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    chpettit19

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    tony&rodney

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Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 02/15/2023 in all areas

  1. chpettit19
    The context in which he put up those numbers is important. That BA was 15th in that league for hitters with 190+ PAs. As a 19 year old. Of the 14 guys with higher BAs, 10 of them were at least 21 years old. And for a little extra fun, the Twins now have Jose Salas in their system and he was 19th on that list of BA at the age of 19 as well. Those 9 HRs were 19th best in the league. And he played only 47 games. The lowest games played of anyone in the league with more was 56 by a 22 year old 3B (not 19 year old CFer like Rodriguez). And that guy had 2 more HRs. That guy (his name is Damiano Palmegiani) was the only player in the league to hit more HRs/game played than Rodriguez. If that's not impressive to you I don't know what to tell you. Well I guess I could tell you that Rodriguez lead the league in HRs/AB. And was 4th in extra base hits per AB. As a 19 year old, up the middle player. I guess that's where the hype comes from.
    18 points
  2. DJL44
    .272 is a fantastic batting average if you pair it with an isolated slugging of .280 and a great OBP. 17 XBH out of 37 hits
    18 points
  3. jishfish
    I mean in a pitcher-friendly league where only 18 players had double digit home runs over the full season, 9 home runs is still pretty impressive, especially when a majority of the players with more home runs had 150+ more plate appearances. Also, batting average is not the stat I would use to make an argument against this guy when he's walking at a 28% clip. First of all, .272 is still a top 15 batting average in the FSL, plus his OBP was like 80 points higher than any other player.
    17 points
  4. tony&rodney
    The Twins are not listening to any offers for any player with Emmanuel going the other way; don't worry. Also, the only player of any note that has been traded was Cade Povich, which was a fair deal. Steer, CES, and others may have major league careers but they were buried behind much better players in the Twins system. Falvey has been pretty cautious in trades thus far.
    17 points
  5. Dman
    Emmanual Rodriguez was quite the pleasant surprise last year. I mean you could see it coming to some degree as he had an .870 OPS in the FCL but that came with a hefty 37% K rate. The walk rate was good (15%) as well but at that time it looked like there might be a massive hole in his swing/contact issues. It wasn't completely surprising given he was just 18 years old having skipped the DSL due to Covid and starting in the FCL. He still put his name on the prospect map with those numbers but it usually takes a while to fix contact issues and sometimes they never get fixed (i.e. Keoni Cavaco). How did he get so good so fast? He dropped his K rate to 26% and increased his walk rate to 29%. So he took more walks than he struck out and that raised his OnBase percentage and IMO increased his BABIP because he waited for good pitches to hit and he made more contact. Interestingly his slugging wasn't all that different from the year before. His plate discipline turned him from a flawed batter to an elite batter. There is a long way to go with tougher changeups and curves to face but he is far ahead of players his age at this point. If he continues to rake at High A and makes AA this year he could have super star potential as I believe he has an elite hard hit rate right now and if he controls the zone and doesn't get himself out he is going to be tough for pitchers to get out. I see lot's more walks in this man's future. Law had him number 1 in his Twins top 30 list and I think he is worthy but would like to see one more elite season out of him before going there. Emmanual Rodriguez could be the difference making bat the Twins have been looking for since Justin Morneua.
    16 points
  6. Trov
    His walk rate is what everyone should be super excited about. At his age, to be willing to walk that much tells me a few things. One, he is not chasing many pitches overall, meaning he is not trying to do too much and at times gets himself out. Even if you do not strike out, chasing pitches will lead to bad at bats generally. It also shows me he has a plan of attack, and goes with that plan. Yes, he is facing much worse pitching at that level, breaking balls will not be as good, and more pitchers will rely on fastballs more. However, rarely will a guy who walks that much will suddenly lose that eye. I believe that if he can stay healthy we will see him up to AA this year, and knocking on the door in September or looking to break with team next year. If he can show near the same hitting ability with eye at plate at each level, do not be surprised if gets a late season call up. I know it was just a flash, but he has Juan Soto type to him. Decent power, but with elite eye at plate. I am not saying he will be Soto level, but I am super high on him.
    16 points
  7. ashbury
    I'll be keeping an eye on Kyle Farmer. He spent time on the Reds paternity list in 2021. In my experience, there's a chance for this to be a chronic condition that flares up every year or two.
