roger

I have a question Seth. When do we start getting excited about Aderlin Mejia? After two years of nothing special, he had a very good repeat year in 2012 for the GCL Twins as a 20 year old. I assumed he was penciled into going to ETon this year, however, was needed for awhile at Fort Myers. Given a chance, he has been hitting at a torrid pace from the day he arrived and 38 games later continues to hit at a .353 clip. Do you think he is for real? Or do you expect him to come back to earth as the year grinds on?

Hicks (Aaron), Arcia, Sano, Rosario, Vargas, Buxton, Harrison, Goodrum, Polanco, Walker, Hicks (Dalton), Kepler and Minier. Thats a bakers dozen prospects who all have potential to be special. Wow!!! It will be interesting to see how many make it big, certainly more than a couple. The next five to ten years should be special at Target Field.

How many games has Buxton played with the organization? Last year he played 27 in the GCL, then 21 in ETon. Is it possible Buxton wasn't on either squad when he made his regular trip to those cities? This year he has been in Cedar Rapids for a bit over two months. So the man many believe is the best in the game should be fired because he hasn't followed their top pick around America? That comment is a joke, at least I hope it was meant to be. And yes, Mr. Ryan has seen him play in spring training...just never in a league game.

I watched much of the Cedar Rapids game again on MiLB. The broadcasters talked about Terry Ryan being there. He told them that he had never seen Buxton play (in a regular season league game) since he was drafted and with the Twins organization. Ryan seeing him play three games this weekend may be the final step before his getting promoted. Or not getting promoted just yet! Looks like our expectations at ETon are coming true, ie, not a lot of runs. At least thru two games. And what a first game for Mr. Minier, eh? To be 17 and have that talent! With the addition of Stewart and Minier the Twins organization has to be threatening to be the top organization in baseball.

Seth, do you know what happened to Drew Leachman and Kelvin Mention?

Wasn't in Cedar Rapids. Game was in Appleton and I watched it on MiLB TV. Only games I will get to will be Elizabethton, where I have been wanting to go for as long as I can remember. Plan to go to two games in mid August enroute to visiting J.R. who recently moved to Columbus, Ohio. Will probably go to a Clippers game with him, haven't checked to see if by chance Rochester will be in town.

After all the bashing you are taking regarding Gibson, I feel for you. I for one, agree with you and don't have any problem with how the Twins are handling him. You have a great day Seth! Watched the Cedar Rapids game last night. Was great seeing Kepler get into action. I saw a young man who took quality at bats even though he didn't get the ball out of the infield. Expect he will soon be adding to the Kernel's mighty offense. For the most part, the Timber Rattlers pitcher shut down the entire offense, including Buxton, et al. One nice swing by Harrison was the difference in a fun game to watch from an area from which I have fond memories. Thanks for the update on ETon, was wondering why Jorge lasted only 1.2 innings. Expect this game may be a sign of what is to come...minimal offense with shut down pitching.

I have been waiting for today for the past ten months as I look forward to the next step for the great group of 'young arms' the GCL Twins had last year. Unlike the past few years, when the Appy League Twins have had players like Angel Morales, Arcia, Rosario, Sano, Buxton, Walker, Hicks, Polanco and Goodrum, this year's team doesn't have any position players who we are familiar with. What it does have is potentially a very, very good starting rotation. We will have to see if less offense and better pitching can again win it all!

The reason Stewart hasn't signed could be financial planning. Remember Mauer took several weeks before signing. In his case, he had to become a Florida resident first to not pay Minnesota taxes. Like Florida, I don't believe Texas has a state income tax. But there are lots of reasons a player's financial peope will take some time to get his planning in place before accepting the check!

Kuo Hua Lo was signed out of Taiwan two years ago. He was one of the best starters for the GCL Twins last year with an ERA a bit over 1.00!

Thanks Jeremy, your work on the draft and follow up is appreciated.

The Twins drafted Danny Rams, Chris Parmelee, Henry Sanchez and Matt Moses, who like Harrison were all power hitting high school prospects. All except Rams (2nd round) were also taken in the either the first round or supplemental first round.

With Thomas up with the Twins, the Red Wings are playing a second baseman (Dinkelman) in left and a first baseman (Colabello) in right. They need another outfielder badly. Perhaps they will move one of the recently signed veterans at New Britain (Petit or Parraz) up to Rochester. That would open a spot for Morales to move up to AA with a corresponding opening for Buxton at Fort Myers.

Thanks Seth, I really like this format. Enjoy the brief summaries with the links to the box scores. Saves a lot of time rather than going to MiLB and hunting through all the leagues/box scores.

Also, were they 1-4, or 1-3?

Good morning Seth, What are your thoughts on moving Morales up to AA? Keep him at F.M. another month or so to finish building his confidence or move him soon?

Did Knapp play at the U of California at Berkley? Or at Berkeley College?

Twins Fan From Afar, I have an unrelated question. This spring we heard that Danny Santana was a gifted defensive shortstop. In his first third of a season at AA, he has 17 errors. I assume you have seen him play. Was the talk this spring all hype? Or is he better than indicated when looking strictly at errors? Thanks!

Someone who needs to be considered for a promotion is Beresford. I know his slugging percentage is less than his on base percentage, but the kid continues to hit for a great average, while striking out at only a 17% rate. And with only two errors in 31 games, he is getting it done defensively. Beresford's promotion would open a spot for Rosario, when he is back. That would enable the Miracle to keep Mejia who has struck out (4) less than he has walked (6) in 50 at bats. Having more stolen bases (7) than K's is sick! Defensively, he hasn't made an error. I know the Twins philosophy on young player development. But do you think he will stay at Fort Myers or will he automatically go to ETon a month from now? Mejia along with Polanco and Rosario, you can no longer say that the organization is week at second base.

Gardy confirmed that in his post-game discussion.

Thanks

Seth, have you heard anything about Rosario's absence in Fort Myers? I know he missed a few games a week ago before returning a couple days ago. He was hit by a pitch in his return and was removed from the game. Hasn't played since. Speaking of being hit, Rosario and Sano have been hit a lot in the FSL. Any comments by Mientkiewicz or the players on the Miracle?

Good morning Seth, Have you been following Adrian Salcedo of late? After kicking off the dust earlier this year, he hasn't allowed a run in his last five appearances. He also is yet to walk a batter all year. Expect they are being careful using him in relief. What have you heard about their plans for him later this season? Also great to see Angel Morales looking more like a professional ballplayer. He is doing well following another slow start.

Good morning Seth, and thanks for these reports. Do you know if Jiminez is battling an injury or any other reason for his poor performance at the plate in Cedar Rapids? Or is this a first sign of the end of the road for a player who just turned 22 and is already a bit old for his first attempt at Low-A ball?

I loved your comment, thanks. Best smile I have had in a week!