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  • Twins Minor League Report (8/9): Steele Shines, Kernels Implode

    Cody Christie

    By Cody Christie

    With less than a month left in the minor league season, teams need to make their moves for any potential playoff run. For Minnesota's affiliates, Tuesday's action came with a ton of roster moves throughout the system.

    Infielders Travis Blankenhorn and Brandon Lopez moved up from Elizabethton to Cedar Rapids. In a corresponding move, Christian Ibarra was promoted to Fort Myers and Manuel Guzman was moved down to Elizabethton.

    Rochester sent out quite the updated list of roster moves. Three players were added to the roster. Byron Buxton was optioned from Minnesota and Mitch Garver and Leonardo Reginatto were transferred from Double-A Chattanooga. Infielder Heiker Meneses came off the disabled list and was sent to Double-A while RHP Marcus Walden was added to the DL with a right shoulder strain. TJ White was also moved from Fort Myers up to Chattanooga.

    Image courtesy of Linwood Ferguson, Captive Photons (Keaton Steele)

    Twins Video

    Baseball can be a cruel game too for players trying to find a spot on a roster. After all the other moves of the day, outfielder Darin Mastroianni and infielder Buck Britton were released from their contracts.

    RED WINGS REPORT

    Rochester 4, Syracuse 6

    Box Score

    Pat Dean ran into a little bit of a buzzsaw in the third inning of this contest. After making it through the first two innings, Dean was knocked around for six runs in the third while collecting only one out. He did not make it out of the frame after allowing 10 hits. The Rochester bullpen trio of DJ Baxendale, Ryan O'Rourke and Pat Light didn't allow a run the rest of the way as the Red Wings attempted their comeback.

    Daniel Palka had gotten Rochester out to an early lead with a solo home run to lead off the top of the second. Tommy Field doubled to start the sixth but was left at second with two outs. Adam Brett Walker didn't leave him hanging as he cracked his third triple of the season. James Beresford joined Walker with a triple of his own in the seventh inning before a Wilfredo Tovar single brought him home.

    Rochester got the tying run on base in the ninth inning but the comeback stopped there. Walker and Field both collected three hits while Beresford crossed the plate twice. Byron Buxton wasn't in the starting line-up but made an appearance as a pinch runner in the final inning.

    CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

    Chattanooga 0, Jacksonville 3

    Box Score

    Before tonight's action, the Lookouts reset their rotation for the rest of the season. LHP Stephen Gonsalves was given an extra day of rest before re-entering the rotation. RHP Felix Jorge starts tonight's contest followed by Gonsalves, RHP Aaron Slegers, RHP Kohl Stewart, and LHP David Hurlbut.

    Jorge and the Lookouts were locked up in a pitchers' duel in this one. Jorge put up zeros through five innings before allowing a solo home run in the sixth. He came out for the seventh and collected the first two outs quickly before three straight hits pushed across two runs and he exited the game. Jorge struck out two and walked one. Zack Jones finished off the seventh inning and worked a perfect eighth frame while collecting three strikeouts. Jake Reed pitched a shutout ninth inning with a strikeout.

    The Lookouts were limited to five hits in the game with no batters collecting multiple hits. The team only had one opportunity to bat with runners in scoring position and it came with two outs in the inning. Every batter besides Shannon Wilkerson reached base at least once.

    MIRACLE MATTERS

    Fort Myers 0, St. Lucie 1 (7 Innings- Game 1)

    Box Score

    After being rained out on Monday night, the Miracle found themselves in a pitchers' duel in the first game of their double header. Keaton Steele pitched all seven innings for Fort Myers but ended up taking the tough luck loss.

    After allowing a lead-off double in the fourth frame, he almost wriggled out of the inning unscathed. Unfortunately, a two-out double pushed across the only run of the game. Steele dropped to 5-10 with the loss but it was his third straight start where he pitched at least six innings and gave up two earned runs or fewer. He struck out three and walked one.