    15 points
  8. mikelink45
    I would love to see him soar, but why do good Twins stories always end with an injury. Get well quick and rush up to the majors. Potentially this is Soto, Griffey kind of talent which means a quick rise to the majors if more injuries don't derail him. I might put him at number one on this list.
    13 points
  9. Dman
    You need to look beyond batting average to understand his impact last year. Batting average is great but not making outs is the name of the game. You only get three each inning so walks are important too. With Rodriguez's BA and Walks factored in he was on base 50% of the time. Every other time he came up he found his way on base so his batting average was essentially .500. No else in his league was close to that number. He played less than half the year so if you extrapolate out the 9 HR's he had we would have likely hit around 20 HR's if he played the whole year which is hard to do. A lot of his hits were doubles and HR's which have more value than singles and walks so his slugging was an elite .551. Add it all up and that is a 1.044 OPS which again is elite. Oh and he did that primarily against 21 and 22 year old's and he was only 19. The Cherry on top none of those older players out performed him. He will only be 20 next year and he still has time to hit that precious .300 average as he was only 19 last year, but the bigger thing is he has proven he has elite power, elite eye at the plate, probably a five tool player which is very hard to find as well. I wouldn't get stuck to much on just batting average as you will be selling lot's of players short.
    12 points
  10. John Bonnes
    More information about "Pitchers and Catchers Report (A Poem)"
    Four tiny words mean last season's over Pitchers and catchers report A tough year to watch, or remain sober Pitchers and catchers report A winter spent refreshing MLB rumors Praying that Falvey makes a big move or re-signs Correa? LOL! That’s good humor! Pitchers and catchers report A crowded rotation? No chance that’s true. Pitchers and catchers report No bad backs or elbows or bubonic flu? Pitchers and catchers report We’ll finally see pitching, for which we’ve waited Mahle & Lopez, Sonny, Maeda, Ryan & Ober (though he could get Sainted) Pitchers and catchers report Pico de Gallo adds power that pleases Pitchers and catchers report Plus K-rriffic swings that add cooling breezes Pitchers and catchers report We added a Farmer who fields everywhere Also a Taylor (for when Buxton’s not there) A new framing Christian will answer our prayers. Pitchers and catchers report. Finally you take your turn as poet Pitchers and catchers report Channel your winter frustration and show it Pitchers and catchers report The comments below are a great place to bleat Two tens and three ‘levens provide you the beat (But add words wherever, if like me you cheat). Pitchers and catchers report
    12 points
  11. jmlease1
    It's 199 plate appearances, not ABs. Dude only had 136 ABs because of the gazillion walks he took. 1 HR every 15.1 ABs is pretty dang good, especially in the FSL at 19. Over 500 ABs (he's never going to get 600 with a walk rate like that!) we're talking 30+ HRs. He also hit 5 doubles and 3 triples. The SLG is impressive, the OBP is other-worldly. Sucks that he picked up a knee injury sliding into a base, but at least it's the meniscus, which should be a much easier and faster rehab. I think he'll come back all the way on that one without much of an issue, but YNK. Can wait to see him at cedar rapids and what he can do.
    11 points
  12. Doctor Gast
    Had high hopes for E Rod when we got him and encouraged by '21 results but his '22 was amazing. Became deflated when he got injured, he could've sky rocketed through the minors with great #s. But he's still young & by his greatly improved plate discipline, it seems that he adjusts very quickly. It's very hard to qualify a prospect to be rank so high with so little sample size but IMO E Rod warrants it.
    11 points
  13. RJA
    This is the only kid in the system with true superstar potential, and the first since Buxton I would say (some would add Lewis but I don't think he showed as much early as this kid). I can't wait to see how he progresses. He is the number one minor league player I will be following this summer. Should be fun.
    10 points
  14. Major League Ready
    Since the beginning of last year .... The rotation is better with the addition of Pablo Lopez and we have great depth with Ober / Varland / SWR / Winder. The BP could be better to. Jorge Lopez / Alcala could make it a little better or a lot better. Those two need to be good. We are better at catcher. Kirilloff / Larnach also have the potential to improve the team over last year. I like the odds if they are healthy. We also have Lewis / Julien and perhaps Martin for depth on the position side. We won't be playing Cave and Contreras. Could be 80 and could be 90 wins.
