Travis M

Humility- (h)yo͞oˈmilədē: The quality or state of being humble. Royce Lewis lives by that word. Humble. That is why his Mom, Cindy Lewis is crafting “Humility Chains”. They are bead necklaces that are 24 inches long and they cost $20, $30, and $40. They come in black, chrome, and silver and you can apply a black cross on the black chain. I contacted Cindy Lewis via. Instagram and I asked her how the idea came to mind, she followed up with saying “I made one for my son, Royce! Wearing it he has such an overwhelming interest, I decided to offer them for purchase online. In speaking with Royce about it he told me he wears his as a reminder to be humble.” She continued saying “Over conversation he mentioned that I should donate a percentage of the profits to the charity NEGU (Never Ever Give Up). It truly was not a planned thing it just evolved to be what it is” She added “I hope I will be able to continue making these necklaces for all to enjoy at a reasonable price, as they have a meaning and a purpose!” A handful of Twins Minor Leaguers wear them. Royce Lewis, Tyler Watson, Akil Baddoo, Brusdar Graterol, and Benjamin Rodriguez, just to name a few. If you would like to purchase a necklace or check out the store go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/HumilityChains

The Fort Myers Miracle’s season has not been off to a great start, their record is 25-37. However, they have some All-Star worthy players on this year's team despite the losing record. The seven players that are going to Tampa to represent the Miracle are Andrew Vasquez, Taylor Grzelakowski, Jimmy Kerrigan, Travis Blankenhorn, Taylor Wells, Lewin Diaz and Jaylen Davis. Andrew Vasquez is a very consistent and reliable reliever who has a 1.44 ERA through 31.1 IP. He has struck out 33 batters and has given up 8 runs. Jimmy Kerrigan is one of the top hitters in the league. He leads the team in AVG., doubles, and hits. He is batting .293/.356/.506 with the team tying 6 homers. I had the opportunity to ask him how it feels and he said “It feels great. Very thankful!” Travis Blankenhorn leads the Miracle in RBI and is tied in home runs with Kerrigan with a total of 6 bombs. His defense is what really stands out though; Blankenhorn holds a Division leading .962 FPCT and has only made 2 errors all season Jaylen Davis made it to the All Star game is because he has not made an error in the outfield for 51 games straight. His slash line is .259/.418/.773 and he leads the team in walks drawn. Taylor Grzelakowski is a late addition to the roster, however, he is still one of the best catchers in the division. He has a slash line of .270/.359/.414 and has 5 homers with 13 RBI’s. Lewin Diaz is also a late addition, however it is still well deserved because he has gone yard 4 times and has brought in 24 runs. At 1st base he has made only 5 errors. Taylor Wells had a great 1st half of the season, however he was a late addition the South Division team. His record is 5-3 and he holds a 2.47 ERA and keeps the opposing hitters to a .185 AVG.

At the beginning of the 2018 Minor League season a vast amount of people didn’t know who Jimmy Kerrigan was. However, after hitting .324/.394/.541 the Twins moved him from high-A Miracle to triple-A Rochester, he has been since moved back down to the Miracle. I had the chance to talk to Jimmy via. Twitter. Me: How do you feel about being bumped up from Fort Myers to Rochester? Jimmy: I'm actually back in Fort Myers now. I got sent back on Thursday. Rochester was awesome though, it was a great experience and I thought I did pretty well and hope to get that opportunity again. Me: So what were some things that you worked on to get better going into this season? Jimmy: I worked on my approach a lot, swinging at better pitches, being aggressive. Also, worked with my hitting coach in Ft Myers, Steve Singleton, and developed a leg lift which I believe has helped me so far this year. Me: What diets do you follow to keep healthy? Jimmy: Our pregame and post game meals are always healthy. Usually grilled chicken, steak, or some kind of meat, rice or potatoes and vegetables. So our staff makes it easy for us to stay in good shape. Me: Is there a MLB player that you try to play like? Jimmy: I try to play with a lot of intensity. I got that from watching Chase Utley play growing up when he was with the Phillies. He gives it 100% every single day and I have admired that since I was a kid. Me: So when you aren't playing baseball what other things interest you? Jimmy: Other than baseball i’m interested in fishing, golfing sometimes, going to the beach, seeing a movie, things like that. Me: Who or why was the reason you started playing baseball? Jimmy: I started playing when I was 6 when my sister was playing tee ball. My parents said I ran out on the field and asked if I could play on the team and ever since then I just loved it. Its always been my #1 sport. Me: What other sports did you play as a kid? Jimmy: Other than baseball I played football, and basketball mostly. I played soccer for a couple of years when I was really young but that's it. Me: Ok, what is one of your favorite memories playing baseball? Jimmy: I have a few haha. In High School we won three catholic league and city championships, and when I was at VCU we won the Atlantic 10 championship, won a regional and went to super regional against Miami. Me: So when did you realize that you could play baseball professionally? Jimmy: I always had the confidence that I could play at the highest level. I believe that my work ethic and respect for the game will get me to the top. I think I became the player that I am today throughout my junior and senior year of college and even last year when I played Indy ball for the River City Rascals of the Frontier League Me: If you could own any car in the world. What would it be? Jimmy: That's a tough one, i’m into older cars so I guess I would say i'd like to have a 69 Chevelle. I would like to thank Jimmy for this interview and I wish him the best of luck getting to the Majors!