    Only three Miracle batters were able to record hits. AJ Murray reached base twice in his three plate appearances before being lifted for a pinch runner. Joe Maloney and Chris Paul both went 1-for-3. Fort Myers never had a runner reach second base.

    Fort Myers --, St. Lucie -- (PPD- Game 2)

    Tuesday's second game was washed out and has been rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday night. The Miracle will try to play two seven-inning games on Wednesday if the weather cooperates.

    KERNELS NUGGETS

    Cedar Rapids 6, Peoria 8

    Box Score

    Cedar Rapids looked to be sailing to their 62nd victory as they took a 5-2 lead into the final inning. Brady Anderson pitched six solid innings as the only run scored against him was unearned. He found his way out of four walks and five hits but the Kernels were in position to win when he left the mound.

    Zander Wiel got the scoring started with a two-run home run in the bottom of the first. It was his 14th home run of the season. Cedar Rapids pushed another run across in the fourth. Casey Scoggins walked in front of a Sean Miller single to put two runners on base. Luis Arraes doubled to score Scoggins from second but the Kernels left two runners on base in the frame. JJ Fernandez started the seventh with a triple before being knocked in by a Rainis Silva single. Silva later scored on a fielding error to make the lead 5-2.

    The ninth inning got ugly in a hurry for the bullpen. Andrew Vasquez pitched the seventh and eighth without any issues but he allowed the first two batters to reach in the ninth. Max Cordy didn't fare much better as the first two batters he faced collected singles before a Jaylin Davis fielding error allowed another run to score. After coaxing two outs, Cordy hurled a wild pitch that was followed by a single and a double as the game slipped out of reach.

    E-TOWN E-NOTES

    Elizabethton 6, Danville 3

    Box Score

    The E-Twins took advantage of six (yeah, count'em... six) fielding errors by Danville on their way to their 23rd victory of the season. Elizabethton didn't record an extra-base hit but the team went 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Ben Rortvedt was the lone batter with multiple hits, including an RBI. Shane Carrier scored two runs and first-round pick Alex Kirilloff was 1-for-4.

    Tyler Wells put together his best start of the season for his second win. He went six strong innings while scattering five hit and two earned runs. Wells struck out four and walked two. Domenick Carlini earned his first save in unconventional fashion by tossing three frames. He allowed one unearned run and struck out four.

    TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

    Pitcher of the Day – Keaton Steele, Fort Myers Miracle

    Hitter of the Day – Adam Brett Walker, Rochester Red Wings

    WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

    Rochester at Syracuse (5:35 CST) - LHP Adalberto Mejia (0-1, 2.57 ERA)

    Chattanooga- Scheduled Off Day

    Fort Myers vs St. Lucie (4:00 CST) -RHP Randy LeBlanc (4-5, 4.25 ERA)

    Fort Myers vs St. Lucie (Game 2- Makeup of 8/9 PPD)- LHP Sam Clay (1-1, 4.15 ERA)

    Elizabethton at Kingsport (6:00 CST) - TBD

    GCL Twins @ GCL Orioles (11:00AM CST) - TBD

    GCL Twins vs. GCL Orioles (Game 2- Makeup of 8/9 PPD)- TBD

    Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss Tuesday’s games.

    Cody Christie is a Twins writer and content contributor. His writing can be found exclusively at Twins Daily and his voice can be heard on radio stations throughout the Upper Midwest. Outside of the Twins, he is a father, high school teacher, and avid runner.
    Follow Cody Christie on Twitter: nodaktwinsfan

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    Featured Comments

    Taildragger8791

    Taildragger8791 1,614

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

    Garver has by far the closest thing to an adequate bat between AA/AAA catchers but only started 40% of games at catcher in AA. I don't see how that changes much in Rochester with JRM and Paulino there. Not sure how they'll do that this year and it may be tough again next year if JRM and/or Turner are both needing AAA time. If they really think he can be an MLB catcher I'd think they'd find a way to get him more starts at his future position. It gives the impression they don't really believe in him as a catcher. Do he not have the chops for the position defensively? Is this a Josmil Pinto type of situation?

