Official Twins Daily Day Two Draft Thread

This is a great article at Baseball America, about ten great players in the draft still around for Round 3. Most of these would be tough to sign, and some (Hooper) very tough, but I'd love to see the Twins pick one of them in the fifth pick of the 3rd round:

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/2015-draft-best-remaining-prospects-day-two/

 

I think I read somewhere that the Twins consider their minor league system relatively "full" and that they didn't plan to take a player in quite a few rounds. Hopefully that will free up a bit of extra cash to sign one or two higher-upside players.

 

They'll take players in every round. They just won't sign as many between rounds 20 and 40. It won't have any impact on the money, because they'll still sign their first 10 picks. You just might see them taking organizational need-type players earlier. 

Hoping Twins take a chance on arguably the best closer in NCAA history, UCLA relief pitcher David Berg, at some point in the draft.

 

He is a senior who was drafted last year in the 17th round and simply dominated the competition after walking on at UCLA his freshmen year.

 

Great article on him below

 

http://www.d1baseball.com/features/golden-spikes-spotlight-david-berg/

Getting #73 correct requires good insight and sources. Kudos.

Hope the Twins focus on high upside guys that have either fallen due to injury, size, performance, or signing concerns. I only feel this way because we actually have a decent system at the moment, so swinging and missing isn't as detrimental than otherwise would be, and the upside is pretty self explanatory.

 

I guess you could say they have gone that route with their fist two picks already, so I hope it continues. I do think Jay brings a lot of questions and concerns, but I still like the pick, even if he flames out as a starter while sitting in the low 90's. If he does translate as a starter and is able to only lose a tick of velocity, it will have been worth the risk.

Prediction:

Round 3 (80) Austin Rei, C , Washington

Prediction:

Round 3 (80) Michael Matuella, RHP, Duke

I would go with Matuella if he is available, but he might be a tough sign. I would also consider Donny Everett or Alonzo Jones, but they are committed to Vanderbilt. Blake Trahan would probably be the most likely to sign, and he is a good shortstop, plus I know the Twins like him.

I would go with Mark Derosa Jr for the 5th round pick

 

Prediction:

Round 3 (80) Austin Rei, C , Washington

 

Prediction:

Round 3 (80) Michael Matuella, RHP, Duke

I would be happy with either of those picks

I'm kind of hoping for a lot of prep guys today. 

I'm kind of hoping for a lot of prep guys today.

My thought also.

 

I would go with Matuella if he is available, but he might be a tough sign. I would also consider Donny Everett or Alonzo Jones, but they are committed to Vanderbilt. Blake Trahan would probably be the most likely to sign, and he is a good shortstop, plus I know the Twins like him.

 

I'd be happy with Trahan and Matuella, though I think I would pass on the others due to signability. I am hoping for Nix, but think the Twins might target more position players with Jay and Cody already brought in the fold.

Taylor Clarke and Javier Medina are gone.

Rangers pick Matuella.

All pitchers so far.

Astros pick Riley Ferrell.

Travis Blakenhorn.

Blankenhorn write up on mlb.com - A left-handed-hitting infielder from eastern Pennsylvania, Blankenhorn had a very good summer on the showcase circuit, playing well at both the East Coast Pro Showcase in Syracuse and the Metropolitan Baseball Classic held at Citi Field in New York. That performance didn't carry over at first to this spring, but he started coming on strong as the spring wore on.

Strong and athletic, Blankenhorn has a solid left-handed swing and a good approach at the plate. There is some raw power to tap into from his frame, though he'll have to make sure he doesn't get too stiff and muscle-bound. A shortstop in high school, he'll likely move to an infield corner, where his above-average arm and solid hands should play well.

Whether Blankenhorn can profile as an everyday corner infielder remains to be seen, but those who see his plus makeup and work ethic won't want to count him out.

Anybody know anything about Blankenhorn? I've never heard of him before.

Tools

Running Speed: 55/60
Arm Strength: 55/65
Hitting for Average: 40/55
Hitting for Power: 40/60
Fielding: 45/65

 

Seems like he can have some pop.

Also he is committed to Kentucky, but I imagine he won't be a super tough sign.

Why does he draw Alex Gordon comps?

 

Well.......my 4th and 5th Rd picks have already been chosen, I had Hudson in the 4th , and Eshelman in the 5th, and he went really early pick 46. my next pick Rd 6: I had Ryan Karstetter 3B, well they just basically chose one in Blankenhorn, so i am sure i will get that one wrong, not that I expected to get any correct LOL

Those numbers seem a bit high. Where did you get them from?

 

Tools

Running Speed: 55/60
Arm Strength: 55/65
Hitting for Average: 40/55
Hitting for Power: 40/60
Fielding: 45/65

 

Seems like he can have some pop.

 

My guess is that the Twins will take a lot of position players today.  We have some good pitchers at most levels but, outside of Gordon, not a lot of exciting bats below AA. 

 

Why does he draw Alex Gordon comps?

 

 

According to Perfect Game: It's his "tool package, physical appearance and overall sports background."

His high school baseball coach calls him "the total package".

Just a heads up: I probably won't be posting much in the comments, instead I'll be adding information up top as it comes in.

Oriomoyle, Bolt, and Sands are players I would like.