    10 points
  15. Nick Nelson
    More information about "Twins Daily 2023 Top Prospects: #3 Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF"
    Age: 19 (DOB: 2/28/2003) 2022 Stats: (A): 199 PA, .272/.493/.552, 9 HR, 25 RBI ETA: 2025 2022 Ranking: 16 National Top 100 Rankings BA: 46 | MLB: 88 | ATH: 48 | BP: 42 What's To Like It's hard to properly explain just how special and stunning Emmanuel Rodriguez's performance was last year in the Florida State League. First, I'll try to set the stage a little bit. Rodriguez had just turned 19 before the start of the season, and had played a total of 37 professional games, all in 2021 at the rookie-level Florida Complex League. He had played pretty well there, showing a lot of power (.524 SLG) along with a lot of swing-and-miss (36% K-rate, .214 AVG). He was embarking upon his first full-season campaign in the Florida State League, always known for its pitcher-friendly conditions. (In 2022, FSL hitters posted a .687 OPS overall.) E-Rod was younger than the league's average by two years. He was facing more experienced, more advanced competition. Here's what he did, while playing a very solid center field: In 199 plate appearances, he hit five doubles, three triples, and nine homers with 11 steals, 52 strikeouts, and 57 walks. That last part is worth repeating: 52 K, 57 BB. He cut his problematic K-rate down to an acceptable range while also drawing walks at a truly staggering frequency. Fifty-seven walks (just one "intentional") in 199 plate appearances equates to a 28.6% BB rate. It's a figure so astronomically high it almost defies belief. Juan Soto led the majors at 20.3% last year. The freakish rate of free passes indicates that Rodriguez has quickly developed both an incredibly keen eye, and a reputation among pitchers as a feared slugger to avoid. He lived up to the latter billing when he got something to hit, slugging .552, and rode all those walks to a .493 on-base percentage. The lefty swinger had a .522 OBP against left-handed pitchers. Among players with 100+ PA in the FSL, no one was within 80 points of OPS to the teenaged CF Rodriguez, other than a 24-year-old 1B/DH named Jacob Gonzalez. Rodriguez's breakout season was cut dramatically short by a knee meniscus injury suffered in June, but evaluators have seen enough in the small sample to elevate him into the elite tier of prospects. All four nationals outlets above have the outfielder in their top 100, and three have him in their top 50. Baseball America called him "one of the strongest up-arrow candidates" on their list. "He might be a top-10 prospect in baseball by midseason if what we saw last spring holds up," observed The Athletic's Keith Law. It's not hard to see where the hype is coming from. And while you couldn't exactly say he came out of nowhere -- the Dominican scored a $2.75 million bonus at age 16 as one of the top talents in the 2019 international class -- he's definitely going somewhere. What's Left to Work On There is not a single thing you can quibble with in Rodriguez's brief flash of brilliance last year. Complete all-around dominance. But, that's all it was: a brief flash. Turning 20 later this month, he's got a very sparse track record – just 84 pro games – and a long road ahead to the major leagues. There are many possible paths forward for the high-upside, high-variance talent. The direction he'll try to steer clear of goes something like this: As he moves up and faces better pitchers (who can better command the strike zone), Rodriguez's patience gives way to passiveness and his K-rate climbs, while the walk rate drops precipitously. Meanwhile, he loses a step after the surgery and keeps adding bulk as he ages into his 20s, forcing a move to a corner outfield spot and raising the bar for his offensive impact. Even in this scenario, Rodriguez can still pan out as a pretty valuable player, because his power tool is outstanding and there's nothing wrong with a classic slugging right fielder who can run and throw. But if Rodriguez can come back healthy at High-A and keep remotely intact the robust skill set we saw on display over two spectacular months in Fort Myers ... he'll likely be viewed among the top prospects in all of baseball by this time next year, following the trajectory of a future MLB superstar. What's Next Prospect rankings tend to be all over the place, but there's a stark level of consensus surrounding Rodriguez and his current estimation from the evaluation community. While there was tremendous dissent regarding the top two spots on the list this year (as we'll soon explore), there was none about who should rank #3: all 10 people who voted on Twins Daily's list had Rodriguez here. Even as you zoom out to the national 100 prospect rankings, the level of consensus is pretty stunning for a player who was on none of these lists a year ago. Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus and The Athletic all have E-Rod ranked between 42nd and 48th overall. We're all seeing the same thing: a highly touted international talent who showed everything you could possibly want to see during an all-too-brief breakthrough in 2022. Now he needs to rebound from the injury, and put together a full season of work. From there, the sky is the limit. He might not necessarily be the best prospect in the Twins system, but Rodriguez is almost certainly the most exciting, with a ceiling that rivals any promising young player who's ever graced these rankings. Feel free to discuss E-Rod as a prospect and ask as many questions as you like in the COMMENTS below. Previous Installments Honorable Mention Prospects 21-30 Prospects 16-20 Prospects 11-15 Prospect #10: Austin Martin, SS Prospect #9: Louie Varland, RHP Prospect #8: Jose Salas, INF Prospect #7: Connor Prielipp, LHP Prospect #6: Simeon Woods Richardson, RHP Prospect #5: Edouard Julien, 2B Prospect #4: Marco Raya, RHP Prospect #3: Emmanuel Rodriguez, OF Prospect #2: Coming tomorrow!