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    Seth Stohs

    Seth Stohs 23,732

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    • Posted

     

    Great to see Garver getting pushed up the ladder. Hopefully the kid takes the opportunity and runs with it ... that position is there for the taking.

     

    And good for Blankenhorn, too. Any word on whether he'll stick at 2B or shift back to 3B now that he's apart from Cabbage?

     

    Blankenhorn was moved to 2B... That's what he is. He'd been playing almost exclusively since Extended Spring Training. 

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    Seth Stohs

    Seth Stohs 23,732

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    • Posted

     

    I think Garver played 40 percent at catcher to keep him healthy. Also, he played almost every day. It isn't like he sat when he wasn't catching. To me, this says they were making sure he got at bats, so he would develop faster.

     

    Correct. He plays almost every day. One concern might be concussions. He was on the concussion DL earlier this year again. I know in 2014 at Cedar Rapids, he was on that list twice, I believe. But it's about getting him at bats. 

     

    Also, he was a 4-year college senior and we tend to hold that against guys. He has come a long way behind the plate, but he had a lot to improve. So I don't think Age is all that important to his prospect story.

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    Taildragger8791

    Taildragger8791 1,614

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    • Posted

     

    I think Garver played 40 percent at catcher to keep him healthy. Also, he played almost every day. It isn't like he sat when he wasn't catching. To me, this says they were making sure he got at bats, so he would develop faster.

     

    That's unfortunate but it makes sense. I saw he was still in the lineup most days and his bat is coming along. I just worry his ability to play the catcher position isn't advancing at the same pace and will ultimately hold him back. He doesn't hit enough right now for a DH/1B type so I'm just trying to figure out what a reasonable timeline is for him.

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    Mike Sixel

    Mike Sixel 41,021

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    • Posted

     

    That's unfortunate but it makes sense. I saw he was still in the lineup most days and his bat is coming along. I just worry his ability to play the catcher position isn't advancing at the same pace and will ultimately hold him back. He doesn't hit enough right now for a DH/1B type so I'm just trying to figure out what a reasonable timeline is for him.

     

    Well, even if he was the "only" catcher, he'd maybe have 10-20 more starts over a year. Guys just don't catch every day.

     

    I think he's a Twin at some point next year (and in September of this year, but that's a look see).

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    Taildragger8791

    Taildragger8791 1,614

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    • Posted

     

    Well, even if he was the "only" catcher, he'd maybe have 10-20 more starts over a year. Guys just don't catch every day.

     

    I think he's a Twin at some point next year (and in September of this year, but that's a look see).

     

    I was figuring it was a difference of more like 35 games, if you're talking about getting 40% vs 65% of the starts over 137 regular season games. Not the end of the world, but that doesn't seem insignificant for developing at a skill position.

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    ThejacKmp

    ThejacKmp 2,978

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    • Posted

     

    Great to see Garver getting pushed up the ladder. Hopefully the kid takes the opportunity and runs with it ... that position is there for the taking.

     

    And good for Blankenhorn, too. Any word on whether he'll stick at 2B or shift back to 3B now that he's apart from Cabbage?

     

    I'd be more excited if he was going to catch every day in AAA. He caught less than half the time in AA and now he's in AAA where he's in another timeshare with JRM. Maybe he and JRM should have switched spots? I just want them both to play every day because they are the two most plausible internal options for 2017 and 2018.

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    Mike Sixel

    Mike Sixel 41,021

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    • Posted

     

    I'd be more excited if he was going to catch every day in AAA. He caught less than half the time in AA and now he's in AAA where he's in another timeshare with JRM. Maybe he and JRM should have switched spots? I just want them both to play every day because they are the two most plausible internal options for 2017 and 2018.

     

    He is playing every day....catchers don't catch every day.

