The summary makes it sound like Pinto is an ideal backup that can catch 40-80 games/yr and not hurt the team ala butera. Not great defensively but sounds like he's playable behind the plate unlike Doumit.

 

Minor League Prospect Note: Josmil Pinto, C, Twins - Minor League Ball

Doesn't sound too bad. In an organization starved for power, it would be nice to have a C/DH who could hit 20 bombs.

It's pretty amazing that Pinto has now gotten to the point to attract the attention from Sickels. Good for him. I definitely think Mauer-Herrmann-Pinto will be a good combination.

Yet Pinto was given a C grade.

Sickels scouting report makes it sound like Pinto is a fringe starter that is better as a backup. C or C+ is a pretty fair grade and it's why nobody should be penciling him in as a part time DH.

Based on the improved physical conditioning (which I didn't know about until after I wrote my book), I would boost him up to a C+. I think he could be a very useful role player. The main point is that nobody outside of Twins fandom has heard of him, and I was wanting to change that by mentioning him.

There is a void behind Mauer and his first around 100 plate appearances above A-Ball are encouraging. Too bad he isn't younger so that more growth could be projected.

Thanks for stopping by John. That's my take on him also.

Yet Pinto was given a C grade.

 

John Sickels, usually does the Twins prospect list and write up first. So the C grade might be based of info from November. That being said, C or C+ grades given to Double A or Triple A is still high praise, because it means there is a good chance the player will contribute at the Major League level.

 

Not that it matters much, but with Mauer and Herrmann being lefties, Doumit being stronger from the left side and Butera bat being made out of vapor a right handed catcher on the 40 man has a good shot at being able to crack at the big league roster, this year or next. Pinto could make the team as a 2nd or 3rd catcher/ sometime DH/ pinch hitter/ Spanish interpreter. That's a potentially long MLB career.

I like. Haven't heard much about him lately, so this is nice to hear.

Yet Pinto was given a C grade.

 

You should probably read up on his grading scale. He doesn't hand out the high grades like they are candy. I believe he gives out only 30 A/A- type grades to get you an idea. Sano got an A-, whereas Buxton, Arcia, and Meyer were all B+ guys. He's pretty consistent with that too.

Based on the improved physical conditioning (which I didn't know about until after I wrote my book), I would boost him up to a C+. I think he could be a very useful role player. The main point is that nobody outside of Twins fandom has heard of him, and I was wanting to change that by mentioning him.

 

Pinto looked great in spring training. Looked like he had dropped a few pounds and of course always very focused on his job. I would love to see him make it in the majors. He is always welcome back to my home if he ever comes back to visit Elizabethton.

You should probably read up on his grading scale. He doesn't hand out the high grades like they are candy. I believe he gives out only 30 A/A- type grades to get you an idea. Sano got an A-, whereas Buxton, Arcia, and Meyer were all B+ guys. He's pretty consistent with that too.

I am well aware of the C grade meaning. Doumit "lite". Nice to have if he gets to the majors.

I am well aware of the C grade meaning. Doumit "lite". Nice to have if he gets to the majors.

 

What will be interesting is where his grades will be midseason or the end of the season. I could a case for bumping grades for Buxton, Sano, Arcia, and Meyer if they continue to play well.

3rd C w/pop......nothing wrong with another Matt LeCroy type

3rd C w/pop......nothing wrong with another Matt LeCroy type

I see him as a replacement for Doumit, perhaps with less PAs as a DH, but hopefully with better defense. He is showing good power in New Britain and allegedly is improving behind the plate. I was at spring training and he did nothing to stand out while I watched the minor leaguers.

Thanks for stopping by John.

 

Indeed. Come back often, and straighten us out.

3rd C w/pop......nothing wrong with another Matt LeCroy type

 

I'm hoping that the Twins do away with that 3rd catcher nonsense and Pinto seems like the perfect backup.

Indeed. Come back often, and straighten us out.

 

+1

 

I also would like to thank Madre Dos for her interesting peeks into the players personalities and lives! It is certainly a unique viewpoint that you share and is appreciated.

What a great thread. John Sickels, Madre Dos and the Usual Suspects are all represented. Last week Cody Christie posted a write up called Wet Wednesday in the Minors and it prompted me to look at Pinto again because it seemed strange that Hermmann and Rohlfing get some attention when he does not. At 5'11" and 230 he must be quite and athlete to be able to move quickly enough. I hope he continues to develop. It would not surprise me to see Doumit go via trade when a team has injury holes to fill.