Minor League Report (6/5): Steer, Kirilloff, Hamilton Power Home Run Record for Saints

[Theo Tollefson]

The Twins won their final game of an eight-game road trip that posted a series victory against the Toronto Blue Jays. Down on the farm, all minor league affiliates won their games (Ft. Myers dropped game one of a double header), and the Saints had a franchise-record eight home runs hit in a monster-sized victory over the Iowa Cubs.

TRANSACTIONS 
St. Paul Saints RHP Ariel Jurado was assigned to Low-A Fort Myers on Minor League Rehab assignment

SAINTS SENTINEL 
St. Paul 16, Iowa 7
Box score 
SP: JC Ramirez - 2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
HR: Spencer Steer 3 HR (6), Alex Kirilloff 2 HR (6), Caleb Hamilton 2 HR (5), Tim Beckham (2)
Multi-Hit Games: Steer (3-4, 5 R, 3 HR (6), 5 RBI (15), BB, HBP), Kirilloff (2-5, 2 R, 2 HR, 4 RBI (20), BB, 2 K), Beckham (2-5, 2 R, HR, RBI (7), BB, K), Michael Helman (3-4, 2 R, SB (1), BB, HBP), Hamilton (3-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI (19), BB, K)

Putting the month of May behind them, the Saints chose a good day to opt for a bullpen game with pitching as the bats, more importantly, Spencer Steer, Alex Kirilloff, and catcher Caleb Hamilton, combined for seven home runs to give the Saints a 3-2 record for June. 

Steer’s first home run of the afternoon came right away as he worked a 2-2 count and then hammered a lead off home run to left field to make it a 1-0 game. Before the inning was over, Tim Beckham hit his second home run, a solo shot, to extend the lead to 2-0. 

In the top of the second, Hamilton hit his first home run of the afternoon, a two-run shot that scored Michael Helman and gave the Saints a 4-0 lead. Before the inning was over, Steer recorded his only RBI of the afternoon not from a home run. Steer hit a sacrifice groundout that scored John Andreoli to give the Saints a 5-0 lead. 

On the mound for the first two innings for the Saints was JC Ramirez. Ramirez was in for his 11th appearance, the second start, for the Saints and gave up three runs on three hits and two walks. Ramirez totaled 34 pitches in his 2 innings of work and left with the Saints still in the lead 5-3. 

The Saints would not score again until the top of the fourth, when Steer hit his second home run of the afternoon, this time to center field, to extend the lead to 6-3. In the bottom of the fifth, the Cubs would bring themselves within a run of tying the game as they scored two off of Tyler Thornburg, who made his first appearance with the Saints for the 2022 season. The two runs Thornburg allowed went unearned and the game was at a 6-5 score going into the top of the sixth. 

In the top of the sixth, Hamilton hit his second home run of the day, another solo shot, and later in the inning, Kirilloff hit his first of the afternoon, a two-run homer that scored Steer extending the lead to 9-5 over the Cubs. 

The final home run of the afternoon for Steer came in the top of the eighth with Elliot Soto on base and put the Saints up 12-6 at the time. The third and final home run of the afternoon for Steer was his first ever three home run game of his professional career. Kirilloff’s final homer was in the top of the ninth as he hit another two-run home run that brought home Steer for his fifth run of the game and put the Saints up 16-6. 

The Saints will return home for a six game series for their first ever match up against the Twins former Triple AAA affiliate, the Rochester Red Wings. First game of the series is Tuesday night with first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. CT. 

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Wichita 5, Frisco 3
Box Score 
SP: Simeon Woods Richardson - 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
HR: Chris Williams (4)
Multi-Hit Games: None

Wichita completed a six-game homestand with the Frisco RoughRiders Sunday afternoon and pulled away with a series victory in their 5-3 win.

Simeon Woods Richardson was on the mound for the Wind Surge Sunday afternoon making his ninth start of the season. The Twins second highest pitching prospect according to Twins Daily recovered from a shortened start against the RoughRiders on Tuesday, a game that ended up being suspended due to inclement weather.

Woods Richardson completed five innings for the Wind Surge on Sunday and although he allowed eight base runners on six hits and two walks. Woods Richardson only allowed two runs, both earned, and struck out seven RoughRider batters. Woods Richardson improved his season ERA to an even 3.00 on the season and his strikeout total now stands at 50 in 48 innings.

