TD Midseason Top 20 Twins Prospect Rankings 11-15

Two of the five in this group are injured. Yuck. I like Enlow a lot, but you never know what happens after Tommy John

I hope Rooker comes through in his next chance, but I'm concerned he's a AAAA player.

I hate all these bloody injuries.  I believe Enrow has to be added to the 40-man this year, correct?  Will there be room?  Assume he is gone if not added, assuming there is a Rule 5 draft with the CBA expiring?

Interesting seeing the results for both Ober and Jax.  Have been lots of pitchers who put up similar results their first year or two and then go on to have very good careers.  As much as we want to see the Twins pitching problems fixed, now, it is a process that is going to take time and guys like Jax and Ober taking their regular turns is part of that process.

I read that Ober is back of the rotation as a starter and yet he is ahead of Sands who is described as an exciting pitching prospect.  Does that mean that Sands is also end of the rotation and Enlow is 3 or more in the rotation?  Just trying to see how the rankings work.

Rooker seems to be sliding over the years.  When you write of him taking over for Cruz I have to imagine that Sano fits in that slot first. 

37 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I read that Ober is back of the rotation as a starter and yet he is ahead of Sands who is described as an exciting pitching prospect.  Does that mean that Sands is also end of the rotation and Enlow is 3 or more in the rotation?  Just trying to see how the rankings work.

Rooker seems to be sliding over the years.  When you write of him taking over for Cruz I have to imagine that Sano fits in that slot first. 

I would guess it's a mix of how close the player is and how likely they are to reach their ceiling. Ober has shown the ability to strike out MLB hitters and has had a few good starts, while Sands and Enlow are further back in the minors. If those two were to keep pitching well as they progress, I would imagine they would jump up higher in the rankings.

I know it's been said often but all these injuries really suck!

I keep waiting for Rooker but so far he hasn't quite had what it takes.  His AAA numbers look great.  A 950 OPS, 30% K rate and decent walk rate.  If can just bring those numbers even in a slightly diminished way to MLB he is going to make it.  The way he was so easily fooled at the plate when he was called up though has really sapped my confidence in him.  Hopefully he gets another chance and does better.

Personally, if you are 26 years old you are no longer in prospect area, at least not high on any list.  Most players peak at 27, some later, but most peaks are 27 with primes being around 25ish to 31.  Again this will very on player.  That being said, 26 and not regular at MLB level to me means not much of a prospect.  I know generally, prospect is left for players yet to lose rookie status, but I feel Rooker should be off this list. 

14 hours ago, Trov said:

Personally, if you are 26 years old you are no longer in prospect area, at least not high on any list.  Most players peak at 27, some later, but most peaks are 27 with primes being around 25ish to 31.  Again this will very on player.  That being said, 26 and not regular at MLB level to me means not much of a prospect.  I know generally, prospect is left for players yet to lose rookie status, but I feel Rooker should be off this list. 

Overall I think I agree with you. But for the sake of argument, allow this counterpoint: Rooker has made it to the MLB level and - at least last year - showed some flashes that he could play at the big league level. There's a good chance that some guys on this list may never make it to The Show at all....

21 hours ago, Trov said:

Personally, if you are 26 years old you are no longer in prospect area, at least not high on any list.  Most players peak at 27, some later, but most peaks are 27 with primes being around 25ish to 31.  Again this will very on player.  That being said, 26 and not regular at MLB level to me means not much of a prospect.  I know generally, prospect is left for players yet to lose rookie status, but I feel Rooker should be off this list. 

There are always exceptions.  Justin Turner comes to  mind.  He had 58 PAs prior to his age 26 season and he was not good until his age 29 season.