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    ThejacKmp

    ThejacKmp 2,978

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    • Posted

     

    Garver has by far the closest thing to an adequate bat between AA/AAA catchers but only started 40% of games at catcher in AA. I don't see how that changes much in Rochester with JRM and Paulino there. Not sure how they'll do that this year and it may be tough again next year if JRM and/or Turner are both needing AAA time. If they really think he can be an MLB catcher I'd think they'd find a way to get him more starts at his future position. It gives the impression they don't really believe in him as a catcher. Do he not have the chops for the position defensively? Is this a Josmil Pinto type of situation?

     

    The Twins need to maximize the catching their guys do next year if they want to focus on catcher development.  My ideal depth chart assuming the Twins don't bring in another Suzuki:

     

    MLB:
    #1A and #1B: Centeno and JRM

    (Not sure what order, this is a placeholder year and JRM's hitting is the deciding factor - let's just say that the Twins chances of getting above .500 won't be based on catcher hitting so there's no reason not to throw them at the wall and see what sticks. JRM and Centeno get a chance to sink or swim. If they sink by June, well, either Garver looks ready or you're trading for next year's version of Kurt Suzuki).

     

    AAA:

    #1: Garver

    #2: Paulino

    (The Twins need to get Garver catching a normal workload if he's going to be ready to do that in the majors in September 2017 or early 2018. Paulino is an acceptable depth catcher.)

     

    AA:

    #1: Turner

    #2: Jairo Rodriguez

    (Turner gets a chance to repeat a level and see if he can take some steps with the bat. He's at best a poor-hitting backup as is so it's a big year for him.)

     

    No idea on Paulino and Jairo contract status. Either one can be replaced with another equivalent catcher off of waivers if they move on. That sweet profile of Jairo makes it seem like he'll stay I imagine.

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    ThejacKmp

    ThejacKmp 2,978

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

     

    I think Garver played 40 percent at catcher to keep him healthy. Also, he played almost every day. It isn't like he sat when he wasn't catching. To me, this says they were making sure he got at bats, so he would develop faster.

     

    At some point he's going to need to catch every day if he's going to play in the majors. If you aren't doing that at AA, I have to think there's something else involved. I'd get if it was 60-40 in Garver's favor but it's the opposite. The guy needs to catch. It's either that the Twins aren't comfortable with his defense or they've stupidly packed too many catchers in the upper minors. I think it's the latter but am worried about the former - Garver is less exciting as a rich-man's Josmil Pinto. It's time for Garver and Turner and JRM to be on different levels where they can play every day.

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    ThejacKmp

    ThejacKmp 2,978

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    • Posted

     

    He is playing every day....catchers don't catch every day.

     

    You can quibble over word choice with play vs. catch but the point remains. Catchers catch more than 40% of the time and AA is well past the time to be coddling guys due to injury. Garver not catching 60-80% of the games is my biggest concern with him. Something doesn't add up and it's either Garver's catching performance or the Twins developmental plan.

     

    As is, the idea of him catching every day in the majors in September or next year is laughable. How is he going to do in the majors what he isn't doing in AA?

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    Mike Sixel

    Mike Sixel 41,021

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    • Posted (edited)

    I expect him to be a backup by the middle of next year, and then a starter a season or two after that. 

     

    edit: expect is a strong word, but I think that will happen

    Edited by Mike Sixel
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    ashbury

    ashbury 48,546

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    • Posted

     

    Garver has by far the closest thing to an adequate bat between AA/AAA catchers but only started 40% of games at catcher in AA. I don't see how that changes much in Rochester with JRM and Paulino there.

    A good start would be for Reynaldo Rodriguez and Carlos Paulino to have no more plate appearances this season. Give Garver as much time behind the plate as possible, and he and Murphy alternate at DH (since the glove is not what's holding back the latter player).

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    Taildragger8791

    Taildragger8791 1,614

  • Verified Member

    • Posted

     

    A good start would be for Reynaldo Rodriguez and Carlos Paulino to have no more plate appearances this season. Give Garver as much time behind the plate as possible, and he and Murphy alternate at DH (since the glove is not what's holding back the latter player).