 

The RoughRiders did get the first two runs of the game in the top of the second and later the top of the third. Being down 2-0 in the bottom of the third, Wichita was able to score their first run thanks to an Anthony Prato sacrifice fly that scored Edouard Julien making it a 2-1 RoughRider lead. The Wind Surge were able to tie the game up in the bottom of the fourth thanks to first baseman Chris Williams fourth home run of the year. 

With the game still remained tied in the bottom of the sixth at 2-2. Ernie Yake found himself in a 2-2 count with the bases loaded. On the fifth pitch of the at-bat, Yake laced a ball down the right field line for a bases-clearing double that gave the Wind Surge the three runs they needed to complete their 5-3 victory. 

The Wind Surge begin their next series on the road Tuesday for their second road series against the Arkansas Travelers, the Seattle Mariners Double AA affiliate. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT 

KERNELS NUGGETS
Cedar Rapids 9, Lansing 3
Box Score
SP: Aaron Rozek 4 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
HR: Christian Encarnacion-Strand (10), Will Holland (4), Kennie Taylor (1), Aaron Sabato (7)
Multi-Hit Games: Encarnacion-Strand (3-5, 3 R, 2 2B, HR, RBI (43), 2 K), Sabato (3-5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI (32), K), Yunior Severino (2-4, R, BB), Jeferson Morales (2-5, 2B, RBI (18), 2 K), Taylor (2-3, R, HR, 2 RBI (3), BB, K) 

Cedar Rapids completed their road series in Lansing, Michigan with a banger on Sunday, crushing the Lugnuts in a 9-3 victory.

Aaron Rozek was on the mound for the Kernels Sunday afternoon making his seventh start of the season. Rozek completed 4 innings for the Kernels but surrendered three runs on two home runs, a two-run home run from Lugnuts right fielder Lawrence Butler and a solo shot by center fielder Austin Beck. Aside from the home runs, Rozek only allowed two additional base runners on a single and a walk and struck out five batters in his 4 innings of work.  

The bats came swinging for the Kernels all afternoon. Leading the offense for the Kernels was prospect sensation Christian Encarnacion-Strand as he went 3-5 with three extra base hits including his tenth home run of the season at High-A. Kernels first baseman Aaron Sabato had one of his best games of the season at the plate, he was also 3-5 with a home run and three runs batted in. Having his best game of the season so far was Kernels right fiedler Kennie Taylor, who went 2-3 with his first home run of 2022 and drove in two runs. 

The Kernels victory over the Lugnuts on Sunday gave them a 4-2 series victory over Lansing and improved them to 33-18 overall on the season. The 33-18 record for the Kernels is the best in the Midwest Western division and only second to the Dayton Dragons, the Reds High-A affiliate, who have a 35-15 record on the season.

Next series for the Kernels begins on the road against the South Bend Cubs on Tuesday night with first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CT. 

MUSSEL MATTERS
Game 1
Fort Myers 5, Tampa 6
Box Score
SP: Ariel Jurado 4 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
HR:  Emmanuel Rodriguez (9)
Multi-Hit games: Rubel Cespedes (2-4, K)

The Mighty Mussels played two on Sunday afternoon as the Mussels had a rescheduled rain out game with the Tampa Tarpons from June 3.

The first game featured Ariel Jurado on the mound for his first rehab start with the Mussels. Jurado went 4 innings for the Mussels in game one showing signs of strength in his first game of 2022. Jurado allowed only three base runners off of two walks and one hit and struck out four Tarpon hitters without surrendering any runs. 

Fort Myers was the first to score in this game as it remained scoreless going into the bottom of the fourth inning. That first run came from an Emmanuel Rodriguez solo home run putting the Mighty Mussels up 1-0. The Mussels came up with three more runs their next time at the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning. 

The first run came from a Nelson Roberto RBI single that scored Mikey Perez, that was followed up with an RBI triple to center field form Jake Rucker scoring Roberto and making the score 3-0 Mussels. Finally, Noah Miller laced a ground-rule double over the left field fence to score Rucker and give the Mussels a 4-0 lead. 

