this tells me he gets into a lot of extended ABs, and while he doesn't let the batter slip away they do take their toll.

 

Reminds me of watching Mejia last season. The stuff is there! Where does stuff and knowledge meet reality and you just "learn" to economize and get those outs?

[goulik]

Reminds me of watching Mejia last season. The stuff is there! Where does stuff and knowledge meet reality and you just "learn" to economize and get those outs?

What's odd to me about Thorpe is that he runs up these high pitch counts despite pretty good control (at least in terms of limiting walks). In his latest start he was pulled after 4 2/3 innings, at 97 pitches, even though he hadn't issued a single walk.

I haven't watched any of his starts this season but this tells me he gets into a lot of extended ABs, and while he doesn't let the batter slip away they do take their toll.

They need to teach him to pitch to contact

 

Edited July 12, 2018 by goulik

[jmlease1]

Really interesting group of prospects here, and a good sign for the Twins system that these are all guys that are projectable as MLB players yet sit outside the top 10.

 

Wade is a really fascinating case. BA is actually becoming an underrated tool in MLB these days, so if Wade can continue to get on base and slap singles all over the park he could be a real asset for the team. Hitting for power is an extremely valuable thing for a hitter, but when your lineup is filled with guys who are clocking in a BA under .250 and there are Ks everywhere, there's increased value in finding guys who can score hits and make contact consistent. It will be interesting to see if Wade can be one of those guys.

 

Rortvedt is progressing pretty nicely, only wish it could be faster. Good catchers who can add offensive value are few and far between. you could argue he deserves a bit higher ranking than this based on his lack of drop in hitting upon moving up a level. He's a young guy doing well in a tough environment.

 

At a certain point, Thorpe is going to have to have the results back up the peripherals, but he had a big injury and tougher recovery, so I think it's ok to be a little more patient on him and rank off potential still. If he finishes the year healthy, no scholarship next year. right?

 

Kind of a fun group of prospects here, breakout potential balanced with decent odds most of them never accomplish much in MLB. Will be fun to see if they can keep progressing and put it all together

[ashbury]

Rortvedt is progressing pretty nicely, only wish it could be faster.

He's probably headed to the majors faster than if he had gone to college.