The Minnesota Twins drafted Ricardo De la Torre in the 6th round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of BB Academy in Puerto Rico. The Twins assigned De La Torre to the GCL Twins and in 153 at bats he hit .268/.341/.359. In 42 games his fielding percentage from 3 different positions were a combined .900. I got the chance to interview him via. Instagram using Google Translate. Me: What was one of the things that brought you to baseball? Ricardo: One of the experiences that brought me to baseball was seeing my two brothers playing ball since childhood and they inspired me to play and I really liked baseball and thanks to my parents if it were not for them I would not achieve my dream. Me: At what age was that? Ricardo: At 5 years old Me: Okay, what are some exercises or diets you do to keep fit? Ricardo: Some of my exercises that I do is always work with my legs, strengthen my legs, that's where the strength is and I always work on continuing to strengthen my arm. In the diet and that is already spoken with the nutritionist we already have a plan created to continue like this and my diet is to eat well and nutritious. Me: What is one of your favorite foods of the diet? Ricardo: One of my favorite foods is salad with breast. Me: That would be my favorite too... But here's a different kind of question. How many Fortnite victories do you have? Ricardo: Hahaha I have 45 victories in Fortnite Me: Who is your favorite teammate to play with? Ricardo: I always play with my brother, Royce Lewis. Me: What connection do you think brings you two so close? Ricardo: The connection was from high school when we played in All Americans and in our first year as a professional we went to roommates. And since then he really is one of my best friends. Me: That's really great that you ended up in the same organization. Ricardo: That’s it Me: How many baseball cards do you think you have signed for fans? Ricardo: I have signed many letters but I do not know how many specifically Me: That is very nice of you to do that. So, who was one of the most influential people in your baseball career? Ricardo: One of the people was my parents. I would like to thank Ricardo for answering these questions and I wish him luck on his way to the majors!

In 2017, Royce Lewis was a standout player on and off the field. Last year he hit .279/.360/.407 with the Gulf Coast League Twins and the Cedar Rapid Kernels. His exceptional skills made me wonder. How does he stack up against previous #1 draft picks out of High School? There is no doubt that Ken Griffey Jr. was the best #1 pick out of High School. However, what about players like Carlos Correa, Mickey Moniak, Joe Mauer, Chipper Jones, and Josh Hamilton? Royce Lewis (54 games) - .279/.360/.407 Mickey Moniak (46 games) - .284/.340/.407 Carlos Correa (39 games)- .301/.360/.477 Joe Mauer (32 games)- .400/.492/.491 Chipper Jones (44 games) - .229/.321/.271 Josh Hamilton (72 games) - .321/.340/.510 As you can see, Royce ranks 5th for batting average, tied for 2nd in the OBP category, and tied for 4th in SLG. Mauer’s first year averaged out to be the best out of all 5 other players. Royce’s numbers were not as good as the other players, but I believe that he will produce some eye opening numbers good enough to move up to the Fort Myers Miracle after the All-Star break.

For the Minnesota Twins 4th round pick in the 2015 Amateur Draft, they selected Trey Cabbage. Since Trey was drafted, he has been hitting .229/.305/.325 for the GCL Twins, Elizabethton Twins, and the Cedar Rapids Kernels. I had a chance to speak to Trey via. Instagram. Me: What has been your favorite memory in the Twins organization? Trey: Obviously draft day was surreal, but not one thing sticks out. The camaraderie and just the time spend and the grind you have with your boys and teammates, those are the special times. Me: What were your thoughts going in to draft night? Trey: Honestly I didn’t know what to expect because it hadn’t really set in that my name might be called and I stayed up and watched and didn’t hear my name on the first day, which was hard, but when I actually did hear my name my dad and I just kind of sat there and laughed thinking, “wow this is actually happening.” Me: Who was one of your favorite players growing up? Trey: Chipper Jones and Todd Helton. Those guys were heroes to me lol. Me: If you are not on a baseball field, what are things that interest you? Trey: I love lifting and working out so that’s high in the list. Other than that, I’d say something outdoors. I love to fish and hike. I’d like to get into hunting but I just never put time into trying it. Me: Ok, what do you fish? Salt or fresh? Trey: Yes haha. Anything I can. I don’t have a saltwater rod personally because I’m rarely around it, so mainly fresh. Me: What is your personal best fish? Trey: I’d have to say probably right at 5lb. I’d like to lie to you and tell you 7 or 8, but I seem to catch all the little guys in the ponds lol. Me: I agree, the fresh water fishing areas around Ft. Myers and Cape Coral aren't that great for catching bass. Trey: I’ve actually had more luck at the ponds behind our complex in FM. Me: Really? Near the outfield or 1st base line? Trey: Both, and the back pond. Me: Where are your favorite places to eat at? Trey: Skip One in Fort Myers, Ginza in Fort Myers. Places other than FM, Qdoba, Olive Garden, Chick fil A, Cheddar's. There's more, definitely, because i'm a food lover haha. I would like to thank Trey for answering these questions and I wish you luck on your way to the big leagues!