    10 points
  16. Steve Lein
    If he played a full season at that HR rate he would have led the FSL in home runs. Then there are the facts that the FSL leader hit 20 home runs in 444 plate appearances, and was 3 years older (and had a K-rate of almost 40%). Among players with 100 or more plate appearances, Rodriguez's OPS led the league by a .170 points! The batting average of the entire league was .233... This is a weird way to characterize his 2022 stats.
    9 points
  17. Melissa
    Oh, my! I hope to see him in the high minors this year! Worth a trip to Cedar Rapids, or even better a 5- mile trip to watch the Saints!
    9 points
  18. wabene
    Don't forget Mahle was added last year as well. This team could be a lot better.
    9 points
  19. tony&rodney
    Health is the key for this team and there is a better than even chance that the team will be much better this summer simply because their best players are available more often. A few of the younger players should display the skills that have made their names familiar. I'm expecting the Twins to be improved at eight lineup spots and the depth is also better. The starting rotation and the bullpen should be better this summer as well. Finally, the front office has shown a willingness to improve the roster through trades, which may also be a possibility in July. Even if it is 85 wins, the team will be more interesting this season.
    8 points
  20. Mike Sixel
    Gotta have some guys with options in the bullpen, or gotta cut guys you just signed and are paying. It's easier/faster to send guys down than to cut guys you just signed. Plus it gives you flexibility for upcoming matchups. People really underestimate the value of guys with options compared to ok veterans.
    7 points
  21. nicksaviking
    When was the last time the Twins traded such an esteemed prospect? Let alone for a number three starter?
    7 points
  22. Nashvilletwin
    Anchored by Correa, Buxton, Vasquez, Ryan and Duran, a new golden age of Twins baseball could be fast approaching - if we can just keep all of our young talent (those still in the minors and those early in their majors careers) healthy and on trajectory. Sure we want to win in ‘23 - the FO has bet big that the theoretical starting rotation will lead the way. But if all Rocco and his staff really accomplished in this season was to ensure tangible, sustainable development into true above average or star major leaguers from the young talent they will/should coach this year (Miranda, Kiriloff, Larnach, Gordon, Jeffers, Lewis, Lee, Julien, Martin, Wallner, Ryan, Ober, Winder, SWR, Varland, Duran, Jax, Moran, and Alcala), we all should be pleased as punch. Can you just imagine this core with Rodriguez, Raya, Prielipp, Canterino, Salas, and Miller ready to join the mix in ‘25? Can you imagine the possibilities if our coaching staff actually turned out to be way above average at keeping player development going after reaching the majors? Things could get really interesting, fun and exciting around Twins Land pretty darn soon. I hope Rocco and his staff are up to their part of the plan.
    7 points
  23. tony&rodney
    The off the charts walk rate, a big improvement in his K rate, and his powerful quick swing put Emmanuel on the fast track. He, like all, must show those skills at the next levels now. The very best rise through the minor leagues quickly. E. Rodriguez will have everyone's attention this summer, especially opposing pitchers. I was curious whether the A, A+, and AA leagues had any plans to use the automated strike zone.
    7 points
  24. Nine of twelve
    It bears repeating: There are two seasons to every year--baseball season and waiting for baseball season. Welcome to the former and goodbye to the latter.
    7 points
  25. Major League Ready
    I hated the Saboto pick. A 1 tool guy in the first round makes no sense. Granted it was very late 1st but the Dodgers identified a high upside pitcher 2 picks later when they took Bobby Miller. He is now their #2 rated prospect and he will be at the ML level soon. He has a 70 grade FB / 60 Slider / 60 Changeup / 55 Curve. Taking him instead of Saboto would have made that draft a huge success.