     

    This is what I'm hoping for as well. We know JRM can work behind the dish so hopefully Garver can take a bigger share of the starts there (assuming health is not the issue), and JRM can find at bats elsewhere on those days. He has to show he can be the #1 guy because I don't have a warm fuzzy feeling about JRM bouncing back and holding down the spot next year. We may need him to play 60%-70% of games at some point next year unless Suzuki is extended. Until he does it I don't see how you can count on it.

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    ashbury

    ashbury 48,546

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    • Posted

    I guess I missed that Ben Rortvedt was promoted to E-town. He wasn't exactly knocking the cover off the ball in the GCL. 

    With a BABIP of .232 in Ft Myers, maybe he got good marks from the coaching staff for well struck balls that didn't fall in?

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    d-mac

    d-mac 1,252

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    • Posted

     

    With a BABIP of .232 in Ft Myers, maybe he got good marks from the coaching staff for well struck balls that didn't fall in?

     

    Possibly, but he didn't walk much or hit for any power. I would have left him in the GCL for the rest of the year. 

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    bluechipper

    bluechipper 2,433

  • Provisional Member

    • Posted

     

    You can quibble over word choice with play vs. catch but the point remains. Catchers catch more than 40% of the time and AA is well past the time to be coddling guys due to injury. Garver not catching 60-80% of the games is my biggest concern with him. Something doesn't add up and it's either Garver's catching performance or the Twins developmental plan.

     

    As is, the idea of him catching every day in the majors in September or next year is laughable. How is he going to do in the majors what he isn't doing in AA?

    Stuart Turner is still a prospect and he needed to play too.

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    bluechipper

    bluechipper 2,433

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    • Posted

    So Felix Jorge is down to a 3.86 K/9 in 37.1 innings at AA. I'm concerned, but hoping that more experience at the upper levels will lead to increased strikeouts.

     

    Overall, this has still been an encouraging season for him, and I would guess that he still projects as a potential back-end pitch-to-contact starter.

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    Vanimal46

    Vanimal46 28,724

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    • Posted

     

    So Felix Jorge is down to a 3.86 K/9 in 37.1 innings at AA. I'm concerned, but hoping that more experience at the upper levels will lead to increased strikeouts.

     

    Overall, this has still been an encouraging season for him, and I would guess that he still projects as a potential back-end pitch-to-contact starter.

    That's a disappointing start to his AA career. Was hoping for more from Jorge than being a pitch-to-contact guy.  

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    Taildragger8791

    Taildragger8791 1,614

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    • Posted

     

    Stuart Turner is still a prospect and he needed to play too.

     

    Turner's weakness is offense, not defense. If the goal is to develop everyone then it makes sense to prioritize Garver playing catcher while getting Turner as many at bats as you can. Neither one will make it if they don't progress on the weaker half of their games.

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    bluechipper

    bluechipper 2,433

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    • Posted

     

    Turner's weakness is offense, not defense. If the goal is to develop everyone then it makes sense to prioritize Garver playing catcher while getting Turner as many at bats as you can. Neither one will make it if they don't progress on the weaker half of their games.

    Turner's never going to hit, so he has to be near elite defensively in order to make an MLB team, and I'm sure he needs to still make improvements in his catching game too.

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    Taildragger8791

    Taildragger8791 1,614

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    • Posted

     

    Turner's never going to hit, so he has to be near elite defensively in order to make an MLB team, and I'm sure he needs to still make improvements in his catching game too.

     

    I'd still rather prioritize the guy that can be league average all around over the guy that's elite defensively and a black hole offensively.

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    Darius

    Darius 2,741

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    • Posted

    Why is JRM still in the conversation? He can't get anything going offensively in AAA at age 26. His defense isn't good enough to carry him. I don't plan on getting anything from him going forward.

     

    What they need to do next year is bring in someone defensively competent from outside of the organization. Not sure what the free agent class looks like, but I don't even care if the guy knows how to hold a bat, as long as he can control the running game at a semi-high level.

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