Cody's Top 30 Twins Prospects: Part 1 (21-30)

There is a ton of work that goes into the creation of this book. I don't know if we could create this without the help and push from the other writers involved. Besides profiles of all of the prospects in the Twins system and articles on topics from across the baseball world, one of the best sections of the book are our Top 30 Prospect Lists.

Over the next few days, I will be counting down my Top 30. I have some differences with the other authors but that's what makes this fun. To see their Top 30's, you're going to have to pick up a copy for yourself.

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30 – Brett Lee – LHP – Ft. Myers Miracle

2014 Stats: 10-5, 2.45 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 106.1 IP, 33 BB, 54 K

Lee pitched all of 2014 for the Fort Myers Miracle. His strikeout rate is terrible and he will need to improve in this area if he is going to find any sort of success in the higher levels of the minors. Saying that, he was able to limit runs scored against him and he posted career best marks in wins and ERA.

29 – Jason Wheeler – LHP – Ft. Myers Miracle, New Britain Rock Cats, Rochester Red Wings

2014 Stats: 11-9, 2.67 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 158.1 IP, 37 BB, 115 K

Wheeler had arguably the best professional season of his career as he cruised through three different levels and finished the year at Triple A. He fits the mold of pitching to contact as he throws a lot of strikes and doesn't strike out a ton of batters. Wheeler's impressive season was rewarded as he was added to the 40-man roster so there's a chance he could debut in 2015.

28 – Fernando Romero – RHP – Cedar Rapids Kernels

2014 Stats: 0-0, 3.00 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 12.0 IP, 5 BB, 9 K

Romero was three years younger than the competition in the Midwest League. He was limited to three starts after tearing his UCL at the end of June. He underwent Tommy John surgery and will likely miss almost all of next season. He threw hard before Tommy John surgery so he could move through the system quickly if he can get back to his previous level.

27 – J.R. Graham – RHP – Mississippi Braves

2014 Stats: 1-5, 5.55 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 71.1 IP, 26 BB, 50 K

The Twins just selected Graham in the Rule 5 draft so there is a chance that he's back with the Braves organization before the season starts. He spent time as a starter and a reliever. His strikeout rate has dropped in recent years. For him to stay with the Twins, he will have to fill a bullpen role for the entire 2014 campaign.

26 – Engelb Vielma – SS – Cedar Rapids Kernels

2014 Stats: .266/.313/.323, 13-2B, 4-3B, 1 HR, 33 RBI

Vielma made some huge strides in the jump from rookie ball to a full season league. He got on base over 31% of the time and his batting average increased by 32 points. Vielma's biggest strength might be his defensive ability and his fielding percentage jumped 42 points. If he can continue to make offensive improvements, he could rise in the years to come.

25 – Zack Jones – RHP – GCL Twins, Fort Myers Miracle

2014 Stats: 0-0, 3 S, 1.74 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 10.1 IP, 6 BB, 14 K

Jones got into limited action in 2014 after having shoulder surgery at the end of February. Doctors found that he had an aneurysm in his shoulder that was causing circulation problems. Jones served as the closer for the Miracle in their run to the FSL title. He pitched well in the AFL to cap off his 2014 campaign: in 11.1 innings in 11 appearances, he didn't allow an earned run and struck out 11.

24 – Jake Reed – RHP – Elizabethton Twins, Cedar Rapids Kernels

2014 Stats: 3-0, 0.29 ERA, 0.45 WHIP, 31.0 IP, 3 BB, 39 K

Reed was a fifth-round pick in 2014 out of Oregon. He put up impressive numbers in his professional debut as he threw strikes and overpowered the opposition. Cederoth throws a little harder than Reed and that's why he's higher on the list. His fastball hits up to 95 and he has a decent slider to keep hitters off balance.

23 – Niko Goodrum – SS/3B – Ft. Myers Miracle

2014 Stats: .249/.337/.336, 19-2B, 5-3B, 3 HR, 49 RBI, 35 SB

Goodrum has ranked higher on my list in previous years. His speed and on-base abilities make him a threat once he reaches base. However, he struggled to make consistent contact this year at High-A. He also doesn't flourish at any specific defensive position. The transition to Double A could be tough and it might be a make-it or break-it season for Goodrum.

22 – Michael Cederoth – RHP – Elizabethton Twins

2014 Stats: 4-2, 3.55 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 45.2 IP, 18 BB, 42 K

One of a core group of hard-throwing college pitchers the Twins have selected in recent drafts. Because of his up-and-down track record, he could be a good candidate to end up in a bullpen role. His professional debut didn't go perfectly but he should improve as he moves up the ladder.

21 – Chih-Wei Hu – RHP – Elizabethton Twins, Cedar Rapids Kernels

2014 Stats: 8-2, 2.15 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 71.0 IP, 15 BB, 64 K

Hu had one of the most surprising seasons in the entire Twins organization. He could be on his way to being much higher on next year's list if he continues on his current trajectory. He doesn't strike out a ton of batters but he controls the strike zone. He had dominant stretches in Low-A as a 20 year old and could be a sleeper pick

For more from Cody Christie make sure to follow him on Twitter @NoDakTwinsFan and to read his other work at http://www.NoDakTwinsFan.com