    7 points
  26. Lou Hennessy
    With high expectations they raised the floor Pitchers and catchers report Our minds were blown with a little C4 Pitchers and catchers report So come as my guest, there's no need to thank me It's time to dust off that old Homer Hanky At least we're not the answer to "where Frankie?" Pitchers and catchers report!
    6 points
  27. Mike Sixel
    If you aren't excited by the possibilities here, I got no idea why you like baseball. This guy is a legit possible star.
    6 points
  28. jmlease1
    Huzzah, a new year has begun and hope reigns eternal! (but not for some people at Twins Daily who prefer to look for the downsides) I'd much rather look at the possibilities for goodness in this squad, especially because it's far too late for any kind of drastic revision. There are some exciting young players who will be getting their chance to show they can stick in MLB, prove they can stay healthy for a full season, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing Kirilloff and Larnach, and hope they can stay healthy. i think it's the only thing holding either of them back. I'm looking forward to seeing how Nick Gordon fits on this roster (a little super utility where he plays occasionally at 2B/3B/LF/RF?) and whether he can improve his hitting another notch, now that his health problems seem to be resolved. I can't wait to see how Miranda does locked in at a primary position and with a year of MLB under his belt. Did he get better in the off-season, or will there be a sophomore slump? Can Jeffers get right and be a real asset in the batters box and not just behind the plate? I'm excited about our veterans in the field: Polanco is an all-star caliber player, Correa and Buxton are MVP talents, and Vazquez bring real steadiness behind the plate. (I'll admit to not being excited about Kepler, who I feel may have already peaked or Gallo who wasn't where I wanted them to go with an OF signing. but I'm rooting for them both!) Michael A. Taylor is a highlight reel waiting to happen in the OF. It's the deepest rotation we've seen in a long time; I can't recall the last time I looked at a Twins roster and thought, "hey even if someone tweaks a hammy in Spring Training...we're good!" I'm a huge Joe Ryan fan: I love watching him pitch. he might not be the best starter on the roster (but then again he could be!), but for me he's the most fun to watch. I'm excited to see what Pablo Lopez brings to the table; he's got serious talent and had a great first half last season. It's great to have Kenta Maeda back. he was great during the pandemic-shortened year, so I'm hoping he's all the way back and ready to roll. We didn't really get to see what Mahle can do, and I wanna see it. Gray is steady as anyone. the bullpen has lightning in it with Duran, who is crazy good. I adore Moran's change-up and how silly it makes guys look. Maybe I'm wrong about Pagan! (I want to be wrong about Pagan?) I think Lopez will be good now that he gets to settle in. there's loads of things to be excited about with this team. I'm exciting about the start of the season and I can't wait to see how they do. yes, there are questions. yes, there are injury concerns. But none of them mean the worst case scenario has to happen. The best case scenario could happen too, and Spring Training is the time to look for the good and enjoy the fact that baseball is coming back to us and that right soon. Go, Twins!
    6 points
  29. arby58
    Not a chance - he is untouchable. Comparisons with Mike Trout if he tears up high-A (Trout played at Cedar Rapids at 18) wouldn't be out of place.
    6 points
  30. Doctor Gast
    We added a Farmer who fields everywhere Also a Taylor to sew up our wares (wears)A new framing Christian will answer our prayers. Everyone's a critic!
    6 points
  31. chpettit19
    I think it matters if he gets a minor league or major league contract. A minor league contract means he isn't on the 40-man until they decide he's the best option and call him up. If he signs a major league deal he's automatically on the 26-man or playing the waive and wait game if they want to send him down early. Those open 40-man spots are useful and shouldn't be given to someone who may not be good enough to be on the 26-man on opening day. Especially if they don't have any options. Guys will get waived during the spring and having open 40-man spots to take a shot at someone much younger than Hand is a better use of those spots, in my opinion.
    5 points
  32. ashbury
    This is the time when to Ft Myers we turn. Jeffers and Ryan: report! Who's in great shape? We soon hope to learn. Vázquez and Durán: report! Greiner and Mahle, Wolters and López, Bañuelos and Ober, Cisco and López, Raise up that gonfalon, sign one more López! Catchers and pitchers: report!
    5 points
  33. nicksaviking
    Exactly, all three of whom can be swapped back to St. Paul if the actual need for a third lefty arises.
    5 points
  34. Seth Stohs
    Pitchers and Catchers Report Version 2.m4a The audio version... I just had to try it. Pitchers and Catchers Report. I'm not very good. I just won't deny it. Pitchers and Catchers Report. Gotta admit, I wish I was there. Grass that is green and the sun on my hair. (or lack thereof) Oh Scotty, please help me and Beam Me down there. Pitchers and Catchers Report.
