You can view the page at http://twinsdaily.com/content.php?r=1790-25-Minnesota-Twins-Drafts-in-25-Days-2004

Just awful. this is why they don't have a good team right now. Just awful.

Just awful. this is why they don't have a good team right now. Just awful.

 

I know I am still somewhat new to blogging, but I didn't think I was the cause for all the Twins' struggles. Maybe some of them, but not all of them.

good one.....your blogs have been great, actually. Love the format, love the work, really, one of my favorite parts of the site. You should get more likes and compliments....

good one.....your blogs have been great, actually. Love the format, love the work, really, one of my favorite parts of the site. You should get more likes and compliments....

 

Thanks, that is very kind! I am just happy that people are reading them.

Edited May 29, 201313 yr by Brad Swanson

Brad, these are great reads. I love the undertone of wit and humor. Good stuff. Also, I used to analyze old drafts 5-7 years later like it was my job...total nerdiness but as you know, super interesting!

These are fun to read, thanks!

 

It was a big draft for them, and to no surprise, injury definitely has had an impact... Pitchers get hurt. That's just the way it is. If a pitcher doesn't get hurt, that's the anomaly.

 

Perkins has certainly turned out pretty well.

Plouffe needs to break out to make it a great pick, but he's been able to get some good service time.

Waldrop got hurt. That derailed what had started out as a very impressive career. He pitched well out of the AAA bullpen after that, but wasn't given many innings with the Twins. Hopefully he gets a shot with the Pirates!

Swarzak has been pretty solid in his long-relief role. The starting thing certainly didn't work, but in his role, he's been solid as well.

Rainville is kind of the sad one. He got hurt, then never really recovered. I believe he is now a cop. This guy was really good in those lower levels before the injury. He had some good stuff.

Fox got hurt pretty much right away and just slowly moved up, and did well. He got that one start with the Twins against the Rangers and was really good. Then he was DFAd. He just signed with the Mets.

Morlan was a high-ceiling type who I had hopes for.

 

In other words, they only have one impact player from the draft (Perkins). Swarzak and Plouffe have had roles. Waldrop and Fox had cups of coffee.

 

Not a great draft, but not terrible either.

And, I know people like to minimize the value of a utility infielder, but Tolbert as a later-round pick to be on the roster in that role for a couple of years is pretty nice too.

Thanks guys, I definitely appreciate the kind feedback!

 

I tend to think that any draft pick getting to the Majors is a success, even Adam Johnson types. Baseball players are so prone to injury and one injury changes everything. I try to mention that all of these players are amazing athletes and baseball players at least every third recap or so, just to remind myself.

 

Wasn't Jay Rainville a big-time hockey prospect too? I vaguely remember him being an even better NHL prospect. Could be wrong. It's always great to get additional information on these guys.

Injuries have killed this pitching staff, Seth is right about this.

I'm still confused as to why the Twins chose not to draft Trevor Plouffe as a Pitcher.