Travis Blankenhorn was drafted in the 3rd round in the 2015 MLB Draft out of Pottsville Area High School in Pennsylvania when he was 18. Blankenhorn has escalated to now be one of the top third baseman in the Twins farm system, with a career .260/.340/.463 slash line that will improve as he gets older and moves through the system. I got a chance to ask Travis a few questions via Instagram. Me: What is your favorite baseball memory with the Minnesota Twins organization so far? Travis Blankenhorn: Prob when I stole home when we were fighting for a playoff spot. Me: What are some exercise, workouts, or diets that you use to keep in shape while on the off-season? Travis Blankenhorn: I just use my trainers plan all off-season and try to stick to eat clean foods and trying to limit the junk foods. Me: What makes you strive to do your best and get better every day? Travis Blankenhorn: The end goal of trying to make it all the way to the majors. Me: If you were not playing baseball, what do you think would be your occupation? Travis Blankenhorn: I’d still be a college student somewhere. Me: Who is the most influential person in your life? Travis Blankenhorn: I would say both my parents, just how much they did for me to get to where I am today. It looks like Travis will be starting in Fort Myers this year and will hopefully tear it up on the Miracle’s and beyond! I would like to thank Travis for taking his time to get interviewed and I wish him luck on his way to the big leagues.

FORT MYERS, Fla- On Saturday afternoon the Twins Opening Day starter; Jake Odorizzi pitched on the backfields of the Twins complex against the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox. The first inning for Odorizzi was rough giving up 1 homerun that was hit by Cole Sturgeon and after that, he struck out the side. Of course, Jake did settle down for the rest of the game and threw 10 strikeouts in the 5.2 innings he pitched while only walking one. He gave up 5 hits; one being the homerun, a double, and the rest singles. After Jake got done pitching I got to ask him a question Me: How does it feel to be named the Opening Day starter for the Twins? Jake: Its a cool thing, but the way I look at it always is you make an opening day whatever day you pitch the opening season anyways so, it’s just going to be the first one. Jake was drafted out of high school in the 2008 Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers and threw a 3.68 ERA and a 9-9 record with in the Brewers minor league system. He then was traded to the Kansas City Royals about 2 years later and did very well with them by being named the 69th overall prospect in baseball and selected to play in the all star futures game. The Royals then traded him to the Tampa Bay Rays where he spent a half a year with the Durham Bulls and then got called up. Jake pitched for 4 seasons with the Rays. Then on February, 17 the Minnesota Twins traded Jermaine Palacios to the Rays in exchange for Odorizzi. This spring, Jake has been lights out for the Twins with a 0.87 ERA and a 2-0 record. If he keeps that momentum going into the 2018 season, there could possibly be a postseason visit for the Twins in September.

I did indeed run into trouble finding relievers. However, I just compared the players that have relived in the past and picked the 4 best canidates. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy more of my work that is to come!

There were no other great relievers so I just put Romero and Graterol as relievers. If there were 1-2 other standout relievers, then I would consider them. However there were no others....

Your Welcome! I just wanted a interesting way to determine the best players for each position in the Twins farm system. This team vs. other teams minor league players would perform very well I believe.

I have been thoroughly following the Twins minor league farm system for about 2 years now. However, this is the first year that I am analyzing the players and writing blog entries about them. To me, this seemed like a fun and interesting way to view the best players in the Twins farm system and assemble the 2018 Twins MiLB Dream Team! 25 Man Roster Pitchers- SP Stephen Gonsalves SP Lewis Thorpe SP Zack Littell SP Blayne Enlow SP Landon Leach SP/RE Fernando Romero RE Tyler Jay RE Brustar Graterol RE John Curtiss Catchers- Ben Rortvedt Brian Navarreto David Banuelos Infield- 1B Brent Rooker 1B Lewin Diaz MIF Wander Javier MIF Royce Lewis MIF Jose Miranda MIF Nick Gordon 3B Andrew Bechtold 3B Travis Blankenhorn Outfield- OF Alex Kirilloff OF Akil Baddoo OF Jacob Pearson OF Max Murphy OF LeMonte Wade The Lineup Gordon 2B Lewis SS Kirilloff RF Rooker 1B Wade LF Blankenhorn 3B Rorverdt C Baddoo CF Gonsalves P The way I put the pitching staff together is by comparing the pitchers W-L ratio, ERA, SO, and how consistent they have been in past seasons. I put the position players together by comparing the AVG, OBP, SLG and SO to other players from their positions. I did take into consideration how many years the player has been playing in the MiLB. I am very convinced that this lineup will be the most effective because this teams .270/.356/.428 slash line is very impressive for the average age of the players in the lineup being only 22. The pitching staff has a total of 1,971 SO in there MiLB career, with a .280 ERA and this staff limits opposing hitters to a .217 AVG. If there is any players I forgot or any questions that you would like to ask me, then comment down below or email me at tjmac242004@gmail.com.

Royce was already in Cedar Rapids last year, so why would they keep his talent there? He is still young so I thing he will stay in Ft. Myers all year.