    5 points
  35. DJL44
    I don't think people realize that average batters hit .230 now.
    5 points
  36. puckstopper1
    While the others are important to have healthy and contributing, to me is begins and ends with Buxton. What a healthy Buxton brings to this team in terms of offense and defense is enormous. He could be a top 5 WAR player IF he can stay healthy.
    5 points
  37. Bigfork Twins Guy
    I'm happy to finally see the off season end and ST start. I think that the FO did an admirable job putting together the 2023 team while not negatively impacting future years. Let's PLAY BALL!
    5 points
  38. TwinsDr2021
    A 19 year old kid with a 1045 OPS is very impressive at any level.
    5 points
  39. miracleb
    Go easy on Twinsfan02! He admitted he didn't understand! :)
    5 points
  40. Ricky Vaughn
    Going to get to Cedar Rapids early this year before he is gone.
    5 points
  41. jmlease1
    Right. It's also important to note that you don't need to throw a change-up at all to be a successful MLB starter. If you have three pitches that are all above average, you don't need to throw a change-up just to throw a change. Fastball-slider/curveball-cutter is a pitch mix that will do just fine in keeping hitters off balance. You're still changing speeds within that, it's just different. I'd rather have someone throwing Raya's mix with command and comfort than lobbing in meatball changeups and hoping the hitter gets fooled.
    5 points
  42. nicksaviking
    No depth? Go Winder, Varland, SWR, Sands, Headrick, Stashak, Coulombe, Balazovic, Funderburk, Bentley, Cabezas, Gross, Enlow, Legumina, Lawyerson, Sammons, Schuffler, Scherff. Ober or which ever other starter is left out of the rotation. I think you're confused about the process, you don't have to "cut" any of these guys, if they mess up you can send them back to St. Paul. Even after one outing. ESPECIALLY after one outing. You really think they'll pull the plug on Brad Hand after a few bad outings? They won't. They won't pull the plug on him after five bad outings. Maybe not even 10. You seriously think Hand will be better than ALL of those guys listed? It never works that way. The guy has lost the ability to miss bats and he's lost the ability to avoid walks. Who wants a smoke and mirrors guy in the pen? Who wants a guy who's making the infielders get all of his outs for him when the game is on the line? With no shift allowed? People need to stop thinking veterans are better than unknown rookies. If they were, they probably would still have jobs with their current clubs, and they certainly wouldn't still be free agents when Spring Training opens. And you know what, if the rookies aren't cutting it, they can get a reliever 5x better than Hand by dealing a guy like Legumina. Like they did last year when they traded Gipson-Long for Michael Fulmer.
    4 points
  43. mnfireman
    The biggest injury concern for me is Buxton, though having Taylor on the roster may alleviate the issue a little. Over the course of his career, the team's winning percentage is .548 in games he plays in, 89 wins per season, including 48-44, .521, last year. In games he starts, the team's winning percentage is .537 for his career, 87 wins per season, including 47-39, .546, last year. Having him in the line-up for 140+ games this year is a must for this team to succeed.
    4 points
  44. LastOnePicked
    Many Twins fans predict a late season clinch Pitchers and catchers report But all of this hype sounds like Whos to a Grinch. Pitchers and catchers report Stow all your hope talk because I'm not budgin' I'll firmly remain a Twins Fan Curmudgeon! Pitchers and catchers report. Nah, I have a little hope for this season. A little. Don't tell anyone.
    4 points
  45. jmlease1
    agree 100%. If Gordon can be passable at 3b, then he becomes an option for if Miranda needs a day off or if there's a particularly nasty RHP coming up, etc. the more positional flexibility Gordon has, the better off he is, and the better off the Twins are in maximizing the utility of their bench. I don't think he'll be a pick to be a regular at 3B. Ever. I think if Miranda goes to the IL for any length of time, they will call up Julien, or Martin, or Lee (or possibly Lewis, depending on where we are in the season) and manage time at 3B primarily with the call-up and/or Farmer. But as a LH bat option off the bench who could slide in at 3B if needed...that would be helpful. I would also test Gordon at 3B in Spring Training. We know he can play LF. He can be the emergency backup in CF. He's not going to be good defensively in the infield, but if he can be not-awful then it opens up options even for pinch-hitting. He's out of options, he's got a decent hit tool that's improved now that he's finally got his health in order (that gastro-intestinal stuff was pretty rough on him) that makes him a useful player, especially if he can pass at as many positions as possible.