In the top of the sixth, the Tarpons began to mount their comeback against the Mussels as the Yankees number three overall prospect, Jasson Dominguez, hit a two-run home run for his sixth of the season making it a 4-2 ballgame. The Tarpons then added two more runs in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game up 4-4 and with the Mussels unable to pick up runs of their own in the bottom of the seventh, the game went to extras. 

The Tarpons completed their comeback as they scored two more runs in the top of the eighth making it a 6-4 game in their favor. Fort Myers responded with a singular run from a Mikey Perez sacrifice fly, but came up short in game one of the doubleheader losing 6-5. 

Game 2
Fort Myers 7, Tampa 1 
Box Score
SP: Pierson Ohl 3 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
HR:  None
Multi hit Games: Mikey Perez (2-3, R, 2 2B, 3 RBI (26), SB (20)), Luis Baez (2-3, 2 R, SB (6))

Fort Myers recovered in the second game of the doubleheader against the Tampa Tarpons as the bats came out the gate swinging in the bottom of the first. The Mighty Mussels put up five runs in the bottom of the first off of a walk, an error and four hits, the biggest hit coming from Mikey Perez’s RBI double that scored two. 

Perez wasn’t done performing when he had his second at-bat in the bottom of the second as he had another RBI double that only scored one but gave the Mighty Mussels a 6-0 lead. 

On the mound for the start for Fort Myers was Pierson Ohl. Ohl was making his eighth start for the Mighty Mussels and even though it was shortened, it was one of his most impressive yet as Ohl recorded all nine of his outs via strikeout while allowing five baserunners. 

Following an explosive first two innings of runs, the Mighty Mussels only scored one more insurance run in the bottom of the sixth thanks to a Jake Rucker single. Juan Mendez closed out the game in the top of the seventh for the Mussels to give them their 7-1 victory and a split doubleheader. 

The Mighty Mussels travel to Daytona Beach Tuesday for a six game series against the Reds Low-A affiliate the Daytona Tortugas with first pitch scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT. 

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Pitcher of the Day –  Simeon Woods Richardson (Wichita) - 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Hitter of the Day – Spencer Steer (St. Paul) - 3-4, 5 R, 3 HR (6), 5 RBI (15), BB, HBP

PROSPECT SUMMARY
We will again keep tabs on the Twins top prospects. You’ll probably read about them in the team sections, but if they aren’t there, you’ll see how they did here. 

Here’s a look at how the current Twins Daily Top 20 performed:
#2 - Austin Martin (Wichita) - 0-3, BB
#3 - Jose Miranda (Minnesota) - 2-5, RBI
#5 - Simeon Woods Richardson (Wichita) - 5 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
#7 - Spencer Steer (St. Paul) - 3-4, 5 R, 3 HR (6), 5 RBI (15), BB, HBP
#8 - Emmanuel Rodriguez (Ft. Myers) - Game 1: 1-2, R, HR, RBI, 2 BB Game 2: Did not play
#9 - Noah Miller (Ft. Myers) - Game 1: 1-3, 2B, RBI, BB Game 2: 0-4, R
#15 - Matt Wallner (Wichita) - 1-2, R, SB (6), 2 BB
#16 - Edouard Julien (Wichita) - 1-4, R, SB (6)
#18 - Christian Encarnacion-Strand (Cedar Rapids) - 3-5, 3 R, 2 2B, HR, RBI (43), 2 K

TUESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
All Twins Minor League Affiliates are off on Monday and will resume their games on Tuesday, June 7. The only Monday in which there will be minor-league games is July 4th (and some for the Saints in September). 

Rochester @ St. Paul (7:07 PM CST) - TBD
Wichita @  Arkansas (6:35 PM CST) - TBD
Cedar Rapids @ South Bend (6:05 PM CST) - TBD
Fort Myers @ Daytona (6:05 PM CST) - TBD

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Sunday’s games

 

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[Rosterman]

Wow! Saints 4-2 in last six games, outscoring their oppoents 57-46. Lotsa runs!

[operation mindcrime]

Fear the Steer!!!!!

[bunsen82]

Just another ho-hum day on the farm.  The bats are going bananas. I wonder if MLB is messing with the ball again, the offenses seem to be suddenly up. Steer, Strand, Sabato, Kiriloff and Hamilton were the standouts.  Kiriloff and Steer are doing everything they can to get onto the big league roster. 

[wsnydes]

Wind blowing out at Wrigley Field West, eh?  The Saints certainly filled up the box score.

