Stopped by the back fields today to check out the minor league guys gearing up for the season and was fortunate to see Jordan Balazovic match up v Blayne Enlow in a 3 inning AAA v AA Intrasquad scrimmage. Though Enlow struggled with control and seemed to be fighting himself to get into any kind of rhythm, Balazovic looked very bit the top 100 prospect. JB went three innings and was extremely sharp for a mid-March workout. His breaking ball was sharp and he seemed to be able to put it right where he wanted it. His fastball looked low to mid 90s (didn’t have a gun, but Enlow actually looked a touch faster, which surprised me, but he couldn’t control it - looked to trying to do a little too much}, but was plenty good enough to keep guys off his breaking pitches.

 

I was trying to watch two games at once {AAA v AA and HiA v LowA), so not sure these stats are official, yet had JB at 3 IP, with 7 K, 0 BB and just two infield hits allowed (though an official scorer may have ruled one or both errors). Just one unofficial outing, but was good to see that the naked eye confirms what we’ve heard from prospect gurus.

Thank you! First hand accounts like this are like mana to the rest of us.

 

For those too young to remember, or who weren't so invested in milb back then, in the early to mid 80's, the Twins had a collection of SP milb talent that was amongst tne best in baseball. Banks, Baumgardner, Nivens, Gasser, Sontag, Pittman and Newman. Unfortunately, not a single arm turned out. A couple had cups of coffee and bounced around a bit.

 

My point is NOT to be negative. Quite the contrary! While its been a full generation since that time, I can honestly say the Twins have some of the best collection of arms I have seen since that time. JB, Duran, Dobnak, Thorpe, Colina, Enlow, Sands and others like Winder, Ober, etc. Not all are going to make it, of course. And some might turn out to be quality RP. But something is bejng built here that has me very excited.

I was at the game today also. I was sitting right behind home plate and was checking the computer that was recording the velocity and spin rates. Balazovic fastball was 93-94.  Struck out one batter with an 80 mph breaking ball. He hit 2600 rpm on one fastball. Only had two pitches under 2400. Generally sat about 2500. I am not a stat cast guy so I had to look up if this was good. Verlander last year had a spin rate of 2577 and was in the 98 percentile. So it seems like Balazovic was good today.

 

I agree with the previous posters comment on Enlow.  He had the velocity and also excellent spin rates but was not hitting his spots like Balazovic. Has potential but some work needs to be done. Extremely small early season sample size but was fun to watch both work today 

Thank you both for these great posts! Seeing prospects play in these circumstances, when hardly anyone else is watching, is one of my favorite baseball experiences. Many thanks from those of us who can't be there this year--

Spin-rate data is interesting for sure, even telling at times, especially the lack of spin.

 

But, so much about Verlander is his guile, his composure, his confidence, his game-on attitude.

 

I think all great pitchers have that drive to win combined with being able to stay within the limits of their athleticism, harness what they know about their pitches. They read the situation, know what the hitter is wanting to do, then out-compete him.

 

I haven't seen this guy, but he will need more than spin if he is going to land on the MLB bump and reach for the stars. He needs the Man among boys thing, which, according to these posters was on display.

 

Really got to hope one of these young horses gallops ahead of the herd.

Jordy Blaze- Gotta love that nickname.

Really enjoy these accounts. Thank you!!

After visiting Spring Training earlier this year - I can confirm that it's a fantastic experience. Love these reports from those down on the field, thank you guys! Have fun in Fort Myers and stay safe down there.

I had to cancel my annual spring training trip to Ft. Myers due to my wife getting shingles. Your fine reporting reminded me of what I was missing this year. I'll be there next year, come hell or high water.

 

I had to cancel my annual spring training trip to Ft. Myers due to my wife getting shingles. Your fine reporting reminded me of what I was missing this year. I'll be there next year, come hell or high water.

I hope and pray your wife gets well quickly. Shingles sucks.

I had to cancel my annual spring training trip to Ft. Myers due to my wife getting shingles. Your fine reporting reminded me of what I was missing this year. I'll be there next year, come hell or high water.

Did she get them at The Home Depot or Menards?