2016 Roster Projections: The Outfielders (Part 2)

Of course, next week, we’ll consider the pitchers. But first, let’s finish the roster projections for hitters.

Ft. Myers Miracle

Zach Granite was the Twins 14th-round pick in 2013. After playing just 25 games in 2014, he came back strong in 2016. He dominated in a month in Cedar Rapids before moving up to Ft. Myers. Granite is 6-1 and 175 pounds and speed is his game. He could be an ideal top-of-order hitter as he has a good approach and understands who he is as a hitter. (Learn more about Zach Granite here)

Tanner English was the Twins 11th-round pick in 2014 out of South Carolina. He got off to a slow start, but he really came on strong at the end. Not tall, English is strong and has some pop in his bat. He has very good speed on the bases and especially covering ground in center field. (Learn more about Tanner English here)

Edgar Corcino was a draft pick of the Tigers way back in 2009. In 2012, he played in the rookie leagues, the Midwest League, the Florida State League and even a couple of games in AAA, but he was let go and went the independent baseball route the last couple of seasons. He works out with his good friend JO Berrios and the Twins signed him last winter. He began in extended spring, but came up to Cedar Rapids and hit in the middle of their lineup. He plays good defense at all three spots. He’s still just 23. (Learn more about Edgar Corcino here)

Max Murphy made a strong impression in his pro debut after being selected in the 9th round in 2014 out of Bradley. He dominated the Appy League in half of a season and was named the league’s MVP despite being called up with a month of season to play. He moved up to Cedar Rapids. Unfortunately, that is where he spent the entire 2015 season. At 5-11 and 195 pounds, Murphy is capable of producing good power. (Learn more about Max Murphy here)

Zack Larson is was the Twins 20th-round pick in the 2012 draft. The Twins happily signed him for above slot. He hit very well in the rookie leagues in 2013 and started well with the Kernels in 2014 before hamstring problems curtailed his season. He returned to Cedar Rapids and struggled mightily with the bat. He was 16-17 in stolen base attempts. (This story on Zack Larson is remarkable!)

Cedar Rapids Kernels

LaMonte Wade was the Twins ninth-round pick in 2015 out of Maryland. With the E-Twins, he hit .312/.428/.506 (.934). When they were eliminated from playoff contention, Wade moved up and started for the Kernels in their playoff run. The 22-year-old has a tremendous eye at the plate and good pop. (Get to know LaMonte Wade here)

Likewise, Chris Paul moved up to Cedar Rapids late in the season and started for the Kernels in the playoffs. He was the team’s sixth-round pick in 2015 out of California. He plays the corner outfield positions as well as first base.

Daniel Kihle was the Twins 18th round pick in 2015 out of Wichita State. He debuted in Elizabethton by hitting .273/.404/.392 (.796) with seven doubles, two triples and two homers. He’ll be 22 throughout the 2016 season. (Get to know Daniel Kihle here)

Austin Diemer spent the first half of the 2015 season in extended spring training. He got called up to the Kernels and played most every day. Known for his speed and defense, Diemer hit a big home run in the Kernels run to the Midwest League championship series. The 22-year-old was the Twins 28th round pick in 2014 out of Cal State Fullerton.

Drafted in the 21st round last year Cal State Dominguez Hills, Kamran Young debuted in the Appalachian League last year. He hit .219/.301/.339 (.640) with seven doubles, two triples and four homers. After four years of college, he will be 23 throughout the 2016 season.

Extended Spring Training

Roberto Gonzalez was the Twins 15th-round pick in 2014 out of high school in Orlando. That summer, he broke his kneecap which delayed the start of his 2015 season. When healthy, he has speed, some power, good defense and a strong arm. (Get to know Roberto Gonzalez here)

Tyree Davis was signed Straight Outta Compton as the Twins 37th-round pick in 2014. He signed and has spent the two seasons in the GCL where he has unfortunately been hurt. His 2015 season came to an end early with a shoulder injury. He has great speed. He has a nice line drive swing from both sides of the plate. Could develop some power. Very good defense in centerfield. (Learn more about Davis here.)

Jaylin Davis was the Twins 24th-round pick in 2015 out of Appalachian State. A tremendous athlete, he missed most of his final college season due to a torn shoulder labrum. He’s been rehabbing in Ft. Myers since signing. He has power potential and good speed. He can be a good outfielder though his recovery from surgery will affect his arm in the short-term.

Christian Cavaness went undrafted last year after an All-American season at Lindenwood University Belleville (in Illinois). He went to play in a wood bat summer league in Oregon when the Twins signed him as an undrafted free agent. The 21-year-old went to the GCL where he hit .333/.429/.556 (.984). He finished the season with four games in Elizabethton. He is a candidate to go to Cedar Rapids as well.

Rowan Ebersohn signed with the Twins out of South Africa in July of 2014. He came to the States this year. Very raw, he hit .193 in his debut in the GCL. He’ll likely remain in the GCL in 2016. (Get to know Rowan Ebersohn.)

Luis Martinez came to the States after a season in the DSL. He hit just .140, but he is a good athlete who plays very good outfield defense. He’ll also likely return to the GCL.

SUMMARY

On Wednesday, we learned about the Twins outfielders in the big leagues, AAA and AA (projected). Today, we covered the outfielders that could start the season in Ft. Myers, Cedar Rapids or in Extended Spring Training.

While the big names are in the upper levels, there are some players with real good potential in these lower levels too.

Outfield Prospect Rankings:

• Byron Buxton
  
• Max Kepler
  
• Adam Brett Walker
  
• Travis Harrison
  
• LaMonte Wade
  

Next week, we’ll continue to make our roster projections by looking at the pitching depth, from big league to the extended spring training rosters. Feel free to discuss and ask questions.