Nice to see Kirilloff hitting for power again.  I imagine that his confidence is starting to rebound at this point.

Good to see SWR with a nice outing too.

[FlyingFinn]

How did Mooney not get pitcher of the day? 4 innings, 10 K's, 0 hits and 1 BB. 

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, bunsen82 said:

I wonder if MLB is messing with the ball again, the offenses seem to be suddenly up. 

The Twins are not the only team raiding AAA for pitching

[Dman]

1 hour ago, FlyingFinn said:

How did Mooney not get pitcher of the day? 4 innings, 10 K's, 0 hits and 1 BB. 

He probably needed to go 5 innings to truly qualify not sure but both Mooney and Ohl had no earned runs allowed and were pretty amazing.  I mean Ohl striking out all 9 outs! That just doesn't happen very often if ever. A little surprised that wasn't highlighted more.

[Dman]

There are just too many guys to highlight to highlight them all.  I guess I have to say the three HR's for Steer is something you don't see often.  He is really hitting the ball hard right now.  I don't really see a place for him on the 40 man at this time but the Twins have to add him at the end of the year so some decisions need to be made at some point.  Kirilloff has been just as good or better but with Miranda coming into his own at the MLB level the Twins likely don't want to mess with a good thing.  I think he is stuck for a bit longer but we'll see what happens.  At any rate he doesn't seem to have anything left to prove at AAA IMO.

I just want to highlight Pierson Ohl as well.  At the start of the season he couldn't strike anyone out and gave up runs in bunches.  I was starting to think he wouldn't be able to adjust to pro ball.  Last night he K'd 9 guys in three innings. He retired every out by strike out.  Granted his WHIP was high giving up 2 walks and 3 hits but if he harnesses that stuff a bit more he could be really, really good.  Have to also do a quick shoutout to the pitching development staff at Ft Myers.  They have all those pitchers working at what appear to be near maximum potential.  Pretty much everyone on the staff is pitching well and not all of them started off that well.

Just crazy how balanced the system is with hitting and pitching.  Usually it is one or the other keeping an affiliate going but this year things seem very balanced with maybe the Saints being an exception as the pitching has been pretty poor there.

[bunsen82]

Mooney is starting to look like a legit weapon.    10k's in 4 innings -  in relief.  I am not sure whether they are transitioning to relief work or just a piggy back start.  

[RJA]

What yesterday's results show is that the Twins have a lot of great young position players either in the majors--Miranda, Celestino, Lewis, Larnach, etc.--or the minors--Kirilloff, Steer, Wallner, etc.--who are major league ready.  I would not be surprised to see them move one of them and/or one of the younger guys for pitching at the deadline as I think they need both bullpen and rotation help.  They also have a lot of younger guys like Miller, CES, Rodriguez, and Cavaco that are showing promise.  Throw in Sabato if he continues to improve and there are a lot more bats looking like they could help in the future.  This is a fun year for the big league club and the farm system.

[roger]

Somehow the Twins need to get AK back in their lineup.  He and Arraez can split time at first base with the other either at DH or a few games in right (AK) or second (Arraez).  That would put Jeffers on the bench, when not catching...which is good.

Lost in all the long balls was another solid relief outing from Schulfer.  Can this kid help the Twins before year's end?  Also good to see Julien doing what he does.  Saw he had another steal of third.  Really like the speed he brings to the game. 

When the Twins get some of their injured/COVID guys back, they are gonna have to take a hard look at doing a deal or two.  Maybe one nice deal for a solid reliever.  

[Blyleven2011]

2 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

How did Mooney not get pitcher of the day? 4 innings, 10 K's, 0 hits and 1 BB. 

I agree , 4 innings of relief , no hits and 10 strikeouts  ,,,, 

Amazing performance  and worthy of pitcher of the day 

[Cap'n Piranha]

Steer is clearly passing Martin in prospect standing right now—Steer is only one year older, and is decidedly outperforming Martin, at a higher level.  The Twins might need to trade Martin for 50 cents on the dollar at the deadline.

[Dman]

7 minutes ago, Cap'n Piranha said:

Steer is clearly passing Martin in prospect standing right now—Steer is only one year older, and is decidedly outperforming Martin, at a higher level.  The Twins might need to trade Martin for 50 cents on the dollar at the deadline.