    4 points
  46. Squirrel
    Can’t wait! I’ll be there next week, yippee!
    4 points
  47. Ted Schwerzler
    More information about "Minnesota Twins Pitchers and Catchers Report: An Offseason Summary"
    For the Minnesota Twins, 2023 represents an opportunity to right the ship. Rocco Baldelli got off to a great start in his managerial career, but since the 2019 Bomba Squad, things haven’t been the same. Despite a postseason berth in 2020, the Twins have missed playoff baseball each of the past two years. This roster looks the part of being the best we’ve seen in some time, and the front office now wants to see it matter on the field. While we are still a bit away from seeing the Twins in game action, there is plenty to catch up on from the offseason. Who’s Out From the Opening Day roster last year, just 14 players currently remain in the system. Notably, starting catcher Gary Sanchez is gone, and so too are starting infielders Luis Arraez and Gio Urshela. Minnesota flipped the arbitration-eligible Urshela to the Los Angeles Angels for prospect Alejandro Hidalgo, while Arraez’s departure brought in Jorge Lopez (along with Jose Salas and Byron Chourio). The rotation will no longer see Dylan Bundy or Chris Archer among it, and longstanding organizational piece Miguel Sano remains unemployed at the moment. For Minnesota, this roster is one of renewed belief. Although Arraez was beloved by fans, his deal brought in much-needed pitching help. It will be weird to see Sano in a different uniform if and when he ever surfaces again, but not being in the organization has removed a vein for storylines. The rotation a season ago was largely pieced together, and with both departures for the Twins still being unemployed, it’s not shocking that the new group shows more promise. Who’s In Most importantly, Carlos Correa is back. Although it took some weird twists and turns to happen, Correa is with the organization at least for another six years, meaning that his deal lines up perfectly with Byron Buxton’s. A true superstar shortstop, Twins fans could watch C4 trend towards an eventual Hall of Fame enshrinement due to his exploits in the new Minnesota threads. The shortstop is also joined by a new backstop in Christian Vazquez. He is expected to start the bulk of Minnesota’s games, and will push Ryan Jeffers into more of a reserve role than he saw a season ago. The outfield grabbed an addition in Joey Gallo, and while he’ll need to bounce back from a down season with the Dodgers and Yankees, he adds defensive talent that could make Minnesota’s outfield the best in baseball. The rotation brings back Kenta Maeda at 100% after missing last season due to Tommy John surgery, and the aforementioned Lopez should be expected to contribute in a big way as well. The bullpen has largely gone unaddressed, but that could be an area Minnesota looks to tweak before Opening Day. Kyle Farmer was added as a fallback option, and now immediately slots in as a high-level utility player. What Are We Watching For This season is one for the youth. Jose Miranda is going to start at the hot corner and be expected to contribute immediately. Plenty of promise has followed Alex Kirilloff, and it’s up to his wrist as to whether he can be the regular at first base. Trevor Larnach has looked the part of a true impact bat, but injuries have kept him off the field. He was solid in left field last season, but will need to show he can remain healthy. That was the major downfall last year, health, and Nick Paparesta’s addition to the organization can hopefully make a quiet impact. Seeing the likes of Buxton, Tyler Mahle, Jeffers, Jorge Polanco, and any number of other players remain available should only enhance Minnesota’s chances. Which Twins player will breakout in 2023? We have seen Louie Varland win the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year each of the past two seasons (2021, 2022). Royce Lewis made his big league debut in 2022 and should be back this summer. Simeon Woods Richardson showed up for one start at the end of the year as well. Does Austin Martin or Brooks Lee get the call? Maybe David Festa forces his way into big league action. Although the Twins may not have the top end talent of some other organizations, their prospect depth is plenty exciting. Many of Minnesota’s regulars will remain in camp with the organization. There are a few others that will play for their native countries in the World Baseball Classic this spring. Checking out a few of them in action during more meaningful games could give fans a glimpse of how ready they are for the regular season to start. With Cleveland having made just minor upgrades in Josh Bell and Mike Zunino, their top spot is ripe for the picking. Andrew Benintendi is a nice get for Chicago, but expecting Mike Clevinger to contribute there any time soon isn’t a good bet. The division is again right there for the taking, and it starts this week.