I agree and would even add Jullien as passing Martin as Jullien can steal bases take walks and hit for power.  I am wondering if Martin has been scouted better this year and shifted some because he doesn't seem to be getting those hits through the infield.  Not sure what his issues are but for a sure thing he hasn't looked that good this year.

[bunsen82]

I am really looking forward to an updated Top 40 prospect list.  Even with losing 4-5 that are no longer prospects,  there are so many more that are having outstanding performances that were thought of merely as holding a spot.  Caleb Hamilton, Isola, Palacios, Headricks, Mooney,  Festa, Mikey Perez, Prato, Schulfer, Adams, Ohl  Paredes, Fedko.   Let alone all the more well known prospects that have continued to improve.    You add in prospects that have really struggled like Cavaco and Holland that are really starting to flash,  you have a farm system that is hitting on all cylinders.  The pitching in AAA has been raided,  but after the new draft there should be plenty of reinforcements.  

[bunsen82]

11 minutes ago, Cap'n Piranha said:

Steer is clearly passing Martin in prospect standing right now—Steer is only one year older, and is decidedly outperforming Martin, at a higher level.  The Twins might need to trade Martin for 50 cents on the dollar at the deadline.

Unless the deal is too good to pass up you keep Martin.  His bat and OBP is something that will really play well with our mashers.  Him and Julien could be nice top of the order or bottom of the order guys.  Martin is having a heck of season and his bat has never gotten hot.  No offense that is the type of player that even when everything isn't going well still performs well will do well in the league. I preferably would like to see them consolidate prospects for better prospects.  This trade deadline and the maneuvering with the 40 man to protect players this fall is going to be very interesting.   

[Vanimal46]

It’s time. Call him up. 

[Major League Ready]

6 hours ago, bunsen82 said:

I am really looking forward to an updated Top 40 prospect list.  Even with losing 4-5 that are no longer prospects,  there are so many more that are having outstanding performances that were thought of merely as holding a spot.  Caleb Hamilton, Isola, Headricks, Mooney,  Festa, Mikey Perez, Prato, Schulfer, Adams, Ohl  Paredes, Fedko.   Let alone all the more well known prospects that have continued to improve.    You add in prospects that have really struggled like Cavaco and Holland that are really starting to flash,  you have a farm system that is hitting on all cylinders.  The pitching in AAA has been raided,  but after the new draft there should be plenty of reinforcements.  

Me too.  I was looking at it the other day trying to get a feel for how it will shake out.  There are a bunch of new guys that will be added and some guys like Steer that are going to jump up quite a bit.  I think we will see a lot of prospects where an argument could be made to rank them from 15-30.  It will be interesting.

[bunsen82]

1 minute ago, Major League Ready said:

Me too.  I was looking at it the other day trying to get a feel for how it will shake out.  There are a bunch of new guys that will be added and some guys like Steer that are going to jump up quite a bit.  I think we will see there are alot of prospects that could make an argument to be ranked anywhere for 15-30.  It will be interesting.

This is the first time in a long time where we can say we have a legit 40 prospects.  You have always had that one prospect that has gotten hot and outperformed, but I truly believe we are going 40 deep right now,  especially after the new draft.    This should give the organization more ammo for trades, but I am fully of the opinion when teams are doing well it is easier to teach and get everyone to buy in because they can see the results.  Currently we have better talent that is outworking their peers at most levels.  It is already starting to affect the big league team.  When you have a Palacios that can come up and fill in with great defense and an OK bat - that is excellent depth for 3rd or 4th option in your organization.   

[jmlease1]

Steer certainly didn't need an adjustment period! It's a reminder that sometimes when guys get locked in they're just going to keep on rolling. Good for him. Always fun to see a guy take the opportunity and run with it. It'll be interesting to see how high he can fly. His development speaks well of him, but also of the twins system: this was a 3rd round pick that a lot of people thought the twins might have reached on. Developing picks like that into legit MLB prospects is really important to sustain your pipeline of players.

SWR is a pitcher I really like, and the twins have handled him very well since trading for him. remember he was tossed in at AA at age 20 by Toronto after a lost year of development, and then had a screwy time between struggling to find his footing in AA and going to the Olympics (and not pitching). The twins did a good job in getting him reset last season and he's come into this season looking confident and strong. I'm hoping he keeps on like this and starts consistently getting deeper into games, but he's got his command back, he's missing bats, and he's keeping the ball in the park.

[Dman]

20 minutes ago, Vanimal46 said:

It’s time. Call him up. 

Yeah those are absolutely elite numbers.  Almost impossible to keep him down with those numbers.  Who is going get bumped to bring him up though?  Miranda seems like the only one that can be moved to make room and he has just started to hit at the MLB level himself and is kind of a nice right handed Sano replacement if he keeps hitting.,  Not sure what AK's splits are but Twins seem to need help against left handed pitching.

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, Cap'n Piranha said:

Steer is clearly passing Martin in prospect standing right now—Steer is only one year older, and is decidedly outperforming Martin, at a higher level.  The Twins might need to trade Martin for 50 cents on the dollar at the deadline.

You can't be serious. 

[Vanimal46]

1 hour ago, Dman said:

Yeah those are absolutely elite numbers.  Almost impossible to keep him down with those numbers.  Who is going get bumped to bring him up though?  Miranda seems like the only one that can be moved to make room and he has just started to hit at the MLB level himself and is kind of a nice right handed Sano replacement if he keeps hitting.,  Not sure what AK's splits are but Twins seem to need help against left handed pitching.

Now that Celestino is back to be the fill in at CF, I would send down Contreras for Kirilloff. Kirilloff playing mainly at 1B, occasionally filling in the corner OF. Arraez moves back to primary DH, filling in at 1B and 2B when Buxton needs to DH. 

[4twinsJA]

Twins shuffled batting coaches around in the system this year, seems to be working. There are plenty of bats to be excited about in the Twins system. Sabato even hit .300+ the past 2 weeks.

[RJA]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

You can't be serious. 

Honest question. I am curious what your take on Martin is.  I have watched a lot of his games on MiLB tv and he has not impressed me, either defensively or offensively.  Do you think there is more there, and if so, what do you think needs to be done to get him playing better and driving the ball more?  I admit I am beginning to question whether he is a top prospect.

[Seth Stohs]

4 hours ago, bunsen82 said:

Mooney is starting to look like a legit weapon.    10k's in 4 innings -  in relief.  I am not sure whether they are transitioning to relief work or just a piggy back start.  

The Kernels have been doing one piggyback game most weeks this season so far... 

[Seth Stohs]

1 hour ago, Vanimal46 said:

Now that Celestino is back to be the fill in at CF, I would send down Contreras for Kirilloff. Kirilloff playing mainly at 1B, occasionally filling in the corner OF. Arraez moves back to primary DH, filling in at 1B and 2B when Buxton needs to DH. 

They'll send Contreras down for Kepler... 

So when Kirilloff comes back, and then Lewis... there are going to be some really tough decisions. 

[Mike Sixel]

5 minutes ago, RJA said:

Honest question. I am curious what your take on Martin is.  I have watched a lot of his games on MiLB tv and he has not impressed me, either defensively or offensively.  Do you think there is more there, and if so, what do you think needs to be done to get him playing better and driving the ball more?  I admit I am beginning to question whether he is a top prospect.

He still hasn't played a full year in the minors. My take is that selling him for fifty cents on the dollar would be a firable offense. 

[bunsen82]

37 minutes ago, RJA said:

Honest question. I am curious what your take on Martin is.  I have watched a lot of his games on MiLB tv and he has not impressed me, either defensively or offensively.  Do you think there is more there, and if so, what do you think needs to be done to get him playing better and driving the ball more?  I admit I am beginning to question whether he is a top prospect.

Here is the best way to comp him,  He is Arreaz  with what will likely be more speed and better defense.  He is not impressing at SS as he has been a bit all over the place.  I think his OBP will be between .375 and .420 in the big leagues.  Essentially he would be a top 20 OBP machine if he were to come up to the big leagues now.  No offense but that plays anywhere.  I think he would be a top level left fielder for defense or utility infielder.   If he is not impressing you offensively its because your probably focused on home runs.  As to exciting plays he is up to 20 stolen bases.   The real question is should the Twins try to continue to focus on SS defense with him, which if he does figure it out becomes a much more valuable trade chip,  or backup for Lewis or whoever is our shortstop.   If he finds a little power he is a top 20 offensive talent in the big leagues, again that is rarified air right there.