    4 points
  48. DocBauer
    OK, I'll bite after reading everyone's opinion. I absolutely agree Gordon still has to prove he can adapt to swing issues and his BABIP numbers. I've been a supporter of his previously, and his 2021 and 2022 numbers indicate patience, opportunity, and continued development seemed to turn him in to a nice utility option. It was his nature to do the same thing in milb, start slow, and then adapt and produce better. He's done the same thing in his 1st 2 ML seasons. SUSTAINABILITY is a question we don't know until 2023 actually gets underway. Not sure that can be doubted by anyone. And despite Gordon being drafted as a top SS prospect, for whatever reason(s), he's clearly better as an OF with the ability to cover SS/2B here and there without embarrassing himself. And frankly, unless his bat/offense grows/maintains, I'm not sure how long he remains a Twin simply due to the number of options in the INF and OF available and arriving to a ballpark near you soon. That's up to Gordon. But I have to admit I see the logic in Ted's OP. Despite having virtually ZERO experience at the milb or ML level at 3B, Gordon does have a vast number of games played in the INF. Theoretically, he has the speed, quickness, and athleticism at 3B to just "get in front of the damn ball" and then make a throw with an arm that is still debatable, IMO. And just fielding the ball is #1. He is NO ANSWER to 3B in any manner. And I don't think Ted is saying that. I believe what's been said here is: if he continues to show he can hit RHP, and can cover 3B OK, shouldn't he be considered as an option if Miranda needs a day off or has a IL stint where he and Farmer can cover the spot for a week or so? I'd argue that Julien, on the 40 man, would be brought up if there was an actual IL stint. But I'd also argue that it would be smart to actually play Gordon at 3B in ST to just SEE if he could handle it. I have no doubt Farmer is the better defender. And I'm not of the belief Gordon has any future at the spot. But I'm also of the belief you try to maximize your roster to the greatest extent that you can. So yeah, I'd toss Gordon out at 3B in ST to just see if he can play it to any acceptable level. And if he can, and if he actually continues to hit and make a few things happen offensively, then I have another way to adjust my roster on a daily basis. A lot of IF's with Gordon to be sure, including this idea. But why not see if you can find a way to maximize your 13 man player roster in a new way? Isn't part of ST just seeing what you have?
    4 points
  49. Hoze
    I wonder about Law's confidence level on Raya not having a plus 3rd pitch.. Fwiw @Data_prospects (Twitter) had a 8/23 report on Raya and posted the following on his secondaries: Slider: "His slider is filthy also. The pitch is thrown with a very workable velocity in the mid 80s (average velocity of 83.7 mph). The movement here is lights out, getting 3.5” of lift on the pitch along with 13” of sweep. Despite throwing the pitch in the zone 56.3%, he is still getting strikes almost 80% of the time he throws the slider. He is also able to limit hard contact significantly better with the slider than with the fastball. I would give the pitch a 60 grade" Cutter: "He has also thrown a Cutter in the high 80s/low 90s, which has been outstanding for him so far. The pitch gets 8.5” of lift and 8.3” of glove side movement on average and has drawn a Whiff% of 48% and has held hitters to a xwOBA of .127 on the offering. Going to go out on a limb and calling it a 70. If you don’t like it, sue me." Curve: "While the slider might be filthy, I don’t think it’s his best breaking ball. Though he has only thrown it 80 times, his curveball is one of the best in the minors. Velocity is a non-issue again, sitting at 80mph and running up to 84mph. The movement profile is gaudy, posting an astounding 56.9” of depth on average and 10” of sweep. According to statcast, there are just 3 qualified major league pitchers who throw curveballs with >55” of depth and >80mph on average. The list is: Carlos Rodon, Dylan Cease, Joe Musgrove. Raya has held hitters to an impressive .221 xwOBA on the pitch and has posted a Whiff% of 34%, I’ll play it cool and 60 it for now but I’d bump it to a 70 if he throws it more."
    4 points
  50. Nashvilletwin
    Raya - love his stuff and development since being drafted. Let’s just hope he stays healthy and on or above his projected trajectory. Think about it - by this time next year, the Twins could have three (Rodriguez, Raya, and Prielipp) consensus top 100, if not top 50, prospects looking to join the big club full-time in ‘25. Remarkably for the Twins, two of the three are pitchers. Btw, the list excludes anyone we draft this season (@#5) and three additional top 100 prospects who should “graduate” to the Show late this season - Lewis, Lee and Julien (possibly four if Martin is included after a solid early ‘23 campaign). That ain’t too shabby. Hope it all works out that way.
    4 points
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